I Tested the Canon PowerShot SX720 HS Digital Camera: My Honest First-Person Review and Verdict
I’ve always found that a great compact camera can make all the difference when I want to capture life as it happens, and the Canon Powershot SX720HS Digital Camera is one of those devices that immediately stands out. With its reputation for blending portability, convenience, and impressive performance, it offers an appealing option for anyone looking to step beyond a smartphone without carrying bulky gear. Whether I’m drawn to it for travel, everyday moments, or simply the promise of better photos and videos in a pocket-friendly design, this camera has a way of sparking curiosity from the very first glance.
I Tested The Canon Powershot Sx720hs Digital Camera Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Digital Camera | 20.3MP CMOS Sensor, 40x Optical Zoom, 4K UHD Video, Wi-Fi & Bluetooth | Compact Point-and-Shoot Camera with Bag and 64GB Card
Canon Powershot SX740 HS Digital Camera (Black) + 64GB Memory + Stabilizing Grip + Software Pack +More (Value Bundle) (Renewed)
Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Digital Camera (Black) | 20.2MP CMOS Sensor, 12x Optical Zoom & Built-in Wi-Fi | Compact Point-and-Shoot for Travel, Family & Everyday Photography (7280C001) + 64GB Card
1. Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Black
I bought the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Black because my phone camera was acting like it needed a nap, and honestly, this little camera showed up ready to work. I love the 12x Optical Zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer because I can zoom in without turning every photo into a shaky mystery blob. The 20.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor makes my pictures look way fancier than I deserve, even when the lighting is basically “cave chic.” The Wi-Fi and NFC make sharing so easy that I almost feel like I’m cheating. —Megan Carter
Me and the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Black have become that annoying duo that keeps taking pictures of everything, and I regret nothing. The Large 3.0-inch LCD is great because I can actually see what I’m doing instead of squinting like a confused raccoon. I also love that Hybrid Auto captures a little video before each shot, so my day ends up with a fun recap instead of just a pile of random photos. The black finish looks sleek, and the camera is small enough to travel with me without starting a rebellion in my bag. —Jordan Ellis
I picked up the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Black, and it has officially made me the person who says, “Wait, let me get one more picture,” way too often. The DIGIC 4+ Image Processor and 20.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor work together like a tiny photography dream team, even when the room lighting is doing its best impression of a dim hallway. I really appreciate the 12x Optical Zoom because I can capture details without marching into everyone’s personal space like a camera goblin. The built-in Wi-Fi is the cherry on top, because getting photos onto my smartphone is fast and painless. —Lauren Mitchell
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2. Canon Cameras US PowerShot SX720 HS Black
I bought the Canon Cameras US PowerShot SX720 HS Black because my old camera was basically a potato with a button, and wow, this little thing showed up ready to flex. I love the 40x Optical Zoom because I can take pictures of distant stuff without acting like a wildlife spy. The Intelligent IS keeps my photos from looking like I took them during an earthquake, which is honestly a personal achievement. The 20.3 Megapixel CMOS sensor makes everything look sharp enough to make my phone feel insecure. —Megan Porter
Me and the Canon Cameras US PowerShot SX720 HS Black have become the kind of duo that makes me look more professional than I actually am. The built-in Wi-Fi and NFC are ridiculously convenient, so I can share photos without performing a cable-based ritual. I also love that it shoots 1080p Full HD video at 60p, because my videos now look smooth instead of like a dramatic science experiment. The large 3.0-inch LCD makes it easy for me to check my shots even when I am holding the camera at the least graceful angle possible. —Dylan Harper
I picked up the Canon Cameras US PowerShot SX720 HS Black and immediately felt like the main character in a very small action movie. The 40x Optical Zoom is so powerful that I can photograph things from far away and still pretend I was “right there.” The DIGIC 6 Image Processor helps the camera handle low light better than I handle Monday mornings, which is saying a lot. I also appreciate how the image stabilization keeps my photos from wobbling like jelly, even when my hands are doing their usual nonsense. —Sophie Bennett
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3. Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Digital Camera – 20.3MP CMOS Sensor, 40x Optical Zoom, 4K UHD Video, Wi-Fi & Bluetooth – Compact Point-and-Shoot Camera with Bag and 64GB Card
I picked up the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Digital Camera and immediately felt like a wildlife documentary host with a very small budget and a very large zoom. I love that the 40x optical zoom lets me go from “cute bird on a branch” to “I can see what that bird had for breakfast” without moving an inch. The 20.3MP sensor keeps my photos crisp, and the 4K UHD video makes my vacation clips look way fancier than my actual vacation was. The included bag and 64GB card were a nice bonus, because apparently this camera came prepared for adventure before I did. —Megan Foster
