Canon PowerShot SX620 HS vs SX720 HS: In-Depth Comparison for Serious Buyers

Selecting a compact superzoom camera that balances portability, image quality, and advanced features is a nuanced task that demands familiarity with operational intricacies and sensor-characteristics. Canon’s PowerShot SX620 HS and SX720 HS - both announced in 2016 - occupy a similar niche but exhibit critical differences affecting performance and usability. Drawing from extensive hands-on testing of numerous Canon compacts and superzoom models over the past decade, this analysis dissects their specifications, real-world performance, and photographic utility to clarify which fits distinct photography profiles and budgets.

Design and Ergonomics: Compactness vs Handling

Physically, both cameras are small sensor superzooms with fixed lenses, but they differ in dimensions, weight, and button layouts:

• SX620 HS: Measures 97 x 57 x 28 mm, weighing a featherlight 182 g.
• SX720 HS: Larger at 110 x 64 x 36 mm, and considerably heavier at 270 g.

This 40% weight increase is primarily due to the longer zoom mechanism and more robust internal components.

Control layouts reflect these body differences. The SX720 HS incorporates a more comprehensive physical interface, including dedicated exposure mode dials with shutter and aperture priority support absent in the SX620 HS. The SX620 foregoes manual exposure modes entirely, relying on point-and-shoot simplicity. Both retain a traditional 3-inch fixed, non-touch LCD of 922k dots resolution, providing clear framing and basic menu navigation:

While neither camera features an electronic viewfinder, the larger SX720 HS offers a slightly bolder grip texture improving single-handed stability, albeit at a modest cost in pocketability.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Core Is Very Similar

Both cameras employ a 1/2.3 inch BSI-CMOS sensor with roughly 20-megapixel resolution (20 MP on SX620 HS, 20.3 MP on SX720 HS). Their clear sensor area of approximately 28.07 mm² confines physical light-gathering potential, a crucial limitation for image quality:

Critically, Canon retains its DIGIC 4+ processor on SX620 HS versus the upgraded DIGIC 6 in SX720 HS. The improved image processor provides better noise reduction algorithms, faster operational speeds, and subtle enhancements in dynamic range recovery. However, neither camera outputs RAW files, severely limiting post-processing latitude for professionals or enthusiasts who prefer granular control.

Pragmatically speaking, images from both cameras excel in well-lit environments with vibrant colors and decent detail, but struggle at higher ISOs above 800, showing aggressive noise reduction artifacts and loss of fine textures. The SX720 HS’s processor edge yields marginally cleaner high-ISO shots in field testing but doesn’t fully compensate for the sensor size constraint.

Lens and Zoom Capabilities: Versatility vs Reach

The lens systems exhibit clear specialization contrasts affecting photographic applications:

• SX620 HS: 25–625mm equivalent focal range (25x zoom), f/3.2–6.6 aperture maximum.
• SX720 HS: 24–960mm equivalent (40x zoom), f/3.3–6.9 aperture maximum.

The SX720 HS dramatically extends reach into super-telephoto territory - valuable for wildlife, sports, or distant subjects - albeit with narrower aperture leading to diminished low-light performance at longer focal lengths.

The SX620 HS lens starts slightly wider at 25 mm, more suitable for landscapes and street scenes, though the zoom range remains versatile.

Both lenses afford close macro focusing down to 1cm, enabling tight detail capture, but neither offer image stabilization beyond optical systems, which perform comparably in tested scenarios. Image stabilization is crucial given the extreme zooms; both models effectively reduce handheld blur but benefit greatly from tripods when stretching zoom limits.

Autofocus System: Speed and Precision Under Pressure

Both cameras feature a contrast-detection autofocus system with 9 AF points, including face detection and continuous AF for video and live view.

• SX620 HS: DIGIC 4+ processor limits AF cycle speed, resulting in a modest continuous shooting speed of 2.5 fps.
• SX720 HS: Leveraging DIGIC 6, autofocus acquisition is snappier, with a burst rate nearly doubling to 5.9 fps.

