Canon PowerShot SX720 HS Review: A Compact Superzoom at Heart

2023-01-10 | Yvonne

Tip: The Canon SX720 HS looks and feels like an ordinary compact camera, but inside its small frame is a massive 40x zoom lens with optical stabilization. You won’t get 4K video, but the price is reasonable for the small size.

Canon PowerShot SX720HS Review: Compact Superzoom for the HeartThe Canon SX720HS feels and looks like a compact camera. But, inside it is a huge 40x zoom lens that has optical stabilization. Although you won't be able to record 4K video at the same time, the cost is very reasonable considering the tiny size.

Canon PowerShot SX720 HS

We like this

Clean design
Optical image stabilization (IS)
Solid zoom range
Connectivity wireless

The Things We Hate

Video not available in 4K
Manual options are limited
No touchscreen display
Weather-sealed

Although the Canon PowerShot SX720HS may look like a compact camera with a zoom lens, it conceals an incredible 40x zoom lens that has optical image stabilization. This is a great complement to its 20-megapixel stills, and 1080p video capability.

The Canon PowerShot SX720HS HS was purchased by us so that our expert reviewer could fully test it and evaluate it. Continue reading to see our complete product review.

Good things can't be found in small packages, but who says that good things aren't possible? Canon's SX720HS is a small camera. However, the compact size of this lens allows for a 40x zoom that includes optical image stabilization. The 20-megapixel sensor, Full HD video capture, and compact size make this a very capable camera.

We tested the PowerShot SX720HS HS to see how it performs.

Design: Large and small in one

As far as point and shooters go, the Canon SX720HS is quite standard. The rectangular shape of the SX720 HS is rounded and has a handgrip and lens on the front. On the back, there's a screen measuring 3 inches and a variety of buttons that can be used to navigate and change the settings. On the top, you will find a grille that houses onboard microphones, speaker, power, shutter, and dedicated record buttons for video. You can access the SD card and battery compartments by flipping open the door at bottom.

The design of the camera is not remarkable, but Canon has managed to fit such an impressive lens into a small package. The SX720HS HS is twice as big, but has a smaller zoom range. The camera was compact enough that we could carry it around in our diaper bags, purses, and even pockets. We would have liked to see more of a handgrip. However, the rubberized coating helped to keep the camera in place and didn't slip around too much.

Because it was so small, we could easily fit it into a small bag, purse or even in our pocket.

The button array at the back was sufficient to allow us to access all the settings and functions without being overwhelming from a user perspective. Although we would have loved to see a 3-inch touchscreen on the back, this camera is not a high-end model.

There isn't much to be unhappy about. It has a simple design, with all the key components and features easily accessible.

Installation: A short and simple

Setting up the Canon PowerShot SX720 HS is as simple as taking it— and its components—out of the box, placing its rechargeable battery inside the camera, grabbing an SD card to put in the slot (located inside the battery compartment), and turning it on. When the camera starts up, it will ask you for the date and time so that it can mark the correct metadata. After that you can start shooting. The menu offers many customization and settings options, but it's easy to use the camera right out of the box. You can start shooting immediately.

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Quality Photo: Excellent performance for a reasonable price

Although the SX720HS's sensor isn’t huge, it performs very well for its small size. It measures 20.3 megapixels (5184x3888 pixels), 1/2.3 inches and has an ISO range of 80 to 3200. Shutter speeds can be set from 1/3200th to 15 seconds. The sensor works well when paired with the 40x zoom lens onboard (24-960mm equivalent full frame), and performs across the majority of the zoom range.

The camera was tested in many environments. We tried it with all zooms, and almost every ISO setting. The SX720HS performed flawlessly in well-lit conditions, regardless of the zoom. The photos were noticeably softened at longer focal lengths. This was especially noticeable around edges. However, this is not as bad or worse as similar-priced cameras.

Low-light conditions are where this camera really struggles. The flash is onboard, however it does not reach very far. It also doesn't provide the best light for your subject matter, so it's difficult to use.

