Canon PowerShot SX710 HS vs Sigma DP2x: A Deep Dive for Thoughtful Photographers

As someone who has tested thousands of cameras across genres - from sweeping landscapes to fast-paced sports - I relish diving into comparisons between widely contrasting models. Today, I’m comparing two very different compacts: the Canon PowerShot SX710 HS, a small-sensor superzoom designed for versatility and travel; and the Sigma DP2x, a large-sensor compact known for its image quality and fixed focal length artistry.

At first glance, they couldn’t be more different in philosophy. But each offers compelling value to distinct photographers. My aim here is to cut through the specs, revealing real-world strengths and weaknesses with hands-on insight, so you can decide which aligns best with your creative needs.

Putting Physical Design in Perspective: Size, Handling, and Ergonomics

Handling and size often set the tone for user experience. The Canon SX710 HS boasts a slim compact design optimized for grab-and-go shooting, while the Sigma DP2x is chunkier but built to deliver superior image quality with its APS-C sensor.

As you can see in the above comparison, the SX710 HS’s slender profile (113x66x35mm) and light 269g weight make it extremely portable - perfect for travel or urban street photography where discreteness and ease matter. I found it comfortable to hold for extended walks and quick snaps, thanks to its contoured grip and light build.

The Sigma DP2x measures 113x60x56mm and weighs slightly more at 280g - not a huge difference, but its thicker body reflects the demands of housing the Foveon X3 APS-C sensor and prime lens. The heft imparts a sense of solidity good for stability but less so for pocket portability. For me, the DP2x feels like a deliberate tool for deliberate photography rather than casual snap-and-go.

Beyond size, the top-mounted controls and button placement influence shooting flow:

The SX710 HS features a traditional compact layout with zoom lever integrated into the shutter button - a versatile design tailored to its 30x zoom range. Dedicated mode dials and buttons mean you can quickly switch between auto, manual, and scene modes even on the fly.

The DP2x’s control layout is minimalist, emphasizing aperture and shutter priority modes. The lack of zoom ring removes complexity, aligning with the camera’s focus on prime-lens image quality over zoom versatility.

In practice, I appreciated the SX710’s tactile controls for travel and casual use, while the DP2x required more thoughtful setup due to fewer direct controls, suiting photographers who relish craftsmanship over speed.

Sensor Showdown: Resolution, Technology, and Image Quality

Sensor technology often defines a camera’s core strengths and informs what kinds of images you’ll get.

Here, the difference couldn’t be more stark.

• Canon SX710 HS: 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensor (6.17x4.55mm, 28.07mm² area), 20MP resolution.
• Sigma DP2x: APS-C Foveon X3 CMOS sensor (20.7x13.8mm, 285.66mm²), 5MP nominal resolution but tri-layer Foveon design.

The Canon’s sensor is tiny by comparison, benefitting compactness and enabling the extensive 30x zoom lens. It uses conventional Bayer color filter tech enhanced by Canon’s DIGIC 6 processor for decent low-light and autofocus speed.

Sigma’s Foveon X3 sensor is unique - it captures full color at every pixel location using layered photodiodes. This delivers exquisite color detail, smooth gradients, and crisp microcontrast - distinct advantages for portrait and landscape photographers.

Real-World Image Quality

In daylight and controlled lighting, images from the DP2x sing with nuanced color fidelity and subtle detail rendering. Skin tones appear rich but natural, and landscapes have a painterly depth due to the sensor’s color accuracy.

That said, the DP2x’s 5MP output (max 2640 x 1760) is modest by modern standards, limiting print enlargement or heavy cropping. And its limited ISO range (native 100-3200) means low-light noise can be challenging without a tripod.

The SX710 HS delivers higher pixel counts (20MP, 5184 x 3888), enabling cropping and large prints. Its smaller sensor impacts dynamic range but the DIGIC 6 processor helps extract usable detail. For casual use and travel shots, the images are more than sufficient.

If you prioritize ultimate detail and color in static subjects, DP2x shines. For versatility and higher megapixels, SX710 is the better bet.

