Canon PowerShot SX500 IS vs. SX710 HS: A Hands-On Superzoom Shootout for the Budget-Conscious Photographer

As someone who’s logged thousands of hours testing cameras from entry-level compacts to pro-level beasts, I know firsthand how crucial it is to pick the right tool for your style - especially when choosing superzooms. These cameras cram versatile focal ranges into pocket-friendly bodies, but their specs can sometimes be deceiving. Today, I’m putting two Canon small-sensor superzooms head-to-head: the older Canon PowerShot SX500 IS from 2012 and the more recent Canon PowerShot SX710 HS introduced in 2015. Both cater to photographers who crave reach without lugging heavy gear, but do the years in between make a big difference? Absolutely.

But is the upgrade worth the extra cash? Let’s dig into the nitty-gritty, focusing on the real-world performance and where each shines (or stumbles) - from portraits to low-light video, and everything in between - so you can decide which fits your shooting style and wallet best.

Physical Feel and Handling: Size Matters (or Does It?)

First impressions count, right? Handling a camera that feels great in your hands can inspire confidence and creativity, particularly when you’re framing shots that demand steady hold.

The SX500 IS has a slightly chunkier presence with dimensions of 104 x 70 x 80mm and weighs 341 grams. It’s that old-school compact style we've seen before - robust but relatively thick. Meanwhile, the SX710 HS trims down significantly in thickness (113 x 66 x 35mm) and weight (269 grams), making it more pocketable and less obtrusive during street shoots or travel.

In practical use, the SX710 HS feels sleeker, slipping easily into smaller bags and less likely to draw unwanted attention when roaming urban environments. Grip-wise, both cameras feature modest thumb bumps and control placements, but the SX500 IS offers a slightly more secure hold for bigger hands due to its chunkier body.

Moving to the top panel for controls - a critical touchpoint for speedy adjustments - the SX710 HS modernizes the layout with cleaner spacing and responsive dials, in contrast to the more utilitarian SX500 IS design.

If tactile control and portability are your priorities, I’d give the edge to the SX710 HS. The SX500 IS, however, doesn’t feel uncomfortable - just a bit bulkier, which some might actually prefer for steady shooting in tricky conditions.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Camera

Superzooms are notoriously compromised when it comes to sensor size and image fidelity. Both the SX500 IS and SX710 HS use the same sensor format - a tiny 1/2.3-inch type - but with pertinent differences in sensor tech and resolution.

The SX500 IS relies on an aging CCD sensor delivering 16 Megapixels and paired with the older DIGIC 4 image processor. CCDs were once king for color depth but tend to struggle with noise at higher ISOs (anything above 400). Also, CCD technology generally eats more battery and processes data slower, which partially explains the standard 1 frame per second continuous shooting speed.

By contrast, the SX710 HS steps into modernity with a 20MP BSI-CMOS sensor and DIGIC 6 processor backing it. The BSI (Back-Illuminated) CMOS sensor enhances light capture efficiency - translating to cleaner images in dimmer environments - alongside quicker processing and better power management. This translates into improved low-light performance, higher ISO usability (up to 3200 native on the SX710 HS versus 1600 on the SX500 IS), and faster continuous shooting - 6 fps versus 1 fps on the older model.

In side-by-side image comparisons I shot in various lighting (see below), the SX710 HS consistently delivers crisp detail with less color noise in shadows, and its dynamic range holds better highlight retention. The SX500 IS sometimes produces noisier, softer images, especially indoors and upon digital zooming after cropping.

Canon SX500 IS front Canon SX500 IS screen back Canon SX710 HS front Canon SX710 HS screen back

For landscape photography or any scenario demanding higher image quality or cropping flexibility, the SX710 HS is the clear winner here.

Display and Interface: What You See is What You Get

Both cameras sport a fixed 3-inch rear LCD, but not all LCDs are created equal.

The SX500 IS’s TFT LCD offers a modest 461k-dot resolution, which looks noticeably grainy and underwhelming in bright environments or when composing fine detail. The lack of a touchscreen might frustrate those used to tapping for focus or menu navigation.

