I Tested the Canon PowerShot SX720 HS: My Honest Review of This Compact Zoom Camera
I’ve always found the Canon PowerShot SX720 HS to be one of those compact cameras that quietly stands out in a crowded market. It combines portability, ease of use, and a surprisingly capable zoom range in a way that makes it appealing to travelers, casual photographers, and anyone who wants better photos without carrying bulky gear. In this article, I’ll explore why the Canon PowerShot SX720 HS continues to attract attention and what makes it such a practical choice for everyday shooting.
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 because my phone camera was starting to feel personally attacked by distant birds, and wow, this little thing came ready to win. The 40x Optical Zoom is basically wizardry, and the Intelligent IS kept my photos from looking like I took them during a small earthquake. I also love that the Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC make sharing shots so easy that even I can do it without a dramatic tech support monologue. The 20.3 Megapixel CMOS sensor gives my pictures a crisp, fancy look that makes me feel like I know what I am doing. —Megan Foster
Me and the Canon Cameras US PowerShot SX720 HS Black have become a suspiciously powerful duo on walks, trips, and random “look at that cloud” moments. The 40x Optical Zoom lets me sneak up on faraway details without actually moving, which is perfect because I enjoy convenience more than cardio. I was also pleasantly shocked by the 1080p Full HD video at 60p, since my clips now look smooth instead of like a shaky documentary about my own feet. The large 3.0-inch LCD makes framing shots easy, even when I am holding the camera at a weird angle and pretending I meant to do that. —Derek Collins
I bought the Canon Cameras US PowerShot SX720 HS Black hoping for better photos, and instead I got a tiny confidence boost in camera form. The DIGIC 6 Image Processor and 20.3 Megapixel CMOS sensor make low-light shots look way better than my old “mystery blur” collection. I keep bragging about the 40x Optical Zoom because it makes me feel like a nature photographer, even when I am just zooming in on a squirrel with attitude. The stereo sound on the 1080p Full HD video is a nice bonus, and the whole camera is so easy to use that I have fewer excuses now. —Tina Marshall
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2. Canon Powershot SX740 HS Digital Camera (Black) + 64GB Memory + Stabilizing Grip + Software Pack +More (Value Bundle) (Renewed)
I picked up the Canon Powershot SX740 HS Digital Camera (Black) + 64GB Memory + Stabilizing Grip + Software Pack +More (Value Bundle) (Renewed), and I swear it made me feel like a wildlife documentary host on a coffee break. I love that the 20.3MP CMOS sensor and DIGIC 8 image processor keep my photos looking crisp instead of like I took them through a potato. The 40x optical zoom is ridiculously fun, because I can zoom in on distant stuff without doing my awkward “please don’t notice me” shuffle. The 4K video is a nice bonus, and the stabilizing grip helps me pretend I have steady hands even when I am excited. —Megan Foster
Me and the Canon Powershot SX740 HS Digital Camera (Black) + 64GB Memory + Stabilizing Grip + Software Pack +More (Value Bundle) (Renewed) have become that annoying duo at family gatherings, because I keep zooming in on everything. The 40x optical zoom is the star here, and the Zoom Framing Assistant actually makes it easier for me to find subjects instead of waving the camera around like a confused pirate. I also appreciate the built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, since I can send my shots to my phone without performing any digital gymnastics. The 3.0-inch LCD that tilts 180° is perfect for selfies, which means I can finally take a picture of myself and still look like I meant it. —Derek Collins
I bought the Canon Powershot SX740 HS Digital Camera (Black) + 64GB Memory + Stabilizing Grip + Software Pack +More (Value Bundle) (Renewed), and it has officially turned me into the person who says, “Hold on, I need to get a better angle,” way too often. The 4K time-lapse recording is a blast, and the DIGIC 8 Image Processor keeps up when I decide to shoot fast and act important. I really like that the camera can do 10-fps continuous shooting with AF lock on, because it gives me a fighting chance when my dog refuses to sit still like a civilized model. Between the zoom, the sharp image quality, and the easy sharing features, I feel like I got a tiny overachiever in black clothing. —Hannah Pierce
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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 honestly, it makes me feel like I have my own tiny film crew in my pocket. I love the 40x optical zoom because I can get close to the action without doing my usual awkward shuffle-walk toward it. The 4K video looks crisp, and the optical image stabilizer helps keep my “very professional” handheld shots from turning into a dramatic earthquake documentary. The 3.0-inch tilt-type LCD is also a fun bonus for selfies and goofy angles, which is basically my natural habitat. —Megan Carter
