Canon Power Shot Sx720 Hs (black)

Key features

• Resolution: 20.3 megapixels
• Optical zoom: 40X (24-960 mm)
• LCD: 3.0-inch, 922,000 pixels
• Maximum image size: 5184 x 3888 pixels
• Battery: Rechargeable Li-Ion
• Dimensions: 4.32 x 2.51 x 1.41 inches
• Weight: 8.64 ounces (camera body only)
• Image sensor: 1/2.3-inch CMOS
• Movie mode: HD 1080p
• One Year Warranty.

Canon’s latest superzoom travel compact camera, the Canon PowerShot SX720 HS, features a 40x optical zoom lens, which is an equivalent of 24-960mm in 35mm terms. A digital zoom (called Zoom Plus) of 80x is also available. A further digital zoom of 120x can also be used. It also has a 1/2.3-inch type back-illuminated CMOS sensor which has 20.3 million pixels. The sensor is joined by a Digic 6 processor. Other features include Full HD video recording at 1080p, inbuilt Wi-Fi and NFC and a rear 3.0-inch, 922k-dot LCD screen. 

Ease of Use

The Canon PowerShot SX720 HS has a slim design, which is pretty remarkable when you consider that it features a 40x optical zoom housed within a relatively small body. You can slip the SX720 into your pocket, so long as you don’t have very tight jeans on.

Canon has gone for a brushed metal look which makes the SX720 look stylish, while the rounded corners of the camera body also add to an overall sleek appearance.

On the front of the Canon PowerShot SX720 HS is a rubberised grip section which your middle finger rests along. It helps the camera to fit snugly in your grip and gives you confidence that you’re not going to drop it. On the back of the camera there’s also a small textured area just next to the mode dial where your thumb rests naturally.

Design

At just 1.4 inches in thickness, it's a bit of a surprise to find a 40X optical zoom lens in the PowerShot SX720. Canon included a raised area for a right-hand grip on the front of the camera to try to help you hold the camera steady when shooting at the maximum zoom, but it doesn't help much. Plan on using a tripod with this camera.

The button layout on the back of the camera is about what you'd expect from a Canon point and shoot camera.

Image Quality

The PowerShot SX720 has 20 megapixels of resolution, which has become the minimum number of pixels for today's digital cameras. However, because Canon included a 1/2.3-inch image sensor with this model, don't expect to create images that are a high enough quality to allow for making large prints. A 1/2.3-inch image sensor is as small as you'll find in a modern digital camera, which limits the camera's ability in terms of image quality. Additionally, there's no opportunity to shoot in the RAW image format.

The SX720 does create good-looking images most of the time. If you're just looking to create photos for small prints or to share online, this model will have an image quality that easily meets your needs.Powerful 40x Optical Zoom with Intelligent IS helps optimize image stabilization for virtually shake-free images.
Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC allows for easy sharing and transferring of images and videos.
20.3 Megapixel CMOS sensor with DIGIC 6 Image Processor helps deliver stunning image quality even in low light.
Capture spectacular 1080p Full HD video at 60p with stereo sound.
Large 3.0-inch LCD (approx. 922,000 dots) allows easy viewing even from a wide angle.