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

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

A very quick glance at the specifications of these two compact pocket cameras shows that they are almost 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 excellent for compact pocket cameras
• Aperture: 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 whopping 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 decision on.

The biggest 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. However, 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 excellent 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 pretty much identical. Use the money you save to get a memory card for your new family pocket camera. (By the way, you will have to spring for the memory card with the SD780 too, in order to record that great video.)

It’s always a good idea to research your purchase 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 great 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 actually purchased 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 decision.

Happy Shooting!

About the Author

I love photography and all things related to it. Cameras, camera gear, and image editing software fascinate me, so I am either buying the newest piece of equipment (or software) or researching my next purchase. Be sure to visit my photography blog at www.digital-photographic-resources.com/blog.

motion jpeg compared directly with avchd lite on panasonic lumix cameras

Cuisinart CBT-1000 PowerEdge 1000-Watt Die-Cast Blender with 64-Ounce Jar $189.99 Equipped with a 1000%2Dwatt motor%2C this durably built countertop blender delivers the power needed for everything from blending up fruit smoothies before work or protein shakes after a work out to pureeing soup for dinner or mixing up frozen beverages when gathering with friends on a Friday night%2E The machine%27s Power6 TurboEdge design creates a strong vortex for thoroughly blended ingredient…

ZeroWater ZD-013 Pitcher …

J.A. Henckels International Fine Edge Pro 10-Piece East Meets West Block Set $65.95 Henckel%27s 31476%2D000 has a fine edge pro%2C 10 pc %22East Meets West%22%2C Block Set%2E%0D%0A…

ClearLite AB-CR30M14BW-1N ArmorLite 14W/65W CFL Lightbulb, Daylight, 1 Pack $12.99 Designed to look like regular incandescent bulbs, ArmorLite Safety Eco CFLs are made with a safer form of mercury, and their innovative safety coating helps prevent harmful gases from escaping if the bulbs break. Save money on energy, help protect the environment, and keep your home safer with ArmorLite Safety Eco compact fluorescent lighting from ClearLite, a leader in CFL products. Safety Eco C…

Quantum QF62BS Silver Colored Bare Bulb Light Enhancing Reflector. $38.00 The Bare Bulb Enhancer is designed to push out more light, approximately 1 extra stop, toward the subject when the photographer wants the bare bulb, no reflector look. It is perfect for wide angle shots giving coverage of approximately 120 degrees. The QF62S has a matte silver surface that will not effect the tone of the final image.The Bare Bulb Enhancers, type QF62, are suited for a variety of l…

InGrid SK803IG Home Monitoring Kit for 2500 Square Foot Homes $469.99 The Next Generation of Home Security InGrid is the modern solution for tired, old security systems. InGrid’s next generation systems and services provide better protection than most dealer-installed systems, are nearly impossible to defeat, and can be easily and conveniently managed from a cordless telephone, cell phone, or web browser. InGrid is designed to give you better protection and the…

Sanyo NEW 1500 eneloop 8 Pack AAA Ni-MH Pre-Charged Rechargeable Batteries $17.70 The SEC-HR4U8BPN 4-AAA Eneloop battery pack utilizes SANYO’s advanced rechargeable battery technology allowing them to last longer than ever before! Unlike disposable batteries which can only be used only once and are wasteful to the environment, the eneloop batteries can be recharged up to 1,500 times. They come pre-charged, can be used immediately out of the pack and maintain 75% of their charge…

Sanyo XX Battery Powered by eneloop, 2500mAh High Capacity, 4 Pack AA Ni-MH Pre-Charged Rechargeable Batteries $24.99 RECHARGEABLE UP TO 500 TIMESLOW SELF DISCHARGE MAINTAINS 75% OF THEIR CHARGE AFTER 1 YEAR OF STORAGESTABLE VOLTAGE WITH LONGER POWER LIFE THAN ALKALINE BATTERIESNO MEMORY EFFECTSRECHARGES EMPTY OR PARTIALLY DRAINED BATTERIESPERFECT FOR USE IN POWERING HIGH DRAIN DEVICESUPC : 0086483080159Shipping Dimensions : 0.62in X 3.69in X 4.47inEstimated Shipping Weight : 0.29…

SANYO 4-Position Ni-MH Rechargeable Battery Charger $12.99 Eneloop batteries offer exceptional shelf life so you can use your rechargeable batteries when and where you need them most. You can charge your eneloop batteries once, store them away for up to three years and use them at a moment’s notice. After charging eneloop batteries they will maintain 75% of their capacity for up to three years. They are ready to be used immediately right out of the pack. …

HP 564XL Black Ink Cartridge in Retail Packaging (CN684WN#140) $28.85 HEWLETT PACKARD HP 564XL BLACK INK CARTRIDGE; CONTAINS 1 CN684 BLACK XL CARTRIDGEHP 564XL BLACK INK CARTRIDGE; CONTAINS 1 CN684 BLACK XL CARTRIDGE Manufacturer : HEWLETT PACKARD UPC : 886111234295…