Canon PowerShot SX510 HS vs SX700 HS: A Practical, Hands-On Comparison for Enthusiasts and Pros

When exploring the compact, superzoom category, Canon’s PowerShot line has consistently drawn attention for offering versatile zoom ranges in small packages. Two oft-compared models are the Canon PowerShot SX510 HS (2013) and the slightly younger SX700 HS (2014). Though close in lineage, these cameras fold in different feature sets and improvements - some subtle, others significant. After putting both through a battery of methodical tests and real-world shoots, I present a detailed head-to-head to help you understand how they stack up across various photography disciplines.

I have worked extensively with miscellaneous compact superzooms across years, and this shootout reflects practical comparisons on sensor performance, autofocus, handling, video, and much more. Let’s dive in with a look at their physical presence and usability, setting the stage for deeper analysis.

First Impressions: Size, Ergonomics, and Build

Handling small superzooms often means negotiating a balance between pocketability and comfortable grip. The SX510 HS and SX700 HS occupy similar territory yet approach this balance differently.

Dimensionally, the SX510 HS measures 104x70x80 mm and weighs roughly 349g, while the SX700 HS is slightly lighter (269g) and more slender at 113x66x35 mm. Despite the SX700’s longer zoom (25-750mm vs. 24-720mm), it's more streamlined, finding a better middle ground between portability and reach.

In hand, the SX510 HS feels chunkier with a deeper lens barrel and a more substantial grip area. This translates to a reassuring hold during extended use, especially when applying telephoto reach. Conversely, the SX700 HS’s slimmer figure encourages stow-and-go convenience but at the expense of some tactile security - the grip is less pronounced, which might impact steadiness during long zoom shots or in low light.

Build quality for both is typical compact plastic - adequate but not ruggedized. Neither offers weather sealing or shock resistance, meaning cautious use in challenging environments or inclement weather.

Control Layout and User Interface: Streamlining vs Familiarity

Control ergonomics can greatly influence shooting fluidity, and both Canon models deploy typical compact layouts with a few differentiators.

The SX510 HS keeps things simple with direct access buttons for key functions and a mode dial permitting quick shifts between manual, aperture, shutter priority, and program modes. Physically, its smaller top surface means some buttons sit tighter together, potentially challenging those with larger hands.

By contrast, the SX700 HS benefits from Canon’s Digic 6 processing push, introducing a more refined, cleaner top plate with fewer redundant controls, relying heavily on menus and a directional pad for navigation. While this streamlines the design, it can slow down operation if you favor direct button access during fast-paced shooting sessions.

Neither camera sports a touchscreen or articulated LCD, which can limit intuitive control especially for beginners accustomed to modern interface standards.

Sensor and Image Quality: 12MP CMOS Versus 16MP BSI-CMOS

Image quality is the lifeblood of any camera comparison. Let's get technical and dissect how these two handle image capture.

Both utilize a 1/2.3" sensor - a common small sensor size in superzoom compacts - measuring 6.17x4.55mm total. This dimension limits inherent noise performance and dynamic range compared with APS-C or larger formats, but Canon implements sensor and processor combinations that maximize output quality within this physical constraint.

The SX510 HS sports a traditional 12-megapixel CMOS sensor teamed with the Digic 4 processor. Meanwhile, the SX700 HS steps up the pixel count to 16MP on a back-illuminated CMOS (BSI-CMOS) sensor coupled with the more advanced Digic 6 processor.

Why does BSI matter? Back-illuminated sensors enhance light gathering, especially vital in small sensors, improving low-light sensitivity and detail reproduction - two key weak points in the compact superzoom segment.

In real-world shoots, the SX700 delivers noticeably crisper details with less noise at moderate ISO values (up to ISO 800), while the SX510 has a softer rendering, more prone to chroma noise creeping in above ISO 400. Dynamic range across both is limited by sensor size, yet the SX700 manages marginally better highlight retention due to the sensor and processor combo.

Color reproduction also exhibits subtle shifts - SX700’s color depth feels more vibrant and true to life, a result of improvements in processor algorithms and sensor design. Canon’s proprietary DIGIC pipeline is well-aged but evolves meaningfully with each iteration.

Bottom line: for photographers prioritizing image fidelity especially beyond bright daylight, the SX700 HS exhibits important advancements in sensor tech that translate to a visible edge.

Autofocus Performance: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

I tested autofocus functionality in multiple shooting contexts - daylight portraits, street scenarios, and wildlife vantage points - to gauge how each camera’s system performs.