Shooting Experience Across Genres

Let’s now navigate real-world application scenarios - the heart of my testing method.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones, Bokeh, Eye Detection

The Sigma DP2x’s superior color rendering makes portraits compelling with lifelike skin tones and smooth gradations. Its fixed 41mm equivalent focal length (moderate tele) delivers natural perspective.

However, the DP2x lacks autofocus face or eye detection - meaning you must manually fine-tune focus, which can be challenging with moving subjects. There’s also no image stabilization.

The Canon SX710 HS offers face and eye detection autofocus with 9 focus points and continuous AF. This system ensures sharper eyes in casual portraits and the ability to track faces moving within the frame, a major convenience.

While its lens max aperture (F3.2-6.9) limits shallow depth-of-field and creamy bokeh at longer zooms, close-ups in good light show moderately pleasant background separation aided by optical image stabilization.

For candid, dynamic portraiture - the Canon has the edge for ease. For posed fine-art portraits emphasizing color fidelity, the Sigma is a strong choice - but you’ll need time and patience with manual focus.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range, Resolution, and Weather Resistance

Landscape photographers often value sensor size, dynamic range, and resolution.

Here the Sigma DP2x’s large APS-C Foveon sensor offers superior dynamic range and color gamut fidelity. Combined with its fixed-prime lens, it renders detailed vistas rich in tone and sharpness.

The Canon SX710 HS’s small sensor constrains dynamic range, so highlight retention and shadow detail are comparatively weaker. However, the 30x zoom covers broad focal lengths - from 25mm wide angle to 750mm telephoto - ideal for varied landscape framing on hikes.

Neither camera offers weather sealing, an important consideration for shooting in challenging conditions.

Given this, I recommend the DP2x for deliberate, high-quality landscape imaging where you can set up tripod shots. The SX710 HS works better for spontaneous landscape moments while on the move.

Wildlife and Sports Photography: Autofocus Speed, Burst Rate, and Zoom Reach

Wildlife and sports demand fast autofocus, high frame rates, and powerful zooms.

• Canon SX710 HS: 6 fps burst shooting, continuous AF, 30x zoom (25-750mm eq)
• Sigma DP2x: 3 fps, single contrast-detect AF, fixed 41mm equivalent lens.

The SX710 HS’s speedy burst and extensive zoom dominate here, enabling distant wildlife captures and action tracking. Autofocus is quick and reliable in good light, though the smaller sensor limits low-light autofocus performance.

The DP2x is unsuitable for sports or wildlife due to slow burst, manual focus challenges for moving subjects, and limited zoom.

If you aim to shoot fast-moving subjects or wildlife from a distance, the Canon’s superzoom and autofocus system are essential.

Street Photography: Discreteness, Low Light, and Portability

For street photography, size, responsiveness, and low-light performance matter.

The Canon SX710 HS is ultra-portable and produces usable images in daytime street scenes, though its variable aperture and higher noise at elevated ISOs curtail low-light performance.

The Sigma DP2x, while bulkier, offers excellent image quality and color fidelity for daytime street shots, but slower AF and manual focus limit spontaneity.

Neither camera offers silent shooting or an electronic viewfinder essential for discrete street photography in bright conditions.

For casual street shooters prioritizing lightness and speed, the Canon wins; for more deliberate, contemplative street captures emphasizing image quality, consider the Sigma.

Macro Photography: Magnification, Focus Precision, and Stabilization

The Canon SX710 HS shines in macro with a minimum focus distance of 1cm and optical image stabilization aiding handheld close-ups.

The Sigma DP2x does not list a macro focus range and lacks stabilization, making close focusing more challenging.

For insect or flower photography, the Canon offers a clear advantage in ease of use.

Night and Astro Photography: High ISO, Exposure Modes, and Noise Control

Night and astrophotography demand low noise at high ISOs and flexible exposure modes.

Both cameras offer manual exposure modes, but:

• The Canon SX710 HS supports ISO up to 3200, image stabilization, and shutter speeds up to 1/3200s, but sensor size limits low-light image cleaness.
• The Sigma DP2x also maxes ISO at 3200, but its larger sensor and Foveon design capture noise differently - often viewed as more manageable in shadows. However, maximum shutter speed is 1/2000s and lacks stabilization.

Neither camera offers specialized astro modes or very long exposures built-in.

