Comparing the Canon PowerShot SX720 HS and Leica V-Lux 2: Which Superzoom Compact Suits Your Photography Best?

When it comes to superzoom compact cameras, enthusiasts and professionals alike often find themselves navigating a sea of options - each promising versatility and optical prowess. Today, we’ll take a deep dive into two small-sensor superzooms from different ends of the pricing and brand spectrum: Canon’s 2016 PowerShot SX720 HS and Leica’s 2010 V-Lux 2.

Though both slot under the "small sensor superzoom" category, their feature sets, handling, and performance reflect very different design philosophies and user priorities. Having personally put these models through their paces across diverse photographic disciplines - from portraits in natural light to wildlife chasing and some casual astro snaps - I’m confident this detailed hands-on comparison will help you identify which aligns best with your needs.

Before jumping in, here’s a quick note: while both cameras share the 1/2.3" sensor size, offering a similar base for image quality and physical footprint, the similarities thin out quickly as we explore ergonomics, features, and performance.

Let’s break down the critical aspects.

Sitting Down with the Cameras: Size, Feel, and Controls

Handling is a non-negotiable factor for most photographers, especially for extended outdoor or travel shoots.

The Canon SX720 HS measures a compact 110 × 64 × 36 mm and weighs roughly 270 grams, positioning itself firmly in easy-pocket territory. In stark contrast, Leica’s V-Lux 2 is a chunkier 124 × 80 × 95 mm and tips the scales nearly twice as heavy at 520 grams. This difference is no accident; Leica embraces a bridge-style body reminiscent of an SLR, offering more ergonomic heft and control, albeit at the expense of pocketability.

Ergonomically, the Leica’s larger grip and SLR-like design impart greater comfort for long handheld sessions, especially with its extended zoom. Its controls are plentiful and thoughtfully placed, catering to photographers who want manual dials and the tactile feel of analog controls - a hallmark of Leica’s premium design ethos.

The Canon SX720 HS, meanwhile, takes a minimalist approach with a slick, compact design targeted toward casual shooters who value portability and simplicity. However, its reduced size means smaller buttons and shallower grip, which may impact stability during rapid shooting or use with telephoto reach extended.

Looking at the top view helps underscore this contrast - Leica’s V-Lux 2 sports dedicated dials and clearly demarcated buttons, whereas Canon’s layout leans toward menu-based settings with fewer physical controls.

In the field, I found the Leica substantially easier to handle for deliberate shooting - stable and intuitive for manual exposure adjustments. The Canon demands more menu diving, making it better suited to snap-and-go scenarios.

Behind the Lens: Zoom Range and Optical Characteristics

Superzoom enthusiasts often lead with the lens in mind, and it’s here that both cameras stake claims.

The Canon SX720 HS boasts an impressive 24–960 mm equivalent focal length, a full 40x zoom range. Though the max aperture narrows to f/6.9 at the tele end (typical for superzooms), it still covers the vast majority of shooting situations - from wide landscapes to distant wildlife at a distance.

Leica’s V-Lux 2 trumps this somewhat in aperture brightness, with a faster f/2.8–5.2 range paired with a 25–600 mm (24x) zoom - shorter on reach but brighter at the long end, which aids handheld low-light shooting and depth of field control.

Both have a macro focus distance starting as close as 1cm, enabling creative close-ups. However, Leica’s wider aperture translates to a shallower depth of field and stronger background separation in close portraits or macro frames.

While Leica’s zoom range puts less absolute reach at 600mm versus Canon’s 960mm, the f/5.2 maximum aperture at the long end offers better performance for handheld telephoto shots in moderate light, especially with image stabilization engaged.

Sensor and Image Quality: A Tale of Two Generations

One of the most telling technical foundations lies in their image sensors and processing capacity.

Both cameras use 1/2.3" CMOS sensors, a common size in ultracompacts. Canon’s sensor clocks in at 20.3 megapixels, promising detailed 5184x3888 images, while Leica’s sensor resolution is a more modest 14 megapixels maxing at 4320×3240.

On paper, Canon’s higher pixel count could translate to finer details, but that can come at the cost of noise performance and dynamic range, especially on smaller sensors.

Manufactured six years apart, the Canon SX720 HS benefits from newer processing - Canon’s DIGIC 6 processor - which enhances noise handling and image processing speed. The Leica employs an earlier generation sensor and processor, limiting ISO performance and burst rate capabilities (more on these shortly).

An important distinction: The Leica V-Lux 2 supports RAW capture, allowing for extensive post-processing latitude. Canon’s SX720 HS shoots exclusively JPEG, which constrains flexibility but ensures processed images are ready for immediate use.

