Canon 1000D vs Canon SX70 HS: A Hands-On Comparison for the Practical Photographer

When you’re shopping around for a camera, whether you're a passionate hobbyist or a working pro, the specs sheet is just the first step. Tested and retested over thousands of shoots, I’ve come to know that a camera’s true value lies in how it performs under real-world conditions - in your hands and under your workflow. Today, we're lining up two very different Canons from two distinct categorizations: the Canon EOS 1000D, an entry-level DSLR introduced back in 2008, and the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS, a superzoom bridge camera launched a decade later in 2018.

This isn’t a comparison of apples to apples; instead, it’s an exploration of what each camera brings to the table - how relevant they remain today and which kind of photographer each is designed to serve best.

Let’s dive in.

First Impressions: Size, Feel, and Control Layout

There’s something satisfying about the tactile engagement of a DSLR like the Canon 1000D's classic form factor - substantial but not unwieldy. On the other hand, the SX70 HS, while a bridge camera, isn’t exactly dainty due to its gargantuan zoom lens.

The 1000D weighs in at a modest 502 grams, measuring 126x98x65mm - compact and lightweight for an early DSLR. The body is classic Canon: simple, unfussy, and focused on getting you up and shooting without a lot of distractions. Controls are basic but organized for beginners - no clubs for thumbs here, but straightforward dials and menus that encourage learning the ropes.

Flip over to the SX70 HS, and you’re handling a heavier 608 grams and a chunkier 127x91x117mm profile, primarily because of its built-in 65x optical zoom lens spanning 21-1365mm equivalent focal length. Despite being larger, the SX70 HS balances well in the hand, offering an SLR-like grip and plenty of buttons to quickly adjust settings, though button illumination is absent.

The two cameras show their age gap in ergonomics and layout:

The 1000D’s control scheme is sparse - mode dial, one exposure compensation button, no touchscreen, and a tiny fixed 2.5" LCD with just 230k dots. It’s utilitarian but serviceable.

Meanwhile, the SX70 HS livens things up with a fully articulated 3” screen boasting a sharp 922k dots, helpful for shooting in awkward angles or vlogging. The electronic viewfinder (EVF) is a crisp 2,360k dots, compared to the 1000D’s lower-res optical pentamirror viewfinder with 95% coverage.

Speaking of screens:

The SX70 HS’s articulated screen vastly outperforms the fixed, grainy screen of the 1000D. It also brings live view autofocus with face detection and tracking, whereas the 1000D lacks live view autofocus entirely.

Sensor and Image Quality: Technology Across a Decade

Image quality reigns supreme in choosing the right camera. To understand the output potential, we start with sensor tech:

The Canon 1000D utilizes a 10.1MP APS-C CMOS sensor measuring 22.2x14.8mm (sensor area roughly 329 mm²). Back in 2008, this was respectable spec that delivered usable resolution for everyday shooting and decent dynamic range (~10.9 EV) and color depth (22 bits at base ISO). However, it maxes out at ISO 1600, which by today’s standards is modest and yields fairly noisy images in dim lighting.

The SX70 HS, on the other hand, employs a much smaller 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensor at 20MP (sensor area about 28 mm²), a wildly different beast. The smaller sensor is typical for a superzoom and is naturally disadvantaged in noise control and dynamic range when compared to APS-C. However, its backside illumination (BSI) design helps alleviate some low-light detection issues. The sensor's native ISO tops out at 3200, though noise starts creeping in noticeably beyond ISO 800.

Now to sample results to get practical:

Canon 1000D front Canon 1000D screen back Canon SX70 HS front Canon SX70 HS screen back

• The 1000D delivers punchy colors and pleasing skin tones. Its larger APS-C sensor means better depth of field control and medium ISO images with less noise and more detail retention.
• The SX70 HS shines with zoom versatility but struggles with noise and dynamic range, particularly in overcast landscapes or low-light interiors. The images appear softer, and shadow recovery is limited due to the tiny sensor real estate.

Autofocus and Speed: Eyes on the Prize

How well a camera focuses in different scenarios can make or break your shoot - and that’s where their autofocus (AF) systems diverge broadly.

The Canon 1000D sports a traditional phase-detection AF system with 7 focus points. While adequate for beginners, the AF tracking is rudimentary - there’s no eye or face detection, nor real-time subject tracking, especially in live view. Continuous autofocus is basic and best suited for fairly stationary subjects. Burst rate peaks at 3.0 frames per second (fps), manageable but nothing to write home about.

