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Canon SX70 HS

 
Canon PowerShot SX70 HS front
 
  • 20MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fully Articulated Screen
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 3840 x 2160 video
  • 21-1365mm (F3.4-6.5) lens
  • 608g - 127 x 91 x 117mm
  • Launched September 2018
  • Read full specs
  • Alternatives
  • Size Comparison
  • FAQ
Portability
63
Imaging
47
Features
67
Overall
55

Canon SX70 HS overview

Canon SX70 HS is Canon's Small Sensor Superzoom digital camera initially introduced on September of 2018. The camera has a 20MP, BSI-CMOS 1/2.3" size sensor with a peak resolution of 5184 x 3888.

The SX70 HS is placed #3 out of 244 in Small Sensor Superzoom cameras & all around #366 out of 1465 for cameras in our collection. You can try out our Smart camera filter to find camera listings based on your custom factors.

Photography Glossary

Here is a diagram of different criteria used in the scoring system.

Canon SX70 HS history

The Canon SX70 HS is part of a family of digital cameras. You can see the detailed list underneath.

ModelVisualizeLensResolutionSensor SizeReleased
Canon-PowerShot-SX70-HS front thumbnailCanon SX70 HS21-1365mm
F3.4-6.5
20MP1/2.3"2018
Canon-PowerShot-SX740-HS front thumbnailCanon SX740 HS
SX70 HS vs SX740 HS
24-960mm
F3.3-6.9
21MP1/2.3"2018
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Canon-PowerShot-SX730-HS front thumbnailCanon SX730 HS
SX70 HS vs SX730 HS
24-960mm
F3.3-6.9
20.3MP1/2.3"2017
Canon-PowerShot-SX620-HS front thumbnailCanon SX620 HS
SX70 HS vs SX620 HS
25-625mm
F3.2-6.6
20MP1/2.3"2016
Canon-PowerShot-SX720-HS front thumbnailCanon SX720 HS
SX70 HS vs SX720 HS
24-960mm
F3.3-6.9
20.3MP1/2.3"2016
Canon-PowerShot-SX420-IS front thumbnailCanon SX420 IS
SX70 HS vs SX420 IS
24-1008mm
F3.5-6.6
20MP1/2.3"2016
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Canon-PowerShot-SX540-HS front thumbnailCanon SX540 HS
SX70 HS vs SX540 HS
24-1200mm
F3.4-6.5
20MP1/2.3"2016
Canon-PowerShot-SX410-IS front thumbnailCanon SX410 IS
SX70 HS vs SX410 IS
24-960mm
F3.5-5.6
20MP1/2.3"2015
Canon-PowerShot-SX710-HS front thumbnailCanon SX710 HS
SX70 HS vs SX710 HS
25-750mm
F3.2-6.9
20MP1/2.3"2015
Canon-PowerShot-SX610-HS front thumbnailCanon SX610 HS
SX70 HS vs SX610 HS
25-450mm
F3.8-6.9
20MP1/2.3"2015
Canon-PowerShot-SX530-HS front thumbnailCanon SX530 HS
SX70 HS vs SX530 HS
24-1200mm
F3.4-6.5
16MP1/2.3"2015
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Canon-PowerShot-SX60-HS front thumbnailCanon SX60 HS
SX70 HS vs SX60 HS
21-1365mm
F3.4-6.5
16MP1/2.3"2014
Canon-PowerShot-SX400-IS front thumbnailCanon SX400 IS
