Canon PowerShot S120 vs. Canon PowerShot SX730 HS: An Expert Comparison for Enthusiasts and Professionals

Selecting the right compact camera can be a daunting endeavor given the variety of models, especially when comparing siblings from the same trusted manufacturer such as Canon. The PowerShot S120 and the PowerShot SX730 HS - though both under Canon’s PowerShot umbrella - cater to distinctly different user priorities and shooting scenarios. Drawing on over 15 years of extensive hands-on camera testing, side-by-side comparisons, and real-world workflow integration, this article dissects the nuanced differences between these two models, providing a technically rigorous yet accessible guide to help you select the camera best suited to your photography discipline and budget.

Understanding the Core Identity: S120 vs. SX730 HS

Both cameras fall within Canon’s compact category but diverge in intent and design philosophy. The Canon PowerShot S120, launched in late 2013, is a classic “small sensor compact” engineered for users valuing portability, bright optics, and manual control - a favored choice among street, portrait, and travel photographers who are willing to trade zoom reach for quality at the focal lengths provided.

In contrast, the Canon PowerShot SX730 HS, released in 2017, is a “small sensor superzoom” compact targeting users desiring extensive zoom coverage up to 960 mm equivalent focal length, making it appealing for wildlife, travel, and casual sports photography where reach and versatility are paramount.

Before diving deeply into their technical makeup and discipline-specific performance, let us consider their physical makeup and ergonomics.

Built and Handled: Size, Weight, and Controls

Starting with body design, the S120 measures a compact 100×59×29 mm and weighs a mere 217 g, emphasizing discreetness and portability - crucial for street photography or travel where carrying minimal gear is essential. Its slim profile fits comfortably in a jacket pocket or small bag.

The SX730 HS is noticeably bulkier at 110×64×40 mm and 300 g, owing primarily to its extensive 40× zoom lens assembly. Although still compact enough for travel, it demands more real estate and hand strength during prolonged use. The increased grip thickness and top-plate design are adapted to enhance ergonomics for longer focal lengths.

Both cameras utilize fixed lenses, with the S120’s lens spanning the modest 24–120 mm focal range at a bright maximum aperture of f/1.8–5.7 (ideal for low-light and shallow depth-of-field control), whereas the SX730 HS offers 24–960 mm at a slower f/3.3–6.9 - sacrificing aperture speed for zoom reach.

Ergonomically, the S120 employs a fixed 3” 922k-dot touchscreen LCD with intuitive touch focus capability, appealing to photographers who prefer tactile engagement with exposure and focus. The SX730 HS instead features a 3” 922k-dot tilting non-touchscreen LCD, optimized for selfies and vlogging with its flip-up mechanism but lacking touchscreen interaction.

Neither model provides an electronic viewfinder, requiring reliance on LCD screens for composition. These differences markedly affect usability in bright outdoor conditions or for users accustomed to viewfinder shooting.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality

From a sensor perspective, both cameras use BSI-CMOS technology, but with significant size and resolution differences influencing image quality. The S120’s 1/1.7" sensor (7.44×5.58 mm, 41.52 mm²) is substantially larger than the SX730 HS’s 1/2.3" sensor (6.17×4.55 mm, 28.07 mm²), lending the S120 a clear edge in light-gathering capability and noise performance.

In terms of resolution, the S120 offers 12 megapixels (4000×3000 max resolution), adequate to print up to A3-sized images with detail retention and better pixel quality due to larger sensor sites. The SX730 HS features a higher 20.3-megapixel count (5184×3888), part of a modern trend favoring resolution over pixel size on smaller sensors. While this boosts cropping flexibility, it results in smaller pixels that tend to amplify noise at higher ISOs and limit dynamic range when compared to the S120.

Both cameras utilize Canon’s DIGIC 6 processor, ensuring efficient JPEG rendering and noise reduction algorithms, but the S120’s sensor/processor combo achieves a notable DxO Mark score of 56, reflecting superior color depth (21.3 bits), dynamic range (11.9 EV), and low-light sensitivity (ISO 246). The SX730 HS, unfortunately, has not been formally benchmarked by DxO Mark, but based on sensor size and resolution, we anticipate comparatively limited low-light performance and dynamic range.

The S120 supports RAW capture, a critical feature for professionals and serious enthusiasts requiring maximum latitude in post-processing, whereas the SX730 HS does not offer RAW - limiting advanced editing options.

