• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 112.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 14.1 megapixels
  • 26.00mm - 130.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Canon A1200 advantages over Nikon S3100

  • Less expensive
    $110 vs $140 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel

Nikon S3100 advantages over Canon A1200

  • More telephoto lens reach
    130 mm vs 112 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Thinner
    18 mm vs 30 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    118g vs 185g
    Lighter weight
  • More pixels
    14.1 vs 12.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Higher extended ISO
    3200 vs 1600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • RAW file ability
    Neither provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Manual focus
    Neither provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    Neither provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Neither provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Neither provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Canon A1100 IS

Canon A1200
Canon A1100 IS
  • $101
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Shoots 24p video
  • $200
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • More telephoto lens reach
Nikon S3100
Canon A1100 IS
  • $140
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
  • $200
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Canon A3100 IS

Canon A1200
Canon A3100 IS
  • $101
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $85
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • More telephoto lens reach
Nikon S3100
Canon A3100 IS
  • $140
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
  • $85
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Larger lens aperture

Compared to Nikon S4100

Canon A1200
Nikon S4100
  • $101
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $180
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Thinner
Nikon S3100
Nikon S4100
  • $140
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • $180
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More dots on screen

Compared to Sony W620

Canon A1200
Sony W620
  • $101
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Shoots 24p video
  • $143
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Thinner
Nikon S3100
Sony W620
  • $140
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • $143
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive

Compared to Canon A1300

Canon A1200
Canon A1300
  • $101
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Shoots 24p video
  • $134
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Longer stills battery life
Nikon S3100
Canon A1300
  • $140
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Thinner
  • Lighter weight
  • $134
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder
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