In practical shooting, Canon’s higher resolution produced images with more sharpening detail at base ISO (80), but noise levels increased notably beyond ISO 800. Leica’s lower resolution sensor exhibited gentler noise and smoother tonal gradation at higher ISOs, helped also by the brighter lens.

The Viewfinder and LCD Experience: How You Frame Your Shots

Both cameras sport 3-inch LCD screens, but their usability and quality vary.

The Canon’s fixed LCD offers 922k-dot resolution, crisp and vibrant, though lacking touch interface or articulation, somewhat limiting shooting angles and navigation ease.

Leica’s V-Lux 2 offers a fully articulated 3-inch LCD, ideal for difficult angles - think macro or low-angle street shots - albeit at a lower resolution of 460k dots, which feels softer in daylight.

Vielleicht most noticeably, Leica adds an electronic viewfinder (EVF) – lacking in the Canon SX720 HS altogether. The EVF provides a reliable framing tool in bright sun and supports a more immersive shooting experience unfamiliar to casual compacts.

If you’re accustomed to composing through a viewfinder or need articulation for creative framing, Leica’s V-Lux 2 pulls ahead clearly here.

Autofocus and Burst Performance: Catching the Action

Field shooting, particularly wildlife and sports, demands autofocus systems that are fast and reliable.

Canon’s SX720 HS comes equipped with a 9-point contrast-detection AF system capable of face detection and continuous AF during burst shooting at 5.9 fps. Leica’s V-Lux 2 uses contrast-detection AF only, no face detection, and max burst rates peak faster at 11 fps but without continuous autofocus tracking.

In practice, the Canon’s face detection and tracking provide superior accuracy for portraits, street shots, and moving subjects, minimizing hunting. The Leica felt comparatively sluggish in focus lock and struggled to maintain sharpness on moving wildlife or kids running in bright daylight. The higher burst rate is enticing, but its lack of AF tracking limits usefulness for action.

For still subjects or tripod work (e.g., landscape, macro), both perform competently.

Video Capabilities: Not Designed for Cinematics but Useful

Neither of these cameras were meant to dethrone dedicated camcorders or mirrorless hybrids, but video remains a significant usage.

Canon SX720 HS shoots Full HD 1080p video at 60fps, using the efficient H.264 codec - a feature that still impresses on a compact from 2016. Its optically stabilized lens and DIGIC 6 processing help reduce handheld shake.

Leica V-Lux 2 maxes out at 720p HD video at 60fps using AVCHD Lite, which feels quite dated by today’s standards and notably inferior to Canon in sharpness and detail.

Neither camera supports external microphones, low-light video is limited by sensor size, and neither have 4K or slow-motion options.

For casual video capture on family outings or travel, Canon’s SX720 HS clearly provides more flexibility and quality.

Battery Life and Storage: On-the-Go Viability

With battery longevity often underrated, it’s worth a practical note here.

Canon quotes around 250 shots per charge, a figure I found optimistic when shooting in cooler conditions or reviewing images extensively. Leica’s battery life specs are unspecified but generally known to be shorter, given its larger EVF and articulated screen drain.

Both cameras use a single SD card slot supporting SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards. Leica additionally offers internal storage - handy in emergencies.

Charging and power management are basic, with no USB charging support, which is standard fare for cameras of this era.

Durability and Weather-Sealing: Toughness Where It Counts

Neither camera boasts weather sealing or robust environmental protection, which is typical for compact superzooms in their respective price and category niches.

Given Leica’s higher price point, this omission feels a little disappointing but understandable given design priorities. The Canon’s plastic construction is more obviously geared for casual use.

If you shoot in rain or dusty environments regularly, neither model is ideal without external housing.

The Lens Ecosystem: Fixed Zooms and Use Cases

Both cameras use fixed built-in zoom lenses, offering no lens swaps, which defines their compactness and reliability.

Canon’s 24–960 mm zoom is a strong choice for travelers or wildlife photographers needing extreme reach, paired with a sensor-res/processor combo balanced for day-to-day use.

Leica’s brighter lens aids low-light and portraiture but limits framing flexibility at the telephoto end.

Real-World Usage Across Photography Disciplines

Let me summarize practical impressions by photography genre, based on rigorous field use:

Portrait Photography

• Canon SX720 HS: Face detection autofocus works reliably, though max aperture of f/3.3-6.9 limits background separation and bokeh quality - expect busy backgrounds at telephoto.
• Leica V-Lux 2: Faster aperture (f/2.8) especially wide open allows nicer skin tone rendition and subject isolation but no face detection AF means manual focus vigilance required.

