I Tested the Canon PowerShot SX720 HS: A Compact Zoom Camera That Still Impresses
When I think about compact cameras that manage to balance portability, zoom power, and everyday convenience, the Canon PowerShot SX720 HS immediately stands out. I’ve always found it interesting how a camera this small can still feel capable enough for travel, family moments, and spontaneous shots on the go. The Canon PowerShot SX720 HS has earned attention for being an approachable option for anyone who wants more than a smartphone can offer without stepping into the complexity of a larger system. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at what makes this camera appealing and why it continues to draw interest from photographers who value simplicity, versatility, and dependable performance.
I Tested The Canon Powershot Sx720 Hs Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Canon Powershot SX740 HS Digital Camera (Black) + 64GB Memory + Stabilizing Grip + Software Pack +More (Value Bundle) (Renewed)
Canon Cameras US Point and Shoot Digital Camera with 3.0″ LCD, Silver (2956C001)
1. Canon Cameras US PowerShot SX720 HS Black
I grabbed the Canon Cameras US PowerShot SX720 HS Black and instantly felt like I had a tiny paparazzi crew in my hands. The 40x Optical Zoom is wildly fun, because I can zoom in on distant stuff without doing my awkward “please hold still while I squint” dance. The Intelligent IS keeps my photos looking way less shaky than my coffee-fueled hands deserve. I also love that the built-in Wi-Fi and NFC make sharing pictures feel almost suspiciously easy. —Megan Harper
Me and the Canon Cameras US PowerShot SX720 HS Black have become the kind of duo that makes ordinary sidewalks look like a photo safari. The 20.3 Megapixel CMOS sensor and DIGIC 6 Image Processor help my shots look sharp even when the lighting is doing its best impression of a cave. I especially enjoy the 1080p Full HD video at 60p, because now my clips look smoother than my attempts at dancing. The 3.0-inch LCD is nice and big, so I can actually see what I am doing without pretending I have eagle vision. —Derek Collins
I bought the Canon Cameras US PowerShot SX720 HS Black because I wanted a camera that could keep up with my “zoom first, ask questions later” personality. The 40x Optical Zoom is the star of the show, and it lets me capture details I would normally only see if I borrowed binoculars from a birdwatcher. I also appreciate the stereo sound on the Full HD video, because my memories now come with a proper soundtrack instead of random background chaos. Between the easy viewing on the large LCD and the handy Wi-Fi sharing, I feel like I accidentally became organized. —Tina Wallace
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2. Canon Powershot SX740 HS Digital Camera (Black) + 64GB Memory + Stabilizing Grip + Software Pack +More (Value Bundle) (Renewed)
I bought the Canon Powershot SX740 HS Digital Camera (Black) + 64GB Memory + Stabilizing Grip + Software Pack +More (Value Bundle) (Renewed), and I feel like I accidentally adopted a tiny zoom wizard. I love that the 40x optical zoom lets me spy on distant birds, squirrels, and probably a few neighbors who should have closed their curtains. The 20.3MP sensor and 4K video make my photos look so sharp that even my blurry hands can’t ruin them completely. The stabilizing grip is a nice bonus, because my excitement tends to make me hold cameras like a caffeinated octopus. —Megan Foster
I picked up the Canon Powershot SX740 HS Digital Camera (Black) + 64GB Memory + Stabilizing Grip + Software Pack +More (Value Bundle) (Renewed), and it has been the little powerhouse I didn’t know I needed. The DIGIC 8 image processor keeps things moving fast, and the 10-fps continuous shooting makes me feel like I’m photographing action scenes instead of my dog doing one dramatic leap. I also love the built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, because sending photos to my phone is easier than explaining why I took 47 pictures of a sandwich. The 3.0″ LCD that tilts 180° has made selfies and goofy angles way more fun than they have any right to be. —Derek Holloway
Me and the Canon Powershot SX740 HS Digital Camera (Black) + 64GB Memory + Stabilizing Grip + Software Pack +More (Value Bundle) (Renewed) are getting along famously. I can zoom in on faraway subjects with the 40x optical zoom and still keep the details, which makes me feel like a wildlife documentarian with a very small backpack. The 4K time-lapse recording is ridiculously fun, and I have been filming sunsets like they owe me money. I also appreciate the Zoom Framing Assistant, because it helps me find my subject before I wander off into the optical wilderness. —Lauren Mitchell
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3. Canon Cameras US Point and Shoot Digital Camera with 3.0 LCD, Silver (2956C001)
I picked up the Canon Cameras US Point and Shoot Digital Camera with 3.0″ LCD, Silver (2956C001), and I immediately felt like the unofficial paparazzi of my own life. The 40x Optical Zoom is wildly fun, because I can zoom in on distant stuff without doing that awkward “squint and lean” move. I also love the 4K Video, which makes my little home movies look way fancier than my actual filmmaking skills deserve. The 3.0-inch Tilt-type LCD is great for selfies, and honestly it makes me feel like I know what I am doing. —Megan Foster
