Canon PowerShot SX230 HS vs Canon PowerShot SX730 HS: In-Depth Superzoom Comparison for Photographers

When it comes to compact superzoom cameras, Canon’s PowerShot line has long been favored by enthusiasts who seek versatility in a pocketable form. But, how do two Canon models from different eras - the SX230 HS (2011) and the SX730 HS (2017) - stack up against each other? With a similar price point yet vastly different specs, picking between these cameras can be confusing without a detailed look beyond just the numbers.

In this extensive comparison, drawn from years of hands-on testing, I’ll break down everything you need to know: from core image quality to ergonomics, autofocus, and suitability for different photographic genres. My goal is to help you select which one truly fits your shooting style and requirements.

Size and Handling: Compact Convenience vs Bulkier Flexibility

Physical feel and operational comfort are often underrated yet critical factors in camera choice, especially if you plan to shoot frequently or carry it traveling.

The Canon SX230 HS sports a compact, slim chassis measuring 106 x 62 x 33 mm and weighing just 223 grams. This lightweight design feels unobtrusive and is easy to slip into a pack or even a large pocket.

Contrast that with the Canon SX730 HS - noticeably larger and chunkier at 110 x 64 x 40 mm and 300 grams. The extra heft partly comes from the longer zoom lens and a sturdier build. While no weather sealing is present on either, the bigger grip of the SX730 HS offers enhanced handling comfort during extended shooting sessions.

In my experience, the SX230 HS is great for minimalist shooters prioritizing portability, whereas the SX730 HS balances size with control, making it suited for travel photography where flexibility matters.

Design and Control Layout: Intuitive Access or Simplified Minimalism?

Control placement and usability affect how quickly you can adjust settings on the fly - a must for dynamic shooting conditions.

Both cameras feature Canon’s typical button and dial setups, but the SX730 HS benefits from a more modernized interface. The DIGIC 6 processor in the SX730 HS powers a more responsive menu and interface experience.

Notably, the SX730 HS has a tilting 3-inch screen with a resolution of 922k dots, providing much clearer feedback than the SX230 HS’s fixed 3-inch screen with only 461k dots. The tilt articulation on the SX730 HS makes creative angles and selfies easier to compose.

Neither camera offers touchscreen input or an electronic viewfinder, underscoring their compact, budget-friendly designs. Still, if you value quick menu navigation and screen versatility, the newer SX730 HS wins this round.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Resolution Matters in the Details

Sensor specs side-by-side:

Both cameras utilize the same small 1/2.3-inch type sensor size, which is typical for superzooms but inherently more limited than larger APS-C or full-frame sensors in dynamic range and noise performance. However, the SX730 HS ups the resolution to 20.3 megapixels versus 12 megapixels on the SX230 HS, offering more detail for expansive prints or cropping.

In practical testing under daylight, the SX730 HS’s higher resolution sensor rendered images sharper and with finer texture reproduction. The noise behavior at ISO 800 and below was similar, typical for small-sensor cameras, but above ISO 1600, noise became more apparent on both, with the SX730 HS showing slightly improved detail retention, likely helped by the DIGIC 6 processor’s noise reduction algorithms.

Neither permits RAW capture, limiting post-processing flexibility. For enthusiasts aiming for extensive editing, this is a key consideration.

Autofocus System: Tracking Speed and Accuracy in Real-World Use

Both rely on contrast-detection AF, which tends to be slower and less reliable in low contrast or dim environments compared to phase detection or hybrid autofocus systems available on more advanced models.

With the SX230 HS, I found autofocus to be reliable enough in good light but sluggish when zoomed in or under challenging conditions. The SX730 HS improved autofocus speed noticeably, likely due to the upgraded DIGIC 6 engine, handling continuous autofocus better - helpful for shooting moving subjects like street scenes or casual sports.

Neither camera includes advanced tracking like animal eye AF, so wildlife photography will require more patience and manual focus skills.

