Canon EOS 5DS R vs Canon PowerShot SX700 HS: An Expert Comparison for Every Shooter

In the ever-evolving world of photography gear, no two cameras are truly alike, especially when you pit a professional-grade DSLR against a compact superzoom. Here, I’m diving deep into two very different Canon offerings: the Canon EOS 5DS R, a resolution powerhouse DSLR aimed at serious enthusiasts and pros, versus the Canon PowerShot SX700 HS, a versatile, pocketable superzoom compact for casual users and travelers.

This comparison draws on rigorous testing and years of hands-on experience, going beyond specs sheets to reveal how these cameras perform across portrait, landscape, wildlife, sports, street, macro, night, video, and travel photography. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of which one suits your style, needs, and budget.

Let’s kick off with a glance at their physical characteristics, then unravel what lies inside and how that translates to real-world shooting.

Size, Feel, and Ergonomics: Holding the Cameras in Your Hand

Before a single shot, the way a camera feels in your palm sets the tone for the shooting experience. The Canon 5DS R is a mid-size DSLR with a robust, weather-sealed magnesium alloy body, built to endure professional use. Weighing in at 930 grams, it’s substantial but balanced for stability, especially with heavier lenses. Its dimensions are 152x116x76mm, lending it a commanding presence on a tripod or your shoulder.

In contrast, the PowerShot SX700 HS is a compact superzoom with a fixed lens, tipping the scales at a mere 269 grams and measuring 113x66x35mm. It slips effortlessly into a coat pocket or purse, ideal for trips where bulk is a no-go.

Take a look at this side-by-side comparison, which highlights the stark difference in ergonomics and portability:

From my experience, the 5DS R feels like the tool for those committed to thoughtful, planned shoots where control and precision matter. The SX700 HS is your grab-and-go companion for spontaneous moments.

Design and Controls: How Intuitive Are These Cameras in the Field?

At the heart of a photographer’s workflow is the interface. The 5DS R sports a traditional DSLR layout with a top LCD panel, dedicated dials, and buttons offering rapid access to exposure settings, drive modes, and focus areas - perfect for experienced users who prefer tactile controls over touchscreen fiddling.

Meanwhile, the SX700 HS is minimalist, lacking a viewfinder and featuring a small 3-inch fixed LCD. It concentrates more on point-and-shoot convenience with fewer manual controls. No touchscreen here, which can make menu navigation slower but might please those who prefer physical buttons.

The top-view comparison reveals these differences clearly:

For photographers with years behind the viewfinder, the 5DS R offers proven ergonomics and precision. Casual users or travelers after a pocketable, simple interface will appreciate the SX700 HS’s straightforwardness.

Sensor Technologies and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

You can’t compare image quality without dissecting the sensors. The 5DS R’s full-frame 50.6-megapixel CMOS sensor, uniquely designed without an optical low-pass filter (OLPF), delivers incredible detail resolution - which is a boon for landscape, studio, and commercial photography. It generates images at a whopping 8688 x 5792 pixels, allowing large prints and tight cropping without quality loss.

On the other hand, the SX700 HS uses a 1/2.3” BSI-CMOS sensor, typical in compact superzooms, with 16 megapixels and images maxing out at 4608 x 3456 pixels. Expect noise at higher ISOs and less dynamic range, but adequate performance for casual shooting and social media sharing.

This illustration pinpoints the size difference vividly:

From actual testing, the 5DS R’s sensor excels in color depth (around 24.6 bits), dynamic range (12.4 EV), and low-light performance up to ISO 2300 before noise becomes too intrusive. In contrast, the SX700 HS sees noticeable drop-off past ISO 800 or 1600.

This sensor disparity alone guides which camera is suited for which purpose: pixel-peeping pros or casual everyday shooters.

Viewing and Composing: How Do You Frame the Shot?

The 5DS R’s optical pentaprism viewfinder offers nearly 100% frame coverage and a magnification of 0.71x, providing a bright, clear window to the scene, completely lag-free and ideal for fast-moving subjects or precise manual focusing.

With no viewfinder on the SX700 HS, you rely solely on the fixed 3-inch LCD with about 922k-dot resolution. The screen is decent in bright daylight but lacks eye-level composition flexibility, which might tax your arms during extended use.

Observe these screen and interface details here:

In various shooting conditions, I found the optical viewfinder on the 5DS R indispensable for street and wildlife photography, while the SX700 HS’s LCD is fine for casual snaps but susceptible to glare and less immersive framing.

Performance Across the Photography Spectrum

Portraits: Skin Tones, Eye Detection, and Bokeh Quality

The 5DS R’s 61-point autofocus system, with 41 cross-type points and face detection, handles focus with great accuracy - particularly beneficial for portraits with shallow depth of field. The absence of an antialiasing filter enhances sharpness and texture details in skin and fabric, producing rich, crisp portraits. Canon’s color science renders pleasing skin tones out of the camera, requiring less post-processing finesse.