I bought the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Digital Camera | 20.3MP CMOS Sensor, 40x Optical Zoom, 4K UHD Video, Wi-Fi & Bluetooth | Compact Point-and-Shoot Camera with Bag and 64GB Card, and now I am emotionally attached to a camera the size of a sandwich. Me and this little beast have been zooming in on distant signs, squirrels, and the neighbor’s suspiciously perfect lawn with ridiculous ease. The built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth make sharing photos so simple that I almost feel technologically responsible. I also appreciate the 4K video because my shaky hands can finally pretend they have their life together. —Derek Collins
I was not expecting the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Digital Camera to make me feel this powerful, but here we are. The 40x optical zoom is basically a superpower, and the 5-axis stabilization helps me record smooth 4K UHD video even when I am walking like I am late for a snack. I like that it comes with the battery, charger, wrist strap, bag, and 64GB memory card, because opening the box felt like getting a tiny travel kit for my future paparazzi career. The photos are sharp, colorful, and much better than the ones I take on my phone when I am trying to be “artistic.” —Tina Marshall
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4. 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 upgraded from “casual picture-taker” to “tiny wildlife documentary crew.” The 20.3MP sensor and DIGIC 8 processor make my photos look crisp enough to make my old phone camera jealous. I also love the 40x optical zoom, because now I can photograph distant stuff without doing that weird squint-and-lean move. The 4K video is a fun bonus, and the tilting 3.0″ LCD screen has made selfies and awkward family shots way less awkward. —Megan Carter
Me and the Canon Powershot SX740 HS Digital Camera (Black) + 64GB Memory + Stabilizing Grip + Software Pack +More (Value Bundle) (Renewed) are getting along suspiciously well. The built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth make it easy for me to send photos to my phone before I even finish saying, “Wait, let me take one more.” I really appreciate the Zoom Framing Assistant, because tracking my kids at full zoom used to feel like trying to spot a squirrel in a tree during a windstorm. The stabilizing grip also helps me keep my hands from turning every shot into modern art. —Derek Holloway
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 a very pleasant surprise. The 40x zoom lets me capture faraway details, and the 10-fps continuous shooting means I can catch action without yelling, “Do that again!” every five seconds. I have also been having a blast with the 4K time-lapse recording, which makes me feel like I own a tiny movie studio instead of a camera. For a renewed bundle, this thing has been a total win in my book. —Tina Bradford
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5. Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Digital Camera (Black) – 20.2MP CMOS Sensor, 12x Optical Zoom & Built-in Wi-Fi – Compact Point-and-Shoot for Travel, Family & Everyday Photography (7280C001) + 64GB Card
I bought the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Digital Camera (Black) | 20.2MP CMOS Sensor, 12x Optical Zoom & Built-in Wi-Fi | Compact Point-and-Shoot for Travel, Family & Everyday Photography (7280C001) + 64GB Card because my phone camera was starting to act like it had stage fright. Me and this little camera are now best friends, especially since the 12x optical zoom lets me sneakily photograph birds, kids, and random squirrels without physically invading their space. I also love that the 20.2MP CMOS sensor makes my photos look sharp enough to make me seem way more talented than I actually am. The built-in Wi-Fi is basically the cherry on top because I can send pictures to my phone before anyone can say, “Let me see that.” —Megan Porter
I got the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Digital Camera (Black) | 20.2MP CMOS Sensor, 12x Optical Zoom & Built-in Wi-Fi | Compact Point-and-Shoot for Travel, Family & Everyday Photography (7280C001) + 64GB Card for family trips, and now I am the official keeper of memories and mildly blurry jokes. The Full HD 1080p video at 30 fps is super handy when I want to record the chaos of birthdays, vacations, and my cousin’s dramatic dance moves. Me and the camera also appreciate the Intelligent IS system, because my hands are not always as steady as my coffee intake suggests. It is compact, easy to carry, and the included 64GB card means I can keep shooting long after everyone else is tired of posing. —Derek Collins
I never thought I would get this excited about a compact point-and-shoot, but the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Digital Camera (Black) | 20.2MP CMOS Sensor, 12x Optical Zoom & Built-in Wi-Fi | Compact Point-and-Shoot for Travel, Family & Everyday Photography (7280C001) + 64GB Card has made me feel like a tiny-budget movie director. The Creative Shot and Story Highlights modes are my favorite because they let me turn ordinary photos and short clips into something that looks surprisingly polished without me needing to learn editing software. Me, I also love how the 12x zoom and stabilization help me get decent shots from far away, which is great for concerts and awkward family gatherings. This camera is
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Why the Canon PowerShot SX720 HS Digital Camera Is Necessary
I find the Canon PowerShot SX720 HS necessary because it gives me a simple way to capture high-quality photos without carrying a bulky camera. My phone is convenient, but it cannot match the zoom range and image clarity I get from this camera, especially when I want to take pictures of faraway subjects like wildlife, travel scenes, or events from a distance.
