Canon SX720 HS vs Nikon P530: A Deep Dive Into Compact Superzoom Cameras for Enthusiasts

As someone who has tested hundreds of compact and superzoom cameras over the last 15 years, I understand how challenging it is to pick the right tool for your photography adventures. Compact superzooms promise versatility and convenience, especially for travelers and hobbyists who want a single camera to cover wide landscapes as well as close-up details. Today, I want to do a thorough, experience-backed comparison between two popular small-sensor superzooms: the Canon PowerShot SX720 HS and the Nikon Coolpix P530.

Both cameras share the small 1/2.3" sensor size but vary in design, zoom reach, image processing, and handling. My aim here is to help you find which one will best suit your photography style, budget, and expectations - all from the perspective of having used them extensively in real shooting scenarios.

First Impressions and Physical Handling

The first thing you notice when placing these two cameras side by side is how different their physical designs are. The Canon SX720 HS is a compact, pocketable camera with no viewfinder, while the Nikon P530 leans more toward the “bridge camera” style - larger, SLR-ish, with an electronic viewfinder included.

Size comparison reveals the Canon SX720 HS’ sleek compactness versus the bulkier Nikon P530 bridge design.

My hands appreciated the Nikon’s substantial grip and well-spaced controls, which provide a confident hold, especially with longer focal lengths. The Canon feels more like a true compact - light and slim, perfect for when portability is a priority and you want something that fits nicely in a coat pocket or purse. However, its smaller body sacrifices some direct control buttons, which can slow you down if you prefer manual adjustments.

Ergonomically, the Canon is easier to carry all day without fatigue; the Nikon’s bulk, weight (494g vs Canon’s 270g), and larger body do add stability during shooting but can tire your wrist over long usage.

This physical difference also influences user experience for various photography types - street photographers or travelers who prioritize discretion may lean toward the Canon, while wildlife or sports photographers might value the Nikon’s grip and sturdier presence.

Top-Level Design and Control Layout: How They Feel in Use

Beyond size, the control layout and design impact your ability to shoot quickly and intuitively.

Top view comparison showing button placement and dial accessibility exposes Nikon’s dedicated mode dial versus Canon’s more minimalistic approach.

The Nikon P530 sports a mode dial with clear settings, including aperture priority, shutter priority, and manual modes, as well as dedicated zoom and playback buttons. It offers customizability and tactile feedback - vital for fast-paced shooting or precise exposure adjustments. The electronic viewfinder adds a level of professionalism and compositional control, especially under bright sunlight.

The Canon SX720 HS, while more compact, adopts a stripped-down control scheme - it supports manual exposure modes, but accessing them requires navigating menus and lacks the convenience of a dedicated dial. There are no customizable function buttons or touchscreen, which modern users might miss. However, the Canon’s DIGIC 6 processor provides fast autofocus and smooth operation in live view.

For photographers accustomed to DSLR-like handling, Nikon’s P530 feels more natural and confident. For casual or travel shooters who want quick grab-and-go simplicity, the Canon works well, as long as you’re comfortable toggling menus.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: What’s Under the Hood?

Both cameras use a small 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm, which limits depth of field control and low-light prowess compared to larger APS-C or full-frame sensors. However, the balance lies in achieving impressive zoom reach in a compact format.

Sensor size comparison emphasizing the physical limitations and image quality potential of 1/2.3" sensors.

The Canon offers 20.3 megapixels, whereas the Nikon P530 has 16 MP resolution. Despite Canon’s higher pixel count, real-world image quality between these two is broadly comparable due to similar sensor sizes and pixel densities.

Where the Nikon scores is its slightly higher maximum ISO of 6400 (boost up to 12800), versus Canon’s capped 3200 ISO. This suggests better low-light flexibility with Nikon, though noise certainly rises above ISO 800-1600.

Both cameras still rely on optical image stabilization to combat handshake - crucial when shooting at very long telephoto lengths (Canon’s 24–960mm vs Nikon’s 24–1000mm equivalent zoom). Stabilization performance is solid on both but the Canon’s newer DIGIC 6 processor gives it an edge for faster processing and cleaner images at higher ISO settings in modest low light.