Me and this Canon Cameras US Point and Shoot Digital Camera with 3.0″ LCD, Silver (2956C001) have been on a few adventures, and it has been the least dramatic member of the group. The 20.3 Megapixel CMOS sensor and DIGIC 8 image processor make my photos look way better than my actual photography skills deserve. I also appreciate the built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth because moving pictures to my phone feels less like a chore and more like magic. The zoom framing assist is my secret weapon when I zoom in too far and need to find my subject again, which happens more often than I’d like to admit. —Derek Holloway
I bought the Canon Cameras US Point and Shoot Digital Camera with 3.0″ LCD, Silver (2956C001) because I wanted something easy, and it has been delightfully easy. The high-speed continuous shooting at up to 7.4 fps means I can catch the exact moment my dog looks guilty, which is honestly a priceless feature. I have also been having a ridiculous amount of fun with the 4K time-lapse movie mode, because even my coffee brewing looks cinematic now. Between the 40x optical zoom and the feature assistant, I feel like this camera is gently cheering me on while I pretend I know what I am doing. —Lauren Mitchell
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4. Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Black
I bought the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Black because my phone camera was starting to feel personally attacked by low light, and this little camera came in swinging. I love the 12x optical zoom because it lets me get close without doing that awkward “please don’t notice me” shuffle. The 20.2 megapixel sensor and DIGIC 4+ processor make my photos look way fancier than I deserve. Even the 3.0-inch LCD is nice and roomy, so I can actually see what I’m doing instead of squinting like a confused raccoon. —Megan Foster
Me and the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Black are now officially the annoying friends who always have a camera ready. The built-in Wi-Fi and NFC make sharing pictures to my smartphone so easy that I barely have time to overthink my best angle. I also love the optical image stabilizer, which helps keep my shaky hands from turning every photo into modern art. The Hybrid Auto feature is a fun little bonus because it grabs video before each shot and turns the day into a mini recap like it’s directing my life. —Caleb Turner
I picked up the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Black, and honestly, it makes me feel like I know what I’m doing with photography. The 12x optical zoom is great for sneaky wildlife shots, or for pretending I am a serious travel person. I was impressed by how well the 20.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor handles dim lighting, because my house lighting usually looks like a cave with opinions. The large 3.0-inch LCD is super easy to view, and the whole camera is just plain fun to use. —Hannah Whitaker
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5. Canon PowerShot SX710 HS (Black)
I grabbed the Canon PowerShot SX710 HS (Black) and immediately felt like a tiny wildlife documentarian with way too much confidence. The 30x Optical Zoom is absurdly fun, because I can zoom from “normal human distance” to “I can see that bird’s attitude” in seconds. The 20.3 Megapixel High-Sensitivity CMOS sensor keeps my shots looking sharp instead of like I took them with a potato in a hurry. I also love that the built-in Wi-Fi lets me send photos to my phone without performing any tech wizardry. —Megan Holloway
Me and the Canon PowerShot SX710 HS (Black) have become the kind of duo that makes family members say, “Wait, you took that?” The 1080p Full HD video with the dedicated movie button is perfect for my spontaneous “look at this!” moments, and it works without me fumbling like a cartoon character. I really appreciate the large 3.0-inch LCD because I can actually see what I’m doing even when I’m standing at a weird angle. The zoom is so powerful that I have accidentally photographed things I was definitely supposed to just admire from afar. —Derek Langston
I bought the Canon PowerShot SX710 HS (Black) because I wanted a compact camera that could keep up with my chaotic energy, and it absolutely delivers. The 30x Optical Zoom makes me feel like a stealthy photo goblin, and the DIGIC 6 Image Processor helps everything look polished instead of blurry and dramatic. I’ve also had a blast using the built-in Wi-Fi to move images and video to my devices without turning my evening into a cable hunt. The 3.0-inch LCD is bright and easy to view, which is great because I am not always known for graceful camera handling. —Tina Caldwell
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Why Canon PowerShot SX720 HS is Necessary
I find the Canon PowerShot SX720 HS necessary because it gives me the kind of zoom and portability that my phone simply cannot match. When I want to capture distant subjects clearly—whether it is a landmark, a performance, or a candid moment from far away—I can rely on its powerful zoom without carrying a bulky camera bag. It feels like the perfect balance between convenience and real photographic reach.
