Sample photos taken with the ultracompact 10-megapixel Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS.
Joshua Goldman
Managing Editor Josh Goldman is a laptop expert and has been writing about and reviewing them since built-in Wi-Fi was an optional feature. He also covers almost anything connected to a PC, including keyboards, mice, USB-C docks and PC gaming accessories. In addition, he writes about cameras, including action cams and drones. And while he doesn't consider himself a gamer, he spends entirely too much time playing them.
Photo quality is consistently good through ISO 200. At ISO 400--what Canon's Smart Auto mode usually selected for indoor shots--quality dips, making things softer/fuzzier.
2 of 6 Joshua Goldman/CNET
This photo was taken indoors in natural light at ISO 400, as selected by the camera's Auto ISO. Overall, the quality is good, but you can see in the 100 percent crop that edge softness and detail are an issue at this ISO. The results worsen as you go up to ISO 800 and 1600.
3 of 6 Joshua Goldman/CNET
Taken at ISO 80 in Macro mode. Very good detail and center sharpness as well as incredible color. Images get a bit softer as you go off to the sides, but that's not uncommon for cameras in its class.
4 of 6 Joshua Goldman/CNET
The 3x f2.8-4.9 35-105mm-equivalent lens shows some barrel distortion on the left side when set at its widest position.
5 of 6 Joshua Goldman/CNET
While there is some chromatic aberration (purple fringing) present, it's minimal--especially compared with other cameras at the SD1200's price point.
6 of 6 Joshua Goldman/CNET
Colors and exposure are generally excellent--bright and natural.
