Customer Reviews

 Faulty design and absolute rip off service - Aug 30, 2010

I purchased my Canon SD 1200IS in September, 2009 from Amazon for $160. For the five months that it worked, it worked well. I was careful with it, never near sand nor a beach, never in the rain, kept it in a case. But 5 months later it would not power on, or when I would finally get it to turn on, it would extend the lens and then power down, an even more frustrating situation. I sent the camera in to be repaired while it was under warranty. I then received an estimated repair cost of $118, claiming that it was water damage. Again, the camera was never in the rain, never dropped in water. To my knowledge it was never even damp. If ambient humidity may have caused the problem that is certainly a design flaw and this camera should only be sold in the desert. I had read online that Canon repair had done this same sort of rip off with others and somehow thought that as I knew I'd treated the camera well that my case would not be the same. I am greatly disappointed and will never waste my money on a Canon camera again.

I was extremely disappointed with the durability, or lack thereof, of the camera even with proper care. I was even more disappointed with the outrageous repair estimates that was not even explained by the repair service. As I have seen that others have had the same experience and now learn that one of the cameras I'd given as a gift did the same thing, it is interesting that on Canon's own website the reviews are so glowing. This may have been how I was led to believe it was a good camera in the first place. I have recommended Canon cameras to many of my friends and family and have purchased 5 as gifts in addition to other Canon products (copier, printer/fax, etc.). I will now need to start warning people about Canon's cameras.

 canon powershot - Aug 23, 2010

I love Canon, they cannot disappoint my family and I. I bought this for my girlfriend and she used to have this Olympus one but I got her into the Canon line of cameras and she noticed the picture quality. Worth the buy, and honestly it has good picture quality. You get what you pay for, and with this you will get what you want....Trust me I was playing with that thing the first second I saw it and took a ton of pictures everywhere we went. Good stuff.

 Lens error - Aug 21, 2010

I bought the camera exactly 13 month ago. Never had a problem and liked it overall. Easy to use, good picture quality and battery life was very good. Today however without any warning the lens doesn't open up and I get the error "lens error restart camera". 1 month past the warranty. Reading up on it I guess it is a known error that Canon doesn't warrant. I guess I will not buy a Canon anymore.

 love it. - Aug 21, 2010

I'm not a real technology lover, but this is easy to use and takes great pictures.

 better than what I expected - Aug 21, 2010

This camera is exactly what I was looking for. I wanted something that is very portable but still takes great quality pictures, has enough but not too many features, and operates quickly and easily. It turns on quickly, it has much less delay between pressing the shutter button and the camera taking the picture than cameras I've used previously, and you can take another picture right away without much of a delay at all. In fact, you can hold the shutter button down as long as you want to (providing the flash is not on) and it will continue taking 1.4 pictures per second, which is much faster than many others I looked at. This is something the newer 1300 and 1400 models don't seem to have. I also like having a viewfinder for those bright sunny days where it is difficult to see the LCD screen, although the screen is great in most conditions. The viewfinder is small, but it's better than not having one. You do have to keep in mind that you need to zoom out more than you think you need to while using the viewfinder, though. The viewfinder and quick burst mode are what made me choose the 1200 model over the newer ones. The 1200 doesn't have HD video (which is fine since I don't have an HD TV), but the quality is still good, and you can zoom while taking video without hearing the shutter move in the video. And there is sound when you play them back on the camera, as is not the case with many other point and shoot cameras that don't have a speaker on them. The only thing I wish this camera had was a little more zoom, but it's not bad. It actually stops zooming in between optical and digital zoom and then you can hit the zoom button again if you want to zoom further, which is nice if you don't like the digital zoom as much. There is only a basic printed manual that comes with the camera, but a more detailed one comes on the provided CD that you have to upload onto your computer to read. I haven't checked out the software that came with the camera for modifying the pictures or printed any pictures yet, but I anticipate both will be fine. Also, other reviewers have commented on how blurry their pictures were, but they probably had the megapixels on the camera set too low. I have gotten lots of nice crisp, sharp pictures so far (both still and action shots) with the camera set at 6 MP so my file size isn't too big. And I am taking a lot more pictures than I have in the past because the camera is more portable than my previous cameras. I love the green color and it feels comfortable to hold, but it is a little slippery so you do have to be careful. The buttons are small as well, so I have to use my fingernail to use them, but I like how the camera is all laid out (both the menus and the location of the buttons). For being a point and shoot, it's a great choice at a reasonable price. Overall, I am very satisfied with this camera and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for the same features I was.