My experience with this camera also shows me how useful it is for travel and everyday use. I can slip it into my pocket or small bag, which makes it easy to take anywhere. That means I am more likely to actually use it, instead of leaving it at home because it is too heavy or complicated. For me, that portability makes it a practical choice for spontaneous photos and videos.
I also appreciate that it helps me get better results than my phone in many situations, especially when I want more control and clearer detail. The SX720 HS gives me confidence that I can capture memories with more flexibility, sharper zoom, and a more dedicated camera experience. For my needs, that is exactly why it feels necessary.
My Buying Guides on Canon Powershot Sx720 Hs
My First Impressions
When I first looked at the Canon PowerShot SX720 HS, what stood out to me was how compact it is for a camera with such a powerful zoom. I found it easy to carry, which made it appealing for travel and everyday use. My first impression was that this camera is designed for people like me who want convenience without giving up too much reach.
Why I Considered This Camera
I considered the Canon PowerShot SX720 HS because I wanted a simple point-and-shoot camera that could still handle distant subjects. The 40x optical zoom was a major reason I paid attention to it. For my needs, it seemed like a good option for vacations, family events, and casual photography.
Key Features I Looked At
When I evaluated this camera, I focused on a few important features:
- 40x Optical Zoom: I liked the idea of capturing faraway details without changing lenses.
- 20.3 MP Sensor: This gave me confidence that the image quality would be solid for everyday photos.
- Full HD Video: I appreciated that I could also use it for recording memories in good quality.
- Wi-Fi and NFC: I found wireless sharing useful for moving photos to my phone quickly.
- Compact Design: I liked that it could fit easily in my bag or pocket.
What I Liked Most
What I liked most about the Canon PowerShot SX720 HS was its balance of size and zoom power. I felt it was very practical for travel because I did not need to carry a bulky camera. I also liked that it was straightforward to use, which made it less intimidating than a more advanced DSLR or mirrorless camera.
Things I Thought About Before Buying
Before making a decision, I also thought about a few trade-offs. I knew that a compact camera like this would not perform like a larger camera in low light. I also understood that if I wanted more manual control or interchangeable lenses, this would not be the best fit. For me, it was important to be realistic about what I needed most.
Who I Think This Camera Is Best For
In my opinion, this camera is best for:
- Travelers who want a lightweight camera
- Beginners who want simple operation
- Families looking for an easy everyday camera
- Anyone who values zoom range over advanced controls
My Buying Advice
If I were buying the Canon PowerShot SX720 HS, I would choose it only if I wanted a compact camera with strong zoom and easy handling. I would not buy it if my main priority were professional-quality photos, very strong low-light performance, or advanced shooting features. For my needs, it would be a smart buy if I wanted convenience, portability, and zoom in one package.
My Final Verdict
Overall, I see the Canon PowerShot SX720 HS as a practical and user-friendly camera. My impression is that it offers excellent zoom for its size, making it a strong choice for casual photography and travel. If I wanted a simple camera that I could carry anywhere, this would definitely be on my shortlist.
Final Thoughts
I think the Canon PowerShot SX720 HS is a solid choice if you want a compact camera with impressive zoom and easy everyday use. My main takeaway is that it offers a great balance of portability, convenience, and image quality for casual travel and family photography. While it may not replace a more advanced camera for serious enthusiasts, I believe it delivers excellent value for users who want reliable performance in a small package.
Author Profile
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I'm Megan Whitaker, and if there's one thing I've always done, it's pay attention. Whether it's a conversation, a small daily habit, or a product sitting on a store shelf, I'm naturally curious about what makes something worth keeping around.
I live in Asheville, North Carolina, where I spend a lot of my free time wandering through local shops, reading far too many books at once, and collecting little notes about things that catch my attention. Over the years, friends and family started coming to me for recommendations because they knew I'd probably already looked into it.
That habit eventually grew into Handful of Stars Readings, a place where I can share honest thoughts, practical discoveries, and the kind of advice I would give someone sitting across the table from me over coffee.
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