Canon PowerShot SX700 HS vs. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V: An Expert’s Head-to-Head Guide for Enthusiasts

In the compact superzoom category, alternatives can be dauntingly similar on paper, yet widely different to the user in practice. Today, I’m delving into two stalwarts: the Canon PowerShot SX700 HS and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V. Both offer solid zoom ranges, compact portability, and point-and-shoot convenience, but how do they really perform across diverse photographic disciplines?

With over 15 years of experience testing cameras in both the lab and real-world settings, I'll break down all the critical aspects - from sensor technology to ergonomics, image quality to autofocus performance. I'll share hands-on insights and tackle practical use cases including portrait, landscape, wildlife, video, and more. This guide is designed for enthusiasts and professionals seeking to understand which camera fits their style and needs best.

Let’s zoom in on each camera’s subtle yet impactful strengths and weaknesses.

First Impressions and Handling: Size, Ergonomics, and Controls

Your experience starts with how a camera feels in hand and how intuitively you control it. Both cameras are compact superzooms tailored for travel and casual use, but subtle design choices affect comfort and operation speed.

• Canonical Dimensions and Weight: The Canon SX700 HS is marginally larger and heavier (113 x 66 x 35 mm, 269g) versus the Sony HX20V (107 x 62 x 35 mm, 254g). It feels a bit more substantial in hand, which can translate to better grip stability during long shoots.
• Grip and Button Layout: The SX700 offers a slightly deeper grip making it easier to hold steady, especially with longer zoom. The Sony, by contrast, is sleeker and may appeal more to pocket shooters valuing portability.
• Control Operability: Neither camera sports a touchscreen, but both have well-placed physical buttons. The Canon’s buttons are moderately larger and spaced out better for fumbling less when shooting on the fly.

From the top view, the Canon reveals dedicated exposure compensation and shutter priority dials - a boon for quick manual adjustments without diving into menus. The Sony HX20V relies more on menu navigation, which slows workflow for those accustomed to speedy mechanical dials.

Bottom line: If handheld comfort and quick tactile controls matter to you, the SX700 HS edges ahead. But if absolute pocketability trumps all, Sony’s lighter, smaller body wins.

Sensor and Image Quality: More Than Megapixels

Both cameras employ a 1/2.3” BSI-CMOS sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55mm, a standard “small sensor” size that represents a tradeoff between compactness and image quality potential.

• Resolution: Sony’s 18MP sensor offers a nominal resolution advantage over Canon’s 16MP one. On paper, this should translate to crisper images, but in small sensors, processing and noise reduction play equally crucial roles.
• ISO Range & Noise Performance: Canon caps at ISO 3200, while the Sony extends to ISO 12800, though values above 3200 tend toward heavy noise. In my side-by-side low light shootouts, the Canon produced slightly cleaner images at base to ISO 800, benefiting from the DIGIC 6 processor’s noise algorithms. Sony’s BIONZ processor delivered pleasant color rendition but introduced more visible grain above ISO 1600.
• Color and Dynamic Range: Neither camera breaks records here due to sensor size limitations. Canon’s color bias leans towards warmer skin tones, ideal for portraits, whereas Sony favours a cooler, punchier tone optimal for landscapes.

The absence of RAW file support in both cameras limits post-processing flexibility, a significant consideration for enthusiasts who like to manipulate exposures and tones extensively. You’re largely reliant on JPEG quality straight out of the camera.

The All-Important Zoom Lens - Reach and Sweet Spots

Superzoom cameras live and die by their lenses. Let’s look side-by-side at zoom range and aperture behavior:

The Canon offers a significantly longer reach at 750mm equivalent - 50% longer than Sony’s 500mm. This extra reach makes a tangible difference in wildlife and sports photography when you need to get closer from a distance.

Sony’s slightly brighter aperture at the telephoto end (f/5.8 vs. f/6.9) translates to marginally better light gathering in zoomed-in shots, helping slightly with shutter speed and noise at the tele end.

In practice, I found Canon’s longer zoom useful but also more prone to image shake at full extension, despite optical stabilization. Sony’s stabilization felt a touch more effective, likely due to lens and sensor shift combo synergy.

Autofocus Precision and Speed: Who Gets the Focus Faster?

Both cameras use contrast-detection autofocus, standard in small sensor compacts, with nine focus points and face detection.

• Canon SX700 HS supports continuous autofocus during burst shooting and has face detection but no eye-tracking or animal detection which have become common in more modern cameras.
• Sony HX20V includes focus tracking - albeit limited by contrast detect - and face detection, and supports selective area focusing.

I put both through typical shooting conditions:

• Portraits: Both quickly locked onto faces indoors with moderate light, though Canon’s algorithm was slightly faster and more consistent in maintaining focus during subtle head movements.
• Moving subjects (wildlife, street): Sony’s tracking function worked well for slow, predictable motion but struggled with sudden erratic movement. Canon’s continuous AF was steady but lacked tracking finesse.
• Low light: Both slowed down considerably. Canon’s DIGIC 6 gave it a perceptible autofocus edge here.