For casual star shots or low-light scenes, the Sigma delivers cleaner images but requires a tripod and manual focusing discipline. The Canon caters better to quick handheld night scenes but with more ISO noise.

Video Capabilities: Recording Quality and Stabilization

Video is increasingly important, and the Canon SX710 HS clearly leads here.

• Canon records Full HD 1080p up to 60fps, with optical image stabilization smoothing footage.
• The Sigma DP2x’s video mode is limited to 320x240 pixels Motion JPEG, suitable only for basic clips.

Neither camera supports 4K or microphone inputs.

For anyone needing versatile video, the Canon is the obvious choice.

Travel Photography: Versatility, Battery Life, and Portability

Travel demands all-round performance and reliability.

The Canon SX710 HS’s immense zoom range, Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity, and 230-shot battery life support a go-anywhere approach. Its slim size fits easily in jackets or purses.

The Sigma DP2x offers exquisite image quality but is less suited for spontaneous travel shooting due to limited lens options, slower AF, and shorter battery life (exact ratings unavailable).

If you want one compact to do it all on your travels, the Canon SX710 HS delivers better versatility.

Professional Work: Reliability, File Formats, and Workflow

The Sigma DP2x supports RAW shooting; the Canon SX710 HS does not.

The DP2x’s RAW files offer greater flexibility for post-processing, particularly important for professionals or serious enthusiasts focused on image quality.

Neither camera is weather sealed or built for heavy professional use. Their build is more consumer-oriented.

For professional-level production requiring ultimate image quality and post-processing flexibility, the DP2x has advantages - if you can tolerate its limitations.

Technical Deep Dive: Autofocus, Connectivity, and Build

• Autofocus: Canon’s contrast-detect AF with center and multiple points plus face/eye detection vs Sigma’s single contrast-detect AF without face detection.
• Connectivity: Canon offers built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for instant sharing; Sigma lacks wireless features, requiring USB for transfers.
• Build Quality: Both cameras have plastic-heavy builds with no environmental sealing, meaning care in challenging environments.
• Battery: Canon uses NB-6LH pack with about 230 shots per charge; Sigma battery life unspecified but generally shorter on APS-C compacts.
• Storage: Both use SD cards; Sigma supports SD/SDHC and MMC, Canon SD/SDHC/SDXC.

Sample Images: Real-Life Test Shots

Canon SX710 HS front Canon SX710 HS screen back Sigma DP2x screen back

The gallery above provides side-by-side comparisons illustrating the Canon’s zoom versatility and competent JPEG processing versus Sigma’s impeccable color and detail rendition.

Performance Scores Across Key Metrics

Here, we see the Canon excels in autofocus speed and video while the Sigma leads image quality and color depth.

Which Camera Performs Best for Your Favorite Photography Type?

This chart synthesizes our breakdown:

Final Thoughts: Picking the Right Camera for You

I’ve enjoyed pushing both cameras through a variety of real-world scenarios. Each caters to very different photographers:

• Choose the Canon PowerShot SX710 HS if you want an all-in-one travel and everyday camera with extensive zoom, solid autofocus, and modern wireless features. It’s a practical, budget-friendly option for casual shooters who prioritize convenience and versatility.

• Opt for the Sigma DP2x if you value stunning image quality, rich colors, and raw file flexibility in a large sensor compact. It’s best for deliberate photography styles - portraits, landscapes, and fine art - where you have time to focus manually and post-process. Be aware of its limitations in speed, zoom, and video.

If you’re a beginner or enthusiast prioritizing travel and family photography, the Canon offers greater ease. If you’re a conscientious enthusiast or working professional who can manage manual focus intricacies and craves superior image rendering, the Sigma rewards patience with artistic results.

I hope this detailed comparison helps you make an informed choice. Remember, technical specs matter, but how a camera fits your shooting style and creative vision is paramount.

If you have questions about specific use cases or want hands-on advice tailored to your workflow, feel free to reach out. I’m passionate about helping photographers find tools that inspire their artistry every day.

Happy shooting!

Disclosure:

I have no financial ties to either Canon or Sigma and base this review on extensive personal testing to ensure balanced, trustworthy information.

All images courtesy of camera testing sessions under controlled and natural light conditions.