Image Stabilization: Keeping It Steady When Zoomed In

Both models include optical image stabilization, a must-have feature given their superzoom lenses. This effectively reduces blur caused by hand shake, especially vital at telephoto extremes.

In side-by-side controlled testing, the SX730 HS’s stabilization delivered slightly smoother results at full zoom (960mm equivalent) compared to the SX230 HS’s shorter zoom range (392mm equivalent). The SX730’s longer zoom magnifies stabilization benefits, enabling sharper images handheld.

Neither offers in-body stabilization, relying on lens-based systems only.

Lens and Zoom Capability: Walking the Zoom Tightrope

The real headline difference is the superzoom range.

The SX230 HS features a modest 14x zoom, spanning 28-392mm (35mm equivalent), while the SX730 HS dramatically increases that to 40x zoom at 24-960mm. This year-over-year leap means the SX730 allows for much more reach for wildlife, sports, and distant landscapes.

However, the tradeoff is a slower maximum aperture at telephoto (f/6.9 vs f/5.9), meaning lower light performance suffers slightly when zoomed fully in.

The compact SX730 also boasts an impressively close macro focus distance of 1 cm, allowing you to capture detailed small subjects far better than the SX230 HS’s 5 cm macro min distance.

LCD Screen and User Interface: How Does Live View Compare?

The SX730 HS sports a higher resolution 3-inch tilting screen (922k dots), which significantly helps in composing tricky angles and reviewing images in bright conditions.

The SX230 HS’s fixed 3-inch screen (461k dots) is adequate but less sharp, and the lack of tilt limits creative live view angles. Neither has a touchscreen, which feels dated on the SX730 since touch controls are common in newer compacts.

For video shooting or vlogging, the tilting screen of SX730 is a meaningful asset.

Burst Shooting and Video Recording: Action Capture and Movie Quality

Burst shooting is almost twice as fast on the SX730 HS, ideal for capturing fleeting moments in street or sports photography.

Video also takes a leap forward with the SX730 HS supporting 1080p at 60 fps - smooth and suitable for casual recording - while the SX230 HS is limited to 1080p at 24 fps, less fluid for motion.

Neither camera features 4K video or microphone input, which limits their use for serious videographers.

Connectivity, Storage, and Battery Life: Modern Needs Covered?

The SX730 HS shines with built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC, allowing for instant sharing and remote control via smartphone apps. This is a major upgrade over the SX230’s outdated Eye-Fi connectivity that requires an Eye-Fi card.

The SX230 has built-in GPS, useful for geotagging travels, while the SX730 dropped GPS to save battery and reduce complexity. Battery life is modestly improved on the SX730, giving you a few extra shots per charge.

Practical Performance for Various Photography Types

Now, let’s examine how these cameras perform across common genres.

Portrait Photography

• SX230 HS: Decent skin tone reproduction and face detection. Bokeh from the small sensor and slow aperture is limited.
• SX730 HS: Higher resolution aids detail in portraits; face detection is faster.
• Recommendation: Neither excels in background separation, but SX730 HS’s sharpness provides an edge.

Landscape Photography

• SX230 HS: Lower resolution limits large prints; fixed screen hinders composition.
• SX730 HS: Higher MP sensor captures more detail; longer zoom helps distant vistas.
• Recommendation: SX730 HS better suited but neither rivals larger sensor cameras for fine detail and dynamic range.

Wildlife Photography

• SX230 HS: 14x zoom limits reach; autofocus slow.
• SX730 HS: 40x zoom extends reach; improved autofocus helps tracking.
• Recommendation: SX730 HS preferable for casual wildlife photography.

Sports Photography

• SX230 HS: 3 fps too slow.
• SX730 HS: 5.9 fps decent for amateurs; no advanced tracking.
• Recommendation: SX730 HS for casual sports, but professionals need dedicated DSLRs/mirrorless.

Street Photography

• SX230 HS: Compact, discreet.
• SX730 HS: Bulkier but still pocketable.
• Recommendation: SX230 HS preferred for stealth and portability.

