Canon PowerShot A1200
Canon PowerShot A1200
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Hey! You should know that Canon has released a newer version of this product: the Canon PowerShot A1400.
Canon PowerShot A1200
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A-
We've given the A1200 a grade of A-.
User comments
This product is ranked
| 7th | of 25 | in $100 - $150 |
| 10th | of 39 | in Point and Shoot Digital Cameras |
| 20th | of 50 | in 11 & 12 MP |
| 23rd | of 44 | in Canon Digital Cameras |
| 22nd | of 66 | in 10-12 Megapixels Digital Cameras |
Editor's Review
It might seem odd that we're excited about a $100 entry-level camera, but the Canon PowerShot A1200 is exactly what we wanted to see in a cheap compact this year. Old-school shooters, rejoice: the A1200 has an optical viewfinder and takes AA batteries, a magical combination for many folks. Two years ago, in the wake of proprietary lithium-ion batteries and expansive LCDs, nobody thought that viewfinders and AA's would make a comeback. But LCDs are terrible in sunlight and proprietary lithium batteries are worthless without outlets; heaps and heaps of casual users would pay extra money for a viewfinder and AA power. Kudos to Canon for taking a step backward and giving them a camera they can get excited about. The lack of optical image stabilization is a let-down, but otherwise this PowerShot really deserves attention.
Store Ratings and Offer Details for the
Canon PowerShot A1200
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Specifications
- 12 megapixels
- CCD sensor
- 4x optical zoom
- 28mm wide-angle
- 720p HD video
- Optical viewfinder
- 2.7-inch LCD monitor
- Captures to SD/SDHC memory cards
- Powered by AA batteries
- Release Date: Mar 07, 2011
Canon PowerShot A1200 Comments & Questions (write your own!)
T. Mend (05/03/2013)
can I put the pictures from this camera on my computer as I did with a Fine Pix A205?
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Hillary Grigonis (05/06/2013)
Any digital camera photos can be loaded to a computer. Some by the plugging in the SD card and others by a cord that directly connects the camera to the computer.
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Max time for recording long videos (pcdancy — 02/08/2013)
I need to record video continuously me taking private dance lessons last up to 1 hour inside a ballroom studio without managing it. Digital cameras I used before is fine for a few minutes, but for longer time no contents is recorded or cut off in less than 20 min. Does A1200 has same problem? If not please Suggest some models to choose from for $50-150.
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Hillary Grigonis (02/12/2013)
Is the memory card full when the digital camera stops recording? You can try getting a larger SD card and turning down the resolution on your video so the file size isn't so big. But if your primary use is for video, a digital camera probably isn't the best bet, the video is designed for shorter clips. Check out some of our reviews at www.camcorder-hq.com, some camcorders can take still shots as well.
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fast battery drain (elizabeth — 01/05/2013)
after a long period of no problems my camera now drains batteries very very quickly. can this problem be fixed?
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Greg May (03/01/2013)
Try getting a new battery- pretty much all batteries eventually have this issue.
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Aiz Jaja (04/25/2012)
i bought A1200 and was happy with the image quality. optical viewfinder is useless for me, it's too small.
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charles (03/07/2012)
how do you set slow sync flash
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Digital version of "old school" camera w/ film (Sara — 10/17/2011)
We are looking to replace my mother's "old school" camera because she can longer find a place to develop her film. We are looking for something with a viewfinder and buttons that aren't too small. Is this the best "easy use" camera with a viewfinder that won't break our Xmas budget? Any other suggestions? We basically want a digital version of the traditional camera. Thanks!
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Digital version of "old school" camera w/ film (Sara — 10/17/2011)
We are looking to replace my mother's "old school" camera because she can longer find a place to develop her film. We are looking for something with a viewfinder and buttons that aren't too small. Is this the best "easy use" camera with a viewfinder that won't break our Xmas budget? Any other suggestions? We basically want a digital version of the traditional camera. Thanks!
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Canon A1200 (ramonj — 08/02/2011)
GREAT pic quality at ISO 80 -100 . Noisy at ISO 400 up. Flash takes a bit too long to recharge though
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Liam McCabe (08/02/2011)
Flash could have something to do with the type of batteries you're using. Do you use standard alkaline? NiMH or lithium batteries might allow quicker flash performance.
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Linda (07/07/2011)
Is the viewfinder on this about like the one on the Canon SD780IX? Or, is it larger. My father is 92 with Parkinsons and needs the IS, but also a decent viewfinder.
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Liam McCabe (07/07/2011)
I've not used the SD780, but I would imagine that the A1200's viewfinder is the same -- they're always small on tiny digicams like this.
Unfortunately, camera manufacturers don't seem to be interested in making small, affordable cameras with viewfinders AND image stabilization anymore. The A1200 was the only new compact with a viewfinder this year. The next best bet is to step up to the Canon G12 or Nikon P7000, but those both cost at least $350.
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Unfortunately, camera manufacturers don't seem to be interested in making small, affordable cameras with viewfinders AND image stabilization anymore. The A1200 was the only new compact with a viewfinder this year. The next best bet is to step up to the Canon G12 or Nikon P7000, but those both cost at least $350.
