Bridging the Zoom Gap: Canon PowerShot SX150 IS vs. SX70 HS – Which Superzoom Fits Your Vision?

When it comes to small sensor superzoom cameras, Canon’s lineup offers a compelling journey through incremental technology leaps and a growing appetite for versatility. Today, we’re placing two intriguing siblings under the microscope: the venerable Canon PowerShot SX150 IS from 2012, and its more recent counterpart, the 2018 Canon PowerShot SX70 HS. Both promise superzoom capabilities without the cumbersome bulk or expense of interchangeable lens systems, but how do they stack up when put through the paces across the photography spectrum?

Having spent the better part of a decade testing superzoom and bridge cameras - from the humble point-and-shoots to near-professional gear - I can tell you that these cameras often straddle the line between convenience and complexity. Let's take a stroll through their features, limitations, and real-world quirks, so you can pick the right tool for your photographic tales.

Spot the Difference: Size, Ergonomics, and Design Language

First up, size matters - but not always in obvious ways. The SX150 IS is delightfully compact, weighing in at a mere 306 grams and measuring 113x73x46 mm. It's the sort of camera you can easily tuck into a jacket pocket or a small bag, making it a true grab-and-go companion.

Contrast that with the SX70 HS, which is decidedly larger and weighs almost twice as much at 608 grams, with dimensions reaching 127x91x117 mm. This chunkier form factor leans into a bridge camera design - SLR-like body with a pronounced grip and an imposing lens barrel. Ergonomically, the SX70 HS feels more substantial, providing better control for prolonged shooting sessions or when handholding at long focal lengths.

That said, the smaller SX150 IS wins hands-down for portability, while the SX70 HS earns brownie points for solid handling and a reassuring professional vibe. If you’ve got big pockets or want something discreet, the SX150 IS fits the bill. But if control precision and stability are paramount (think: wildlife or sports), the heftier SX70 HS is your ally.

The View from Above: Controls and Interface Design

Navigating through physical controls reveals another gulf between these two cameras. The SX150 IS’s top panel is minimalist - a rotary dial, a modest shutter button, and a few function buttons. There’s no electronic viewfinder, so you’re tethered to its 3-inch rear LCD for composing shots. The screen, however, is fixed (non-articulated) and boasts a rather low 230k-dot resolution - enough to frame your shot, but lacking refinement.

Flip over to the SX70 HS and you’re greeted by a bridge camera’s sprawling command center. Multiple dials, customizable function buttons, a zoom toggle ergonomically placed for the right hand, and above all, an electronic viewfinder with an eye-popping 2,360k-dot resolution and full 100% coverage.

The rear LCD screen here is fully articulating (tiltable and swiveling) with a sharp 922k-dot panel - an absolute joy for live view shooting, vlogging, or awkward-angle snaps. Interestingly, neither model offers touchscreen functionality, which feels a tad dated in the SX70 HS given its 2018 release.

From a workflow standpoint, the SX70 HS’s interface empowers more nuanced manual controls, exposing aperture priority, shutter priority, manual modes, and exposure compensation that are easier to navigate on the fly. For casual users or beginners, the SX150 IS’s simplicity might be liberating - but enthusiasts will yearn for the SX70 HS’s command flexibility.

Under the Hood: Sensor Technology and Image Quality

Let's dig into what really counts: image quality. Both cameras utilize a 1/2.3-inch sensor - Canon’s favored small sensor size for superzooms. The SX150 IS opts for a 14-megapixel CCD sensor paired with the DigiC 4 processor. By 2012 standards, this was respectable, though CCD sensors tend to struggle with noise at higher ISOs and dynamic range is modest.

The SX70 HS takes a noticeable leap with a 20-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor and an updated DigiC 8 processor. This modern sensor stacks up better in low-light thanks to improved backside illumination design, boosting sensitivity and reducing noise. The increased resolution also allows larger prints and more generous cropping without sacrificing detail.

Both sensors maintain an anti-aliasing filter, balancing moiré control and sharpness. However, given its age, the SX150 IS caps ISO at 1600 maximum (native range 80-1600), whereas the SX70 HS stretches to ISO 3200, providing more breathing room under dim conditions.

Without access to dedicated DxO Mark scores for these models, my experience and real-world testing suggest that the SX70 HS delivers cleaner images with superior dynamic range and color rendition. Those extra megapixels aren’t just numbers - they translate into crisper details and more flexibility in post-processing, especially when shooting JPEGs from a small sensor.

For those craving RAW file support, the SX70 HS caters to serious tinkerers; the SX150 IS does not.

The View to the World: LCD and Viewfinder Experience

The rear screen is your primary window to the frame, and the SX70 HS takes this to another level. Its 3-inch articulating LCD with a 922k-dot count offers sharp visuals and vivid color reproduction, coupled with the flexibility to tip or swivel - which is priceless when shooting street photography from the hip, or capturing macro subjects at crazy angles.

The SX150 IS suffers in comparison with its fixed 230k-dot screen that can feel grainy and struggles in bright sunlight. Compose carefully or rely on LCD brightness maxed out (which comes at a battery endurance premium).

