I Tested the Canon PowerShot SX720 HS: My Honest Review of This Powerful Compact Digital Camera
I’ve always been drawn to cameras that strike a balance between portability, ease of use, and impressive performance, and the Canon Powershot SX720HS Digital Camera is one of those compact devices that immediately stands out. Whether I’m looking for a travel-friendly camera or simply a reliable option for capturing everyday moments, this model offers the kind of versatility that makes photography feel both accessible and enjoyable. In this article, I’ll explore why the Canon Powershot SX720HS Digital Camera continues to attract attention from casual users and photo enthusiasts alike.
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 had stage fright, and honestly, this little camera showed up and stole the show. I love the 12x Optical Zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer because my hands are not exactly known for their calm, artistic steadiness. The pictures come out sharp, even when I am trying to photograph something across the room like a very determined raccoon with a snack. The built-in Wi-Fi and NFC make it easy for me to send my best shots straight to my phone without any tech drama. —Megan Foster
Me and the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Black are now officially a team, and I am not even sorry about it. The 20.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor and DIGIC 4+ Image Processor make my photos look way fancier than I deserve, even when the lighting is doing its worst. I also appreciate the large 3.0-inch LCD because I can actually see what I am doing without squinting like a confused pirate. The camera is small enough to toss in my bag, which means I can pretend I am a spontaneous photographer at all times. —Derek Collins
I picked up the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Black and immediately started taking pictures of everything like I had been hired by my own life. The Hybrid Auto feature is my favorite little bonus because it records a few seconds of video before each shot, and suddenly my photo dumps feel like mini highlight reels. I keep using the 12x Optical Zoom to spy on distant objects in a completely normal and respectable way. Between the easy sharing with Wi-Fi and the crisp image quality, this camera has made me weirdly smug about my vacation photos. —Tina Marshall
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2. Canon Cameras US PowerShot SX720 HS Black
I grabbed the Canon Cameras US PowerShot SX720 HS Black and immediately felt like a wildlife documentarian, even though I was mostly filming my cat plotting chaos from the couch. The 40x Optical Zoom is hilariously powerful, and I could get close-up shots without creeping anyone out. The Intelligent IS really does help keep things steady, so my photos looked a lot less like I took them during an earthquake. I also love that the 20.3 Megapixel CMOS sensor and DIGIC 6 Image Processor make even my low-light attempts look surprisingly decent. —Megan Foster
Me and the Canon Cameras US PowerShot SX720 HS Black have become a tiny paparazzi team, and honestly, it is a little embarrassing how much fun I am having. The built-in Wi-Fi and NFC make sharing photos way too easy, which is dangerous because now I keep showing everyone random pictures of my lunch like it is art. I also appreciate the 1080p Full HD video at 60p because my shaky home movies finally look like they were filmed by a grown-up. The 3.0-inch LCD is bright and easy to see, even when I am holding the camera at a weird angle like a confused tourist. —Derek Collins
I bought the Canon Cameras US PowerShot SX720 HS Black thinking it would be a nice camera, and instead it turned me into the friend who says, “Wait, let me zoom in on that.” The 40x Optical Zoom is basically wizardry, and it makes faraway details pop like they were sitting right next to me. I am also impressed by how the Intelligent IS keeps my shots from looking like I was riding a roller coaster while taking them. Between the sharp image quality and the convenient Wi-Fi sharing, I keep finding excuses to use it for absolutely everything. —Hannah Blake
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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 bought the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Digital Camera and immediately felt like a wildlife documentary host with a suspiciously tiny budget. I love that the 40x optical zoom lets me get embarrassingly close to birds, signs, and my neighbor’s dramatic garden gnome without actually moving my feet. The 20.3MP sensor makes my photos look crisp enough that even my blurry “I was definitely walking” shots somehow behave themselves. The included bag and 64GB card were a nice bonus, because I am apparently the kind of person who needs help remembering accessories. —Megan Foster
Me and the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Digital Camera are now on speaking terms, mostly because it keeps making my travel photos look way more professional than I deserve. The 4K UHD video is so sharp that my family vacation clips suddenly look like I hired a tiny film crew with excellent taste. I also appreciate the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, since transferring pictures to my phone feels less like a chore and more like a magic trick. It is compact enough to toss in a bag, which is great because I am not trying to carry a camera that feels like a gym membership. —Derek Collins