The SX510 HS uses a single-point autofocus system relying on contrast detection, with face detection implemented in live view. Continuous autofocus is absent. This means once locked, the camera holds on but cannot smoothly track moving subjects.

The SX700 HS ups the ante with a 9-point contrast detection AF system and introduces continuous AF mode, allowing smoother focusing on moving subjects at up to 9 frames per second burst shooting.

In portrait settings, both handle face detection competently, although the SX700's multiple point AF system results in faster, more confident focus locks on eyes and faces. In wildlife or sports simulations where subjects move erratically, the SX700 HS's continuous AF significantly reduces focus hunting. Meanwhile, the SX510 HS struggles, leading to more missed shots or soft focus.

Neither camera includes phase detection or hybrid AF, nor do they feature animal eye detection. For photographers targeting sports or wildlife, these systems serve as basic tools - capable but limited.

Burst Shooting and Buffer Depth: Timing the Action

Lens reach is only useful when the camera can capture moments swiftly enough; the burst shooting frame rate and buffer depth come into play here.

• SX510 HS: 4 fps continuous shooting with limited buffer duration.
• SX700 HS: 9 fps continuous shooting.

This more than doubles the shooting speed in the SX700, a significant advantage for subjects in motion like sports or wildlife. Buffer capacity is also expanded, allowing longer continuous captures before slowing down - meaning you don’t miss split-second nuances.

However, due to the absence of RAW support on both, files are compressed JPEGs, which limits the extent of post-processing flexibility. For professionals, this will be a dealbreaker; for casual enthusiasts, it simplifies storage and workflow.

Lens and Zoom Capabilities: Comparing Reach and Optical Qualities

Both cameras bear fixed superzoom lenses with impressive reach, essential for diverse shooting scenarios.

• SX510 HS: 24-720mm equivalent (30x zoom), max aperture f/3.4-f/5.8.
• SX700 HS: 25-750mm equivalent (30x zoom), max aperture f/3.2-f/6.9.

Despite similar zoom ranges, the SX700 starts with a slightly wider aperture at the wide end but narrows more drastically at telephoto, dropping to f/6.9. That narrower aperture can reduce light reaching the sensor at full zoom, highlighting the need for good light or image stabilization to avoid blur.

The SX510 HS, while having a slightly slower wide aperture, holds a steadier f/5.8 max at telephoto, balancing better exposure control at full zoom.

Both rely on optical image stabilization systems - optical IS is critical given the extensive zoom to reduce shake, especially important when shooting handheld at long focal lengths.

LCD Screens and Viewfinders: Sizing Up Live Feedback

When composing shots or reviewing images, the screen quality and viewing options strongly influence the experience.

Each camera sports a fixed 3-inch TFT LCD, but their resolution differs:

• SX510 HS: 461k-dot resolution TFT.
• SX700 HS: 922k-dot PureColor II G TFT.

The SX700 doubles the effective screen resolution, delivering a noticeably crisper, clearer image preview. This enhancement benefits manual focusing accuracy and image review on the go, especially in bright light - something the SX510 struggles with due to its lower brightness and resolution.

Neither model offers electronic viewfinders (EVFs), which might limit usability in direct sunlight or for users needing more precise composition tools. The lack of touch capabilities further backdates the interface experience.

Sample Images: Real-World Results from Both Cameras

To truly appreciate performance differences, I shot identical scenes with both cameras - ranging from sun-drenched landscapes to several indoor portraits and a few wildlife attempts.

Canon SX510 HS front Canon SX510 HS screen back Canon SX700 HS screen back

Key observations:

• Portraits: Skin tones on the SX700 HS exhibit better tonal gradation and less digital smoothing. The slight increase in resolution benefits subtle details around eyes and hair. However, shallow depth-of-field remains limited on both due to sensor size and lens aperture constraints.

• Landscapes: SX700 shows better clarity and dynamic range, preserving highlight and shadow detail with less noise, making it preferable for outdoor and travel photography.

• Telephoto wildlife: Due to better autofocus and stabilization, SX700 shots are less prone to motion blur, though subject distance and lighting heavily affect outcome.

In summary, the SX700 HS’s incremental sensor and processor upgrades provide a tangible step up in image quality for everyday shooting scenarios.

Video Capabilities: HD Recording and Stabilization

Video functionality remains basic but serviceable in this pair, tailored toward casual users seeking HD footage.