SX70 HS vs SX400 IS
24-720mm
F3.4-5.8
16MP1/2.3"2014
Canon-PowerShot-SX520-HS front thumbnailCanon SX520 HS
SX70 HS vs SX520 HS
24-1008mm
F3.4-6.0
16MP1/2.3"2014
Canon-PowerShot-SX700-HS front thumbnailCanon SX700 HS
SX70 HS vs SX700 HS
25-750mm
F3.2-6.9
16MP1/2.3"2014
Canon-PowerShot-SX600-HS front thumbnailCanon SX600 HS
SX70 HS vs SX600 HS
25-450mm
F3.8-6.9
16MP1/2.3"2014
Canon-PowerShot-SX170-IS front thumbnailCanon SX170 IS
SX70 HS vs SX170 IS
28-448mm
F3.5-5.9
16MP1/2.3"2013
Canon-PowerShot-SX510-HS front thumbnailCanon SX510 HS
SX70 HS vs SX510 HS
24-720mm
F3.4-5.8
12MP1/2.3"2013
Canon-PowerShot-SX160-IS front thumbnailCanon SX160 IS
SX70 HS vs SX160 IS
28-448mm
F3.5-5.9
16MP1/2.3"2013
Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD Cards
Canon-PowerShot-SX270-HS front thumbnailCanon SX270 HS
SX70 HS vs SX270 HS
25-500mm
F3.5-6.8
12MP1/2.3"2013
Canon-PowerShot-SX280-HS front thumbnailCanon SX280 HS
SX70 HS vs SX280 HS
25-500mm
F3.5-6.8
12MP1/2.3"2013
Canon-PowerShot-SX50-HS front thumbnailCanon SX50 HS
SX70 HS vs SX50 HS
24-1200mm
F3.4-6.5
12MP1/2.3"2013
Canon-PowerShot-SX500-IS front thumbnailCanon SX500 IS
SX70 HS vs SX500 IS
24-720mm
F3.4-5.8
16MP1/2.3"2012
Canon-PowerShot-SX260-HS front thumbnailCanon SX260 HS
SX70 HS vs SX260 HS
25-500mm
F3.5-6.8
12MP1/2.3"2012
Canon-PowerShot-SX150-IS front thumbnailCanon SX150 IS
SX70 HS vs SX150 IS
28-336mm
F3.4-5.6
14MP1/2.3"2012
Canon-PowerShot-SX240-HS front thumbnailCanon SX240 HS
SX70 HS vs SX240 HS
25-500mm
F3.5-6.8
12MP1/2.3"2012
Canon-PowerShot-SX40-HS front thumbnailCanon SX40 HS
SX70 HS vs SX40 HS
24-840mm
F2.7-5.8
12MP1/2.3"2011
Canon-PowerShot-SX230-HS front thumbnailCanon SX230 HS
SX70 HS vs SX230 HS
28-392mm
F3.1-5.9
12MP1/2.3"2011
Canon-SX220-HS front thumbnailCanon SX220 HS
SX70 HS vs SX220 HS
28-392mm
F3.1-5.9
12MP1/2.3"2011
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Canon-PowerShot-SX30-IS front thumbnailCanon SX30 IS
SX70 HS vs SX30 IS
24-840mm
F2.7-5.8
14MP1/2.3"2010
Canon-PowerShot-SX130-IS front thumbnailCanon SX130 IS
SX70 HS vs SX130 IS
28-336mm
F3.4-5.6
12MP1/2.3"2010
Canon-PowerShot-SX20-IS front thumbnailCanon SX20 IS
SX70 HS vs SX20 IS
28-560mm
F2.8-5.7
12MP1/2.3"2010
Canon-PowerShot-SX210-IS front thumbnailCanon SX210 IS
SX70 HS vs SX210 IS
28-392mm
F3.1-5.9
14MP1/2.3"2010
Canon-PowerShot-SX200-IS front thumbnailCanon SX200 IS
SX70 HS vs SX200 IS
28-336mm
F3.4-5.3
12MP1/2.3"2009
Canon-PowerShot-SX1-IS front thumbnailCanon SX1 IS
SX70 HS vs SX1 IS
28-560mm
F2.8-5.7
10MP1/2.3"2009
Canon-PowerShot-SX10-IS front thumbnailCanon SX10 IS
SX70 HS vs SX10 IS
28-560mm
F2.8-5.7
10MP1/2.3"2009