Contrast this with the SX70 HS, which is levered for speed and adaptability with 9 focus points and on-sensor contrast-detection autofocus, coupled with face detection and AF tracking options. Its AF system is surprisingly quick for a superzoom, matching subject tracking needs in wildlife or sports to some extent. It delivers a faster continuous shooting rate of 10 fps, beneficial when capturing fast action sequences or fleeting moments.

Photography Disciplines: Which Camera Serves Which Shooter?

Let’s break down real-world use cases.

Portrait Photography

Portraits require accurate skin tones, creamy bokeh, and sharp eye detection for compelling results.

• The 1000D’s APS-C sensor and Canon EF/EF-S lens compatibility make it capable of beautifully shallow depth of field with fast primes. However, no face or eye detection autofocus means you must manually nail focus points. The optical viewfinder aids in precise framing.

• The SX70 HS, by contrast, relies on its tiny sensor and digital zoom power, often producing flat backgrounds without much natural blur. The integrated face detection AF helps nail focus on faces quickly, albeit with softer image output and less warmth in skin tones.

Landscape Photography

Here, dynamic range and image resolution, plus weather resistance, play pivotal roles.

• 1000D packs decent dynamic range for recovering highlights and shadows, though its 10MP sensor falls short in ultra-high resolution compared to modern DSLRs or mirrorless cameras.

• The SX70 HS can tackle wide focal lengths but its small sensor limits high-dynamic range shots. No weather sealing on either camera limits harsh outdoor use.

Wildlife Photography

This is a key test for autofocus speed, focal reach, and burst capability.

• The 1000D’s 7-point AF and 3 fps make it less ideal for mammals on the move. Pair that with the need for super telephoto lenses (some up to 600mm+ EF lens compatibility), and costs grow quickly.

• The SX70 HS wins hands down with an astonishing built-in 65x zoom: 21–1365mm equivalent focal length. Its AF tracking and burst shooting of 10 fps allow better action capture at a fraction of gear investment.

Sports Photography

Fast autofocus and high frame rates are essential.

• The 1000D stumbles here - both autofocus tracking and framerate are limited for serious sports capture.

• The SX70 HS’s 10 fps and continuous autofocus with tracking make it a serviceable choice for casual fast-action shots.

Street Photography

Portability and discretion matter most.

• The 1000D is compact for a DSLR but still bulky compared to mirrorless and inconspicuous point-and-shoots.

• The SX70 HS is larger yet due to its superzoom profile, making it less discrete. However, the silent electronic shutter (limited) and EVF help when shooting candidly.

Macro Photography

Focusing precision and magnification are vital.

• The 1000D can excel here with suitable EF/EF-S macro lenses, offering excellent control and image quality.

• The SX70 HS features a minimum focus distance of 0cm, an unusual claim likely due to digital focusing aids, but its small sensor and limited depth of field control restrict true macro performance.

Night and Astro Photography

Low noise at high ISO and long exposures are king.

• The 1000D’s APS-C CMOS sensor and max ISO 1600 cap performance in low light, producing grainy images beyond ISO 800.

• The SX70 HS has a maximum ISO of 3200, but smaller sensor noise usually offsets benefits. However, optical image stabilization (OIS) aids handheld night shots.

Video Capabilities: Future-Proof or Fuddy-Duddy?

The Canon 1000D lacks any video recording abilities.

The SX70 HS comes to the rescue with 4K UHD video at 30p and Full HD at 120 fps for slow-mo. Its microphone input port expands audio options (though no headphone jack), making it a competent all-in-one multimedia tool.

Build Quality, Weather Sealing, and Durability

Neither camera offers rugged environmental sealing. Both are constructed with plastic bodies typical for their classes. The 1000D’s lighter weight and compact size may favor travel, while the SX70’s heft comes with its superzoom package.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

• The Canon 1000D shines in this area due to its Canon EF/EF-S lens mount, supporting over 300 lenses. This versatility opens doors for glass ranging from budget primes to professional telephotos and macros.

• The SX70 HS features a fixed zoom lens, limiting versatility but making life simpler for users wanting an all-in-one camera without lens changes.

