The Canon Powershot SX720 HS digital camera is a compact superzoom option that once turned heads with its impressive 40x optical zoom. In this in-depth review, we’ll dissect its features, performance, and whether it remains a viable choice in today’s competitive market, especially for those interested in travel photography and videography. Is the Canon Powershot SX720 HS still worth considering, or has technology moved too far ahead? Let’s find out.
Design and Ergonomics: Compact and Travel-Friendly
The first thing you’ll notice about the Canon Powershot SX720 HS is its portability. This camera is incredibly compact and lightweight, making it an ideal companion for travelers. It slips easily into a pocket or small bag, meaning you can take it anywhere without feeling weighed down. The camera’s controls are straightforward, with a dedicated mode dial, zoom rocker, and a customizable function button. While the grip isn’t the most robust, it’s comfortable enough for everyday use.
What About Build Quality?
The Canon Powershot SX720 HS is primarily constructed from plastic, which keeps the weight down, but it might not feel as premium as some higher-end models. However, the build feels reasonably solid for its class, and it can withstand normal wear and tear with care. The buttons provide good tactile feedback, which is an important consideration when you’re quickly adjusting settings.
Image Quality: Good Enough for Everyday Shoots
At the heart of the Powershot SX720 HS is a 20.3-megapixel CMOS sensor paired with Canon’s DIGIC 6 image processor. The combination produces decent images with good detail in daylight conditions. Colors are vibrant and accurate, which is ideal for landscape and travel photography. The dynamic range is adequate for most situations.
How Does it Handle Low Light?
Low-light performance is where the SX720 HS begins to show its limitations. While the camera can capture usable images at higher ISO settings, noise becomes noticeable, and image detail begins to suffer. For optimal low-light shots, it’s best to use a tripod or steady surface, and keep the ISO as low as possible. You can also try using the dedicated night mode for better results.
Zoom Performance: The 40x Optical Zoom in Action
One of the standout features of the SX720 HS is its impressive 40x optical zoom, which provides an equivalent focal length of 24-960mm. This range is exceptional for capturing both wide-angle landscapes and far-off subjects. The zoom mechanism is smooth, allowing for steady framing, and Canon’s image stabilization technology does a decent job of minimizing blur at telephoto lengths. However, keep in mind that image quality can degrade slightly when zoomed all the way in.
Video Capabilities: Decent Full HD Recording
The Canon Powershot SX720 HS can record videos in Full HD (1920×1080) at 60 frames per second. The video quality is reasonable, suitable for casual recordings. The footage can look slightly soft, and you might encounter a bit of rolling shutter effect during quick movements. The built-in stereo microphone does an acceptable job at picking up audio, but it could benefit from an external microphone input for higher-quality sound.
Is the Video Good for Vlogging?
While the SX720 HS can be used for vlogging in a pinch, it isn’t really geared for this purpose. The lack of a flip screen and external microphone input limits its versatility for content creation. If vlogging is your primary goal, there are more suitable options available.
Key Features and Functionality
The Canon Powershot SX720 HS is packed with a variety of features to enhance your shooting experience. Let’s take a deeper dive into some of these:
Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC
The inclusion of Wi-Fi and NFC makes it easy to transfer photos and videos to your smartphone or tablet. You can also remotely control the camera using Canon’s Camera Connect app. This is a convenient feature for sharing content on social media or taking group shots.
Creative Shot Mode
The Creative Shot mode automatically applies a series of creative effects to your photos. This can add an artistic touch to your images and save you time in post-processing. It’s a fun feature to play around with and can yield some interesting results.
Intelligent Image Stabilization
Canon’s Intelligent IS system helps to reduce camera shake and blur, which is particularly useful when shooting at telephoto lengths or in low-light conditions. It automatically adjusts the stabilization based on the shooting conditions.
Continuous Shooting and Auto Focus
The camera offers a continuous shooting speed of up to 5.9 frames per second, which is acceptable for capturing action shots. The autofocus system is generally fast and accurate, but it can sometimes struggle with tracking moving subjects.