The camera was able to perform well in all zoom levels, even when the sky was cloudy or at dusk. The longest focal lengths were a little less than expected due to an increased ISO. However, images are still possible in many cases.

Low-light conditions are where this camera really struggles. The flash is available on the camera, although it does not reach very far. It also doesn't provide the best lighting, no matter how long you are or what subject matter. You can use it for snapshots, in low light situations.

Overall, photo quality was excellent. Although images were slightly softened when zoomed in, and some situations require flash, we found the camera to be more than capable of capturing great photos.

Video Quality - Steady as She Goes

Canon is known for restricting video capability on smaller cameras. However, the SX720HS does not suffer from this problem. This camera records 1080p at 30 frames per second (fps), and features multiple image stabilization modes (IS) to preserve footage even while handheld.

You get a camera with a 20-megapixel sensor, Full HD video capture, and a very capable body that can fit into any pocket.

The camera captured excellent footage even in direct sunlight. It also recorded decent footage when it was overcast. The camera would increase the ISO to compensate for low light levels or when the sun was setting, resulting in a dramatic drop in quality. Noise reduction made the footage mushy and dark.

All of the Dynamic IS models performed very well, including the Powered IS and Active Tripod IS. The optical image stabilization performed exceptionally well when zoomed out and zoomed back. We also tested it with videos. The video was slightly jittery when it was being held handheld for longer focal lengths. However, if the image was displayed on large screens the shaking was barely noticeable.

Software: Form

The SX720HS can wirelessly transfer photos from an SD card to an Android and iOS phone with Canon's Camera Connect app installed. Although the interface could be improved, it is easy to transfer photos and videos once the app has been set up. The app will automatically geotag images taken with the SX720HS by using your smartphone's GPS signal.

price: Just where it needs to be

It retails at $300 for the Canon SX720HS, which is a fair price considering what it offers. While DSLRs continue to fall in cost, sometimes you need something more affordable. The SX720HS HS is still a strong contender in the point-and shoot market, despite its impressive capabilities.

Canon PowerShot SX720 HS vs. Nikon A900

The SX720 HS is almost identical to the Nikon A900, as it has been with many offerings by Canon and Nikon.

The A900 features a 20-megapixel 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor with an ISO range between 80 and 3200—identical specs to the SX720 HS. A similar focal length range is available in the A900 (24-840mm equivalent full frame), as well as optical image stabilization and wireless connectivity.

The A900 is the best in video, continuous shooting, and electronic viewfinder. A900 offers 4K video recording at 30fps and continuous shooting of 7fps (compared with 5.9fps for the SX720HS), as well as a tilting screen measuring 3 inches, giving you a bit more freedom than the fixed Canon screen.

Although the A900 is slightly more expensive than the SX720HS at $367 it does offer 4K video and more flexibility, as well as faster continuous shooting. If 4K video is not a necessity and you do not think that you will need an articulating screen it may be worthwhile to buy the SX720HS.

Final Verdict

Simple but powerful.

Anyone who thinks good things can't come in small packages has clearly never taken the SX720 HS for a spin. Although it won't blow your mind, the SX720 HS is compact enough to be a great choice for those who want to explore all of its capabilities. The SX720HS is a great compact camera, despite the fact that sales of these cameras are declining rapidly. It has a wide zoom range, 1080p video and 20.3-megapixel stills.

Specifications

PowerShot SX720 HS Product Name
Brand Name Canon
UPC 017817770613
Prices from $299.99
Weight 9.52 oz.
Product dimensions 4.33x2.52x1.42in
Color Black, silver, midnight blue, triple midnight, customized
Image Sensor 20.3-megapixel 1/2.3" backside illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor
Bluetooth 4.1/WiFi 802.11 Connection b/g/n
Battery life 20 hours
Storage type SD/SDHC/SDXC Cards
ISO Auto 100-3,200
Max Resolution 5184 x 3888
Outputs/Inputs: 3.5mm Aux Jack, Micro USB Port
1-year warranty
Compatibility with Android, iOS and Windows.

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