 Compact camera that is easy to use - Aug 20, 2010

I have been using this camera for last 2 years and I have used Canon cameras for several years. Canon picture quality for compact cameras is outstanding. Colors come out clear and vivid. LCD screen is decent size. Videos are easy to take. It does not have infinite settings to choose from but for a point and shoot camera, I think it has plenty of features.

 Christmas present for husband - Aug 19, 2010

He wanted a small flat camera to put in pocket and use from horseback. This fit the bill and the IS was an added feature which works great when trying to take pictures from horseback. Camera takes great pictures and has more options then we have used. Picture quality is very good. Husband is very happy with camera and that makes me happy!

 My last Canon Powershot but still the best there is - Aug 12, 2010

I've had four Canon Powershots. I bought my first one in 1999 and Canon has been my only brand of digital camera. I love the size and until this one, the interface.

I have a new iPhone 4 and I'm sorry to say that the pictures I get from my iPhone are often as good and sometimes better than from this camera. I did a ton of research before buying it and I still think this is the best option. I like the fact that it is the last one with an actual viewfinder (which I use for certain technically difficult shots.)

But I'm surprised at how difficult it still is to change the ISO or make manual adjustments. It shouldn't be this hard! I do like the automatic image setting selection (it knows if you are taking a portrait or a landscape) but with the iPhone, the only reason to buy a separate camera is to adjust manually for lighting, image speed, etc. and this one just isn't where I would like it to be. By the time I make the adjustment, I've missed the picture. I could show you side by side shots of a gorgeous sunset taken within seconds of one another with the iPhone and the Canon and there is no doubt that the color and focus on the iPhone shot is better.

HOWEVER, if you want a digital camera to carry in your pocket, and last forever, this is the one to buy. I think if I ever buy another digital camera it will be an upgrade to a more professional version.

 Review of the Canon PowerShot SD 1200IS Camera - Aug 11, 2010

I was looking for a digital camera for under $200 hundred dollars and came across the Canon Sd1200. After purchasing it at the price amazon was offering and using it I can say overall I am very satisfied with my choice. It produces really clear pictures, it's very easy to use, takes pictures fast, and it's size makes it easy to carry with you. Granted, I wasn't looking for a camera to turn out professional level shots, just casual ones, and it has met my expectations. Though I haven't had it for that long, so I can't attest to it's durability. Otherwise, I am very happy with this purchase.

 Super portable; Super quality; Super Camera!! - Aug 11, 2010

If you are looking for a camera with these features, stop looking and buy this one!! My family and I just returned from a ten day trip to Italy during which this camera performed superbly. Battery life is great, we recharged only twice during the trip but it was never in "need" of a charge. Picture quality is as good as you expect for a 10MPixal camera. Pretty easy to use...even though I never read the directions! Some good features that I didn't discover until the trip was almost over (again...I never read the instructions). Image stabilization made picture come out really well - especially at night when not using a flash. Most of all, I like the compact size: small enough for a pocket, but not so small it is difficult to hold. Small enough to hold in your hand (when you are worried about pick-pockets) but big enough to have a decent-sized viewing screen. And it's a Canon. Would have been a straight FIVE STARs if I had read the instructions and fully utilized all the features. Again....stop looking and buy this one! I certainly would do it again.

 Just what I wanted. - Aug 11, 2010

All I wanted was a simple, easy to use camera that had a view finder like a old "film" type. I am farsighted and the viewfinders that are screens are impossible for me to use without my reading glasses - and with reading glasses, I can't see far! I also had no use for a lot of features. All I wanted was a camera that took high quality pictures and was not so small that I might mistake it for a credit card! My son did some research and came up with this camera. It's perfect.