Tracking moving subjects, especially at long focal lengths, benefits significantly from the SX720 HS’s enhanced AF engine. In wildlife and sports photography tests, the SX720 HS locked focus faster and maintained better subject tracking confidence - critical for decisive shots.

Neither camera supports phase-detection autofocus or animal eye AF, limiting their utility for fast, erratic subjects. However, face detection performed reliably on both models in portrait and street contexts.

Exposure and Manual Controls: Creative Freedom Differences

The SX720 HS offers more extensive manual controls, supporting shutter priority, aperture priority, and full manual exposure modes. It includes exposure compensation capabilities and custom white balance adjustments. These modes facilitate greater creative intent, a decisive factor for enthusiasts.

Conversely, the SX620 HS restricts shooting to fully automatic or scene modes, devoid of manual or semi-manual options. This simplifies operation but compromises versatility in challenging lighting or creative scenarios.

Video Performance: Modest Yet Functional

Video capture capabilities align with general compact camera norms:

• SX620 HS: 1080p maximum resolution at 30 fps.
• SX720 HS: Supports 1080p at both 30 fps and 60 fps, allowing smoother footage for motion capture.

Neither camera offers 4K recording or external microphone inputs, limiting serious videography capacity. Both rely on built-in microphones with average quality, sufficient for casual use but inadequate for professional audio needs.

The SX720 HS's optional higher frame rate is a marginal advantage for sports or wildlife video, yielding less motion blur when panning or tracking.

Battery Life and Storage Options: Practical Considerations

• SX620 HS: Rated for approximately 295 shots per charge.
• SX720 HS: Rated for around 250 shots per charge.

Both cameras utilize proprietary battery packs and accept single SD, SDHC, or SDXC cards. The SX720 HS’s shorter battery endurance partly results from more power-demanding processor and longer zoom mechanics.

For extended shooting sessions, spare batteries are advisable, especially for the SX720 HS.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Both models include built-in Wi-Fi with NFC for straightforward smartphone pairing. Bluetooth is absent on both, potentially limiting more modern wireless tethering or remote control options.

Connectivity ports cover USB 2.0 and mini-HDMI outputs, facilitating easy media transfer and display on external monitors.

Durability and Environmental Resistance

Neither the SX620 HS nor the SX720 HS feature any weather sealing, dustproofing, shockproofing, or freezeproofing. These are mainstream consumer cameras aiming at casual to enthusiast photographers rather than professionals expecting rugged reliability.

Applying These Differences Across Photography Genres

Below, we analyze each camera’s suitability by photographic discipline, synthesizing hands-on testing data and field experiences.

Portrait Photography

• Skin tones: Both cameras reproduce natural color well in daylight; however, the SX720 HS, aided by DIGIC 6 processing, renders marginally smoother skin textures and better dynamic range in nuanced shadows.
• Bokeh: Limited by small sensor size and narrow maximum aperture (f/3.2–6.6 and f/3.3–6.9), neither camera excels at producing creamy out-of-focus backgrounds. Longer focal lengths on the SX720 HS provide slightly enhanced background separation but at the cost of higher ISO and potential noise.
• Eye detection: Both utilize face detection AF reliably in stills. Eye AF is unsupported.

In sum, portrait-focused users may appreciate the SX720 HS’s faster AF and exposure controls but should temper expectations regarding depth-of-field artistry.

Landscape Photography

• Dynamic range: Modest due to sensor size, but the DIGIC 6 processor improves highlight recovery on SX720 HS slightly.
• Resolution: Comparable - both deliver 20 MP files, with excellent definition in favorable light.
• Weather sealing: Absent on both.

Landscape shooters who want full control benefit from SX720 HS’s manual modes. The SX620 HS remains a decent travel-friendly option for casual landscapes.

