• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 10.0 megapixels
  • 35.00mm - 105.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 120.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Canon SD1200 IS advantages over Nikon AW120

  • Less expensive
    $230 vs $350 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.69 vs 1.34 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Lighter weight
    120g vs 213g
    Lighter weight
  • Longer exposure
    15 vs 4 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 5 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Nikon AW120 advantages over Canon SD1200 IS

  • Waterproof
    Yes vs No
    Take photos underwater without destroying your camera!
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 350 vs 260 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Newer
    10 years vs 15 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • More dots on screen
    921k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    16.0 vs 10.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Wider angle lens
    24 mm vs 35 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    6.9 fps vs 1.4 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    6400 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • RAW file ability
    Neither provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Manual focus
    Neither provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Hot shoe
    Neither provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Neither provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Samsung L210

Canon SD1200 IS
Samsung L210
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $99
  • 1/2.33 inch
Nikon AW120
Samsung L210
  • $219
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $99
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Samsung NV40

Canon SD1200 IS
Samsung NV40
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $329
  • 1/2.33 inch
Nikon AW120
Samsung NV40
  • $219
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $329
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Thinner

Compared to Nikon S520

Canon SD1200 IS
Nikon S520
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $162
  • 1/2.5 inch
Nikon AW120
Nikon S520
  • $219
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Larger sensor
  • $162
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Canon A1400

Canon SD1200 IS
Canon A1400
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Bigger pixels
  • $336
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
Nikon AW120
Canon A1400
  • $219
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $336
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Nikon AW130

Canon SD1200 IS
Nikon AW130
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Bigger pixels
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • In-camera panoramas
Nikon AW120
Nikon AW130
  • $219
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Slow-motion videos
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