The SX710 HS doubles the resolution to 922k dots, yielding a much clearer and sharper viewing experience. Although it still doesn’t have touchscreen support, its menus are intuitive and feature larger fonts, which speeds up operation. Additionally, the improved live view responsiveness on the SX710 HS enhances manual focusing accuracy - a big plus when shooting macro or challenging subjects.

For anyone prioritizing clarity when shooting outdoors, or planning to fine-tune settings on the fly, the SX710 HS display makes a significant real-world difference.

Lens and Zoom Capabilities: The Mark of a Superzoom

Both cameras claim a superzoom range of roughly 30x: roughly 24-720mm equivalent on the SX500 IS and 25-750mm on the SX710 HS. So, who zooms better?

Specs-wise, the SX710 HS edges out with a slightly longer maximum reach but somewhat slower maximum aperture at tele ends (f/6.9 on SX710 HS vs f/5.8 on SX500 IS). What does that mean for you?

The SX500 IS’s faster aperture at the long end helps in dim conditions, but it’s a difference you’ll mainly notice during handheld telephoto shooting without flash or tripod. Both lenses adhere to Canon’s high standard for sharpness within their category, though due to the SX710 HS’s newer design and improved processing, images remain cleaner at longer focal lengths, with less chromatic aberration.

The SX710 HS also sports a macro focus distance of 1 cm - identical to the SX500 IS - allowing some creative close-ups, especially useful for flower or insect photos. However, its faster autofocus and image stabilization system (Optical IS on both, but improved algorithms on the SX710 HS) make it easier to nail tack-sharp macro shots without blur.

Autofocus and Burst Shooting: Catch That Moment

When photographing wildlife or sports, autofocus speed, accuracy, and burst rate can mean the difference between a keeper or a missed shot.

The SX500 IS uses a contrast-detection autofocus system with a single focus point. While face detection is supported, autofocus can feel sluggish, especially in low-light or fast-moving subject scenarios. Continuous autofocus during video or burst is unavailable or extremely limited. Moreover, burst mode clocks in at a paltry 1 fps, meaning you’ll get only one shot per second if you want multiple attempts - a frustrating limitation when action heats up.

Contrast this with the SX710 HS, which implements a 9-point autofocus system with continuous AF and tracking capabilities, much more suited to flowing subjects. Burst shooting increases dramatically to 6 fps - a huge boost for sports and wildlife shooters wanting multiple frames for critical moments. Face detection remains solid, improving portraiture with consistent sharpness on eyes and faces.

If you’re serious about capturing decisive moments, the SX710 HS brings genuine improvements and flexibility.

Flash and Low-Light Performance: Shooting When the Light Runs Out

Built-in flash performance also matters, especially for casual portraits or fill light in shadowy environments.

The older SX500 IS’s flash reaches a longer effective distance, but its exposure control can be unpredictable, sometimes causing blown highlights on skin tones in indoor portraits. The newer SX710 HS, while having a somewhat reduced flash range, benefits from better metering and noise management, delivering more balanced flash exposures.

In low-light shooting beyond flash reach, the SX710 HS’s higher maximum ISO and less noisy sensor mean cleaner images with finer skin tones and reduced grain. Night and astro photography remain secondary uses for these compact superzooms, but for casual night cityscapes or indoor events, the SX710 HS handles better.

Video Recording: From Family Moments to YouTube Content

If video matters for your workflow, it’s essential to evaluate beyond resolution numbers.

The SX500 IS is limited to HD (720p) video at 25 fps, which restricts smoothness and sharpness when compared to today’s Full HD standards. The absence of an HDMI output limits external monitor or recorder options. Additionally, no stereo mic input means you’re stuck with onboard mono sound.

The SX710 HS, on the other hand, offers Full HD 1080p recording at up to 60fps - doubling frame rate for silky smooth slow-motion capabilities or fast action. It also supports HDMI output for clean video signals, though it still lacks audio input jacks. Optical IS remains excellent for handheld recording, helping you get steady footage without gimbals.

For casual vloggers, travel documentarians, or those wanting better quality videos, the SX710 HS is a worthwhile step up.

Battery Life and Storage: Keep Shooting Longer

Battery life is always a concern with compact cameras, especially when traveling or shooting extended events.

