• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 10.0 megapixels
  • 35.00mm - 105.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/3.2 inch 15.5mm2
  • 8.0 megapixels
  • 30.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Canon SD1200 IS advantages over Samsung Galaxy S II

  • Less expensive
    $230 vs $500 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Larger sensor
    1/2.3 inch vs 1/3.2 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.69 vs 1.39 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • More telephoto lens reach
    105 mm vs 30 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • More pixels
    10.0 vs 8.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Longer exposure
    15 vs 1/15 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Higher extended ISO
    3200 vs 800 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Samsung Galaxy S II advantages over Canon SD1200 IS

  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Thinner
    10 mm vs 21 mm
    Thinner
  • More dots on screen
    1152k 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
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Wider angle lens
    30 mm vs 35 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/1500 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

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
  • 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 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
  • 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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Buy the Canon SD1200 IS

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Buy the Samsung Galaxy S II
Samsung Galaxy S II

Review Excerpt

  • Amazing screen; Good image quality; Offers more control; Virtual half-press on shutter if desired; easy uploads to social media.

  • Occasional signal trouble; Banding in Macro mode; Design is so slim it's sometimes hard to hold; Muted color.

  • Read our Samsung Galaxy S II Express Review

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

Samsung Galaxy S II
Samsung L210
  • $200
  • 1/3.2 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • $99
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare Samsung Galaxy S II vs Samsung L210

Compared to Samsung NV30

Canon SD1200 IS
Samsung NV30
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
  • $279
  • 1/2.5 inch

Compare Canon SD1200 IS vs Samsung NV30

Samsung Galaxy S II
Samsung NV30
  • $200
  • 1/3.2 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • $279
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare Samsung Galaxy S II vs Samsung NV30

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

Samsung Galaxy S II
Samsung NV40
  • $200
  • 1/3.2 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • $329
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare Samsung Galaxy S II 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

Samsung Galaxy S II
Nikon S520
  • $200
  • 1/3.2 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • $162
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare Samsung Galaxy S II vs Nikon S520

Compared to Nikon 170

Canon SD1200 IS
Nikon 170
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $179
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Shoot 4K video

Compare Canon SD1200 IS vs Nikon 170

Samsung Galaxy S II
Nikon 170
  • $200
  • 1/3.2 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Internal flash
  • $179
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof

Compare Samsung Galaxy S II vs Nikon 170

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