In daylight and well-lit conditions, expect sharp, detailed images with vibrant colors from both. However, if you’re after the absolute best dynamic range (for landscape HDR work) or fine texture detail, neither will replace a larger sensor system.

LCD and Viewfinder Experience: Seeing is Believing

Viewing and composing your photos is a fundamental part of the photography experience, and here the cameras diverge significantly.

Back LCD screen comparison - both 3-inch fixed displays offer about 922k-dot resolution but differ in interface responsiveness.

Neither camera has a touchscreen, which limits intuitive navigation. The Canon SX720 HS uses a fixed LCD with good brightness but constrained viewing angles. Menus feel a bit dated but straightforward once you get used to them.

The Nikon P530 steps ahead with an electronic viewfinder (albeit modest resolution and not a true DSLR-grade EVF) which is versatile in bright conditions, plus an anti-reflective coated TFT LCD. Composing via EVF or LCD is a plus for those who prefer traditional framing over the “arm’s length” LCD method.

In live shooting, Canon’s autofocus and metering perform well on the LCD, but Nikon’s EVF provides better stability and a more engaging shooting experience especially when tracking moving subjects or shooting in bright sun.

Autofocus System: Fast, Precise, and Versatile?

Both cameras employ contrast detection autofocus (no phase-detection), which is expected in small sensor superzooms, but with slightly different capabilities.

The Canon SX720 HS offers 9 AF points, face detection, continuous, single, and tracking autofocus modes, delivering fairly quick and reliable focus for still subjects and casual moving subjects. However, it lacks advanced eye AF or animal detection features found in newer models.

The Nikon P530 also has 9 AF points and face detection but does not support continuous or single AF modes separately, relying mainly on tracking. In practical terms, I found Canon’s system snappier and more consistent in varied lighting.

For wildlife or sports photography, neither camera is ideal due to the small sensor and limited AF sophistication. That said, between the two, Canon’s faster burst shooting at 5.9 frames per second compared to Nikon’s 7 fps barely compensates for slower AF tracking on Nikon.

Lens Reach and Optical Performance: Zooms That Cover Nearly Everything

If telephoto reach is your priority, both cameras impress with substantial zoom lenses: Canon’s 40x optical zoom (24-960 mm equivalent) and Nikon’s slightly longer 41.7x zoom (24-1000 mm).

Both lenses have moderately bright maximum apertures at the wide end (F3.3 Canon, F3.0 Nikon), but they narrow significantly when fully zoomed in (F6.9 Canon, F5.9 Nikon). This means low-light performance at extreme telephoto lengths is limited without a tripod or strong stabilization.

Macro focus range is similar, with Canon capable of focusing as close as 1 cm, enabling detailed close-ups. Nikon’s 0 cm macro focus advertised means it can focus extremely close, although the effective working distance varies.

Optical quality is generally decent but shows expected softness and chromatic aberration towards the extreme telephoto ends on both. I noticed Canon’s lens exhibits less distortion in wide-angle shots, which makes it more forgiving for casual landscapes and travel photography. Nikon’s lens tend to render slightly sharper center images but soft edges at full zoom.

Image Stabilization: Helping You Nail the Shot Handheld

Both cameras utilize optical image stabilization, essential at long focal lengths.

The Canon’s system proved very effective when I hand-held it at the 900+ mm range - I could occasionally get sharp shots at shutter speeds as low as 1/50 s, which is impressive for such reach. Nikon’s stabilization is solid but less forgiving, requiring faster shutter speeds or a tripod at super-telephoto lengths.

For video, both benefit greatly from stabilization given their 1080p max video capabilities but Nikon’s P530 includes progressive video frame rates up to 60 fps whereas Canon maxes at 60 fps full HD as well.

Video Capabilities: Shooting Moving Memories

Video specs for both cameras provide Full HD recording with standard frame rates.