Manual control capabilities (Carl Colijn — 05/09/2011)
Since my Canon A80 died just a few weeks ago I've been reading up on a replacement. For me there are 4 necessities in a camera: 1) AA batteries, 2) optical viewfinder, 3) good image quality and 4) good price. After reading review after review for some days I thought I'd settle on the A1200 (I like the 28mm lens, though I'd prefer some more zoom). But then I found out it doesn't allow for manual control - I've used this a lot on my old A80 (white balance, ISO, continuous shooting mode, flash forced off), and wondered if the A1200 is intelligent enough to get the same picture quality I realized with the A80 (apart from the megapixels of course). There's just too many models/options to choose from and too many conflicting reviews. Do you think the A1200 is a good match for me, or is there something better under $150-$200?
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by James DeRuvo (05/13/2011)
Sure. It's a good camera. Not much in the zoom department for me though. I'd prefer the Panasonic FH25 with it's larger zoom. But IIRC it doesn't have AA battery capability. Is that a deal breaker? They're becoming fewer and farther between.
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Carl Colijn (05/13/2011)
Yes, AA batteries are a must since we take the camera to outdoor places where there are no power outlets (like hiking trips) - this is also why I want an optical viewfinder, since LCD's can get unviewable in direct sunlight. I also find it far more convenient to swap in a fresh set of recharged AA's than to recharge an internal battery. Besides, but this might just be my IMHO, rechargeable AA's are easier/cheaper to replace than proprietary internal batteries, increasing the camera's longevity (I hate to throw good stuff away, even when there's a better version on the market for 'just' $150 - good enough is good enough).
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Try before buy (Roadkill — 05/07/2011)
I bought one of these when my trusty A85 died. I took it back after a week. Maybe mine was faulty but images were never properly in focus. The iAuto mode guarrantees grainy images because it chases the high ISO. You can do better in P mode if you know a lil about cameras, but this is supposed to be an out-of-the box point & shoot device & for that it fails.
The viewfinder is too small to be any use.
Far inferior to my old A85 EXCEPT for the movie mode. Ironically the movie mode is very good. Maybe mine was faulty for still images.
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The viewfinder is too small to be any use.
Far inferior to my old A85 EXCEPT for the movie mode. Ironically the movie mode is very good. Maybe mine was faulty for still images.
Empathy (05/06/2011)
I bought this camera a week ago and already took more than 100 photos . The reason I bought it because I like a compact camera with a viewfinder for added stability . Since using the viewfinder and the 2 second delay timer , none of the photos were blurry ...all remain to be sharp so I don't know why some people need the image stabilization function .
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by James DeRuvo (05/07/2011)
it's a nice feature for those with shaky hands. but you're right, we didn't have IS for 100 years and did just fine.
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David (04/18/2011)
I like taking pictures of aircraft: have you ever tried to take pictures of planes just using the LCD screen? Thank you Canon for the return of the viewfinder.
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viewfinder & LCD screen (david coxwell — 04/05/2011)
Is it possible to turn the LCD off when using the optical viewfinder? coxwelld@hotmail.com
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by James DeRuvo (04/06/2011)
You can turn it off in the menu settings.
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Processing speed (Aussie Farmer — 03/29/2011)
Can anyone tell me what is the processing time? My old Sony was very fast and my Olympus is much too slow. Having trouble with the Sony, and may be cheaper to replace.
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by James DeRuvo (03/31/2011)
I don't have to answer it to tell you that replacing an old camera is always better in the long run than repairing it. Rule of thumb is that if it costs north of 50% to repair, replace it instead. The writing issue may be due to the card you use. Can you repeat the issue with a different memory card? If so, then you do have an issue with the camera. If not, your card is likely beginning to fail.
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Processing time (Aussie Farmer — 04/01/2011)
Canon phoned me yesterday and the man said he was looking for an excuse to open and look at this new camera. He did a few trial shots and it took four seconds before being able to take the next shot, which is similar to my Olympus when i checked it (although it seemed like half a minute when i was climbing a mountain taking multiple shots of vistas, which my Sony does virtually instantly). He did say about some classes of cards being faster. Everything else about this camera suits me, except this time factor. Is anyone using this model to give in use feedback?
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Picture Quality (Larry — 03/24/2011)
What about the quality of the pictures this camera takes, compared with other $100-$150 cameras?
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by James DeRuvo (03/30/2011)
A bit too soon to tell, but it has a hell of a pedigree in this class. As CNet put it - Canon continues to make entry-level compacts that offer good features, but more importantly best-in-class photo quality.
The only downside for me is not enough zoom. For a tad more, you could spring for the Panasonic FH20 or ZS7 and get twice the zoom range.
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The only downside for me is not enough zoom. For a tad more, you could spring for the Panasonic FH20 or ZS7 and get twice the zoom range.
View Finder Quality (Larry — 03/24/2011)
While reading up re: view finders, I learned that some view finders give the photog a tunnel-like, distant view of his/her subject. What kind of view is seen thru THIS view finder?