 Love this! - Aug 11, 2010

I needed a small camera that would fit in my pocket but still take great pictures for a vacation. This fit the bill in every way, and was even better than expected. Pictures are crystal clear, even with zoom, and extreme close ups work just as well. I have a ton of beautiful pictures, taken outside, inside, daytime and night, everything worked great. Would highly recommend this.

 don't buy - Aug 10, 2010

I had the previous generation of this camera that I absolutely loved. When that one got lost, I bought the same canon powershot only the next generation of it. I was told that it was the exact same camera but they had fixed a few of the problems with the previous generation.

FALSE. It broke after 2 months of having it. The picture quality is absolutely terrible, it has the slowest shoot time ever, and if there's even the slightest bit of movement, the picture is blurry. Please save your money on a higher quality camera.

 PERFECT! - Aug 10, 2010

I bought this camera almost a year ago and nothing has mal-functioned (yet). Great quality, great pictures, great close ups (I'll try and attach a few photos, but I haven't seen that option yet). Camera is light and I can take it anywhere. The different functions are great, Macro for extreme close-ups and Infinity for distance. The only down side is that it doesn't have color options like other cameras I've used and it takes poor night shots.

Get one...you thank me later. ;)

 Disappointed - Aug 08, 2010

I've owned this camera for three months now and I've concluded that this camera is a miss for me. Like many here, I owned an earlier version of the Powershot (purchased in 2006) and loved it. When it was irreparably damaged I looked no further than buying another Canon. Suffice it say I'm disappointed in both the overall picture and its cumbersome controls. This all became abundantly clear when I took some candid shots at our family annual picnic. Nearly every shot looked just out of focus -- like I was photography everything using a Vaseline lens! When I compared to the shots with ones I took at last year's event with my old Canon Powershot I was shocked. Under what looked like similar lighting conditions, I had almost 60 crisp, clean pictures. I'm not asking for a lot from a point and shoot, but when Canon obviously has the technology to produce a fine camera why mess with it, and I do expect posed pictures taken in broad daylight to be in focus. I've also noticed that the auto focus sometimes takes a while to lock in, but even when I wait that extra second I end up with blurry pictures.

Also if you take pictures at night or under low light you'll get an orange tone to your pics unless you set the camera to an indoor setting. Don't forget to switch it back if you move outdoors otherwise your pictures will have a blue hue. I've had such bad luck using the Auto feature that I use Programmable mode almost entirely and have had better success, but so much for ease of use. The camera is also useless in locations where there are hanging lights (like a patio), neon lights or street lights. You will get a major lens flare, sometimes obliterating your subject matter entirely, and I have not yet figured out how to remedy it.

Shall I say something nice? I love that there is an option for 10 mega pixel shots (using the large setting, which I recommend). The battery has an exceptionally long life compared to my older Canon. There have been a few times where I had forgotten to recharge and was able to take pictures 2-3 weeks later. The compact size is nice. It really does fit into your pocket or a small pouch in a purse. But the picture quality is a huge problem. I'm seriously considering selling this camera and buying a different brand.

 Finally!! Great Camera with a Viewfinder!! - Aug 08, 2010

WOW! I really love this camera. I wanted to finally upgrade my 4 megapixel Casio Exilim.
I had that camera for 5 years and have been unable until NOW to find a worthy replacement because the majority of digital compact cameras DO NOT HAVE VIEWFINDERS! Let me tell you a story folks. Last May I was on a once in a lifetime trip to the Grand Canyon and on a bright sunny day, there I was the only one in my group just snapping pictures away with ease. Several people came up to me on the tourbus and asked me how I managed to take such nicley framed shots in the sunlight. My answer was simple in 3 words. Viewfinder, viewfinder, viewfinder. Guess you get the picture!
Now with the this Elph, I have achieved my goal. I got an updated camera with the features I wanted being more megapixels and Image stabilization. Not to mention, the menus on this camera are extremely intuitive and user friendly. The features on this camera are the best on the market for a compact and again folks, it was the viewfinder that clinched my purchase. I did not purchase the more recent 1300 model because it does not have a viewfinder.

 Love the color - Aug 07, 2010

Purchased this as a gift for my niece. I know the camera is solid for taking pics us non professionals shoot! Selected the orange camera and hoped she liked it. Turns out the color is very attractive and she loves it. Also easy to find her camera at a party. If you are looking for a good camera in a distinctive color I recommend this one. I did not give four stars only because I have not taken any pics with it myself so cannot talk to quality. I do have an earlier non color version which takes excellent pics.