• SX510 HS: Records Full HD 1080p at 24 fps, HD 720p at 30 fps, and VGA at 30 fps. Video compression employs MPEG-4 and H.264 codecs.

• SX700 HS: Offers 1080p full HD at both 60 and 30 fps, as well as 720p and VGA options, recording in H.264 format.

The SX700 brings smoother video motion thanks to the 60 fps option, appealing to those wanting more fluid playback or slow-motion capability (via post-processing).

Neither camera features microphone or headphone jacks, limiting audio control, but built-in microphones capture decent ambient sound. Optical image stabilization improves handheld video for both models, though in low light, noise becomes more apparent.

Neither supports 4K or advanced video features like log profiles, making these cameras appropriate for casual video but not serious videographers.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

Both models utilize the Canon NB-6LH battery pack, rated for approximately 250 shots per charge - a modest number by today’s standards but respectable for small compacts.

Storage is via a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot, supporting substantial media capacities without fuss.

As for connectivity:

• SX510 HS includes built-in wireless (Wi-Fi) for image transfer but lacks NFC or Bluetooth.

• SX700 HS adds NFC capability, simplifying pairing with compatible devices, making social media sharing and remote control more convenient.

USB 2.0 and HDMI ports round out wired options on both.

What These Cameras Are Best At: Scoring Their Strengths According to Genre

Applying real-world photography discipline metrics:

• Portraits: SX700 HS modestly outperforms the SX510 HS due to sharper detail and better face detection.

• Landscape: Higher resolution and dynamic range crown the SX700 HS.

• Wildlife & Sports: SX700 HS leads due to faster burst speed and continuous AF, though neither is a professional-level tracker.

• Street: SX700 HS’s slimmer body suits stealthier shooting; the SX510 HS bulk can be cumbersome.

• Macro: Both include macro modes; SX700 HS’s closer minimum focusing distance (1cm) gives it an edge.

• Night & Astro: Limited by sensor size in both; SX700 HS’s BSI sensor helps higher ISO noise control but low light remains challenging.

• Video: SX700 HS takes the round with 60 fps HD and improved stabilization.

• Travel: SX700 HS’s lighter, compact shape and NFC fit travel needs better.

Overall Scores After Exhaustive Testing

Based on comprehensive bench and field testing, here’s a summary:

Making Your Decision: Who Should Choose Which?

Let’s distill these findings into clear recommendations:

Choose the Canon PowerShot SX510 HS if:

• You prioritize a slightly chunkier camera with a more substantial grip.
• You want telephoto reach with a better maximum aperture at the long end.
• You value straightforward controls with dedicated manual mode dials.
• You’re working on a tighter budget (typically found cheaper now).
• Raw support and advanced autofocus modes are less critical for your workflow.

Choose the Canon PowerShot SX700 HS if:

• Image quality and detail recovery matter more - especially in portrait, landscape, and telephoto ranges.
• You want faster continuous shooting, continuous autofocus, and better video frame rates.
• Smaller size and lighter weight are priorities, like for travel or street photography.
• You would benefit from NFC connectivity for easier sharing and pairing.
• You prefer a sharper, higher-resolution LCD screen for monitoring.

Final Thoughts: The State of Small Sensor Superzooms in Early 2010s Canon Lineup

Both the Canon PowerShot SX510 HS and SX700 HS shine as practical superzoom compacts catering to casual enthusiasts. The SX700 HS embodies Canon’s measured progress in sensor and processor technology that pushes up quality and speed without shifting the fundamental compact-friendly formula.

From my hands-on experience with these cameras, the SX700 HS is generally the preferable choice thanks to its improved imaging pipeline and usability, making it more versatile across photo genres and video. That said, the SX510 HS remains a solid performer, especially for those valuing a more traditional control scheme and slightly brighter telephoto lens.

Neither should be mistaken for professional-grade equipment; application limits imposed by sensor size, autofocusing, and lack of RAW will constrain serious work. However, for travel, family photography, occasional wildlife, or street use, the SX700 HS especially offers strong all-round utility in a modestly sized package.

In the rapidly evolving camera market, these models represent steadier evolutionary steps from a decade ago - offering insight into how superzoom compacts carved their niche before mirrorless and smartphone cameras accelerated. Investigate your priorities carefully, and these two Canon models will serve as capable companions for varied photographic adventures.

If you’d like to discuss specific genres or practical tips using these cameras, feel free to ask or explore my detailed genre-specific analysis and sample galleries within this article.

Happy shooting!

End of review.