And with no built-in viewfinder on the SX150, framing requires holding the camera slightly away and trusting the LCD - fine for casual usage, but less ideal when precision counts or on sunny days.

The SX70 HS remedies this with a high-res electronic viewfinder, complete with eye sensor waking functionality. It tightens your composition control and reduces camera shake from holding the camera at arm’s length. For any serious shooting in bright or rapidly changing light, the electronic viewfinder is an indispensable tool.

Zooming In: Lens, Zoom Range, and Aperture Realities

One of the defining factors in superzoom appeal is the lens. Here the gulf is dramatic. The SX150 IS offers a 12x zoom ranging from 28mm to 336mm (35mm equivalent), with an aperture from F3.4 to F5.6. These specs were solid for 2012, offering reasonable reach for general-purpose photography.

The SX70 HS eclipses this with a staggering 65x optical zoom, spanning a jaw-dropping 21mm to 1365mm equivalent focal length. Canon packed a colossal telephoto punch into this lens, a veritable Swiss Army knife for wildlife, sports, and far-flung subjects.

However, such super-extensive zoom ranges come with compromises. The variable aperture stretches from F3.4 at the wide end to a relatively slow F6.5 at full telephoto, meaning light gathering diminishes as you zoom in. For static landscapes, this is no problem, but handholding at long zoom and low light can be challenging.

Despite this, the SX70 HS compensates with a powerful optical image stabilization system to help mitigate camera shake - a must given those extreme telephoto focal lengths.

In macro terms, the SX150 IS reaches down to 1cm for close focusing, whereas the SX70 HS claims 0cm macro focus distance. The latter’s articulating screen and stabilization combination better support close-up shooting, making it the stronger candidate for macro enthusiasts.

Canon SX150 IS front Canon SX150 IS screen back Canon SX70 HS front Canon SX70 HS screen back

Field-Tested Image Samples: Who Handles What Best?

Having subjected both cameras to various light conditions and shooting scenarios, I observed the SX70 HS consistently outperforms the SX150 IS in detail resolution, color accuracy, and noise control.

Portrait shots from the SX70 HS display smoother skin tone gradation and better background separation, helped by a sharper sensor and better image processing pipelines. That said, neither camera produces the creamy bokeh professionals now expect - the small sensor constrains depth of field control.

Landscape shots are significantly better rendered on the SX70 HS, - thanks to its higher resolution and enhanced dynamic range - capturing shadow and highlight nuances better. The SX150 IS images occasionally feel washed out or noisier in shadows.

Wildlife and sports images benefited hugely from the SX70 HS's faster continuous shooting (10fps) and superior autofocus tracking. The SX150 IS, limited to 1fps, quickly falls behind fast action.

Night and astro photography are no strong suits for either, but the SX70 HS manages better exposure fidelity at high ISOs.

Autofocus and Burst Performance: The Crucial Speed Factor

With only one AF focus point (center-weighted) and contrast detection autofocus, the SX150 IS is a modest performer in autofocus department. It’s workable for static scenes but struggles with tracking moving subjects reliably.

The SX70 HS features nine focus points and supports AF single, continuous, and tracking modes. It’s still contrast-detection based, so not as snappy as phase detection systems, but real-world performance is markedly better. Tracking wildlife or sports subjects is far less frustrating, with increased accuracy and speed.

Continuous shooting jumps from a pedestrian 1fps on the SX150 IS to a competitive 10fps on the SX70 HS - solidifying the latter’s edge for sports and wildlife photography.

Battery, Storage, and Connectivity: Endurance in the Field

Here’s a classic trade-off. The SX150 IS uses two standard AA batteries, which means you can easily swap batteries on the fly, even framing the campsite in the absence of conventional charging options. But battery life is limited to approx. 130 shots per charge - most likely higher if you use alkalines but lower when powering the optical stabilization constantly.

The SX70 HS packs a built-in rechargeable Li-ion battery, rated for about 325 shots per charge. The higher capacity battery and efficient processor improve stamina for longer shooting days, but if you forget your charger, your options are limited on the road.

Both cameras accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards. The SX70 HS supports UHS-I speeds, benefiting faster write times, especially for HD video and burst sequences.

For connectivity, the SX150 IS offers Eye-Fi card compatibility - an early wireless solution to image transfer. The SX70 HS goes modern with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth - streamlining pairing with smartphones and remote control apps, enhancing the travel and social sharing experience.

Video Capabilities: From Casual Clips to 4K Dreams Deferred

In video, both cameras shoot in H.264 format, but specifications again diverge sharply.

The SX150 IS tops out at 720p HD video at 30 frames per second. Sufficient for basic home movies but lacking in advanced features like external mic inputs or higher frame rate options.

The SX70 HS steps it up to 4K UHD at 30fps with a bit rate of 120 Mbps - a feature that surprised many given its bridge camera classification. It also allows Full HD at higher frame rates, suitable for slow motion. The presence of a microphone port delivers superior audio capture options for the enthusiast videographer.