 A great little camera - Aug 06, 2010

I've had this camera now for about 6 months and I think it is great. No it is not a professional grade camera, but that was not what I was willing to pay for, nor was I looking for a complicated bulky camera that I had to lug around. This is perfect in size, I just keep it in my purse all the time. I did research before purchasing it, and one of my main requirements was a viewfinder. I definitely wanted a viewfinder since taking a picture in a somewhat darkened room (such as a Halloween party), without it, you can't see what you're aiming at. An LCD screen just isn't enough in that situation. After weighing all of my options and checking other's reviews, I felt this was the best camera for me. I also wanted something affordable and cute. This camera is really cute and it takes great pictures. Another reviewer said he didn't get a manual, nor a memory card with. Now, I bought mine from Walmart and it did come with a manual, but I had to purchase a memory card separately (which was stated). Overall, this is a great little camera with a lot of great features.

 Terrific Camera! - Aug 05, 2010

This is my third and last Canon, and I must say that as good as it is, it feels flimsier than the prior two. The photos are great, which is really what counts. There's no instruction booklet with it which another negative. It just infuriates me the way companies make us work for every bit of information we need on these products anymore. Is it really that hard to include the instructions? Also, I ordered a 4GB San Disk, so Amazon (I guess) took out the original San Disk, replaced with this 4GB one, but I didn't get the original. What's that all about?

 Great Little Camera - Aug 04, 2010

This is a great little camera. Small enough to fit in a front pocket, can take fast photos, and the quality is pretty darn good. If you expect professional images this might not be for you. I bought this camera because I wanted a portable digital camera that was fast enough to capture my high-octane daughter, and durable to take on camping trips. You have to hold the shutter button half way down, but doing so takes pictures with almost no delay under most situations. Between the optical and digital zooms, you can get some impressive images from afar. I gave this camera 5 stars because the convention for rating products seems to be 5-stars minus any major flaws. This camera isn't perfect, but it has exeeded my expectations.

 Hate this camera - Aug 04, 2010

I got this camera to "upgrade" from an older digital camera when my daughter was born a year ago. Like 80% of the pictures are blurry I've tried a bunch of settings and I've let other people try to fix it and it's always still blurry. So I have missed out on so many good pictures cause it's hard to get a baby to stay still for photos. I am very disappointed that the reviews led me wrong on this camera.

 perfect size to bring anywhere - Aug 03, 2010

I love this camera. I at first had a it of a problem focusing on moving targets like fast moving kiddos, but have since mastered that. I use it all the time taking it on bicycle rides every weekend. I like the poratbility it fits perfectly in my pocket or bicycle bag. Once it even fell out of my bicycle bag landing on the asphault while doing a 50 mile ride but after I turned back and picked it up the only thing was the battery compartment popped open, the camera still worked and months later I have not had any problems. I bought my first Canon about 5 years ago it was very good and only upgraded becaseu my son pushed the zoom in by hand I bought the Olympus Stylus Tough-8000 for too much money and hated it so I found this camera and caught it on sale...perfecto...oh I picked the bright pink color because I am always losing things and it seem to be easier to find.

 Great Camera - Aug 02, 2010

Love it!
Very easy to use and my friends and family love it too! They love its slim design.

 Wonderful - Aug 02, 2010

I love this camera ,I've been looking for a small digetal with a view window for some time ,almost all of the newer cameras come with out and you can't see on a sunny day what your taking. Easy to use . I had to download the instruction DVD booklet ,136 pages for all of it uses so i wish it had come with it in booklet form other than that it's a great camera and a great price.

 A huge improvement - Aug 01, 2010

This Canon SD1200 was purchased as replacement for my old Olympus Styus 300. It has triple the megapixels, a much larger screen, and no longer has that long irritating delay between pushing the button and getting the shot. Also, it's only about half as thick and fits a pocket even more easily. I got mine in the fun orange color.
I'm just an amateur, but the ease of use and picture quality are vastly improved. And now that the SD1300's are out, perfectly good 1200's can be found at bargain prices. I recommend it.