Canon

Canon SX200IS Black 12MP 12x Optical Zoom Digital Camera

4.4 (181 reviews)

The Canon PowerShot SX200IS packs a 12x optical zoom and optical image stabilization into a compact body built for everyday shooting.

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Overview

The Canon PowerShot SX200IS is a compact digital camera designed for photographers who want serious zoom range without carrying a bulky body. Its 12x optical zoom lens covers a wide focal range, letting you shift from wide-angle group shots to tightly framed distant subjects without changing lenses or sacrificing image quality to digital zoom. Canon's Optical Image Stabilizer works in tandem with the zoom, compensating for hand movement that becomes increasingly noticeable at longer focal lengths — a meaningful advantage for handheld shooting in varied conditions.

The 12.1-megapixel sensor produces detailed images in well-lit environments, and the Smart AUTO mode analyzes scenes to automatically select appropriate exposure, white balance, and focus settings, making the camera approachable for beginners. The 3.0-inch LCD provides a generous framing area, and HD video recording at 720p adds basic video capability. Memory card support covers SD, SDHC, and several MMC formats. While it lacks RAW capture and the sensor size limits high-ISO performance, the SX200IS delivers a well-rounded package for everyday and travel photography where portability and zoom versatility matter most.

Specifications

Brand
Canon
Model
SX200IS
Resolution
12.1 Megapixels
Optical Zoom
12x
Image Stabilization
Optical Image Stabilizer
LCD Screen
3.0 inches
Video Recording
HD (1280 x 720)
Memory Card Compatibility
SD/SDHC, MMC/MMC Plus/HC MMC Plus
Color
Black

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • 12x optical zoom provides a versatile focal range in a pocketable body
  • Optical Image Stabilizer reduces blur from hand shake at long zoom lengths
  • Smart AUTO mode automatically selects optimal settings for point-and-shoot simplicity
  • 3.0-inch LCD screen offers a clear, spacious view for composing and reviewing

👎 Cons

  • 12.1 megapixel sensor and small sensor size limit low-light image quality
  • Fixed LCD screen does not tilt or swivel for awkward-angle shooting
  • No RAW file support restricts post-processing flexibility
  • HD video tops out at 720p, which falls short of modern 1080p and 4K standards

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. It features Canon's Optical Image Stabilizer, which physically shifts a lens element to counteract hand shake — more effective than digital stabilization, especially in low light or at full zoom.
It captures HD video at 1280 x 720 resolution, which was a strong feature for compact cameras of its generation.
The SX200IS accepts SD, SDHC, MMC, MMC Plus, and HC MMC Plus cards. It does not support SDXC cards.
No. The SX200IS captures images in JPEG format only. It does not offer RAW file output.
It has a 3.0-inch LCD display for framing shots and reviewing images. The screen is fixed and does not tilt or articulate.