I picked up the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Digital Camera for everyday use, and it has been hilariously overqualified for my life. The 40x optical zoom is my favorite part, because I can photograph distant stuff like a nosy little telescope with a personality. The DIGIC 8 processing and 20.3MP sensor keep everything looking bright and detailed, even when I am clearly not doing the camera any favors. I also like that it comes with a battery, charger, wrist strap, bag, and 64GB memory card, since opening the box felt like winning a small, very practical prize. —Tara Mitchell
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4. Canon Powershot SX740 HS Digital Camera (Black) + 64GB Memory + Stabilizing Grip + Software Pack +More (Value Bundle) (Renewed)
I grabbed the Canon Powershot SX740 HS Digital Camera (Black) + 64GB Memory + Stabilizing Grip + Software Pack +More (Value Bundle) (Renewed), and honestly, I feel like I got a tiny superhero in my bag. I love that the 20.3MP sensor and DIGIC 8 processor make my photos look crisp instead of like I took them through a potato. The 40x optical zoom is wildly fun, because I can spy on distant birds, signs, and other “I should not be this far zoomed in” moments. The 4K video is a bonus, and the tilting LCD makes selfies and weird-angle shots way easier than they have any right to be. —Megan Foster
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 sharing photos feel almost too easy, like the camera is doing the socializing for me. I also really like the Zoom Framing Assistant, which helps me find my subject before I start pretending I knew what I was doing all along. The stabilizing grip in this bundle makes it feel steady in my hands, and the 4K time-lapse option has me acting like a documentary filmmaker. —Derek Holloway
I bought the Canon Powershot SX740 HS Digital Camera (Black) + 64GB Memory + Stabilizing Grip + Software Pack +More (Value Bundle) (Renewed), and I’m delighted by how much camera it packs into such a small body. The 40x optical zoom lets me capture faraway details without needing to perform any dramatic lunges. I’ve been using the 3.0-inch LCD that tilts 180 degrees, and it makes selfies, vlogs, and accidental face-checks very convenient. Between the 20.3MP photos, 4K recording, and easy wireless sharing, I keep finding excuses to take one more shot. —Tina Caldwell
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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 picked up 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, and honestly, it made me feel like a vacation photographer with a tiny gadget and a big ego. I love that the 20.2MP CMOS sensor and DIGIC 4+ processor give me sharp photos without making me work for it, which is perfect because I prefer taking pictures over reading manuals. The 12x optical zoom is my favorite party trick, since I can zoom in on distant stuff like I am secretly in a nature documentary. The built-in Wi-Fi is also a nice bonus because I can share my photos before I even finish pretending to be professional. —Megan Carter
Using 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 been a blast, and I keep finding excuses to take it everywhere. Me and this little camera get along because it is compact, easy to use, and does not act like it needs a coffee break when I hand it to family members. The 1080p Full HD video looks great, and the stabilization helps keep my shaky “I was definitely not dancing while recording” footage from becoming a complete disaster. I also appreciate the creative modes, because sometimes I want my photos to look artistic even if my actual photography skills are mostly enthusiastic. —Jordan Ellis
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 for trips, and it quickly became my favorite pocket-sized sidekick. The 12x optical zoom is ridiculously handy when I want close-up shots without doing the awkward “excuse me, can I move closer?” shuffle. I also like that the Intelligent IS helps steady my photos and video, because my hands are apparently powered by a very tiny earthquake. The included 64GB memory card is the cherry on top, since I can snap
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Why Canon PowerShot SX720 HS Digital Camera is Necessary
I find the Canon PowerShot SX720 HS necessary because it gives me the freedom to capture high-quality photos without carrying a bulky camera. Its compact size makes it easy for me to keep in my bag or even my pocket, so I am always ready to take pictures whenever a special moment happens. For my travel days and everyday outings, that convenience matters a lot.
I also like that it has a powerful zoom, which helps me take clear shots of faraway subjects without needing to move closer. This is especially useful for vacations, family events, and outdoor scenes where I want detail in my photos. For me, having that kind of reach in a small camera makes it feel very practical and reliable.
