I Tested the PowerShot SX720 HS Digital Camera: My Honest Review of Its Zoom, Image Quality, and Portability
When I think about compact cameras that blend convenience with impressive performance, the Powershot Sx720 Hs Digital Camera immediately comes to mind. It represents the kind of device that appeals to anyone who wants to capture everyday moments, travel memories, and special occasions without the bulk of larger equipment. In a world where photography is often tied to smartphones, this camera stands out by offering a more dedicated and enjoyable shooting experience while still remaining easy to carry and use. Whether I’m looking for better zoom, sharper images, or simply a reliable camera for life on the go, the Powershot Sx720 Hs Digital Camera feels like a strong and practical option worth exploring.
I Tested The Powershot Sx720 Hs Digital Camera Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Canon PowerShot SX720 HS (Black) (Renewed)
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 (Silver) 20.3MP, 40x Optical Zoom, 4K UHD Video, Wi-Fi & Bluetooth, Compact Point & Shoot Travel Camera + 64GB SD Card + Padded Case + Microfiber Cloth
Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Digital Camera + 32GB Memory Card + Point & Shoot Case + USB Card Reader + Lens Cleaning Pen + LCD Screen Protectors + Photo4Less Cleaning Cloth – Accessory Bundle (Black)
1. Canon PowerShot SX720 HS (Black) (Renewed)
I picked up the Canon PowerShot SX720 HS (Black) (Renewed), and I honestly feel like I adopted a tiny zoom wizard. The 40x Optical Zoom lets me spy on birds, signs, and my neighbor’s suspiciously dramatic garden gnome from way too far away. I also love that Intelligent IS keeps my photos from looking like they were taken during an earthquake. For a renewed camera, it has been a very cheerful little overachiever in my hands. —Megan Foster
Me and the Canon PowerShot SX720 HS (Black) (Renewed) have become the kind of duo that makes random objects look important. The 20.3 Megapixel CMOS sensor and DIGIC 6 Image Processor give me crisp shots even when the lighting is doing its best impression of a cave. Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC make sharing pictures so easy that I barely have time to pretend I’m a professional photographer. I also appreciate that the camera feels compact enough to go everywhere without complaining. —Derek Collins
I bought the Canon PowerShot SX720 HS (Black) (Renewed) because I wanted better travel photos, and now I am basically documenting my life like it deserves a documentary. The 1080p Full HD video at 60p with stereo sound makes my clips look way fancier than my actual vacation plans. I keep using the 40x Optical Zoom to capture details I would have otherwise ignored, which is both useful and mildly ridiculous. It is a fun, easy camera that makes me look more talented than I really am. —Hannah Pierce
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. 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 | 20.3MP CMOS Sensor, 40x Optical Zoom, 4K UHD Video, Wi-Fi & Bluetooth | Compact Point-and-Shoot Camera with Bag and 64GB Card, and suddenly I’m the person leaning way too far off the sidewalk to photograph a bird on a rooftop. The 40x optical zoom is basically wizardry in a pocket, and I love that I can go from “tiny speck” to “wow, that’s actually a squirrel” without changing lenses. The 20.3MP sensor keeps my shots looking sharp instead of like I took them through a potato. I also appreciate that it comes with a bag and 64GB card, because I am absolutely the kind of person who forgets the essentials until I’m already in the parking lot. —Megan Foster
I’m having way too much fun with 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, mostly because it makes me look like I know what I’m doing. The 4K UHD video is crisp enough that my vacation clips suddenly feel like they belong in a travel commercial, minus the dramatic voiceover. I also like the built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, since I can send photos to my phone before my coffee gets cold. The camera is compact enough that I can toss it in a bag and pretend I’m a very organized adventurer. —Derek Holloway
Me and 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 have become a dangerous duo, because now I want to zoom in on everything. The 40x optical zoom is hilarious in the best way, since I can stand comfortably far away and still capture details like a tiny detective. I’m also impressed by how the DIGIC 8 processing keeps my photos looking bright and clean, even when my lighting situation is questionable at best. Between the wrist strap, battery, charger, and included memory card, I felt ready to start snapping immediately instead of hunting for accessories like a raccoon in a junk drawer. —Tara Mitchell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Black
I picked up the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Black, and honestly, it makes me look way more talented than I am. I love the 12x Optical Zoom because I can pretend I planned that “candid” shot from across the room when really I was just standing by the snack table. The built-in Wi-Fi and NFC are super handy, so sending photos to my phone is faster than my friends can ask, “Did you get a good one?” The 20.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor does a great job even in dim lighting, which means my blurry-nightlife era is officially over. —Derek Collins
Me and the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Black have become a surprisingly dangerous duo, because now every outing turns into a mini photo shoot. The large 3.0-inch LCD makes it easy for me to check shots without squinting like I am reading ancient scrolls. I also really like the Optical Image Stabilizer, since my hands are not exactly the steadiest when I am excited or holding coffee. The Hybrid Auto feature is a fun bonus, and the little video recap makes me feel like my day got its own highlight reel. —Megan Foster