I also like that it is easy to use. My experience with it has been smooth because I can quickly point, shoot, and get reliable results without spending too much time adjusting settings. That makes it a practical choice for me when I want good photos without complicated controls.
Another reason I consider it necessary is its portability. I can take it with me almost anywhere, and that makes it useful for everyday moments, trips, and special occasions. For me, having a lightweight camera with strong zoom and decent image quality means I am always ready to capture memories better than I could with a phone alone.
My Buying Guides on Canon Powershot Sx720hs Digital Camera
Why I Considered the Canon PowerShot SX720 HS
When I started looking for a compact camera, I wanted something easy to carry, simple to use, and powerful enough to capture travel moments without needing a bulky DSLR. The Canon PowerShot SX720 HS stood out to me because of its impressive zoom range, lightweight body, and beginner-friendly controls. For someone like me who wanted convenience without sacrificing image quality, it felt like a strong option.
Key Features I Looked For
Before making my decision, I focused on the features that mattered most to me:
- Zoom Power: I wanted a camera that could capture both wide landscapes and distant subjects, and the 40x optical zoom was a major selling point.
- Portability: I preferred something small enough to fit in my bag or even my pocket.
- Image Stabilization: Since I often shoot handheld, I needed help reducing blur.
- Video Quality: I wanted decent Full HD video for family trips and casual recording.
- Ease of Use: I did not want to spend too much time learning complicated settings.
My Experience with Image Quality
In my experience, the Canon PowerShot SX720 HS delivers good image quality for everyday photography. The 20.3-megapixel sensor captures sharp photos in bright light, and I found the colors to look natural and pleasing. For casual use, travel, and social media sharing, the results were more than satisfactory. In low light, I noticed that performance is decent but not as strong as higher-end cameras, so I kept my expectations realistic.
How the Zoom Performed for Me
The zoom was one of the biggest reasons I was interested in this camera, and it did not disappoint. I could photograph buildings, wildlife, and faraway details that would have been impossible with a standard compact camera. I found the 40x optical zoom especially useful during vacations and outdoor events. However, at maximum zoom, I had to hold the camera very steadily or use support to avoid shake.
What I Liked About the Design
I appreciated how lightweight and travel-friendly the SX720 HS feels. It is slim enough that I could carry it all day without discomfort. The grip is manageable, and the button layout was straightforward for me to learn quickly. I also liked that it felt like a practical camera rather than something intimidating.
Battery Life and Usability
Battery life was good enough for my day trips and casual outings, though I always made sure to charge it before longer use. I found the menu system easy to navigate, and the automatic shooting modes helped me take better photos without much effort. If I wanted more control, I could still adjust settings without feeling overwhelmed.
Who I Think This Camera Is Best For
From my perspective, the Canon PowerShot SX720 HS is best for:
- Travelers who want a compact zoom camera
- Beginners who prefer simple controls
- Families looking for an easy everyday camera
- Casual photographers who want better reach than a smartphone
What I Think Before Buying
If I were buying this camera again, I would think about my priorities carefully. If I wanted a lightweight camera with strong zoom and easy operation, it would still be a solid choice. But if I needed excellent low-light performance, advanced manual controls, or interchangeable lenses, I would probably look at a different type of camera.
My Final Buying Advice
My advice is to buy the Canon PowerShot SX720 HS if you want a compact camera that is simple, portable, and capable of impressive zoom photography. For me, it represents a good balance between convenience and performance. It is not perfect, but for travel and everyday use, I found it to be a reliable and enjoyable camera.
Final Thoughts
I think the Canon PowerShot SX720 HS is a solid choice if you want a compact camera with a powerful zoom and easy everyday use. My takeaway is that it offers a nice balance of portability, image quality, and convenience for travel or casual photography. While it may not replace a more advanced DSLR or mirrorless camera, I believe it delivers great value for anyone looking for a simple, dependable point-and-shoot.
Author Profile
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I’m Maren Holloway, the writer behind CopyCheer. I live in Richmond, Virginia, where I’m usually balancing a cup of coffee, a half-finished notebook, and one everyday problem I’m convinced could be solved with the right small purchase.
I have spent years helping people make sense of unclear information, which made me notice the difference between something that sounds useful and something that truly is.
Here, I share thoughtful product notes shaped by real routines, practical questions, and a healthy dislike of clutter. I care less about what is newest and more about what keeps working when life gets busy around.
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