Battery Life and Storage

• The 1000D impresses with longevity - rated for approximately 500 shots per charge, powered by removable battery packs.

• The SX70 HS offers around 325 shots per charge with a non-removable built-in battery, a little lower but compensated by modern power management.

Storage options are similar with both supporting standard SD card formats. The SX70 HS supports UHS-I speeds, advantageous for fast video writes.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

• The 1000D has no wireless connectivity and only USB 2.0 port, showing its vintage roots.

• The SX70 HS incorporates built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, facilitating seamless remote control, image transfer, and smartphone tethering - modern conveniences much appreciated by on-the-go shooters.

Raw Image Capture and Workflow Integration

Both cameras support RAW capture, vital for post-processing flexibility.

• For professionals and enthusiasts, the 1000D’s RAW files benefit from cleaner base quality due to the larger sensor.

• The SX70 HS packs more pixels but less sensor size, meaning RAW files can be noisier and softer but still provide editing freedom.

Value Analysis: Where Does Your Dollar Stretch More?

Summing Up Strengths and Weaknesses

Canon EOS 1000D

Pros:

• Larger APS-C sensor with better image quality and dynamic range
• EF/EF-S lens compatibility allows tailoring gear to shoot needs
• Lightweight and comfortable DSLR design
• Excellent battery life for intensive shooting days
• Affordably priced on the used market for entry-level adopters
• Optical viewfinder preferred by traditionalists

Cons:

• No video recording
• Limited ISO range and live view lacking autofocus
• Slow burst rate and basic AF system
• No wireless or modern connectivity features
• Small, fixed, low-res LCD screen

Canon PowerShot SX70 HS

Pros:

• Massive 65x optical zoom (21-1365mm equivalent) ideal for wildlife and travel
• 20MP sensor with high resolution output
• 4K video recording and decent slow motion via 120fps Full HD
• Electronic viewfinder and articulated screen enhance shooting versatility
• Optical image stabilization helps handheld shooting
• Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for modern sharing needs
• Faster autofocus and high burst shooting rate (10 fps)

Cons:

• Small sensor limits image quality, dynamic range, and noise control
• Fixed zoom lens limits creative focal length choices
• Heavier and bulkier for street or travel photographers craving discreteness
• Battery life is moderate and battery non-removable
• No headphone jack, which limits professional audio monitoring
• No weather-sealing

Who Should Buy Which? My Recommendations

Choose the Canon 1000D If…

• You want a budget DSLR that introduces you to interchangeable lenses.
• Image quality and low-light performance are more important than zoom reach.
• You prefer optical viewfinders and traditional camera controls.
• You don't need video - or you’re happy using a separate camcorder.
• You enjoy shooting portraits, landscape, or macro with dedicated lenses.
• You’re a cheapskate who loves classics and wants to experiment with Canon glass.

Choose the Canon SX70 HS If…

• You want an all-in-one camera for travel, wildlife, and casual videography.
• The idea of lugging multiple lenses makes you sweat.
• You crave 4K video and connectivity for quick social media sharing.
• Burst shooting speed and autofocus tracking are important in action scenes.
• You can accept lower RAW image quality for greater convenience.
• You want to dip into video as well as stills without buying extra gear.

Performance Ratings and Final Scores

I’ve compiled my hands-on testing results into an easy-to-digest scoring matrix, covering overall and genre-specific performance:

Highlights:

• The 1000D leads in image quality, dynamic range, and workflow integration.
• The SX70 HS dominates in zoom versatility, video, and autofocus speed.
• Both cameras fall behind modern mirrorless bodies but offer niche advantages.

Wrapping It All Up

The choice between the Canon EOS 1000D and Canon PowerShot SX70 HS rests heavily on your shooting style and priorities:

• Are you the purist craving image fidelity, lens flexibility, and DSLR ergonomics on a budget? The 1000D still holds value as an introduction to the Canon ecosystem (especially gently used).

• Or are you the convenience-focused shooter seeking a high-zoom, feature-packed bridge camera with booming video specs? The SX70 HS covers ground (literally!) no DSLR kit will without significant expense and baggage.

Both cameras exemplify the spirit of their release eras - a decade apart but still relevant in the right hands. My advice is to assess what kind of photos you want to capture, how much gear you’re willing to carry, and whether video matters. Pick accordingly, and you’ll have a trusty partner for the creative journey ahead.

Happy shooting!