If video is a priority, the SX70 HS unquestionably offers a richer toolbox.

Breaking It Down: Overall Performance Ratings

Synthesizing all test parameters, the SX70 HS pulls ahead decisively in most performance categories - resolution, autofocus, zoom range, video, battery life, and interface design.

The SX150 IS, while outdated, provides an impressively compact package with essential features for casual shooting. It answers the call for beginners or budget-minded buyers wanting straightforward functionality without overwhelming complexity.

Specialty Genres: How Each Camera Holds Up Across Photography Disciplines

• Portraits: SX70 HS delivers subtly better skin tones and eye detection (though limited to face detection). SX150 IS lacks refined AF for eye tracking. Neither produces professional bokeh due to sensor size.

• Landscape: SX70 HS wins with higher resolution and better dynamic range. Weather sealing is absent on both, so be cautious outdoors.

• Wildlife: SX70 HS’s long reach and 10fps burst capabilities dramatically outperform the SX150 IS, which is underpowered in fast autofocus.

• Sports: Rapid AF and burst in SX70 HS make it a far better choice. SX150 IS’s sluggish 1fps makes it frustrating.

• Street: SX150 IS’s compact size aids discreet shooting, but slow AF is a hinderance. SX70 HS is bulkier but offers tilt screen for candid angles.

• Macro: SX70 HS’s 0cm macro and stabilization give it an edge. SX150 IS reachable at 1cm but less usable.

• Night/Astro: Both cameras limited by small sensors, but SX70 HS cleanly handles higher ISO shots.

• Video: SX70 HS wins hands down with 4K, microphone jack; SX150 IS is entry-level 720p.

• Travel: SX150 IS champions portability and AA battery convenience. SX70 HS is weightier but packs extreme versatility.

• Professional Work: Neither camera supplants professional DSLRs or mirrorless, but SX70 HS suits enthusiast photographers needing flexibility with RAW support and extended zoom.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: Locked-In or Loosened?

Both cameras have fixed lenses, meaning no lens interchangeability - the trade-off for compactness and simplicity. The SX150 IS and SX70 HS rely entirely on the built-in optics.

This potentially limits long-term adaptability seen in interchangeable lens systems but also ensures consistent optical performance tuned to each body.

Accessories such as filters are possible via lens adapters, but flash expansion options are absent in both models, constraining multi-flash setups.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Neither camera offers weather sealing, waterproofing, or shock resistance. For outdoor shoots in demanding environments, they require protective measures.

The SX70 HS’s larger body feels more rugged, but this is not a weather-resistant design.

Technical Nitty-Gritty: Shutter, ISO, Focus Points, and Storage

• Maximum shutter speed is slightly higher on the SX150 IS (1/2500s) vs. 1/2000s on SX70 HS - a marginal edge likely unnoticed except in tricky bright-light situations.

• Focus points: SX150 IS has only 1 center point versus 9 selectable points on SX70 HS enhancing focus flexibility.

• Both support SDXC cards, but SX70 HS’s UHS-I compatibility promises faster write speeds crucial for video and burst.

Price-to-Performance: Does the SX70 HS Justify Its Premium?

At an MSRP of $549.99, the SX70 HS commands more than double the $249 asking price of the SX150 IS.

Considering the leaps in resolution, zoom range, autofocus, video, battery life, and interfaces, this premium aligns well with the substantial value gain.

For photographers upgrading from casual snapshots to enthusiast use, the SX70 HS offers more longevity and creative scope.

Conversely, budget-strapped hobbyists or those requiring extreme portability may find the SX150 IS a fitting choice.

Final Thoughts: Picking Your Superzoom Travel and Photography Sidekick

Here’s the nutshell summary from my years of testing and shooting with compact zoomers:

• Choose the Canon SX150 IS if:

  • You prize pocketability and simplicity above all.

  • Your photography mostly revolves around casual family shots, vacations, and daylight landscapes.

  • You want a low-cost secondary camera that doesn’t intimidate beginners.

  • You value AA batteries for convenience in remote places without charging facilities.

• Choose the Canon SX70 HS if:

  • You demand an extensive zoom for everything from wide-angle landscapes to distant wildlife or sports.

  • You crave better image quality, RAW support, faster burst rates, and a high-res EVF.

  • Video recording capabilities (4K, external mic) are important.

  • You’re an enthusiast seeking a versatile all-in-one camera without the fuss of interchangeable lenses.

  • You want contemporary wireless connectivity and better battery life.

For photographers dabbling in multiple genres - landscapes one day, street photography the next, then macro and wildlife - the SX70 HS is the more robust, future-proof choice. The SX150 IS holds nostalgic charm as a straightforward, no-fuss shooter that stays out of your way, but it’s clearly outclassed in the modern superzoom scene.

In sum: the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS heralds a significant technological leap, marrying expansive zoom reach with a feature-rich package suitable for learning and serious photography alike, while the SX150 IS caters to the casual crowd who value ease and economy over bells and whistles.

Happy photographing - may your zoom be sharp and your images ever stunning!