In sum, if sharpness on the move is mission-critical, Sony’s tracking adds value. For reliable, quick focus locks on static or slow-moving subjects, Canon’s system is marginally more responsive.

User Interface and Accessibility: Is Shooting Joyful or Frustrating?

Neither camera includes touchscreen functionality, but interface design greatly affects usability.

• Canon’s PureColor II G TFT LCD and Sony’s XtraFine TruBlack screen both offer 3-inch size with 922k-dot resolution, providing sufficient clarity outdoors.
• Sony’s TruBlack technology delivers better contrast in bright environments, facilitating clearer framing under strong sunlight.
• The Canon’s interface is more streamlined with knobs and dedicated exposure modes, speeding up manual exposure adjustments. Sony’s reliance on menu diving slows quick changes.

Self-timer and bracketing functions slightly favor Canon with customizable durations, while Sony includes portrait mode timers.

If you frequently adjust settings on the fly, you will appreciate Canon’s hands-on control layout. Sony’s display excels in outdoor visibility, however.

Battery Life and Storage: Working Time and Options

• Battery life: Sony offers approximately 320 shots per charge, about 28% more than Canon’s 250 shots. Anecdotally, I found Sony’s battery endurance notable for extended outings.
• Storage: Canon uses standard SD/SDHC/SDXC cards; Sony accommodates those plus Memory Stick formats, offering flexibility if you own other Sony gear.
• Connectivity: Canon includes Wi-Fi and NFC for easy image sharing, a big convenience in 2014’s camera market and beyond. Sony’s Eye-Fi app compatibility allows wireless transfers, but lacks NFC.

Battery life and wireless features are decisive for travel and event shooting - minimal downtime preserves photo opportunities.

Video Capabilities: How Do They Stack Up for Moving Pictures?

Both cameras shoot Full HD 1080p video at 60fps, a solid standard that lets you capture smooth motion.

• Canon’s H.264 format is widely supported and pairs well with its efficient image processing.
• Sony records in both AVCHD and MPEG-4, giving more codec choices though with increased editing complexity.
• Neither camera features external mic or headphone jacks, limiting audio quality and monitoring.
• Both offer optical image stabilization during video, smoothing handheld shots.
• Neither has 4K or 6K photo modes, so advanced video enthusiasts may find them limited.

For casual video enthusiasts, both deliver sharp, stabilized footage. For serious video work, external rigs or upgraded models are advisable.

Shooting Across Genres: How These Cameras Perform in Your Favorite Photography Types

Understanding a camera’s strengths across photography genres helps align purchase choices to your interest.

Canon SX700 HS screen back Sony HX20V front Sony HX20V screen back

Portrait Photography

• Canon’s warmer skin toning and faster face-detection AF aid natural portraits.
• Sony’s cooler tones and slight lag in focus tracking require more patience.
• Both lack advanced eye-detection AF or bokeh control that mirrorless or DSLRs offer.
• Macro focus to 1cm (both) supports intimate close-ups but depth of field control is shallow.

Winner: Canon SX700 HS for portraits, thanks to color rendering and AF.

Landscape Photography

• Both sensors struggle with dynamic range compared to larger-sensor cameras.
• Sony’s higher resolution (18MP) brings marginally better detail capture.
• Canon’s slightly better high ISO noise handling helps dusk or dawn landscapes.
• Neither has weather-sealing, limiting use in harsh conditions.

Winner: Sony HX20V for resolution edge; Canon’s noise control is a close second.

Wildlife Photography

• Canon’s longer 750mm equivalent zoom gives a serious reach advantage.
• Both struggle with fast autofocus on erratic animals; Sony’s tracking helps in slow motion.
• The 9 fps Canon continuous burst rate edges out Sony’s 10 fps in practical speed due to focusing performance.

Winner: Canon SX700 HS for reach and AF responsiveness.

Sports Photography

• Neither camera was designed as a sports machine; contrast AF limits speed.
• Sony’s burst and AF tracking capabilities are better suited for slow-motion action.
• Canon’s exposure control dials ease shooting manual modes, essential for sports lighting.

Winner: Tie, nuanced by specific needs (Sony for tracking, Canon for manual control).

Street Photography

• Sony’s smaller size and darker UI make it unobtrusive and quick.
• Canon’s tactile controls allow faster exposure adjustments - a boon for changing street scenes.
• Both cameras struggle with high ISO noise in night street scenes, but Canon has a slight edge.

Winner: Sony HX20V for stealth and portability.

Macro Photography

• Both offer 1cm macro focus, capable of detailed subject fills.
• Canon’s optical stabilization aids critical handheld macro sharpness more noticeably.
• The lack of focus stacking limits macro depth control.

Winner: Canon SX700 HS for steadier handheld macros.

Night and Astro Photography

• Both cameras’ small sensors restrict high ISO performance.
• Canon’s DIGIC 6 processor better controls noise at elevated ISOs.
• Shutter speeds max out at 1/3200 sec (Canon) vs. 1/1600 sec (Sony), but astro benefits more from long exposures (which both struggle with).
• Neither supports bulb mode or external triggers critical for serious astro work.

Winner: Canon, for noise control and longer max shutter speed.

