The Canon Powershot SD1200 continues the ELPH tradition of a small, moderately priced, easy-to-use, durable, point-n-shoot camera that produces excellent images. It appears to be a replacement as well as an incremental upgrade to the popular SD770, which debuted in March 2008, with apparently the same 10 megapixel sensor, same 6.2-18.6mm f/2.8-4.9 (35-105mm equiv.) 3X zoom lens, optical viewfinder and feature set.

Major improvements include the new DIGIC 4 image processor, Smart AUTO that intelligently determines the proper camera settings based on eighteen predefined shooting situations, and LiveView. As with all upgrades, some of the less useful or used features have been eliminated. The time lapse and compact video modes of the 770 are gone leaving only the 640x480 and 320x240 formats, both at 30 fps, and from the still Shooting Modes: Color Accent, Color Swap, Camera M, and Stitch Assist modes are gone as well.

The SD1200’s image quality seems to be improved over its predecessor’s (due to the new DIGIC 4 processor, I’m sure) with less noise, improved sharpness and better color contributing to better prints right out of the camera, which the camera seems designed by default for. But like all small sensor ultra compacts, even the SD1200, image noise will always be a problem. It’s the nature of the beast. So, for best results, shoot at the lowest ISO possible, 80 or 100 preferably, and use 1600 or 3200 only for emergencies, but otherwise avoid them.

Overall, the SD1200 has more good than bad. The major caveats being the small LCD and, believe it or not, the small size, which can be a problem: too easy to get a finger (or two) in front of the lens or flash. But the small size (and light weight) is an advantage as well, making it easy to slip into a pocket or bag for carrying all the time. So, if you want a no muss, no fuss camera for your snapshots, then the Powershot SD1200 Digital ELPH is highly recommended.