The Canon Powershot SD1200 IS, despite having the highest model number of all SD-series, is quite simple in terms of specifications: a 10 megapixels sensor, ISO up to 1600 and a minimal 3X optical zoom lens. Perhaps this makes it less interesting, but thinking this way, you would miss the point of the SD1200. This ultra-compact sticks with Canon's winning formula for easy-to-use and intuitive ultra-compact digital cameras.

The pocket-friendly Canon SD1200 is well built and does cover all features expected of a point-and-shoot plus a few extras such as AE-L (Auto-Exposure-Lock) and the choice of 3 metering modes. This one one of the most easy to use ultra-compacts out there, definitely easier and simpler than the Fuji Finepix F200 EXR which was reviewed here last. The F200 does have unique modes and image-quality beyond any ultra-compact, including the SD1200, but this one is trivial to use compared to the F200.

Canon also has the Powershot SD780 IS which looks quite similar to the SD1200, except for a smaller body. The SD780 is slightly more advanced with a wider lens, 12 megapixels sensor and supports for 720p HD-movie recording, making it a tempting upgrade to the SD1200.