Video Shoots

• Both offer stabilized Full HD video.
• Sony’s AVCHD option lets you choose between higher quality or smaller files.
• The lack of mic ports is limiting.
• Canon’s Wi-Fi and NFC ease on-the-go sharing.

Winner: Sony HX20V for codec versatility.

Travel and Everyday Use

• Sony’s smaller size, better battery, and GPS geotagging make it an ideal travel companion.
• Canon’s longer zoom and Wi-Fi offer creative control and sharing.
• Both cameras’ light weight benefit users avoiding bulky kit.

Winner: Sony HX20V for travel convenience.

Professional Use

• Neither supports RAW files, limiting pros needing post-processing flexibility.
• No environmental sealing restricts rugged use.
• Both use SD cards but Sony’s Memory Stick support adds ecosystem integration for Sony users.
• Limited manual exposure modes hamper precision work.

Winner: Neither camera quite fits professional workflow needs; consider upgraded models.

Build Quality and Durability: Will They Survive Active Use?

Neither camera is weather-sealed, dust-, shock-, or freeze-proof, a restriction inherent to compact superzooms from their era.

However, both exhibit solid build for casual photography:

• Canon’s slightly beefier feel instills confidence in rough handling.
• Sony’s compactness may feel delicate in heavy use.

For outdoor adventure photographers requiring ruggedness, these models fall short, but for casual travel and everyday shooting, their construction is adequate.

Connectivity and Extras: Sharing Made Easy?

• Canon SX700 HS’s Wi-Fi + NFC pairing enables quick image transfer to smartphones or tablets, a substantial advantage for instant sharing.
• Sony HX20V relies on Eye-Fi card compatibility and built-in GPS for automated geotagging.
• Neither offer Bluetooth, limiting some modern remote control possibilities.
• HDMI ports exist on both for external displays, but neither offers microphone or headphone jacks for audio/video monitoring.

If wireless sharing ease matters, Canon offers a more streamlined experience.

Price and Value: What Will Your Wallet Say?

The Canon SX700 HS’s price rightfully reflects its improved zoom range, modern DIGIC 6 processor, and Wi-Fi benefits.

The slightly higher Sony price comes with better sensor resolution, GPS, and longer battery life.

Summing It Up: Which Compact Superzoom Should You Pick?

Who Should Buy the Canon PowerShot SX700 HS?

If you prioritize the following, the Canon SX700 HS will feel like a capable companion:

• Need extreme zoom reach up to 750mm equivalent for wildlife or sports.
• Favor camera dials and manual exposure controls for creative shooting.
• Value Wi-Fi with NFC for quick photo sharing.
• Want slightly better low-light noise performance.
• Prefer warmer tones out of the box for portraits.

It is arguably the better all-around superzoom for enthusiasts who want a balance of creative control and powerful zoom in a compact package.

Who Should Consider the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V?

The Sony HX20V remains a very attractive option if you:

• Desire a smaller, lighter camera for discreet street or travel photography.
• Appreciate GPS geotagging for organizing travel shots.
• Want slightly higher resolution images and more flexible video formats.
• Shoot extended sessions benefiting from superior battery life.
• Value sharper LCD visibility in bright conditions.

It suits photographers emphasizing portability and convenience over ultimate zoom range and manual handling.

Final Verdict: Balancing Wish-Lists and Real-World Performance

Neither the Canon SX700 HS nor the Sony HX20V is a perfect camera; compromises exist for their compact superzoom category and era. However, both offer surprisingly versatile feature sets.

• For zoom reach, manual control, and in-camera wireless freedom - go Canon SX700 HS.
• For portability, battery endurance, and integrated GPS - pick the Sony HX20V.

If you value every ounce of image quality, consider that neither shoots RAW or has large sensors, limiting ultimate detail and dynamic range compared to mirrorless or DSLR options. These remain solid choices for casual superzoom shooters, travel, family snapshots, and beginner enthusiasts.

How I Tested These Cameras

To ensure impartiality, I tested both cameras side-by-side over multiple weeks in varied lighting. My methodology included:

• Controlled lab evaluations for noise, dynamic range, and resolution.
• Outdoor shooting across portrait, landscape, wildlife, and street scenarios.
• Video recording tests using standardized subjects and movement.
• Ergonomic and user interface assessment during real-world use.
• Battery endurance measured via continuous photo shooting sessions.
• Analysis of wireless connectivity and file handling across devices.

Testing rigor combined with 15+ years in camera review gives you confidence in the conclusions drawn here.

Your Next Steps

• Consider what photography you do most and which features support it best.
• Hold or try these models if possible to gauge handling comfort.
• Factor in pricing, availability, and accessories in your budget.
• Remember: upgrading lens options or sensor size often yields bigger improvements than a compact upgrade.

Canon SX700 HS screen back Sony HX20V front Sony HX20V screen back

If possible, also explore current-generation mirrorless cameras with superior image quality and autofocus technology, though expect to pay more and sacrifice compactness.

Thank you for reading. I hope this detailed comparison has illuminated critical differences and helped clarify which camera fits your creative journey. As always, happy shooting and may your images tell compelling stories!