• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 10.0 megapixels
  • 35.00mm - 105.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 18.1 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 480.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Canon SD1200 IS advantages over Panasonic ZS30

  • Less expensive
    $230 vs $400 (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
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.69 vs 1.26 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Larger lens aperture
    f/2.8 vs f/3.3
    Take photos in low-light or isolate your subject
  • Lighter weight
    120g vs 198g
    Lighter weight
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 6 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Panasonic ZS30 advantages over Canon SD1200 IS

  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • More telephoto lens reach
    480 mm vs 105 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • More dots on screen
    920k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    18.1 vs 10.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Wider angle lens
    24 mm vs 35 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 15 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.0 fps vs 1.4 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Higher extended ISO
    6400 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • 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 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 Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • 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
  • 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

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Canon SD1200 IS

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Panasonic ZS30
Panasonic ZS30
All ZS30 Deals

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Samsung L210

Canon SD1200 IS
Samsung L210
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $99
  • 1/2.33 inch

Compare Canon SD1200 IS vs Samsung L210

Panasonic ZS30
Samsung L210
  • $319
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $99
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Panasonic ZS30 vs Samsung L210

Compared to Samsung NV40

Canon SD1200 IS
Samsung NV40
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $329
  • 1/2.33 inch

Compare Canon SD1200 IS vs Samsung NV40

Panasonic ZS30
Samsung NV40
  • $319
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $329
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Panasonic ZS30 vs Samsung NV40

Compared to Nikon S520

Canon SD1200 IS
Nikon S520
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $162
  • 1/2.5 inch

Compare Canon SD1200 IS vs Nikon S520

Panasonic ZS30
Nikon S520
  • $319
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Touchscreen
  • $162
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Panasonic ZS30 vs Nikon S520

Compared to Panasonic ZS19

Canon SD1200 IS
Panasonic ZS19
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $300
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Canon SD1200 IS vs Panasonic ZS19

Panasonic ZS30
Panasonic ZS19
  • $319
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $300
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer exposure

Compare Panasonic ZS30 vs Panasonic ZS19

Compared to Panasonic ZS25

Canon SD1200 IS
Panasonic ZS25
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Bigger pixels
  • $350
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Canon SD1200 IS vs Panasonic ZS25

Panasonic ZS30
Panasonic ZS25
  • $319
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $350
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Bigger JPEG buffer

Compare Panasonic ZS30 vs Panasonic ZS25

Compare Other Cameras?