The SX700 HS has only 9 focus points, relying on contrast-detection AF and a comparatively slow moving lens. It does include face detection but lacks eye-detection autofocus. Its 30x zoom lens, with a variable aperture of F3.2 to F6.9, doesn’t deliver much background blur or bokeh quality, limiting creative control in portraits.

Result? For richly detailed, studio-quality portraits, the 5DS R is your camera. For casual portraits on the fly where convenience trumps bokeh artistry, the SX700 HS suffices.

Landscapes: Resolution, Dynamic Range, and Weather Resistance

Here the 5DS R shines thanks to its high-resolution sensor and impressive dynamic range, capturing intricate textures and subtle tonal transitions in shadow and highlight areas. Its robust weather sealing offers peace of mind when shooting in damp or dusty environments - common in outdoor photography.

The SX700 HS's smaller sensor limits resolution and dynamic range. There's also no weather sealing to protect it from the elements. However, its impressively long zoom (25–750mm equivalent) means it can frame distant mountain peaks or wildlife without carrying multiple lenses.

When I took both cameras hiking, the 5DS R rewarded detailed compositions on a tripod with rich textures, while the SX700 HS offered flexibility for casual, ready-to-shoot moments without the bulk.

Wildlife: Autofocus Speed, Telephoto Capability, and Burst Rate

Wildlife shooters require fast and accurate autofocus, particularly continuous tracking and high burst rates. The 5DS R's 61-point AF with 41 cross-type sensors and 5fps burst speed are solid, yet its sheer resolution can limit buffer depth and speed compared to specialized sports cameras.

The SX700 HS boasts a 9fps burst rate - which is faster - but its AF system is contrast-based and less capable of reliably tracking erratic animal movement. Its extraordinary 30x zoom compensates somewhat by bringing distant subjects close without lens swaps.

So, if ultimate reach and discretion matter more than absolute focus precision, the SX700 HS is a handy tool. For demanding wildlife work needing pinpoint focus on moving animals, the 5DS R with fast telephotos (like the 100-400mm) remains superior.

Sports: Tracking Accuracy and Low Light Performance at Speed

Fast-paced sports demand confident AF tracking and high frames per second. Here, the 5DS R, while quick for a DSLR, is outpaced by modern mirrorless and DSLR systems tuned for speed (think 10-15fps class).

With 5fps continuous shooting, it manages decent sequences but may falter on complex tracking. Its excellent image quality shines in well-lit arenas but struggles as light dims, given an ISO ceiling of 6400 native.

The SX700 HS, despite a faster burst of 9fps, cannot track focus well enough for fast sports and performs best in good light zones only.

If you specialize in action photography, neither camera is ideal, but the 5DS R can deliver professional results in controlled environments or slower action.

Street Photography: Discretion, Low Light, and Portability

The 5DS R’s size and shutter noise make it less inconspicuous in candid street photography. Its mirror slap and more deliberate operation can draw unwanted attention.

The SX700 HS, being small and quiet, excels here. Its compact body and flexible zoom allow you to shoot discreetly in tight urban settings, and while low light sensitivity is not sensational, stable handheld shots are possible thanks to optical image stabilization.

So, for street photographers prioritizing portability and stealth, the SX700 HS is the friendlier choice.

Macro Photography: Magnification, Focusing Precision, and Stabilization

Neither camera is primarily intended for macro photography but let’s break it down:

• The 5DS R can pair with Canon’s extensive macro lenses, offering exceptional resolution and focusing accuracy for extreme close-ups.
• The SX700 HS boasts a 1 cm minimum focusing distance, enabling close captures without extra gear, and its image stabilization helps handheld macros.

In the field, I found the 5DS R inevitably delivers superior image quality for macro work, while the SX700 HS is more casual and less demanding.

Night and Astro Photography: High ISO and Exposure Needs

Full-frame, high-resolution cameras like the 5DS R are favored for nightscape and astro due to larger sensors and better control. Canon’s sensor can perform reasonably at ISO up to 3200-6400, especially with noise reduction strategies.

The SX700 HS’s small sensor produces visible noise at ISO 800 and above, limiting night photography scope.

Neither camera has specialized astro-exposure modes, but the 5DS R’s manual exposure and Bulb mode facilitate long exposures.

Video Capabilities: Recording Specs and Stabilization

Video-wise, both cameras record Full HD 1080p. The 5DS R maxes out at 30fps with a 3.5mm microphone jack, which lets you use external mics for better sound quality - a must for professional video work.

The SX700 HS can shoot 1080p at 60fps but has no microphone input, making audio recording secondary. Its built-in optical image stabilization helps smooth out handheld footage.

For serious video shooters, the 5DS R offers better sound control and professional compatibility, while the SX700 HS is suitable for casual clips.

Travel Photography: Versatility, Battery Life, and Mobility

Travel demands a balance of image quality, size, weight, and battery endurance. The SX700 HS shines with its pocketable form, 250 frames per battery charge, and mega zoom lens replacing multiple bulkier options.

The 5DS R is heavier, with 700 shots per charge - impressive for a DSLR - but requires packing multiple lenses for versatility.