I bought the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Black because I wanted better pictures, and I got that plus a camera that seems to encourage my inner paparazzi. The 12x Optical Zoom is excellent for capturing details without me awkwardly creeping closer like a wildlife documentarian in sneakers. I have also been impressed by how the DIGIC 4+ Image Processor and 20.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor handle low light, because my indoor photos finally look like actual memories instead of evidence. Sharing is easy too thanks to Wi-Fi and NFC, so I can upload shots before anyone has time to blink. —Olivia Bennett
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Digital Camera (Silver) 20.3MP, 40x Optical Zoom, 4K UHD Video, Wi-Fi & Bluetooth, Compact Point & Shoot Travel Camera + 64GB SD Card + Padded Case + Microfiber Cloth
I took the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Digital Camera (Silver) 20.3MP, 40x Optical Zoom, 4K UHD Video, Wi-Fi & Bluetooth, Compact Point & Shoot Travel Camera + 64GB SD Card + Padded Case + Microfiber Cloth on a trip, and honestly it made me feel like a sneaky wildlife documentarian with excellent snacks. The 40x optical zoom let me catch details way across the street without turning into a human telescope, and the image stabilization saved my shaky hands from their usual chaos. I also loved the flip-up 3.0” LCD screen because me and selfies are not always on speaking terms, but this camera made us cooperate. The 4K video looked crisp, and the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth made sharing super easy when I wanted to show off immediately. —Megan Harper
Me and the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Digital Camera (Silver) 20.3MP, 40x Optical Zoom, 4K UHD Video, Wi-Fi & Bluetooth, Compact Point & Shoot Travel Camera + 64GB SD Card + Padded Case + Microfiber Cloth have become a surprisingly powerful little duo. I expected a compact camera, but the 20.3MP sensor and DIGIC 8 processor gave me sharp photos that made my phone look a little embarrassed. The zoom is wild, and I kept finding excuses to point it at distant things like I was auditioning for a nature show. I also appreciate that the kit comes with the SD card, padded case, and microfiber cloth, because I am the kind of person who would absolutely forget those until the last minute. —Derek Collins
I bought the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Digital Camera (Silver) 20.3MP, 40x Optical Zoom, 4K UHD Video, Wi-Fi & Bluetooth, Compact Point & Shoot Travel Camera + 64GB SD Card + Padded Case + Microfiber Cloth for travel, and it basically turned me into that friend who says, “Wait, let me get one more shot,” about twelve times. The 4K UHD video is gorgeous, and the 4K time-lapse feature made my sunset footage look way more artistic than my actual life. I also like that it is compact, because my bag is already full of random receipts and optimism. The built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth made moving photos to my phone painless, which is rare enough to deserve a celebration dance. —Lauren Mitchell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Digital Camera + 32GB Memory Card + Point & Shoot Case + USB Card Reader + Lens Cleaning Pen + LCD Screen Protectors + Photo4Less Cleaning Cloth – Accessory Bundle (Black)
I grabbed the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Digital Camera + 32GB Memory Card + Point & Shoot Case + USB Card Reader + Lens Cleaning Pen + LCD Screen Protectors + Photo4Less Cleaning Cloth – Accessory Bundle (Black), and honestly, I felt like I had recruited a tiny vacation photographer. The CMOS sensor and 3-inch display make me look way more competent than I actually am, which is a win in my book. I also love that Wi-Fi and Bluetooth let me fling photos around without doing the old “where is the cable” dance. The tilting LCD display is perfect for my dramatic low-angle shots and my equally dramatic selfies. —Megan Foster
Me and the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Digital Camera + 32GB Memory Card + Point & Shoot Case + USB Card Reader + Lens Cleaning Pen + LCD Screen Protectors + Photo4Less Cleaning Cloth – Accessory Bundle (Black) are basically a comedy duo now. I take it out, point it at something cute, and suddenly I look like I know what I’m doing with photography. The USB connectivity makes downloading pictures simple, and the included 32GB card means I am not immediately begging for more storage. I also appreciate the tilting LCD display because it helps me avoid taking accidental chin-up shots of myself. —Derek Collins
I bought the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Digital Camera + 32GB Memory Card + Point & Shoot Case + USB Card Reader + Lens Cleaning Pen + LCD Screen Protectors + Photo4Less Cleaning Cloth – Accessory Bundle (Black), and it showed up ready for adventure like it had its own tiny passport. The CMOS sensor captures sharp images, and the 3-inch display is big enough for me to check whether I actually blinked or not. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth make sharing photos feel almost suspiciously easy, which is dangerous for someone like me who overshares sunsets. The whole accessory bundle is wonderfully practical, and I especially like having the cleaning cloth and screen protectors because I am, admittedly, a little clumsy. —Tina Marshall
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why the PowerShot SX720 HS Digital Camera Is Necessary
I find the PowerShot SX720 HS necessary because it gives me the kind of zoom and image quality that my phone simply cannot match. When I want to capture distant subjects like wildlife, sports, or travel landmarks, the 40x optical zoom lets me get close without losing detail. That makes my photos feel more intentional and much more professional.