Autofocus and Speed Performance

Autofocus accuracy and speed are paramount in modern photography workflows, especially for wildlife, sports, and street shooting where decisive moments matter.

Both models employ contrast-detection AF with nine focus points in the S120, whereas the SX730 HS does not specify the number of focus points but similarly uses contrast-detection AF (no phase detection):

• The S120’s AF system, enhanced with eye-detection capabilities and continuous AF modes, is optimized for precise, especially portrait-oriented focusing on human subjects. The touch interface facilitates rapid AF point selection, further enhancing responsiveness.

• The SX730 HS offers continuous AF and subject tracking but lacks touch focus and eye detection, reflective of its consumer-grade heritage. In bright conditions, autofocus is reliable but can struggle under low light or with fast-moving subjects, compounded by the lens’s narrow maximum aperture at longer focal lengths.

In terms of burst shooting, the S120 offers up to 12 fps, enabling capture of fleeting action sequences, useful in street and casual sports contexts, while the SX730 HS tops out closer to 5.9 fps - adequate but less competitive for dynamic subject tracking.

Image Stabilization and Video Capabilities

Image stabilization (IS) is crucial for superzoom cameras to mitigate camera shake; both cameras feature optical image stabilization tuned per their lens characteristics:

• The SX730 HS’s IS system compensates effectively for handshake at extreme zoom levels, enhancing usability for wildlife and travel applications where tripods are impractical.

• The S120’s stabilization benefits lower focal lengths but is less critical given its zoom limits and bright aperture.

Video support for both is Full HD 1080p at 60fps, encoded in MPEG-4/H.264 formats. Neither supports 4K recording, which, while expected given their release periods, may be a limiting factor for video enthusiasts seeking the latest standard.

Notably, neither camera incorporates microphone or headphone input jacks, constraining audio quality control in video workflows, a factor to consider if you prioritize multimedia content creation.

LCD Screens, User Interfaces, and Connectivity

The S120’s touchscreen LCD offers intuitive and flexible interaction - touch-to-focus, touch shutter, and menu navigation - advantages for those accustomed to smartphone-like operation and quick adjustments. Its fixed screen design sacrifices flexibility but offers a bright and clear display.

The SX730 HS’s 3” tilting LCD, though not touch-enabled, allows convenient selfie and overhead angle compositions, suiting vloggers and travelers capturing self-portraits or exploring unique perspectives.

Regarding connectivity, both cameras contain built-in Wi-Fi for wireless image transfer and remote control but the SX730 HS extends this with Bluetooth and NFC, facilitating simpler pairing with compatible smart devices - convenient for casual shooters and travel users engaging with social media.

Lens Ecosystem: Fixed Lenses Pros and Cons

While neither camera supports interchangeable lenses, understanding the lens specifications and photographic consequences proves essential:

• The S120’s focal range, 24–120 mm (5× zoom), paired with a wide f/1.8 maximum aperture at the wide end, delivers excellent low-light capability and shallow depth-of-field effects, favoring portraiture, street shooting, and environmental close-ups with attractive background separation.

• The SX730 HS features a tremendous 24–960 mm 40× zoom, enabling distant wildlife, architecture, and landscape compression shots inaccessible to the S120. However, with the aperture narrowing to f/6.9 at the telephoto end, low light utility suffers and background blur is minimal.

• Macro capabilities differ; the SX730 HS achieves focusing down to 1 cm, enabling tight close-ups, while the S120 starts at 3 cm.

Battery Life and Storage

The SX730 HS holds a slight edge with approx. 250 shots per charge versus the S120’s 230, not a large difference but noteworthy for extended outings without battery replacement. Both use proprietary battery packs (S120 uses NB-6LH), and support SD/SDHC/SDXC cards via a single card slot.

Durability and Environmental Resistance

Neither camera offers weather sealing or ruggedized construction. Users requiring resilience against dust and moisture would need to consider more advanced or specialized camera models.

Price Analysis and Value Proposition

With prices hovering near $400–450 at launch, these cameras target the upper range of compact consumer units. The S120 positions itself as an enthusiast-friendly tool balancing manual controls, RAW file support, and image quality, justifying a somewhat higher price than the SX730 HS’s broader zoom versatility with simpler operation.