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Liam McCabe (03/24/2011)
This is a "tunnel" style viewfinder so you'd get the same effect. There's no way you can have an accurate viewfinder in a tiny camera like this, just doesn't work. But it is an alternative to the LCD screen -- tons of people complained about the lack of any kind of viewfinder, so Canon offered up a solution for them, even if it isn't perfect.
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It's a step in the right direction (Greg 44 — 02/13/2011)
The lack of optical viewfinders is the most annoying thing digital camera makers have done, to cheapen their products. Don't say there isn't room. They could put pop-up viewfinders on top. Now, let's put optical zoom and sound, into 30 Fame per second 1080P HD videos. Add optical image stabilization and never abandon AA batteries again. If you do that and keep the price reasonable, the skies the limit.
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Liam McCabe (02/14/2011)
It's mostly a cost issue -- viewfinders are more expensive than LCDs these days. Pop-up optical viewfinder physically won't work, pop-up electronic viewfinder doesn't make sense -- wouldn't solve the space issue. You'll start to see more compacts with 1080p video -- the Canon ELPH 100 is the cheapest I've heard of. You probably won't see your dream camera because of cost issues.
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HOW SIMPLE IS IT TO OPERATE? (Teddy — 02/05/2011)
Is is what is called "point and click"?
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Liam McCabe (02/05/2011)
Yes, it's very simple
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Ron (02/03/2011)
I have to agree shooting stills without image stabilization could be accomplished; however, did you ever try shooting movies without image stabilization?
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Liam McCabe (02/03/2011)
Yeah, with the older Flip camcorders -- it's a mess! But it's a $100 camera, and video isn't really meant to be a 'hot' feature here, since it only shoots in VGA. Stick it on a tripod -- that'll clear up the shakes.
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A1200 does shoot HD 720p! (Chattarjee — 04/29/2011)
It's not just VGA! It takes 720p HD video.
Specs from canon site ~
Standard: 1280 x 720 (24fps*1),
640 x 480 (30fps*1), 320 x 240 (30fps*2)
Miniature Effect: 1280 x 720*3, 640 x 480*3
*1 Actual frame rate is 23.976fps.
*2 Actual frame rate is 29.97fps.
*3 Shooting: 6fps, 3fps, 1.5fps.
Playback: 30fps*2
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Specs from canon site ~
Standard: 1280 x 720 (24fps*1),
640 x 480 (30fps*1), 320 x 240 (30fps*2)
Miniature Effect: 1280 x 720*3, 640 x 480*3
*1 Actual frame rate is 23.976fps.
*2 Actual frame rate is 29.97fps.
*3 Shooting: 6fps, 3fps, 1.5fps.
Playback: 30fps*2
Had better video in VGA than HD (MikeB — 12/03/2011)
Aside from 7 months of good picture taking (sent it in today because sensor went AWOL, I had much better video recordings in VGA (or standard setting) than when I had the camera in HD mode. The HD mode looked like a 10 year old digital camera used to take pictures (huge-boxy, unsharp images.) I was walking at the time and this may have been my mistake! I was recording an apartment walk thru. I may have misunderstood something in the instructions (on board, not the DVD.)
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Had better video in VGA than HD (MikeB — 12/03/2011)
Aside from 7 months of good picture taking (sent it in today because sensor went AWOL, I had much better video recordings in VGA (or standard setting) than when I had the camera in HD mode. The HD mode looked like a 10 year old digital camera used to take pictures (huge-boxy, unsharp images.) I was walking at the time and this may have been my mistake! I was recording an apartment walk thru. I may have misunderstood something in the instructions (on board, not the DVD.)
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Ron (02/03/2011)
The lack of optical image stabilization leaves it useless!
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Liam McCabe (02/03/2011)
Not necessarily -- since you'll be holding it up at eye level, your hands will be much steadier. How do you think anybody took pictures for the 150 years before there was image stabilization?
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It's about Time (Tim Campbell — 02/02/2011)
Yes it's about Time Thank you Canon a view finder for us old frames THANKS again
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Canon PowerShot A1200 Reviews
Canon PowerShot A1200 Reviews by Digital Camera-HQ Users
- 5.0 out of 5
Includes: HD video, optical viewfinder, AA battery power, Wide angle lens
(Tom Gilroy — 07/21/2011)
With some minor adjusting, it takes great photos and video. The best pocket camera on the market.
Any camera without an optical viewfinder is a waste of money. I guarantee it.
- 4.0 out of 5
viewfinder issue
(bill — 03/23/2011)
To save battery power or for terribly high light levels or very low light, that's what the viewfinder is for. Add IS of some real type and charge a little more money, and some more manual control, this camera would be much better.
- 4.0 out of 5
Viewfinders arent all good
(nick harman — 03/16/2011)
I used to subscribe to the 'no viewfinder no use' school of thought, coming from analogue SLR world. I found with my Canon G10 though that I used the viewfinder less and less. They are not accurate in compacts for one thing and more importantly I found that composing on screen makes you use different and more creative viewpoints than the standard eye level the viewfinder tends to encourage. I think this is a retrostep from Canon.