Canon SX70 HS Pros and Cons

Here is a checklist of upsides and downsides of the Canon SX70 HS based on features which are oftentimes seen as useful in a digital camera.

connects via bluetooth
does have HDMI support
does have mic jack
exports RAW files
flash built-in
focusing manually
good min ISO (100)
has face detect autofocus
has image stabilization (Optical)
has tracking focus
high quality video (3840 x 2160 resolution)
long zoom (1365mm)
long zoom range (21-1365mm 65.0 x zoom)
reasonably wide (21mm)
screen articulates fully
screen has good resolution (922 thousand dot)
screen size is decent (3 inches)
selfie friendly display
sensor resolution is decent (20MP)
external flash not possible
fixed lens (fixed lens mount)
heavier than competition in class (608g)
lack of headphone jack
max zoom aperture not good (f6.5)
no phase detect autofocus
sluggish maximum aperture (f3.4)
tiny sensor size (1/2.3")
Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

Canon SX70 HS Sensor specs

The Canon SX70 HS is run by the Digic 8 processor. The sensor dimension in the Canon SX70 HS is 6.17mm x 4.55mm (1/2.3"). The 28 mm² sensor has the capability to resolve 5184 x 3888 pixels with aspect ratios of 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9. The camera features Image Stabilization (Optical). Optical stabilization is better than digital stabilization as the latter might cause cropping.

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The BSI-CMOS sensor has 20MP and has a standard ISO range of 100 - 3200. RAW photos are saved so you have more room to maneuver in post.

The image underneath shows the SX70 HS's sensor size when compared to other popular sizes. The SX70 HS sensor has a crop factor of 5.8 and is displayed in green.

Canon PowerShot SX70 HS sensor size Apple Innovates by Creating Next-Level Optical Stabilization for iPhone

To get an idea of various aspect ratios, you can refer to the graphic below.

Camera sensor aspect ratios

Canon SX70 HS dimensions

Canon SX70 HS has a weight of 1.34 lb (608 grams / 21.45 ounces) & has external dimensions of 127mm x 91mm x 117mm (5.0" x 3.6" x 4.6"). The weight of general Small Sensor Superzoom camera is 387 grams so the Canon SX70 HS is heavier than other competitors.

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Here is a image of the Canon SX70 HS beside a soda so you're able to get a feel for its size.

Canon PowerShot SX70 HS dimensions scale

The top view underneath will highlight the button arrangement on the SX70 HS.

Canon PowerShot SX70 HS topview buttons dials

Canon SX70 HS Lens details

The SX70 HS has a built in lens with a focal range of 21-1365mm giving it a 65.0 x zoom which is perfect and could make it easier to zoom all the way in.

At it's widest 21mm, the lens features an aperture of f3.4 which is really sluggish and not ideal for low light events and you will find it difficult to get a shallow depth of field. You could also have to up your ISO setting which results in noisy photos. For the long end, 1365mm is terrific zoom and comes at f6.5 making it fairly sluggish and you would have to utilize slower shutter speeds.

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Canon SX70 HS Connectivity

The SX70 HS has the following connectivity:

  • USB Yes
  • Wireless Yes
  • Bluetooth Yes
  • HDMI Yes

Cameras that feature NFC and / or Bluetooth compatibility can be controlled wirelessly by smartphones. You can easily copy files and usually adjust camera settings without the hassle of connecting straight with the camera.

Several apps also provide a Liveview and press the shutter whenever you aren't close to the camera. If the camera has a HDMI port, it can be connected to an external display. A good number of cameras enable you to charge the battery through the USB port.

Photography Glossary

Canon SX70 HS Video details

The highest video quality in the Canon SX70 HS is 3840 x 2160 and you can save in MPEG-4 and H.264 file format. 2160p delivers a superb quality for video recording. You are able to downsample to Full HD in order to get better results. Be mindful of the substantial file sizes and ensure you own decent SD cards with good write speeds. Even though the body offers a mic jack, it is unfortunately lacking a headphone jack so you won't have the ability to monitor your audio levels.