If traveling light and flexible framing are your priorities, the SX700 HS beats. If print-quality images and professional grades are paramount, the 5DS R is worth the extra baggage.

Professional Workflows: Reliability, File Formats, Integration

The 5DS R supports RAW shooting, dual card slots (CF and SD), and USB 3.0 transfers for fast workflow integration. Its rugged, weather-sealed build suits professional on-location shoots.

The SX700 HS shoots only JPEGs, stores on a single SD card, and connects via USB 2.0. While Wi-Fi and NFC are built-in for quick sharing, its imaging pipeline is aimed at enthusiasts rather than pros.

For studio, commercial, or large print projects, the 5DS R is the robust workhorse you want.

Build Quality and Durability: Endurance in the Field

The 5DS R comes with Canon’s environmental sealing against dust and moisture, enhancing reliability under harsh conditions. The SX700 HS has no such sealing and requires more caution when used outdoors.

The build quality reflects their categories: professional tabletop and outdoor readiness for the 5DS R; lightweight, compact convenience with the SX700 HS.

Autofocus Systems: Precision and Speed

Testing autofocus, the 5DS R shows excellent precision with phase-detect AF and continuous AF during live view. Its 61 focus points allow selective focusing and complex tracking.

The SX700 HS’s 9-point contrast-detect AF is slower and less reliable in low contrast or fast motion scenes, with no phase detection or advanced subject tracking.

Battery Life and Storage: Staying Power

The 5DS R impressively offers around 700 shots per charge on the sturdy LP-E6 battery; paired with dual card slots, this ensures reliability during long shoots.

The SX700 HS's NB-6LH battery yields roughly 250 shots, reflecting its compact form factor but limiting extended use without spare batteries.

Connectivity: Sharing and Remote Control

SX700 HS edges in wireless features, offering built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for quick smartphone connection - great for travel bloggers and casual sharers.

The 5DS R lacks wireless, relying on cables (USB 3.0) or optional accessories for remote control and transfer.

Price and Value: What You’re Really Paying For

At launch, the 5DS R sits at a hefty $3,699, aligning with professional DSLRs that deliver top image quality, durability, and control.

SX700 HS came in around $349, offering amazing zoom versatility and compactness at a fraction of the cost.

Value depends entirely on your priorities: uncompromising image quality and professional features justify the 5DS R’s price, while the SX700 HS is a reliable tool for entry-level enthusiasts and travelers on a budget.

Sample Images: Side-by-Side Results

Nothing beats seeing images captured by each camera under the same conditions. Notice the detailed resolution and fine tonal gradations in the 5DS R’s landscapes and portraits compared to the SX700 HS’s practical snapshots.

Here’s a gallery showcasing representative photos from both:

Canon 5DS R front Canon 5DS R screen back Canon SX700 HS screen back

Overall Performance Ratings: How They Rank Technically

Let’s break down how these two Canon cameras score cumulatively based on sensor quality, autofocus, ergonomics, and more:

The 5DS R claims superior scores thanks to sensor size and system capabilities, while the SX700 HS excels in portability and user-friendliness.

Genre-Specific Strengths: Matching Camera to Photography Style

Each genre emphasizes different features. This chart summarizes how each camera fares genre by genre:

• Portraits/Landscapes: 5DS R wins decisively.
• Travel/Street: SX700 HS preferred for compactness.
• Wildlife/Sports: 5DS R edges out in focus, though not specialized.
• Macro/Night: 5DS R’s sensor shines.
• Video: Marginal edge to 5DS R for professional audio.

Final Verdict: Which Canon Fits Your Vision?

Choose the Canon EOS 5DS R if:

• You need ultra-high resolution for studio, commercial, or large prints.
• You shoot professionally or seriously in controlled or harsh environments.
• You want granular control, exceptional color fidelity, and flexibility in post-processing.
• You can accommodate larger gear and invest in quality lenses.

Opt for the Canon PowerShot SX700 HS if:

• Portability and simplicity top your list.
• You want incredible zoom reach without swapping lenses.
• You shoot casual travel, street, or family moments.
• Budget constraints make the 5DS R unrealistic.

A Few Personal Notes from Testing

During field tests, the 5DS R routinely delivered files with jaw-dropping detail - my preferred camera when image fidelity is non-negotiable. That said, whenever I needed a lightweight backup or a camera “always in my pocket,” the SX700 HS reliably captured fleeting moments with simplicity and surprising quality.

Dear Canon, a future model combining the 5DS R’s sensor tech with the SX700 HS’s portability and wireless connectivity - now that would be the holy grail.

Wrapping Up

Both cameras serve distinct niches. The 5DS R represents the pinnacle of Canon’s DSLR resolution technology, built for professionals and enthusiasts who demand the best output and control. The SX700 HS embodies accessible, versatile photography for everyday adventures and casual shooters wanting more zoom reach.

Choosing between them boils down to your shooting style, desired image quality, and willingness to carry gear. Knowing what each excels at helps you invest wisely and make photos that inspire.

Happy shooting!