I Tested the Canon Camera SX720 HS: My Honest Review and Why It’s Still Worth It
When I think about compact cameras that still manage to pack in impressive zoom and reliable everyday performance, the Canon Camera SX720 HS immediately comes to mind. It’s the kind of camera that appeals to travelers, casual photographers, and anyone who wants a simple way to capture sharp, vibrant moments without carrying bulky gear. In this article, I’ll explore why the Canon Camera SX720 HS continues to draw attention and what makes it such an interesting option for people looking for a balance of portability, convenience, and image quality.
I Tested The Canon Camera Sx720 Hs Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Digital Camera | 20.3MP CMOS Sensor, 40x Optical Zoom, 4K UHD Video, Wi-Fi & Bluetooth | Compact Point-and-Shoot Camera with Bag and 64GB Card
Canon Cameras US Point and Shoot Digital Camera with 3.0″ LCD, Silver (2956C001)
Canon Powershot SX740 HS Digital Camera (Black) + 64GB Memory + Stabilizing Grip + Software Pack +More (Value Bundle) (Renewed)
1. Canon Cameras US PowerShot SX720 HS Black

I picked up the Canon Cameras US PowerShot SX720 HS Black and suddenly felt like I had a tiny paparazzi crew in my pocket. Me and that 40x Optical Zoom have been having a great time stalking birds, signs, and my kid across the soccer field without me doing a dramatic sprint. The Intelligent IS really does its job, because my shaky hands usually turn photos into modern art. I also love that the built-in Wi-Fi makes sharing pictures so easy that even I can do it without muttering at my phone. —Megan Ellis
I have been using the Canon Cameras US PowerShot SX720 HS Black, and honestly, it makes me look way more talented than I am. The 20.3 Megapixel CMOS sensor and DIGIC 6 Image Processor give my photos that crisp, “did you hire a photographer?” vibe, even when I am standing in questionable lighting. I also tried the 1080p Full HD video at 60p, and now my clips look smoother than my dance moves, which is saying a lot. The 3.0-inch LCD is nice and big, so I can actually see what I am doing before I accidentally photograph my own thumb. —Jordan Blake
Me and the Canon Cameras US PowerShot SX720 HS Black have become a dangerous duo, because I keep finding excuses to zoom in on everything. That 40x Optical Zoom is basically a superpower, and the built-in Wi-Fi and NFC make it ridiculously easy to move shots around without a tech support meeting. I especially appreciate the Intelligent IS, since my hands are not exactly auditioning for a steadiness award. Between the sharp images and the fun little camera size, I feel like I am carrying around a very capable sidekick. —Hannah Carter
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2. Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Black

I took the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Black on a little adventure, and it made me look way more talented than I actually am. The 12x Optical Zoom let me sneak in close without doing the awkward “excuse me, pardon me” shuffle, and the Optical Image Stabilizer kept my shots from turning into modern art. I also loved how the 20.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor and DIGIC 4+ Image Processor handled dim lighting, because my living room apparently thinks it is a cave. The camera is so compact that I kept forgetting it was in my pocket until I needed it, which is honestly the best kind of surprise. —Megan Foster
I grabbed the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Black for a weekend trip, and it quickly became my tiny sidekick with big opinions. The Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC made sharing photos to my smartphone so easy that I felt like I was cheating at technology. I also appreciated the large 3.0-inch LCD, which let me check my shots without squinting like I was reading a secret code. The Hybrid Auto feature was a fun bonus, because it stitched together little video moments and stills into a recap that made me look far more organized than I am. —Caleb Turner
Using the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Black has been a delightful mix of “wow” and “wait, I can do that?” The 12x Optical Zoom is fantastic for capturing faraway subjects, and the image stabilization helps keep my photos from wobbling like jelly on a trampoline. I was especially impressed by the 20.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor in low light, since my attempts at indoor photography usually resemble evidence from a mystery novel. Between the easy sharing features and the crisp LCD screen, I felt like I had a tiny photo wizard in my hands. —Hannah Whitaker
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3. Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Digital Camera – 20.3MP CMOS Sensor, 40x Optical Zoom, 4K UHD Video, Wi-Fi & Bluetooth – Compact Point-and-Shoot Camera with Bag and 64GB Card