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Canon SX70 HS Weather Sealing

Canon SX70 HS doesn't have weather proofing so damp conditions may damage the camera.

Canon SX70 HS Screen and Viewfinder

The Canon SX70 HS has a 3 inch fully articulated screen with a resolution of 922 thousand dots.

It features a selfie friendly screen for self portraits as well as group shots when necessary. Please be aware that the screen has no touch support.

Canon PowerShot SX70 HS screen and viewfinder Meta to Introduce 'AI-Generated' Labels for Media starting next month

The ViewFinder specifications for Canon SX70 HS are the following:

  • ViewFinder Electronic
  • Resolution 2,360 thousand dots
  • Coverage 100%

Viewfinders can be rather helpful in sunny outdoor conditions which may make the camera screen washed out and difficult to see.

Canon SX70 HS Shutter details

Canon SX70 HS has the capability to shoot continuously at 10.0 frames/s. The maximum shutter speed is 1/2000 sec.

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Canon SX70 HS Flash and Hot shoe details

Canon SX70 HS features just integrated flash without external flash ability.

Canon SX70 HS Autofocus details

Canon SX70 HS features only Contrast Detect Autofocus & does not have Phase Detect Autofocus. Phase Detection autofocusing is a lot quicker & accurate than Contrast Detect autofocusing. The camera has Face detection which can be useful for portraits.

The AF system has 9 focus points to choose from. It also boasts Tracking Autofocus for moving things. Canon SX70 HS comes with manual focus when needed in low light conditions or you need more exact focus control.

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Canon SX70 HS Battery life

The battery power for the Canon SX70 HS is fashioned to last for 325 pictures according to the CIPA requirements which is comparable with it's competition. The typical Small Sensor Superzoom camera battery life is 316. Fujifilm HS35EXR comes with the highest (600) battery life in this class of cameras.

Following is a collection of Small Sensor Superzoom cameras which have the strongest battery life:

Canon SX70 HS for different kinds of photography

The following diagram presents a summation of the Canon SX70 HS for different kinds of photography. To see more, have a look at the specific section underneath.

Canon SX70 HS as a Portrait photography camera

The Canon SX70 HS has a points tally of 54 which is moderate, meaning that it is reasonably suitable for portrait photography. Taking portrait photos leans heavily to sensor dimension, support for RAW photos in addition to the capability to use external flash.

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes
has manual focus
resolution is good (20MP)
features face detection focus
saves RAW formats
can't use external flash
sensor is tiny (1/2.3")

Canon SX70 HS Street photography factors

Having a decent points tally of 58, the Canon SX70 HS is reasonably adequate for street photography. A decent street photography camera comes with a perfect balance of picture quality and portability.

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screen articulates fully
has image stabilization (Optical)
delivers RAW formats
sensor is very small (1/2.3")
heavier than others in class (608g)

Canon SX70 HS Sports photography details

A decent sports photography points tally of 56 means the Canon SX70 HS is reasonably acceptable for taking pictures of sports. A camera needs to have excellent tracking plus continuous shooting for sports photography.

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excellent zoom range (21-1365mm 65.0 x zoom)
built in image stabilization (Optical)
megapixel count good (20 megapixels)
offers tracking autofocus
tiny sensor (1/2.3")
does not have phase detect auto focus

Canon SX70 HS as a Travel photography camera

Size is really important in buying a camera for travel. All round, the Canon SX70 HS gets a nice 64 for a travel camera which makes it a good choice to buy for your travels.