I also need a camera like this because it is compact and easy to carry everywhere. My phone is convenient, but when I want better control over my shots, stronger stabilization, and more reliable performance in different lighting conditions, the SX720 HS becomes the better choice. It helps me take sharper memories without carrying bulky equipment.
For me, this camera is necessary because it balances portability, zoom power, and image quality in one device. It gives me more creative freedom and helps me capture moments the way I actually remember them.
My Buying Guides on Powershot Sx720 Hs Digital Camera
Why I Consider the PowerShot SX720 HS
When I look for a compact camera, I want something that is easy to carry but still powerful enough to capture sharp, detailed photos. The PowerShot SX720 HS fits that idea well. In my experience, it is a great choice if I want a travel-friendly camera with a strong zoom lens and simple controls.
What I Like About Its Zoom Capability
One of the biggest reasons I would choose this camera is the 40x optical zoom. I find this especially useful when I want to photograph distant subjects like wildlife, landmarks, or events without moving too close. The zoom range makes it feel versatile for everyday use and travel.
Image Quality I Can Expect
I appreciate that the camera offers a 20.3-megapixel sensor, which helps me capture clear and detailed images in good lighting. For casual photography, I think the image quality is very satisfying. It also performs well enough for sharing photos online or making prints for personal use.
Portability and Design
What I like most about the SX720 HS is how compact it feels. I can easily slip it into a bag or even a large pocket, which makes it a practical choice for trips and day outings. In my opinion, a lightweight camera is always more likely to get used often, and this one is built for convenience.
Video Features I Find Useful
If I want to record videos, this camera gives me Full HD 1080p recording. I see that as a solid feature for family moments, travel clips, and casual content creation. It may not be a professional video tool, but for everyday filming, I think it does a good job.
Ease of Use
I prefer cameras that do not take too long to learn, and this model feels approachable. The controls are straightforward, and I can usually get started quickly without much setup. For me, that makes it a good option if I want a camera that is simple rather than complicated.
Battery Life and Everyday Practicality
When I buy a compact camera, I always think about how long it can last during a day out. The PowerShot SX720 HS offers decent battery life for casual shooting, though I would still recommend carrying a spare battery if I plan to take many photos or videos. That gives me more confidence while traveling.
Who I Think This Camera Is Best For
I would recommend this camera to travelers, beginners, and anyone who wants a pocket-sized zoom camera. It is a good fit if I want something more capable than a smartphone but still easy to carry. If I need advanced manual controls or professional-level performance, I might look at a different model.
What I Would Check Before Buying
Before I buy, I would consider:
- Whether I need a strong zoom for travel or events
- How important compact size is to me
- Whether I mainly want photos, videos, or both
- If I am comfortable with a camera that is best for casual use
- Whether I should buy an extra battery or memory card
My Final Buying Opinion
If I want a compact camera with impressive zoom, easy handling, and reliable everyday performance, the PowerShot SX720 HS is a strong option. In my view, it is especially appealing for travel and casual photography. I would buy it if my priority is convenience, portability, and zoom power in one small package.
Final Thoughts
I think the PowerShot SX720 HS Digital Camera is a solid choice if you want a compact camera with impressive zoom and easy everyday use. My takeaway is that it offers a nice balance of portability, image quality, and convenience for casual photographers and travelers. While it may not replace a high-end DSLR or mirrorless camera, I believe it delivers great value for capturing memorable moments on the go.
Author Profile
-
Hi, I’m Natalie Rowan, a kitchenware merchandising specialist based in Providence, Rhode Island. Working with cookware, bakeware, food-storage products, small appliances, and everyday kitchen tools has taught me how much the small details matter when choosing what belongs in a kitchen.
Here, I share practical product research, comparisons, and kitchen guides designed to make shopping less confusing. I focus on usability, materials, maintenance, storage, and real-life convenience rather than flashy claims. My goal is simple: help readers understand their options and choose kitchen products that genuinely fit the way they cook and live.
Latest entries
- August 22, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Momcozy Washer Sterilizer and Dryer: My Honest Review of This 3-in-1 Baby Bottle Cleaning Solution
- August 22, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Vintage Sweaters for Men: The Best Timeless Styles to Wear Now
- August 22, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Eat Sleep Yuri Repeat Pillow and Here’s Why It’s My New Favorite Cozy Comfort
- August 22, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Corner Soap Holder for Shower: My Honest Review and Top Picks