The SX710 HS slightly improves on the endurance front with 230-shot ratings - roughly a 15% boost over the SX500 IS’s 195 shots. While neither reaches the stamina of DSLRs or mirrorless cameras, this bump allows for an extra half hour to 45 minutes of casual shooting on a single charge - which can make a real difference when exploring trips or events.

Both use the same storage card formats, so no surprises or buying new accessories here.

Connectivity and Extras: Future-Proof or Not?

Connectivity might not be top of mind for every shooter, but if you want quick sharing or remote control, it matters.

• The SX500 IS supports Eye-Fi cards, allowing wireless photo transfer if you buy that specific SD card variant (a bit of a clunky workaround).
• The SX710 HS features built-in WiFi, supports NFC for easy pairing, and includes HDMI out. The SX710 HS feels decidedly more modern for travelers or social media sharpshooters wanting instant sharing or remote app control.

Both lack Bluetooth and GPS, which is understandable given their class, but the WiFi + NFC combo in the SX710 HS nudges it toward silent photo transfer convenience.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: How Tough Are These Cameras?

Neither the SX500 IS nor the SX710 HS boast official weather sealing, dustproofing, or shockproofing, meaning careful handling is essential. Their polycarbonate bodies feel solid but won’t withstand harsh environments or rugged travel abuses.

If you frequently shoot in adverse conditions, you’d do well to consider external protective cases regardless of model choice.

Performance Ratings at a Glance

I gathered comprehensive performance ratings from my tests and trusted benchmarking sources to synthesize these summary views.

Clearly, the SX710 HS outperforms the SX500 IS across most categories - image quality, speed, video, and user experience.

Breaking it down further by photographic genre:

The SX710 HS advances in fast action, low light, and video, while the SX500 IS holds up best for simple travel snaps and basic landscape work, lagging in more demanding situations.

What Photographers Will Appreciate Each Camera For

Canon PowerShot SX500 IS - Best for:

• Budget-conscious beginners or casual photographers who want simple superzoom reach without fuss.
• Travelers who value longer flash range and don’t mind bulk.
• Users focused primarily on daylight landscape scenes or snapshots.
• Those who are happy to accept lower frame rates and limited video features for a lower price.

Canon PowerShot SX710 HS - Best for:

• Enthusiasts craving higher resolution stills with better noise control.
• Wildlife or sports shooters needing fast autofocus and decent continuous shooting speed.
• Video hobbyists or content creators requiring full HD 60fps and HDMI output.
• Someone who values WiFi/NFC for easy sharing on the go.
• Photographers wanting a sleeker, lighter camera for street or travel use.

Personal Notes from the Field

As someone who often carries multiple bodies and lenses, I found the SX710 HS much more pleasant to cart around during long city excursions thanks to its slim profile and lighter weight. Its quicker autofocus and faster burst rates meant I missed fewer fleeting wildlife moments during a recent park shoot - a real-world benefit beyond lab tests.

That said, the SX500 IS still has nostalgia and simplicity on its side. I’d entrust it to a novice or cheapskate looking for a “set it and forget it” point-and-shoot with plenty of zoom, especially if price is the ultimate concern (it can often be found at bargain bins or used for under $200).

Final Verdict: Which Canon Superzoom Should You Choose?

If you want my hands-on take and your budget allows, the Canon PowerShot SX710 HS represents a clear step forward and better value in terms of image quality, usability, and features. It aligns well with the expectations of today’s casual enthusiasts, vloggers, and travelers.

On the flip side, the SX500 IS remains a solid, no-frills option for those who prioritize simplicity and the lowest possible price tag. But be prepared for compromises in speed, low-light capability, and video quality.

In 2024 terms, the SX710 HS’s blend of modern sensor tech, snappy autofocus, and improved video make it the more versatile superzoom companion - especially when you factor in the smoother user interface and wireless connectivity.

Pros and Cons Summary

Whether you’re jumping into photography or upgrading your trusty travel superzoom, dissecting these practical differences helps you avoid buyer’s remorse. Shoot smart, choose well, and happy snapping!

Did this breakdown help you find your next camera? Feel free to ask about lenses, accessories, or alternative models - I’ve got plenty of experience to share!