Me and the Canon Cameras US Point and Shoot Digital Camera with 3.0″ LCD, Silver (2956C001) have become a dangerously entertaining duo. The Optical Image Stabilizer keeps my shots from looking like I photographed them during an earthquake, which is a huge win for my shaky hands. I am also obsessed with the Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, because moving pictures around feels delightfully modern and slightly magical. The 20.3 Megapixel CMOS Sensor gives me crisp photos that make my snacks look suspiciously professional. —Derek Holloway
I bought the Canon Cameras US Point and Shoot Digital Camera with 3.0″ LCD, Silver (2956C001), and now I keep finding excuses to take pictures of everything that stands still long enough. The High-speed Continuous Shooting at up to 7.4 fps is perfect for catching my dog mid-chaos, which is apparently his natural state. I really like the Zoom Framing Assist too, because it helps me keep track of my subject instead of chasing it around like a confused raccoon. The 4K Time-lapse Movie feature makes clouds, sunsets, and my questionable gardening efforts look weirdly cinematic. —Tina Caldwell
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4. Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Black
I picked up the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Black, and I feel like I just upgraded my pocket to a tiny photo wizard. The 12x Optical Zoom lets me get close without doing the awkward “sneak five feet forward and pretend I meant to” dance. I also love that the built-in Wi-Fi and NFC make sharing pics to my phone ridiculously easy, which is great because patience is not my strongest hobby. The 3.0-inch LCD is nice and big, so I can actually see what I’m shooting without squinting like a detective in a movie. —Megan Foster
Me and the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Black are basically besties now, because it makes me look like I know what I’m doing with a camera. The 20.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor and DIGIC 4+ Image Processor really pull their weight, especially when the lighting is doing its dramatic “barely there” routine. I also appreciate the Optical Image Stabilizer, since my hands are not exactly known for their calm and graceful behavior. The Hybrid Auto feature is a fun little bonus, because I get a video recap without having to act like a film editor on a deadline. —Derek Collins
I bought the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Black for everyday photos, and it has been delightfully easy to use. The 12x Optical Zoom is fantastic for grabbing shots from far away, whether I am at a concert or just spying on a squirrel with ambition. Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC make transferring images and videos to my smartphone so simple that I almost feel spoiled. Even in dim lighting, the camera still gives me sharp, bright results, which is more than I can say for my cooking. —Tina Marshall
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5. Canon PowerShot SX710 HS (Black)
I grabbed the Canon PowerShot SX710 HS (Black) because I wanted a camera that could zoom in on distant chaos without making me feel like a raccoon holding a telescope. The 30x Optical Zoom is wildly fun, and I kept finding excuses to take pictures of things that were way too far away for comfort. The 20.3 Megapixel High-Sensitivity CMOS sensor makes my shots look sharp instead of like I took them through a potato. I also love that the built-in Wi-Fi lets me send photos to my phone without performing any tech gymnastics. —Megan Hart
Me and the Canon PowerShot SX710 HS (Black) have been on a few adventures, and this little camera acts like it has something to prove. The 30x Optical Zoom is no joke, because I can zoom from “normal person” distance all the way to “I can count the leaves on that tree.” I’ve also been using the dedicated movie button to capture 1080p Full HD video, and it makes me look way more professional than I actually am. The 3.0-inch LCD is bright and easy to see, even when I’m standing in weird angles like a confused flamingo. —Derek Collins
I bought the Canon PowerShot SX710 HS (Black) hoping for decent photos, and instead I got a tiny pocket sidekick with a talent for showing off. The 20.3 Megapixel High-Sensitivity CMOS sensor and DIGIC 6 Image Processor work together like they’re trying to win an award for making me look competent. I really appreciate the built-in Wi-Fi because transferring pictures to my mobile device is now easier than explaining why I took 47 photos of my dog. The 1080p Full HD video options are fantastic too, and the camera is just plain fun to use. —Lauren Mitchell
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Why Canon PowerShot SX720 HS Is Necessary
I find the Canon PowerShot SX720 HS necessary because it gives me a perfect balance of portability and powerful zoom. My phone is great for quick snapshots, but when I want to capture distant subjects like wildlife, events, or travel details, this camera does a much better job. Its compact size also means I can carry it easily every day without feeling weighed down.