Macro Photography

• SX230 HS: Decent, 5 cm min focus.
• SX730 HS: Excellent, 1 cm close focusing.
• Recommendation: SX730 HS outperforms for detailed macro shots.

Night/Astro Photography

• Both limited by sensor size and max ISO. Neither supports RAW.
• Recommendation: Neither ideal; better options exist in larger sensor compacts.

Video Capabilities

• SX730 HS supports Full HD 60p; SX230 HS capped at 24p.
• SX730 HS better for video enthusiasts despite lack of mic input.

Travel Photography

• SX230 HS’s compactness vs SX730 HS’s zoom and screen benefits.
• Both lack weather sealing, so care needed.
• SX730 HS’s wireless connectivity a plus for instant sharing.

Professional Work

• Neither supports RAW, limiting professional use.
• Both provide JPEG output only, restricting post-processing.
• SX730 HS’s higher resolution and video specs provide some advantages.

Overall Performance Scores - Which Camera Wins?

The SX730 HS pulls ahead in nearly every metric thanks to technological improvements in sensor resolution, processor speed, autofocus, zoom range, and connectivity.

Performance by Photography Genre Breakdown

This graph illustrates each camera’s strengths per genre, clearly showing the SX730 HS as a more flexible performer across most types except for ultra-portability where the SX230 HS still holds sway.

Sample Images and Real-World Results

Canon SX230 HS front Canon SX230 HS screen back Canon SX730 HS front Canon SX730 HS screen back

Viewing side-by-side sample images confirms the SX730 HS’s sharper detail, richer colors, and smoother gradations. Both cameras perform well in good light, but the SX730 HS’s advantage grows in zoomed and complex scenes.

Summing Up: Which Canon Superzoom Should You Choose?

Why You Can Trust This Review

I have personally tested both cameras extensively in various lighting, movement, and shooting scenarios to ensure an accurate, firsthand comparison.

Canon SX230 HS Pros:

• Compact and lightweight design
• Built-in GPS for geo-tagging
• Good image stabilization for its era
• Quick startup speed

Canon SX230 HS Cons:

• Low resolution sensor by today’s standards
• Slower zoom range and autofocus
• Outdated screen and controls
• No Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity

Canon SX730 HS Pros:

• Impressive 40x zoom lens offers extreme reach
• Higher 20.3MP resolution sensor for cropping and detail
• Tilting, high-resolution LCD for flexible composing
• Faster continuous shooting and improved autofocus
• Modern wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC)
• Full HD video at 60p for smoother movies
• Improved battery life

Canon SX730 HS Cons:

• Heavier and bulkier
• Slower maximum aperture at telephoto end
• No RAW support limits post-processing options
• No viewfinder or touchscreen
• No built-in GPS for location tagging

Final Recommendations by User Type

• Casual travel and street photographers valuing stealth and portability: go with the Canon SX230 HS. It’s small, lightweight, and easier to carry all day.

• Enthusiasts wanting more zoom reach, modern connectivity, and video: the Canon SX730 HS is a clear winner, offering better all-around image quality and shooting flexibility.

• Wildlife, macro, and casual sports shooters who desire greater zoom and faster response: choose the SX730 HS for better performance.

• Users requiring RAW capture and professional-level controls should consider stepping up to an advanced mirrorless or DSLR due to small sensor limitations in both models.

Final Thoughts

While these two Canon superzooms occupy similar price brackets historically, a six-year technology gap positions the SX730 HS as a far more capable camera overall. That said, the SX230 HS still holds nostalgic appeal for enthusiasts wanting a simple, pocketable zoom with GPS functionality.

Make your choice based on shooting priorities: portability and simplicity with the SX230, or zoom range, resolution, and connectivity with the SX730.

This comparison distills real-world testing and analysis for photographers seeking an informed purchase, blending technical insights with user-friendly explanations. Whether you’re buying your first superzoom or upgrading from an older model, understanding these differences ensures you’re investing in the camera that truly suits your photographic journey.