Real-world Performance Across Photography Disciplines

Canon S120 front Canon S120 screen back Canon SX730 HS front Canon SX730 HS screen back

Exploring how these specifications translate in practical photography:

Portrait Photography

The S120’s bright f/1.8 aperture enables more effective subject isolation with soft background bokeh - ideal for skin tone rendition and creative depth - where its eye-detection AF shines. The SX730 HS’s small max aperture limits bokeh creation and shallow depth-of-field effects.

Landscape Photography

The SX730 HS’s longer zoom allows distant details to be captured from afar, though the smaller sensor constrains dynamic range and noise performance, which the S120’s sensor handles better, producing richer tonal gradations and better shadow detail.

Wildlife Photography

The SX730 HS is the better choice given its 960 mm focal length, enabling closer framing of animals in the wild. However, slower autofocus and narrow aperture diminish effectiveness in dimmer light and with fast action.

Sports Photography

The S120’s faster burst mode and superior AF accuracy offer advantages indoors or in fast-paced street sports, but limited zoom restricts reach. The SX730 HS’s zoom cannot fully compensate for slower focusing and lower frame rates.

Street Photography

The S120’s compact size, light weight, and discreet 5× zoom lend themselves perfectly to street shooting, along with rapid AF and touch controls. The SX730 HS is larger and less discrete.

Macro Photography

The SX730 HS shines with 1cm macro focus and 40× zoom aiding close work, supplemented by good stabilization. The S120’s 3cm macro range and brighter lens aperture produce sharper focus with attractive background separation.

Night and Astrophotography

The S120’s larger sensor and brighter aperture deliver superior high ISO performance and dynamic range beneficial for low-light and night sky imaging, whereas the SX730 HS struggles with noise and image detail under such conditions.

Video Content Creation

Both produce 1080p60 video but lack 4K and audio input options. The SX730 HS’s tilting screen and Bluetooth enable easier vlogging and wireless control; however, lack of touchscreen on SX730 may slow manual focus adjustments.

Travel Photography

Both compact sizes suit travel, but the S120’s lighter, sleeker profile and superior image quality recommend it for travelers emphasizing image fidelity, while the SX730 HS’s long zoom captures varied scenes without changing lenses.

Professional Usage

Neither camera targets primary pro applications due to sensor and control limitations, but the S120’s RAW support and manual modes can serve as dedicated backup bodies or for casual professional assignments where ultimate quality is secondary.

Final Performance Summary

Specialized Photography Genre Ratings

Who Should Buy the Canon PowerShot S120?

If your priorities rest on superior image quality, fast lenses, manual control, and a discreet form factor, the Canon PowerShot S120, despite its older release, remains an outstanding choice. It excels in portraiture, street photography, and low-light conditions, offering RAW support and touchscreen convenience - features highly valued by photography enthusiasts and semi-professionals. Its compact size coupled with a bright fast prime-like lens gives it an edge for travel photography where image fidelity and portability are critical.

Who is the Canon PowerShot SX730 HS Best Suited For?

On the other hand, the Canon PowerShot SX730 HS embodies the best features of a travel superzoom compact, delivering outstanding versatility with its 40× zoom lens - enabling wildlife, distant landscapes, and quick-zoom scenarios. Connectivity enhancements like Bluetooth and NFC facilitate easy sharing on the go, while the selfie-friendly tilting screen benefits vloggers and casual content creators. However, compromises on sensor size, aperture speed, and RAW support mean it is less suitable for professional applications or serious low-light photography.

Conclusion: Balanced Choices in a Compact Package

In synthesizing these detailed assessments, the Canon PowerShot S120 and SX730 HS present two complementary models serving diverging photographic needs rather than direct rivals. The S120 remains a champion of image quality, manual control, and portability, whereas the SX730 HS offers exceptional zoom flexibility and connectivity enhancements for versatile everyday shooting.

Prospective buyers weighing these options should analyze personal photography styles and requirements to align with the strengths and limitations elucidated here. Investing in the S120 benefits those prioritizing picture quality and manual engagement, while the SX730 HS appeals to travelers and zoom-hungry hobbyists eager for one-camera convenience.

For side-by-side comparison visuals and further examination, the following gallery showcases sample images highlighting each camera’s signature strengths:

Canon S120 front Canon S120 screen back Canon SX730 HS front Canon SX730 HS screen back

We recommend visiting expert review sites and conducting hands-on trials where possible, to experience tactile differences firsthand. Your photographic vision and budget will ultimately guide the best choice in this nuanced Canon compact camera pairing.