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Last Updated on January 13, 2026 by Erin Donahue
While I’ve been shooting on Sony cameras for about a decade, my journey in photography began with a basic Canon Powershot SD 1200IS, now considered a vintage camera. To this day, I still have no idea what all those abbreviations stand for.
Reflecting on My Photographic Journey
Since leaving my corporate job to pursue a creative field, I’ve often questioned, “What is my style?” and “What do I want to say with my photography?” While I recognize photography as an art form, I still struggle to see myself as an artist. Perhaps that’s where the problem lies – in my mindset.
The Evolution of My Camera Gear
Before mirrorless cameras became a way to democratize the photography industry, cameras, in general, were so expensive! They still are, but back then, it was virtually impossible to get an interchangeable lens unless you were rich or saved up for years. I actually never owned a DSLR! I went straight from point-and-shoot to mirrorless. However, my introduction to photography was the old-school way, with an SLR camera.
My Vintage Canon Camera Arsenal
Canon FD Lenses
I inherited the Canon AE-1, a typical vintage SLR camera, and while I haven’t had a chance to use it, when I was in high school, I initially used a Nikon SLR. I even got to develop film in the darkroom, and that smell lingers in my memory. While I need to get the camera body checked before using it, I’ve found a way to blend the old with the new using a Fotodiox Pro lens adapter. I can mount the vintage lenses on my mirrorless camera. My favorite is the 50mm f/1.8, aka the “nifty fifty.” It’s surprisingly sharp, though it shows its “vintage-ness” when wide open at f/1.8 – an effect I often lean into. I also have a 135mm prime with a converter for extra zoom, though its use cases are limited.
Personally, I prefer that. By having the SLR lens on my camera with an adapter, I can use it normally.
Canon Powershot SD 1200IS
Point and shoots have been making a comeback lately, and I’m so glad I didn’t get rid of mine. At the time, the specs on the Powershot were advanced. It’s wild to think that this is now considered a Canon vintage camera. There was autofocus, a bunch of shooting modes, which a lot of digital cameras had back then, and the largest photo pixels were almost 4K (3648 x 2736 pixels).
Where it falls short is the video recording. The max resolution is 640×480 pixels. This point-and-shoot has been retired but can be found on secondhand websites.
Moving Forward
I’ve decided to give myself time to slow down and focus on “making art,” whatever that means. This Canon vintage camera project is a passion pursuit, an opportunity to create with these classic tools and a fresh perspective. Let’s see what I can produce!
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