Pros and Cons: Weighing the Options
Let’s break down the advantages and disadvantages of the Canon Powershot SX720 HS:
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight design
- Impressive 40x optical zoom
- Decent image quality in daylight
- Full HD video recording
- Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC
- Affordable Price
Cons:
- Plastic build quality
- Limited low-light performance
- No external microphone input
- No flip screen for vlogging
- Video can be slightly soft
Comparison with Other Compact Cameras
To help you better understand where the Canon Powershot SX720 HS sits in the market, let’s compare it with similar cameras in its class.
| Feature | Canon SX720 HS | Sony DSC-HX90V | Panasonic Lumix ZS70 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensor | 20.3MP CMOS | 18.2MP CMOS | 20.3MP CMOS |
| Optical Zoom | 40x | 30x | 30x |
| Video Resolution | 1080p 60fps | 1080p 60fps | 4K 30fps |
| Viewfinder | No | Yes | Yes |
| Flip Screen | No | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Touchscreen | No | No | Yes |
| Price | Affordable | Moderate | Moderate to High |
As you can see, the Canon SX720 HS has a significant advantage in zoom capability compared to the Sony and Panasonic, but lacks other premium features, such as a viewfinder or flip screen. If 4K video or premium features are your priority, then the Sony or Panasonic options are worth considering. However, the Canon is a more cost-effective option for those who prioritize zoom range and portability.
According to Johnathan Davies, a professional travel photographer, “The 40x optical zoom on the Canon SX720 HS is fantastic for capturing distant landscapes and wildlife, but you might want to explore other options if you need a high-end video or exceptional low-light performance.”
Who is the Canon Powershot SX720 HS For?
The Canon Powershot SX720 HS is best suited for:
- Travelers who need a compact and lightweight camera with a long zoom.
- Casual photographers looking for a simple and easy-to-use camera for everyday shooting.
- Users who want a dedicated camera that can outperform a smartphone’s zoom capabilities.
- Beginners looking for a reliable camera with a broad zoom range at an affordable price.
- Those who prioritize a powerful zoom range over other advanced features.
Conclusion: Still a Decent Choice?
The powershot sx720 hs digital camera is still a solid option for those seeking a pocketable superzoom camera. Its powerful 40x optical zoom, coupled with its compact design, makes it a suitable companion for travel and casual photography. While it does have limitations, particularly in low-light performance and video quality, it’s still an attractive camera for its price. If you are looking for an easy-to-use camera with a significant zoom range, the Canon Powershot SX720 HS might be a good fit. However, if you are a videographer, vlogger or expect high-end low light performance, there are better options out there. Consider your needs and budget before making your decision.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
-
Is the Canon Powershot SX720 HS good for beginners?
Yes, it is an easy-to-use camera that offers a variety of automatic modes and creative features, making it ideal for beginners who want a simple yet capable camera for everyday shooting, especially if they want a substantial zoom range. -
Can the Canon Powershot SX720 HS shoot 4K video?
No, the Canon Powershot SX720 HS is limited to Full HD (1080p) video recording at up to 60 frames per second. If you need 4K capability, consider other models with higher-end specifications. -
Does this camera have a flip screen?
No, the SX720 HS does not have a flip or tilting screen, which might be a drawback for vlogging or self-portraits, and also does not have a view finder. -
How is the battery life on the SX720 HS?
The battery life is generally good, rated for around 250 shots per charge. However, heavy usage, such as video recording or using the zoom frequently, might drain the battery more quickly. Carrying a spare battery would be wise for extensive outings. -
Does it have image stabilization?
Yes, the Canon Powershot SX720 HS features Intelligent IS (Image Stabilization), which effectively reduces camera shake and blur when shooting both stills and videos. This is particularly useful when using the telephoto end of the zoom. -
What are the main limitations of this camera?
The primary limitations include its plastic build, average low-light performance, lack of 4K video recording, and the absence of a flip screen or an external mic input. These factors limit it when compared to other similar or higher-end options. -
Can I use the camera remotely using my phone?
Yes, the camera has built-in Wi-Fi and NFC that allows you to transfer images to your smartphone, as well as remotely control the camera using Canon’s Camera Connect app.
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