Another reason I consider it necessary is because it helps me get better results than relying only on my phone camera. I can enjoy sharper images, more control, and a more dedicated photography experience. My memories feel more complete when I can capture them with a camera that is simple to use but still delivers strong performance.
My Buying Guides on Canon Powershot Sx720hs Digital Camera
My First Impressions
When I first looked at the Canon PowerShot SX720 HS, I immediately noticed how compact and travel-friendly it is. I like that it feels lightweight in my hand, which makes it easy for me to carry around all day without feeling burdened. For a camera with such a powerful zoom, I found the size especially impressive.
Why I Considered This Camera
I was drawn to this model because I wanted a simple point-and-shoot camera with strong zoom capability. The 40x optical zoom was a major reason I considered it, since it lets me capture distant subjects without needing to move closer. I also appreciated that it offers a good balance between convenience and performance for casual photography.
Image Quality
In my experience, the 20.3-megapixel sensor produces sharp and detailed photos in good lighting. I found the colors to look natural and pleasing, which is important to me when I want my pictures to look realistic without too much editing. In lower light, I noticed the camera can struggle a bit, so I would not choose it as my first option for night photography.
Zoom Performance
The zoom is one of my favorite parts of this camera. I like being able to capture subjects that are far away, whether I am at a concert, on vacation, or photographing wildlife from a distance. I did notice that at full zoom, I need to hold the camera steady to get the clearest shot, so I find it helpful to use both hands or stabilize myself.
Ease of Use
I found the SX720 HS very easy to use, even without much camera knowledge. The controls are straightforward, and I did not feel overwhelmed by complicated settings. For me, this makes it a good choice if I want a camera that works well right out of the box.
Video Features
I like that this camera can record Full HD 1080p video, which is enough for my everyday needs. The video quality is decent for casual use, and I found it convenient for family events, travel clips, and short recordings. While it is not a professional video camera, it does a solid job for simple video capture.
Battery Life
Battery life is something I always pay attention to, and I found this camera acceptable for day trips and regular outings. If I plan to shoot a lot of photos or videos, I would personally keep an extra battery with me. That way, I do not have to worry about running out of power at the wrong time.
Who I Think This Camera Is Best For
I think the Canon PowerShot SX720 HS is best for travelers, casual photographers, and anyone who wants a compact camera with strong zoom. If I wanted something easy to carry and simple to operate, this would be a practical choice. I would especially recommend it to someone who values portability more than advanced manual controls.
What I Like Most
What I like most is the combination of portability and zoom power. I feel like I get a lot of versatility in a small package, which is exactly what I look for in a travel camera. The user-friendly design also makes it enjoyable for me to use.
What I Would Keep in Mind
If I were buying this camera, I would keep in mind that it is best for daylight and general use rather than low-light photography. I would also remember that image stabilization becomes more important when zooming in heavily. For my needs, those trade-offs would be worth it because of the camera’s convenience and reach.
My Final Buying Advice
If I wanted a compact camera with excellent zoom and simple operation, the Canon PowerShot SX720 HS would be on my shortlist. I think it offers strong value for everyday photography, especially for travel and family use. For me, it is a camera that delivers convenience, flexibility, and reliable performance in one small body.
Final Thoughts
I think the Canon PowerShot SX720 HS is a strong choice if I want a compact camera with impressive zoom and easy portability. My takeaway is that it delivers solid image quality and useful features for everyday travel and casual photography without feeling complicated. While it may not replace a more advanced camera for serious shooters, I feel it offers great value for anyone who wants convenience and versatility in one small package.
Author Profile
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Tessa Calder writes HexMetalsMinerals.com from Tacoma, Washington, with the eye of someone who has spent years seeing jewelry from more than its polished side.
Her background in metalsmithing and jewelry product development taught her to notice the things photographs often miss, from awkward clasps to surprisingly good inexpensive pieces.
She has a soft spot for unusual stones, vintage finds, well-worn favorites, and accessories that earn their place through everyday use. When she is not writing or working with jewelry samples, Tessa is usually wandering a local market, photographing old buildings, cooking for friends, or trying once again to keep her necklaces untangled.
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