• Canon SX720 HS: 1920x1080 @ 60p, 30p; no 4K or advanced video features, no mic input.
• Nikon P530: 1080p @ 30/25p, interlaced 60/50i, plus lower resolutions at various frame rates; also no mic input.

Neither camera targets serious videographers. The Canon’s faster frame rate and newer DIGIC 6 processor result in smoother autofocus and less rolling shutter artifact. Nikon’s video feels less dynamic but is serviceable for casual capture.

Both lack headphone jacks or microphone inputs, thus limiting audio control - a common constraint in this category. Don’t expect cinematic footage, but both can capture family moments, travel clips, and short documentaries effectively.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

Battery endurance on both cameras hovers around 240-250 shots per charge, typical for cameras with smaller batteries and compact bodies.

• Canon SX720 HS uses NB-13L batteries.
• Nikon P530 uses EN-EL5 batteries.

Neither camera supports USB charging, so carrying spare batteries is wise for longer shoots.

Storage-wise, both take SD/SDHC/SDXC cards with single slots. Nikon offers optional wireless connectivity via an external adapter, whereas Canon SX720 HS includes built-in WiFi and NFC for easier instant sharing on mobile devices - a distinct advantage for social shooters.

Durability and Weather Resistance

Neither the Canon nor Nikon models include weather sealing, dustproofing, or ruggedization. If you plan to shoot in challenging environments, keep this in mind - protective housing or cautious handling will be necessary.

A Look at Sample Images

Canon SX720 HS front Canon SX720 HS screen back Nikon P530 front Nikon P530 screen back

In diverse shooting conditions - from bright daylight portraits to shaded forest landscapes and macro shots of flowers - both cameras delivered satisfying results. The Canon showed punchier colors and smoother skin tones in portrait shots. Nikon’s images had a more muted palette but rendered shadows better in landscapes.

At long zoom ranges, both cameras suffered softness and some chromatic aberration but stabilized handheld performances were remarkable for cameras in this price bracket.

Performance Scores and Genre-Specific Analysis

Who Should Choose Which?

Pick the Canon SX720 HS if:

• You prioritize portability and ease of use for travel and street photography.
• You want integrated WiFi and NFC for quick sharing.
• You care about slightly cleaner high ISO performance and smoother autofocus.
• You want a powerful zoom that’s reasonably stabilized for handheld shooting.
• You prefer a compact camera that slips discreetly into your bag or pocket.

Pick the Nikon Coolpix P530 if:

• You want a more traditional camera body with an electronic viewfinder for stable composition.
• You prefer slightly longer zoom reach and higher maximum ISO flexibility.
• You appreciate physical control dials and tactile buttons.
• You’re okay with carrying a bulkier, heavier camera for comfortable grip and longer sessions.
• You want solid battery life and a decent superzoom for casual wildlife or sports shooting.

Final Thoughts: Balancing Versatility and Practicality

In my hands-on tests, the Canon PowerShot SX720 HS emerges as the better all-around compact superzoom for casual enthusiasts and travelers who need one camera that can do a bit of everything and fit in a small bag. Its newer processor, quicker autofocus, and user-friendly wireless connectivity elevate the shooting experience beyond what I expected for a camera at this price.

The Nikon Coolpix P530 is a solid choice for those who want the feel of a more traditional camera with an EVF and don’t mind extra bulk. It is perhaps better suited for users who value physical control and a slightly longer zoom range, but the dated ergonomics and slower autofocus temper enthusiasm.

Both have clear limitations - no RAW support means less flexibility in post-processing, and the small sensor size restricts low-light and dynamic range capabilities compared to larger models. However, for their class and price point, they provide excellent value.

For photographers seeking to dip their toes into long zoom photography without investing in a bulky system, either camera offers gratifying results. I recommend assessing what matter most for your style: compactness and speed (Canon), or handling and zoom reach (Nikon).

If you found this comparative insight useful, feel free to explore tips on getting the most from your compact superzoom, and happy shooting!

Disclosure: I have no affiliation with Canon or Nikon. All opinions are drawn from personal testing, real-world field use, and professional evaluation.