Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS or SD780 IS – How Do These Family Friendly Pocket Cameras Compare

Canon unrestricted two similar cameras in the “family pocket camera” market. They are the Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS and its close relation, the Canon PowerShot SD780 IS.

A very quick glance at the specifications of these two compact pocket cameras shows that they are very nearly identical. Here are some of the similarities:

Size: 3.4″ wide by 2.2″ high by 0.7″ deep LCD: 2.5″ with 230,000 pixel resolution Zoom: 3x with very similar focal equivalents Image Quality: both are brilliant for compact pocket cameras Gap: not exactly equal but not enough difference to make a case one way or the other ISO range: auto, or 80-1600 White Balance selection: 6 positions and manual preset Image Processor: Canon Digic 4

The differences are only in the Megapixels and the video capablility. The Canon PowerShot SD780 IS has a monstrous 12 megapixel image sensor, while the Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS has only a 10 megapixel image sensor. If you are a megapixel watcher, this may be enough for you to go for the SD780 IS, but it really is not enough of a difference to base your final choice on.

The largest difference is in the video capture feature. The Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS has decent video with capacity of capturing 640×480 video at 30fps (frames per second), which is similar to previous pocket cameras. But, the Canon PowerShot SD780 IS has the capability to capture HD video at 1280×720 pixels and 30 fps. This is the same video capability and format as some much higher end cameras.

So, if you want to be able to show your pocket camera video on your HD TV with brilliant quality, the Canon PowerShot SD780 IS is the camera for you. The additional 40 or so $$$ is well worth the upgrade in video.

If video is not your thing, then by all means, save the $40 and get the Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS. The image quality for still photos is sweet much identical. Use the money you save to get a reminiscence card for your new family pocket camera. (By the way, you will have to spring for the reminiscence card with the SD780 too, in order to record that fantastic video.)

It’s always a excellent thought to research your buy before you buy. Don’t just walk into your favorite discount department store and pick up the prettiest camera off the shelf because its design will impress your friends. There are some fantastic compact digital cameras being offered. But that is not the case with every camera. Check the ratings from the camera review sites and online stores where those who in fact bought the cameras are posting their evaluations. Some of these reviews will convince you one way or the other about the camera you are considering.

Of course you should always check in at www.digital-photographic-resources.com before making any camera choice.

Pleased Shooting!

Tags: Cameras, Canon, Compare, Family, Friendly, Pocket, PowerShot, SD1200, SD780, These

This entry was posted on March 4, 2010 at 3:18 pm and is filed under Canon Powershot. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.