Landscape Photography

• Both cameras show comparable dynamic range limited by sensor size.
• Leica’s articulated screen and smaller max focal length (25mm wide) aid flexible composition.
• Canon’s higher resolution delivers slightly more detail in RAW-like JPEGs.

Wildlife Photography

• Canon’s longer 960mm reach and AF tracking deliver more usable shots of distant subjects.
• Leica’s burst speed is attractive but AF limitations hamper catching moving animals.

Sports Photography

• Canon again benefits from continuous autofocus and decent burst (5.9fps).
• Leica’s faster burst (11fps) lacks AF tracking, making sharp dynamic framing tough.

Street Photography

• Canon’s compact size is discrete and unobtrusive.
• Leica feels bulkier, potentially drawing more attention.

Macro Photography

• Both handle close-focus well (1 cm distance).
• Leica’s brighter lens and articulated screen edge it for creative compositions.

Night / Astro Photography

• Low light ISO performance is hampered by sensor size on both cameras.
• Canon’s ISO 80 base and DIGIC 6 slightly better suppress noise.
• Neither supports long exposure silent shutter or intervalometer.

Video

• Canon’s 1080p60 video is versatile for casual shooting.
• Leica’s 720p AVCHD is noticeably dated.

Travel Photography

• Canon’s lightweight, extended zoom advantage makes it an easy carry.
• Leica’s better controls and ergonomics enrich shooting experience but add bulk.

Professional Use

• Leica’s RAW support and manual controls add flexibility.
• Canon lacks RAW, limiting professional post-processing options.

Canon SX720 HS front Canon SX720 HS screen back Leica V Lux 2 front Leica V Lux 2 screen back

Technical Summary: Processor, Connectivity, and Other Features

• Processor: Canon DIGIC 6 enables faster image processing; Leica’s unspecified older processor limits speed.
• Connectivity: Canon supports Wi-Fi and NFC for image transfer; Leica has no wireless connectivity.
• Stabilization: Both employ optical image stabilization effectively but limited by sensor size and lens characteristics.
• Shutter Speeds: Canon covers 15s–1/3200s; Leica limited to 1/60s to 1/2000s, restricting some creative possibilities.
• Storage: Both use SD cards; Leica has internal storage buffer.
• Flash: Leica’s built-in flash has longer range (9.5m) vs Canon’s 4m, helpful in fill-flash.
• Price: Canon SX720 HS at around $379 is a budget-friendly option; Leica V-Lux 2’s $999 price reflects premium build and brand positioning.

Tailored Recommendations: Who Should Pick Which?

Given this deep dive, here is the practical verdict for different user profiles:

• Casual Travelers and Snapshooters: Canon PowerShot SX720 HS stands out for its lightweight design, 40x zoom reach, decent image quality, sharper LCD, and video performance. Great for quick shots of landscapes, wildlife, and everyday life, especially if you want wireless sharing.

• Photography Enthusiasts Seeking Manual Control: Leica V-Lux 2, despite its age, rewards users who value tactile controls, RAW image capture, and better lens brightness for portraits and macro work. Ideal for deliberate shooting where image quality and ergonomics matter more than ultimate zoom length.

• Wildlife and Sports Photographers on a Budget: Canon’s longer reach and face/tracking AF system make it the more practical tool, capturing sharp results more consistently.

• Street and Event Photography: The compactness and stealthiness of Canon SX720 HS will appeal to candid photographers.

• Video Hobbyists: Canon’s HD 60p videos, supported by image stabilization, make it a better choice.

• Professionals Needing Backup or Outdoor Versatility: Neither camera meets weather-sealing or professional robustness standards fully, but Leica’s build quality is more reassuring for careful use.

Final Thoughts: Choosing Your Superzoom Companion

Ultimately, while both Canon SX720 HS and Leica V-Lux 2 share a category, they cater to different photographic sensibilities.

The Canon impresses with reach, modern processing, and practical ease, making it an efficient tool for travelers and casual photo enthusiasts who prioritize convenience and zoom range.

The Leica, with its premium build, faster lens, and manual command, appeals to enthusiasts less concerned about size and more about creative control and image quality nuances.

From my extensive testing, if you prize long zoom and connectivity at an affordable price, the Canon SX720 HS is a reliable workhorse. For those who treasure refined handling, RAW flexibility, and brighter glass, the Leica V-Lux 2 remains a compelling option despite its age and cost.

Both cameras teach us a valuable lesson: in superzoom compacts, thoughtful ergonomic design and feature balance are just as critical as raw specifications.

Whichever path you choose, shooting consistently and creatively will always yield the best images - even if your camera falls short of perfection in some specs.

Happy shooting!

This article draws on years of hands-on testing, real-world scenario evaluations, and technical expertise to guide your camera choice informed by honest and balanced analysis.