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connects via bluetooth
decent sensor resolution (20 megapixels)
has built in flash
selfie friendly screen
really wide (21mm)
very long zoom (1365mm)
heavier than average in class (608g)
slow maximum aperture (f3.4)

Canon SX70 HS Landscape photography info

For anybody looking to purchase a digital camera for landscape photos, the most vital factor will be image quality. The Canon SX70 HS and it's modest score of 58 for a landscape camera is somewhat acceptable compared to it's rivals.

Photography Glossary
focusing manually
reasonably wide (21mm)
screen size is decent (3 inch)
built in image stabilization (Optical)
sensor resolution is decent (20MP)
supports RAW formats
fixed lens (fixed lens mount)
sluggish maximum aperture (f3.4)
sensor size is small (1/2.3")

Canon SX70 HS Vlogging info

A camera for vlogging ought to posses a articulating display, microphone input and preferably image stabilization. Considering all the details, the Canon SX70 HS is a respectable option as a vlog camera as it delivers a nice score of 64.

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quite wide (21mm)
selfie friendly screen
has image stabilization (Optical)
supports face detection focusing
high quality video (3840 x 2160 pixels)
has external microphone support
sluggish maximum aperture (f3.4)
more heavy than average (608 grams)

Canon SX70 HS Alternatives

If you are searching for replacements to the SX70 HS, below is a number of the highest placed cameras that fall within the category of Small Sensor Superzoom.

The graph just below gives you a summary of the SX70 HS versus it's top ranking competitors shown earlier.

Following are additional cameras you may take into account as alternative options. To read through a thorough comparison, just click on the "compare" link.

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Specifications

General Information
Brand Name
Canon
Model
Canon PowerShot SX70 HS
Type
Small Sensor Superzoom
Launched
2018-09-20
Body design
SLR-like (bridge)
Sensor Information
Sensor type
BSI-CMOS
Processor
Digic 8
Sensor size
1/2.3"
Sensor dimensions
6.17 x 4.55mm
Sensor surface area
28.1mm²
Sensor resolution
20MP
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio
1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9
Full resolution
5184 x 3888
RAW support
Max native ISO
3200
Min native ISO
100
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Touch to focus
Autofocus continuous
Single autofocus
Autofocus tracking
Autofocus selectice
Autofocus center weighted
Multi area autofocus
Live view autofocus
Face detection focus
Contract detection focus
Phase detection focus
Number of focus points
9
Lens
Lens mount
fixed lens
Lens focal range
21-1365mm (65.0x)
Maximum aperture
f/3.4-6.5
Macro focus range
0cm
Focal length multiplier
5.8
Screen
Screen type
Fully Articulated
Screen size
3 inches
Screen resolution
922 thousand dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch screen
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type
Electronic
Viewfinder resolution
2,360 thousand dot
Viewfinder coverage
100%
DXO scores
DXO All around score
not tested
DXO Color Depth score
not tested
DXO Dynamic range score
not tested
DXO Low light score
not tested
Features
Lowest shutter speed
15 seconds
Highest shutter speed
1/2000 seconds
Continuous shooting speed
10.0 frames/s
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manual exposure
Exposure compensation
Yes
Set white balance
Image stabilization
Integrated flash
Flash range
5.00 m (at Auto ISO)
Flash options
Auto, on, slow sync, off
External flash
Auto exposure bracketing
WB bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment exposure
Average exposure
Spot exposure
Partial exposure
AF area exposure
Center weighted exposure
Video features
Video resolutions
3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 120 Mbps, MOV, H.264, AAC
Max video resolution
3840x2160
Video data format
MPEG-4, H.264
Mic input
Headphone input
Connectivity
Wireless
Built-In
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB
USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS
None
Physical
Environmental seal
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight
608 gr (1.34 lb)
Physical dimensions
127 x 91 x 117mm (5.0" x 3.6" x 4.6")
Other
Battery life
325 pictures
Type of battery
Built-in
Self timer
Yes (2 or 10 secs, custom)
Time lapse feature
Type of storage
SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I supported)
Storage slots
One
Launch cost
$550