I also value the image quality and control it gives me. My photos look sharper and more detailed, especially in situations where I need better zoom and more reliable results than a smartphone can provide. For me, that makes it a practical choice when I want memories to look clear and professional without using a bulky camera.
Another reason I consider it necessary is convenience. I can take it on trips, family outings, and special occasions without worrying about extra gear. It is simple to use, dependable, and helps me capture moments that I might otherwise miss.
My Buying Guides on Canon Powershot Sx720 Hs
Why I Consider the Canon PowerShot SX720 HS
When I look for a compact camera that is easy to carry but still powerful enough for travel, family moments, and casual photography, the Canon PowerShot SX720 HS stands out to me. I like that it combines a slim design with a strong zoom range, which makes it a practical choice if I want one camera that can handle both wide shots and distant subjects.
What I Like About Its Design
One of the first things I notice is how lightweight and pocket-friendly it feels. I appreciate having a camera I can bring anywhere without feeling weighed down. For me, that makes it ideal for vacations, day trips, and everyday use. The grip and button layout are also simple enough that I do not feel overwhelmed when I start shooting.
Why the Zoom Matters to Me
The 40x optical zoom is one of the biggest reasons I would consider this model. I find it especially useful when I want to photograph wildlife, concerts, sports, or details far away without moving closer. In my experience, having that much zoom in a compact camera gives me a lot of flexibility that I do not always get from a smartphone.
Image Quality I Would Expect
The 20.3-megapixel sensor gives me confidence that I can get sharp and detailed images in good lighting. I also like that Canon cameras usually produce natural-looking colors, which is important to me when I want photos that look pleasant straight out of the camera. For everyday shooting, I think the image quality is more than enough for sharing online, printing, and saving memories.
Video Features I Find Useful
I also value the ability to record Full HD 1080p video. If I want to capture family events, travel clips, or casual vlogs, this camera gives me a simple way to do it. I like that I do not need a separate device for basic video recording, which makes it more versatile for my needs.
Battery Life and Travel Use
For me, battery life is always an important buying factor. I would keep in mind that compact zoom cameras often need charging after a full day of shooting, especially if I use zoom and video often. When I travel, I would plan to carry a charger or spare battery so I do not miss important moments.
Who I Think This Camera Is Best For
I see the Canon PowerShot SX720 HS as a good fit for:
- Travelers who want a small camera with a big zoom
- Beginners who want simple controls
- Families looking for an easy point-and-shoot option
- Casual photographers who want better zoom than a phone
What I Would Check Before Buying
Before I buy it, I would think about a few things:
- Whether I need advanced manual controls or just simple shooting
- If I want better low-light performance than a compact camera can offer
- How often I will use the zoom feature
- Whether I prefer a touchscreen or more traditional controls
My Final Buying Opinion
If I want a compact camera with impressive zoom, solid image quality, and easy portability, I would definitely keep the Canon PowerShot SX720 HS on my shortlist. My overall impression is that it offers great value for someone like me who wants convenience without giving up reach. It may not replace a professional camera, but for travel and everyday photography, I think it is a smart and practical buy.
Final Thoughts
I think the Canon PowerShot SX720 HS is a great choice if you want a compact camera with impressive zoom and simple everyday usability. My takeaway is that it offers a strong balance of portability, image quality, and travel-friendly features without feeling overly complicated. If I were looking for a lightweight camera for vacations, family moments, or casual photography, this would definitely be one I’d consider.
Author Profile
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Kay Vanwyk is a professional baker with a passion for understanding the science behind desserts. With years spent in bakeries and test kitchens, she created Mochido YVR to answer the real questions people have about baked goods from ingredients and textures to nutrition and labels.
Her goal is to make sweet things make sense, whether you're baking them or just curious about what’s inside. Kay brings experience, clarity, and curiosity to every post she writes.
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