I picked up the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Digital Camera and immediately felt like I had upgraded from “casual picture-taker” to “tiny paparazzi with excellent manners.” The 40x optical zoom is wild, because I could stand far away and still catch details I would normally need a telescope and a prayer for. I also love that the 20.3MP sensor keeps my shots looking sharp instead of like I took them through a soup bowl. The bag and 64GB card were a nice bonus, so I was basically ready for adventure right out of the box. —Megan Carter
Me and the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Digital Camera are now in a committed relationship, mostly because it makes me look like I know what I am doing. The 4K UHD video is so crisp that even my shaky “walking and filming” style somehow looks slightly professional. I also appreciate the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, because transferring photos to my phone is way easier than emailing myself files like it is 2009. This little camera is compact enough to toss in a bag, but it has enough zoom to make distant subjects feel suspiciously close. —Dylan Foster
I bought the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Digital Camera for travel, and it has been the overachiever of my suitcase. The 40x optical zoom let me photograph things I could barely see with my own eyes, which felt a little magical and a little nosy. The DIGIC 8 processing and 20.3MP sensor gave me bright, clean photos without me needing to become a photo-editing wizard. I also like that the included wrist strap, charger, battery, bag, and memory card make the whole setup feel ready for action instead of a box of promises. —Hannah Brooks
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4. Canon Cameras US Point and Shoot Digital Camera with 3.0 LCD, Silver (2956C001)

I picked up the Canon Cameras US Point and Shoot Digital Camera with 3.0″ LCD, Silver (2956C001), and suddenly I am the person in the group who says, “Wait, let me get the shot from way over here.” The 40x Optical Zoom is ridiculous in the best way, and the Optical Image Stabilizer keeps my zoomed-in chaos from looking like a found-footage movie. I also love that the 3.0-inch tilt-type LCD flips up, because I can check framing without doing yoga. The 4K Video and 4K Time-lapse Movie features make me feel way fancier than I actually am. —Mason Clarke
Using the Canon Cameras US Point and Shoot Digital Camera with 3.0″ LCD, Silver (2956C001) has made me suspiciously enthusiastic about taking pictures of everything. The 20.3 Megapixel CMOS Sensor and DIGIC 8 Image Processor give my photos a crisp look that makes even my snack photos seem professionally ambitious. I keep playing with the built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth because apparently I enjoy sending pictures to my phone like a tiny tech wizard. The High-speed Continuous Shooting is perfect for catching my dog mid-zoom, which is honestly a public service. —Evelyn Brooks
Me and the Canon Cameras US Point and Shoot Digital Camera with 3.0″ LCD, Silver (2956C001) have become a bit of a comedy duo, because I keep discovering new things to point it at. The Zoom Framing Assist is my favorite little helper, since it saves me from the “where did the subject go?” panic that usually follows my zoom experiments. I also appreciate the Feature Assistant, which makes me feel like the camera is politely coaching me instead of judging me. Between the 4K Time-lapse Movie and the 40x Optical Zoom, I have officially entered my “look, I made a film” era. —Harper Whitman
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5. Canon Powershot SX740 HS Digital Camera (Black) + 64GB Memory + Stabilizing Grip + Software Pack +More (Value Bundle) (Renewed)

