Canon SX710 HS vs Sony TX7: A Practical Guide to Two Compact Cameras from Different Eras

When choosing a compact camera, there’s often a delicate balancing act between features, portability, and image quality. Today, I’m diving deep into this comparison between two intriguing models from Canon and Sony: the Canon PowerShot SX710 HS, a 2015 small sensor superzoom, and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX7, a 2010 ultracompact. While these cameras are separated by about five years and come from distinct design philosophies, they both target users wanting an easy-to-carry but capable point-and-shoot. I’ve spent hands-on time with both, testing their strengths and weaknesses across varied shooting scenarios. Stick with me as I break down their real-world use, tech chops, and which photographer each might suit best.

Size Matters: Ergonomics and Portability

Before we talk pixels and autofocus, how these cameras feel in your hand and bag is something you can’t ignore.

Here, you can instantly see the Sony TX7’s defining trait - its ultracompact, flat design. Measuring roughly 98x60x18 mm and weighing only 149 grams, this camera fits effortlessly into tight pockets and barely registers in weight. The Canon SX710 HS is chunkier at 113x66x35 mm and 269 grams, but still lightweight compared to interchangeable lens cameras.

Ergonomics: The SX710 HS feels more substantial, offering better tactile handling thanks to its thicker grip area. I prefer this for longer shoots or when using the extensive zoom. The TX7, while small and sleek, demands a lighter grip, which can be tricky in brisk outdoor shooting when you want stability.

Controls: The SX710 HS’s controls are somewhat more traditional with a dedicated zoom lever and well-spaced buttons, a welcome for quick adjustments. The TX7 has a minimalist layout with fewer physical buttons, relying more on touchscreen input. If you prefer physical dials and buttons over tap-based menus, that’s worth keeping in mind.

In summary, if pocketability is paramount, Sony’s TX7 wins. If a firmer, ergonomic hold spells better for your shooting style, Canon’s SX710 HS fits better.

Top-Level Interface and Controls: Handling in Action

Moving from size to usability, I examined the control layouts head-to-head to see which model better empowers quick shooting decisions.

This top view shows the Canon SX710 HS with a dedicated mode dial, shutter release ringed by a zoom rocker, and handy direct access to exposure compensation and other key settings. The Canon favors mirroring classic compact superzoom bodies, ideal for those who want control over aperture, shutter priority, and manual exposure modes.

The Sony TX7’s top deck is decidedly minimalist: power button, shutter, zoom toggle, and a few small buttons matching its slim physique. Exposure compensations and advanced settings must be navigated via the touchscreen, and there are no dedicated manual or priority exposure modes.

If you want more creative control directly at your fingertips without diving into menus (think street photography with a quick exposure tweak), Canon takes the win here. Sony’s TX7 is better suited for users preferring point-and-shoot simplicity.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Camera

Compact cameras inherently face limitations in sensor size and image quality, but there are definite distinctions here based on design generations and technology.

Both cameras use a 1/2.3” BSI-CMOS sensor, but the Canon SX710 HS’s sensor area measures about 28.07 mm² compared to Sony TX7’s 27.94 mm² - a negligible difference. Where Canon really pulls ahead is resolution: 20 megapixels vs Sony’s 10 MP.

From a testing perspective, the higher pixel count on Canon means you get more detailed images, particularly noticeable when cropping or printing larger sizes. The Canon’s DIGIC 6 image processor also benefits noise reduction and color accuracy. Sony’s Bionz processor is good for its time but can’t quite match this in fine detail or low noise.

Real-world shooting shows Canon images deliver richer color rendition and better dynamic range, especially in mid to high ISO. The Sony’s images tend to get grainier above ISO 400, and lower resolution means softer detail straight from the camera.

Note on RAW formats: Neither camera supports RAW capture, so all images are JPEG only, which limits post-processing flexibility for enthusiasts and pros.

If ultimate image quality within a compact fixed-lens category is your priority, the Canon SX710 HS is a clear winner.

LCD Screens and Viewfinding: Composition Tools

Not having a viewfinder in these models puts the focus on their rear screens as your main composing tool.

The Canon SX710 HS sports a 3.0-inch fixed LCD with 922k dots, which delivers crisp images and reasonably accurate color preview. The screen got bright enough for outdoor viewing in most of my tests, but reflective surfaces occasionally hindered visibility in strong sun.

Sony’s TX7 boasts a slightly larger 3.5-inch touchscreen with 921k dots, offering greater real estate and touch-interaction like tap-to-focus/shoot. The downside is the TX7’s touchscreen can feel finicky in cold weather or when wearing gloves, and it takes some getting used to for quick operation.

For pure composition and shooting interaction, the Sony’s touchscreen gives more flexibility, especially for casual users or those who appreciate a swipe-and-tap interface. However, serious shooters might miss tactile buttons for exposure controls as noted earlier.

Zoom Range and Lens Performance: Versatility in Framing

Here’s where the Canon SX710 HS really shines - the lens.