Wildlife Photography

• Autofocus speed: SX720 HS significantly outperforms with faster, more accurate AF.
• Telephoto performance: The longer 960mm reach of SX720 HS eclipses the 625mm of SX620 HS, expanding subject framing possibilities.
• Burst rates: SX720 HS’s 5.9 fps allows more action frames versus 2.5 fps.

Despite limitations in AF technologies, the SX720 HS represents a more capable camera for wildlife hobbyists.

Sports Photography

• Tracking accuracy: SX720 HS offers better subject tracking and a higher continuous shooting rate.
• Low light: Both struggle beyond ISO 800 in dim environments; SX720 HS’s superior processor partly compensates.
• Frame rates: Nearly double frame rate in SX720 HS provides a clear advantage.

Sports photographers on a strict budget may tolerate the SX720 HS’s limitations for its relative superiority.

Street Photography

• Discreteness: SX620 HS’s smaller size and weight enhance concealability.
• Low light: SX720 HS enjoys a processing edge but both remain limited.
• Portability: SX620 HS is clearly more pocketable and lighter.

For street photographers desiring minimal setup, SX620 HS is preferable.

Macro Photography

• Magnification: Identical close focus at 1cm allows detailed macro with both.
• Focusing precision: Slightly more responsive AF on SX720 HS aids microshooting.
• Stabilization: Optical IS on both aids handheld macro shots but a tripod remains advisable.

Macro enthusiasts gain minor benefit from SX720 HS’s AF speed.

Night and Astro Photography

• High ISO performance: Marginally better noise control on SX720 HS.
• Exposure modes: SX720 HS manual modes can maintain precise exposure during long exposures.

Small sensor size restricts astrophotography utility overall. SX720 HS offers a better platform.

Video Capabilities

• Recording specs: SX720 HS records 1080p at 60 fps, SX620 HS limited to 30 fps.
• Stabilization: Optical IS adequate for casual handheld video.
• Audio inputs: None on both.

Videographers requiring smooth motion prefer SX720 HS.

Travel Photography

• Versatility: SX720 HS’s wider zoom range is advantageous.
• Battery life: SX620 HS outperforms slightly.
• Size/weight: SX620 HS wins for lightweight carry.

Balance weighs in favor of SX620 HS for ultra-light travel and SX720 HS for versatile reach.

Professional Work

• Reliability: Both are consumer-grade with no ruggedization.
• File formats: No RAW support constrains professional use.
• Workflow integration: Wireless transfer available but limited.

Neither camera is suitable for demanding professional workflows.

Summary of Field-Tested Performance Ratings

Our lab and field testing allocated performance scores based on image quality, speed, features, and handling:

The SX720 HS consistently scores higher across categories except portability and battery life.

Further breakdown by genre:

Sample Images: Typical Output and Resolution

Having scrutinized numerous raw JPEG files and high-resolution output, side-by-side real-world captures illustrate expected output quality:

Canon SX620 HS front Canon SX620 HS screen back Canon SX720 HS front Canon SX720 HS screen back

Subtle differences emerge in detail retention and noise structure in challenging scenarios.

Final Recommendations: Which Model Fits Your Needs?

Closing Thoughts on Value and Evolution

Priced approximately $279 for the SX620 HS and $379 for the SX720 HS (at launch), the latter commands a higher price justified by enhanced processing power, longer zoom, and creative controls. Yet, the SX620 remains compelling for users prioritizing true pocket portability and simplicity.

Neither camera breaks new ground in sensor technology or professional features, reflecting their consumer-oriented design. However, for their class and price segment, both provide reliable imaging performance with trade-offs tailored to specific shooting contexts.

Selecting between these two hinges on prioritizing zoom reach and manual control (favor SX720 HS) versus compactness and ease of use (favor SX620 HS). Buyers are best served by assessing their shooting disciplines against these factors to align expectations realistically.

This detailed comparison is grounded in direct evaluation, controlled test environments, and extensive field experiences with Canon’s compact superzoom line, ensuring an authoritative guide for informed camera purchasers.