Canon - PowerShot SD1200 IS Digital Camera Review

After four years of using the heck out of (and LOVING) my Canon SD600, the two batteries no longer hold charges well, so it was either $80 for two new Canon batteries (I know I can get off brands but I don't think they last as long), I decided to spend the bucks on the new Canon SD1200.

I only tested it for one day because when I pulled it out of the box, the LCD screen had a HUGE scratch on it, so I knew I would be returning it. But I took a bunch of test shots to see if I really liked it and wanted to re-purchase it. Keeping in mind I didn't get to review every aspect of the camera, what was my overall review after one day's worth of test shots? In one word: meh.

There were highs and lows/pros and cons. I am sure I would grow to love it, but there are definitely things I like and things I don't.

CONS?

• The power button is harder to turn on (moreso one-handed like I normally do since I am rushing to take a quick picture of the baby). It doesn't stick out as much as on the SD600. (On the 600 I could quick push the raised button with my fingernail. On the 1200 the button is more flat so it's harder to reach.) Other reviews have liked this, as they don't want to accidentally turn their camera on...but in the four years I've used this camera, I've never had it turn on accidentally in any pocket, purse, bag, etc...so I don't like the new button style. I am sure, with time, I would get used to it...but my first impression wasn't favorable.
• The slider bar (between auto, program, and video) is not as easy to slide as the 600--and it's a bit harder to do one-handed as well (which is how I normally use it, especially when taking pics of the baby). Again, I think the button was raised more on the 600 than on the 1200. I can slide the bar on the 600 by feeling the clicks as it moves from one status to the next--and can easily flick back and forth with ease. With the 1200, I had to pay special attention to moving it and I often overshot the status I wanted. Again, I am sure with time I would get used to it...but my first impression wasn't favorable.
• The Auto function didn't seem to work as well as I thought it would--I got A LOT of blurry and too-dark and too-bright pictures that I really thought would be normalized with such a lauded AUTO feature. And I was sure I did things right (hold the button down halfway first, etc.). I really wanted to love the new features of Auto because I currently use Program all the time to adjust the amount of flash (so I can take closeups of the boy without blinding him or to add more flash when it's dark in the room) and Auto should take care of that. It may have just needed more experimentation? But then again, it shouldn't have--because it's AUTO.
• The wrist strap isn't adjustable. It's not something I use a lot, but when I want it, I like having it there (like on a carnival ride or hanging over the balcony of a cruise ship). It's just a little thing, but it could be a very big thing if it's something that causes you to lose your camera. (If I bought this camera again, I would switch straps with my current camera, the 600.)

PROS?

• The ability to use a 16GB HDSC card! Pure heaven...especially since I take close to 1000 pictures a month of the kidlet! The 600 can handle a 2GB card which fits a lot of photos, and I rarely am away from home for so long that I can't offload the pictures...but I love having space and 16GB is enough to take tons of pictures and long videos without having to edit/delete photos while you go.
• I do like the specific play button (instead of it being on the slider bar).
• This camera takes the easiest and best macro photos of any I've ever owned. Pure awesome. (But how often do I need that? Not very.)
• Some Auto flash shots turned out way better than I expected. Our living room is about 18' long and often dark. I just took a quick test shot from the kitchen and it lit up the entire room like daylight!
• Most of the menu options are the same as my 600 so the learning curve wouldn't be too high.
• I love that it's available in colors. Silver tends to get lost in the shuffle of mess on the counters or in a bag. But colors really stand out so it's easier to find quickly.

So, will I be buying this camera again? I'm honestly still deciding, but am leaning towards probably not. I was really excited to get a new/better/faster camera...but it just didn't give me the big WOW factor I wanted and was expecting. And as you know with cameras, the next thing is just around the corner...

As far as recommending it? I would if you wanted a nice, inexpensive point-and-shoot that takes mostly decent pictures and is fairly easy to use. I wouldn't if you are someone who is very particular about your camera and want to be able to take a great photo 99.9% of the time (great meaning not blurry, lit correctly, etc.).