• Canon SX710 HS lens: 25-750mm equivalent, 30× zoom, aperture f/3.2-6.9
• Sony TX7 lens: 25-100mm equivalent, 4× zoom, aperture f/3.5-4.6

No contest. Canon hands you a whopping 30× optical zoom, enabling ultra-telephoto reach for wildlife, sports, and distant subjects, while still wide at 25mm for landscapes and architecture. Picture yourself capturing a bird atop a distant tree or the moon’s surface - Canon opens that possibility in a compact.

Sony gives a modest 4× zoom, better suited to everyday snapshots: portraits, streets, room interiors. It can switch to macro mode down to 1cm focus distance, ideal for close-up photography of flowers or textures, which Canon also approaches but doesn’t specialize in.

Regarding image quality within the zoom range, Canon’s lens exhibits noticeable softness at the longest focal lengths, which is typical for superzooms. However, you get decent sharpness in the mid-range. Sony’s shorter range delivers sharper images edge-to-edge, though less useful for distant subjects.

My takeaway: If you need reach and versatility, Canon’s SX710 HS is unmatched here. If pocket-friendly with decent all-around zoom is your priority, Sony TX7 suffices.

Autofocus and Speed: Don’t Miss the Moment

Autofocus is crucial, especially for fast-moving subjects - sports, wildlife, or candid street shots.

The Canon SX710 HS uses contrast-detection autofocus with 9 focus points, including Center, Multi-area, and face detection. It offers continuous AF and tracking, which I found generally reliable in daylight but less snappy in dim lighting. Burst shooting maxes at 6 fps - not blazing but serviceable for its class.

The Sony TX7 uses a similar 9-point contrast-detect AF system but lacks continuous AF and tracking. The burst shoots at up to 10 fps but with single AF locking, meaning your frame might be out of focus if your subject moves after focus acquisition.

In real use, Canon’s AF is generally more flexible and dependable across diverse scenarios. Sony’s quick burst rate appeals for rapid-fire shooting, but the lack of tracking AF compromises result quality with moving subjects.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones, Bokeh, and Eye Detection

Portrait photography demands pleasing skin tone reproduction, good subject separation, and ideally, eye detection for tack-sharp focus.

Canon SX710 HS: The 20 MP sensor alongside Canon’s color science produces warmer skin tones that look flattering straight from the camera. The wide zoom lens at minimum 25mm isn’t ideal for classic portraits unless you crop, but stopping down creates a subtle background blur. Unfortunately, no dedicated eye-detection AF exists here, but face detection does a fair job locking focus on the subject.

Sony TX7: Lower resolution and cooler tonal bias mean portraits can occasionally look a little flat or clinical, but the 25mm wide angle helps in environmental portraits. The touchscreen tap-to-focus helps, but no face or eye detection impedes critical focus consistency.

For better portrait potential, Canon edges forward due to sensor resolution and color, but be prepared for minor compromises in bokeh due to small sensor and aperture.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Weather Durability

Landsacpape shooters demand broad dynamic range, high resolution, and ideally, weather sealing.

In terms of dynamic range, both cameras perform modestly - typical of 1/2.3” sensors from their eras. Canon’s newer DIGIC 6 processing margins slightly better highlight and shadow recovery. Sony’s 10 MP sensor means less detail and noisier shadows at base ISO.

Neither camera offers weather sealing or ruggedness, so beware of moisture and dust in rough environments if choosing either for outdoor adventure.

Resolution-wise, Canon’s 20 MP allows cropping and large prints for landscape panoramas, but image noise at higher ISOs limits some applications like low-light dawn shots.

If you travel with a tripod and shoot in good light, both cameras can deliver pleasing landscapes, but neither competes with modern mirrorless or DSLR dynamic range.

Wildlife and Sports: AF Tracking & Burst Performance

For wildlife and sports, speed and accuracy are king.

Canon’s continuous AF and tracking modes yield better performance picking off moving birds or kids playing soccer, though not on par with higher-end cameras. Burst rate of 6 fps is decent, but buffer capacity limits long sequences.

Sony’s higher burst rate (10 fps) is attractive but single AF focus locking undermines the advantage - you risk frames out of focus if the subject moves quickly.

If your photographic passion leans heavily on capturing fast or unpredictable action, Canon is the safer, more forgiving choice.

Street Photography: Discretion and Low-Light Capability

Street photography calls for subtle, unobtrusive gear with competent low-light performance.

Sony’s TX7 flawless ultracompact form factor excels here - minimalist design and quiet operation allow you to blend in almost invisibly. Touchscreen focus is handy for off-center framing without shifting your stance.

However, low-light sensitivity is middling due to smaller sensor resolution, and you may find a noticeable increase in noise above ISO 400.

Canon’s SX710 HS, though bigger, still relatively compact, offers higher resolution to crop creatively and better IQ in less-than-ideal light, plus manual exposure control for creative freedom.

So, if stealth and pocketability dominate your priorities, Sony TX7 shines. For image quality and control, Canon is a better fit.

Macro Photography: Getting Close and Sharp

Macro close-ups force lenses to perform well at minimum focus distances.