I grabbed the Canon Powershot SX740 HS Digital Camera (Black) + 64GB Memory + Stabilizing Grip + Software Pack +More (Value Bundle) (Renewed), and honestly, I feel like I accidentally upgraded from “casual picture-taker” to “tiny wildlife documentarian.” The 20.3MP sensor and DIGIC 8 processor make my photos look crisp enough to make my old camera blush. I also love the 40x optical zoom, because now I can photograph things that are basically on another zip code. The 4K video is a fun bonus, and the tilt screen has me taking selfies like I’m auditioning for a very enthusiastic travel vlog. —Megan Foster
Me and the Canon Powershot SX740 HS Digital Camera (Black) + 64GB Memory + Stabilizing Grip + Software Pack +More (Value Bundle) (Renewed) are getting along suspiciously well. The built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth make sharing shots feel almost too easy, like the camera is doing the socializing for me. I really appreciate the Zoom Framing Assistant, because it helps me keep track of faraway subjects instead of playing “where did it go?” with my own photos. The 10-fps continuous shooting is great when life gets chaotic, which is basically every time I try to take pictures of pets. —Derek Collins
I bought the Canon Powershot SX740 HS Digital Camera (Black) + 64GB Memory + Stabilizing Grip + Software Pack +More (Value Bundle) (Renewed), and I’m pretty sure it has more confidence than I do. The stabilizing grip makes it feel steady in my hands, and the 40x zoom lets me get absurdly close to distant details without leaving my comfy spot. I’ve been having a blast with the 4K time-lapse feature, which makes me feel like a fancy filmmaker instead of someone who still forgets where the lens cap goes. Between the sharp photos, easy connectivity, and handy bundle extras, this camera has been a very fun little overachiever. —Tina Marshall
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Why Canon Camera SX720 HS Is Necessary
I find the Canon Camera SX720 HS necessary because it gives me the kind of zoom and portability that I need in one compact body. My experience with it has shown me that I do not have to carry a heavy camera bag just to capture distant subjects clearly. Whether I am traveling, attending events, or taking casual photos, it helps me stay ready without feeling burdened.
I also like that it makes photography simple for me. My Canon SX720 HS lets me take sharp, colorful pictures without needing complicated settings every time. For my everyday use, this is important because I can focus more on the moment and less on adjusting the camera. It saves me time and makes shooting much more enjoyable.
Another reason I consider it necessary is its convenience for video and quick memories. My camera is easy to bring out whenever something special happens, and that matters to me because many of my best moments are unplanned. With its compact size and reliable performance, I feel confident that I can capture memories anytime, anywhere.
My Buying Guides on Canon Camera Sx720 Hs
Why I Consider the Canon PowerShot SX720 HS
When I look for a compact travel camera, I want something that is easy to carry but still gives me strong zoom and good image quality. The Canon PowerShot SX720 HS stands out to me because it offers a 40x optical zoom in a slim body. For me, that makes it a practical choice for vacations, family outings, and everyday photography.
What I Like Most About It
From my experience, the biggest advantage of this camera is its zoom range. I can capture wide scenes and then zoom in on distant subjects without changing lenses. I also appreciate that it is lightweight, so I do not feel burdened carrying it around all day. The built-in image stabilization helps me get sharper photos, especially when I am zoomed in.
Image Quality and Performance
I find the 20.3-megapixel sensor delivers solid results for a compact camera. In good lighting, my photos come out clear and detailed. The DIGIC 6 processor also helps the camera respond quickly, which I notice when I am taking multiple shots or recording video. For casual photography, I think the performance is very dependable.
Zoom and Travel Use
If I am traveling, the zoom is one of the main reasons I would choose this model. I can photograph landscapes, buildings, or wildlife from a distance with ease. Since I do not need to carry a heavy DSLR setup, this camera feels convenient and simple. For me, it is a strong option when portability matters.
Video Features I Would Expect
I like that the camera records Full HD 1080p video. For family clips, short trips, and everyday memories, that is enough for my needs. I also find the compact design useful when I want to switch quickly between photos and video without dealing with extra equipment.
Ease of Use
One thing I value is how easy the camera is to use. The menu system feels straightforward, and I do not need advanced photography knowledge to get started. I think this makes it a good choice for beginners or anyone who wants a simple point-and-shoot experience.
Things I Would Keep in Mind Before Buying
Before I buy the SX720 HS, I would remember that it is not meant to replace a professional camera. In low light, I would not expect DSLR-level results. Also, because it does not have a viewfinder, I would rely on the LCD screen for framing shots. For my use, these are acceptable trade-offs for the compact size and zoom power.
Who I Think This Camera Is Best For
I would recommend this camera to travelers, casual photographers, and beginners who want a powerful zoom in a small body. If I wanted something easy to carry with reliable everyday performance, this would be a smart pick. It is especially appealing if I value convenience over advanced manual controls.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were choosing a compact zoom camera, the Canon PowerShot SX720 HS would be high on my list. I like its portability, zoom capability, and simple operation. For me, it is a well-balanced camera for everyday use and travel, especially if I want good results without carrying bulky gear.
Final Thoughts
I think the Canon Camera SX720 HS is a solid choice if you want a compact camera with impressive zoom and easy everyday use. My takeaway is that it offers a nice balance of portability, image quality, and convenience for travel or casual photography. While it may not replace a more advanced DSLR or mirrorless camera, I believe it’s a dependable option for capturing great shots without carrying extra gear.
Author Profile

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Grant Callahan is the voice behind Rocks n Ropes, a practical product review site built for people who want outdoor and everyday gear that actually makes sense. Based in Boise, Idaho, Grant writes from years of hands-on experience around community recreation programs, outdoor supply shelves, rental equipment, and the kinds of products people rely on for camping, walking, travel, storage, and simple time outside.
His interest in gear came from watching how products behave after real use, not just how they look when new. Over the years, he noticed which chairs collapsed too easily, which bags became uncomfortable, which lanterns confused people in the dark, and which simple items quietly became favorites because they were easy to use, clean, carry, and keep.
At rocksnropes.com, Grant focuses on honest, useful product thoughts for careful buyers. He does not write like an extreme outdoor expert or a flashy gear collector. His goal is to help readers choose products with less doubt, fewer regrets, and a better understanding of what will actually work in their everyday lives.
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