Canon SD1200 IS vs Pentax VS20
95 Imaging
32 Features
17 Overall
26


90 Imaging
39 Features
35 Overall
37
Canon SD1200 IS vs Pentax VS20 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 10MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 2.5" Fixed Screen
- ISO 80 - 1600
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 640 x 480 video
- 35-105mm (F2.8-4.9) lens
- 160g - 86 x 55 x 22mm
- Released February 2009
- Additionally referred to as Digital IXUS 95 IS
(Full Review)
- 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 6400
- Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 28-560mm (F3.1-4.8) lens
- 235g - 111 x 61 x 38mm
- Revealed January 2012

Canon SD1200 IS vs Pentax VS20 Overview
Here, we will be matching up the Canon SD1200 IS versus Pentax VS20, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Canon and Pentax. There is a considerable difference between the sensor resolutions of the SD1200 IS (10MP) and VS20 (16MP) but both cameras have the identical sensor size (1/2.3").

The SD1200 IS was brought out 3 years before the VS20 and that is quite a large difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras feature the same body design (Compact).
Before delving right into a more detailed comparison, here is a simple view of how the SD1200 IS matches up versus the VS20 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Canon SD1200 IS vs Pentax VS20 Gallery
Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS & Pentax Optio VS20. The entire galleries are viewable at Canon SD1200 IS Gallery & Pentax VS20 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Canon SD1200 IS over the Pentax VS20
SD1200 IS | VS20 |
---|
Reasons to pick Pentax VS20 over the Canon SD1200 IS
VS20 | SD1200 IS | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Revealed | January 2012 | ![]() | February 2009 | Fresher by 35 months |
Focus manually | ![]() | More precise focusing | ||
Screen size | 3" | ![]() | 2.5" | Bigger screen (+0.5") |
Screen resolution | 460k | ![]() | 230k | Sharper screen (+230k dot) |
Common features in the Canon SD1200 IS and Pentax VS20
SD1200 IS | VS20 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Missing selfie screen | ||
Touch screen | ![]() | Missing Touch screen |
Canon SD1200 IS vs Pentax VS20 Physical Comparison
For anyone who is aiming to carry your camera regularly, you will need to factor its weight and size. The Canon SD1200 IS provides external dimensions of 86mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.4" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 160 grams (0.35 lbs) whilst the Pentax VS20 has specifications of 111mm x 61mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.4" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 235 grams (0.52 lbs).
See the Canon SD1200 IS versus Pentax VS20 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. Underneath is a front view proportions comparison of the SD1200 IS versus the VS20.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the SD1200 IS and VS20 is 95 and 90 respectively.

Canon SD1200 IS vs Pentax VS20 Sensor Comparison
Usually, it's hard to see the difference between sensor sizing purely by reading through technical specs. The graphic here should offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the SD1200 IS and VS20.
As you have seen, both cameras come with the identical sensor size albeit not the same MP. You can count on the Pentax VS20 to give extra detail having its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop photographs a good deal more aggressively. The older SD1200 IS is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.

Canon SD1200 IS vs Pentax VS20 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Canon SD1200 IS vs Pentax VS20 Specifications
Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS | Pentax Optio VS20 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Make | Canon | Pentax |
Model | Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS | Pentax Optio VS20 |
Also Known as | Digital IXUS 95 IS | - |
Class | Small Sensor Compact | Small Sensor Superzoom |
Released | 2009-02-18 | 2012-01-25 |
Physical type | Compact | Compact |
Sensor Information | ||
Sensor type | CCD | CCD |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor dimensions | 6.17 x 4.55mm | 6.08 x 4.56mm |
Sensor area | 28.1mm² | 27.7mm² |
Sensor resolution | 10 megapixels | 16 megapixels |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 4:3 and 16:9 | 1:1, 4:3 and 16:9 |
Highest Possible resolution | 3648 x 2736 | 4608 x 3456 |
Maximum native ISO | 1600 | 6400 |
Minimum native ISO | 80 | 100 |
RAW format | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focus | ||
Autofocus touch | ||
Autofocus continuous | ||
Autofocus single | ||
Autofocus tracking | ||
Autofocus selectice | ||
Autofocus center weighted | ||
Multi area autofocus | ||
Live view autofocus | ||
Face detection focus | ||
Contract detection focus | ||
Phase detection focus | ||
Number of focus points | 9 | 3 |
Lens | ||
Lens mounting type | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens focal range | 35-105mm (3.0x) | 28-560mm (20.0x) |
Largest aperture | f/2.8-4.9 | f/3.1-4.8 |
Macro focus distance | 3cm | 3cm |
Crop factor | 5.8 | 5.9 |
Screen | ||
Type of screen | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen size | 2.5" | 3" |
Resolution of screen | 230k dots | 460k dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch function | ||
Screen technology | - | TFT color LCD with Anti-reflective coating |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | Optical (tunnel) | None |
Features | ||
Min shutter speed | 15s | 4s |
Max shutter speed | 1/1500s | 1/2500s |
Continuous shutter rate | 1.0 frames/s | 1.0 frames/s |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Custom white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Integrated flash | ||
Flash range | 3.50 m | 2.80 m |
Flash settings | Auto, Fill-in, Red-Eye reduction, Slow Sync, Off | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Soft |
Hot shoe | ||
Auto exposure bracketing | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment metering | ||
Average metering | ||
Spot metering | ||
Partial metering | ||
AF area metering | ||
Center weighted metering | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) | 1280 x 720 (30, 15 fps), 640 x 480 (30, 15 fps), 320 x 240 (30, 15 fps) |
Maximum video resolution | 640x480 | 1280x720 |
Video format | Motion JPEG | Motion JPEG |
Mic support | ||
Headphone support | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | Eye-Fi Connected |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environment sealing | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 160 gr (0.35 pounds) | 235 gr (0.52 pounds) |
Physical dimensions | 86 x 55 x 22mm (3.4" x 2.2" x 0.9") | 111 x 61 x 38mm (4.4" x 2.4" x 1.5") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Color Depth score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Low light score | not tested | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | 260 photographs | - |
Style of battery | Battery Pack | - |
Battery model | NB-6L | D-LI122 |
Self timer | Yes (2, 10, Custom, Face) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse feature | ||
Type of storage | SD/SDHC/MMC/MMCplus/HD MMCplus | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal |
Card slots | 1 | 1 |
Launch price | $250 | $106 |