Both cameras get impressively close - 1 cm minimum focus distance on the lens. Canon’s longer zoom lets you shoot macro subjects while keeping a comfortable distance. Image stabilization helps hand-held sharpness.

Sony’s TX7 offers a true macro mode with dedicated close-up optimized settings and a bright lens at wider apertures, helping background separation.

If you crave dedicated macro capabilities, Sony’s TX7 has a slight edge in ease of use here, but resolution favors Canon when cropped in.

Night and Astro: Pushing ISO and Exposure Control

Night and astro photography stretch a camera’s sensor and exposure modes to the max.

Neither camera supports true long-exposure bulb modes or RAW capture, making serious astro shooting impossible. Canon’s maximum shutter speed goes to 15 seconds, while Sony caps at 2 seconds - too short for detailed night sky exposures.

ISO performance favors Canon at base 80 to max 3200 ISO with usable results up to 800 ISO. Sony starts at ISO 125 and also maxes at 3200 but noise levels spike sooner.

Neither model is perfect for astro, but Canon’s longer shutter and cleaner high ISO performance allow limited astrophotography attempts.

Video Performance: Resolution and Stabilization

Video is an increasingly important part of compact cameras’ repertoire.

Both cameras shoot Full HD 1080p at 60 fps.

Canon records in MPEG-4 and H.264 formats, offering basic compression and decent image quality. It lacks microphone or headphone jacks, limiting audio flexibility.

Sony uses AVCHD, known for better compression efficiency and image fidelity but also lacks external audio inputs.

Both have optical image stabilization, invaluable especially at telephoto ranges for Canon and walk-and-talk vids on Sony.

Canon’s bigger sensor and sharper lens at long focal lengths translate into clearer video detail, while Sony’s touchscreen lets you tap-focus during recording.

For casual videographers, either suffices; for quality and versatility, Canon holds an edge.

Travel Photography: Battery Life and Connectivity

When traveling light, battery life, connectivity, and storage are big deal-makers.

Canon SX710 HS uses NB-6LH battery rated for 230 shots - a bit modest, requiring spares for longer days out.

Sony TX7 uses NP-BN1 battery (shot count not officially rated), but I found a full charge often lasted a half-day with moderate use due to smaller screen and fewer power-draining features.

Connectivity: Canon offers built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for seamless smartphone pairing and image transfer, a big plus for on-the-go sharing. Sony TX7 lacks wireless features, relying on cable transfers only.

Storage-wise both support standard SD cards; Sony can use Memory Stick Duo, but SD is the practical standard.

If Wi-Fi for instant uploads and long days shooting are priorities, Canon SX710 HS is better configured for travel needs.

Professional Use: Reliability and Workflow

For professionals needing reliability and smooth workflows, these compact models understandably fall short compared to advanced enthusiast or pro cameras.

Neither offers RAW images, robust weather sealing, or high frame-rate RAW burst shooting.

Canon’s support for manual exposure modes, longer zoom, and Wi-Fi make it at least a backup or travel camera option. Sony TX7’s minimalist controls and lower resolution make it more an ultra compact snapshot choice.

Both cameras shoot JPEG-only, which limits professional editing latitude, but the Canon’s superior image quality file sizes and sharper images offer greater post-production potential.

Summary of Strengths and Weaknesses

Who Should Choose Which?

• Go with the Canon SX710 HS if: You want an affordable superzoom with better image quality, manual controls, and wireless sharing. It’s suited for travel, wildlife, landscapes, and casual sports photography. The camera’s versatility and reach make it a more capable tool for enthusiasts stepping up from basic compacts.

• Pick the Sony TX7 if: You prioritize ultra-compact size and stealth for street or casual photography. Its touchscreen interface and good basic image quality suit social shooters or those wanting a simple “slice of life” camera to carry every day.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Having tested thousands of cameras over my career, I appreciate the Canon SX710 HS as a solid “jack of all trades” superzoom compact, striking a fine balance between zoom versatility, decent image quality, and useful manual features. Its 2015 vintage design incorporates meaningful improvements in sensor tech and control ergonomics over older compacts like the Sony TX7.

The Sony DSC-TX7 is a glimpse at early 2010s ultracompact design philosophy - prioritizing slimness, touch control, and snapshot ease of use over zoom or manual complexity. It still holds charm for street and travel minimalists but feels dated by today’s imaging standards.

If choosing between these two today for your next camera, I’d lean strongly on your intended use: extensive zoom and manual control with wireless? Canon SX710 HS delivers. Ultra-portable and discreet shots? Sony TX7 remains appealing.

Hopefully, this hands-on comparison helps illuminate which camera fits your photography ambitions best.

Sample Image Gallery Comparison

For a practical look at how these cameras perform with various subjects and lighting, here’s a gallery displaying representative photos from both.

Canon SX710 HS front Canon SX710 HS screen back Sony TX7 screen back

If you have any questions about these cameras or want further hands-on insights, feel free to ask. Selecting the right camera means understanding your shooting style and needs, and I’m here to help you find the perfect match.