Canon PowerShot SX70 HS, analysis with characteristics, opinion and price

Canon PowerShot SX70 HS, we've tested it

The Canon PowerShot SX70 HS is a DSLR-style bridge camera with a massive 65x optical zoom . A camera equipped with a 20.3 megapixel sensor and a DIGIC 8 processor, the latest from the manufacturer. An advanced processor that will allow us to shoot up to 10 fps and record video with 4K resolution. In addition, it has a 3-inch, variable-angle LCD screen, as well as WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity to transfer images directly to the mobile or tablet.

So, as you can see, we are looking at a camera with characteristics very similar to those of the company's SLRs. It is true that it does not allow to switch between lenses, but its impressive zoom provides us with tremendous versatility. We will have available  from a wide angle to a very closed close-up . All this in a compact and lightweight camera. We can get the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS with an official price of 580 euros. I have had the opportunity to try it for a few days and I will tell you its characteristics and what I think.

TECHNICAL DATA SHEET CANON POWERSHOT SX70 HS

Sensor20.3 MP 1 / 2.3-type back-illuminated CMOS
Image processorDIGIC 8
objective65x optical, 3.8 - 247.0mm (35mm equivalent: 21 - 1365mm), f / 3.4 - f / 6.5
FocusTTL, Face and Tracking (9 points)
ISO sensitivity100 - 3200 in 1/3 stop increments
Continuous shootingAF up to 10 fps, Servo AF up to 5.7 fps
ViewfinderType 0.39, approx. 2.36 million pixels
screen3.0-inch LCD (TFT), approx. 922,000 pixels
Video4K at 30 fps

1080p at 60, 50, 30 or 25 fps

720p at 60 and 50 fps

ConnectivityMicro USB, Micro HDMI (Type D), Remote Trigger, External Micro, WiFi 802.11n
BatteryRechargeable Li-ion Battery LP-E12, approx. 325 shots
StorageSD, SDHC, SDXC (UHS-1 Speed ​​Class 3 compliant)
Dimensions127 x 90.9 x 116.6 mm
WeightApprox. 610 grams (including battery and memory card)
AvailabilityAvailable
Price580 euros

Comfortable and compact design

we have tested Canon PowerShot SX70 HS side

We could say that the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS is a "mini SLR" . At least at the design level. Externally it looks a lot like its predecessor, the Canon PowerShot SX60 HS. Considering that it offers one of the most powerful zooms on the market, it is quite compact , with full dimensions of 127 x 90.9 x 116.6 millimeters. Its weight is about 610 grams, with the battery and memory card included.

Regarding its design, we have a hard plastic case that is quite resistant. The area of ​​the handle and where we rest the thumb are covered by a soft rubber that offers a non-slip point.

we have tested Canon PowerShot SX70 HS lens buttons

It is a simple camera to handle, although quite complete. In the area of ​​the objective we have two very interesting controls, although somewhat unusual. On the one hand, the top button activates the " Zoom Framing Assist " function .

What is it for? Framing at a 65x zoom can be frustrating, especially when you want to shoot something that is moving. To help us, we can press and hold the "Zoom Framing Assistant" button, with which the camera will automatically zoom out but leaving a kind of frame in view that will show us the area that will appear in the photo when zooming. We will only have to place this frame around the subject or object to be photographed and, when the button is released, the camera will automatically zoom back in. It's quite a useful feature.

On the other hand, the second button improves image stabilization . When we zoom to 65x the image moves a lot, even when we think we are still like a statue. With this button, in theory, stabilization is improved so as not to lose our objective so easily. However, I must confess that the effect is minimal . It is always best to use a tripod or place the camera in a fixed location.

Along with these two buttons, we have a second zoom control . With this we can zoom in a smoother way than using the buttons at the top. This system is quite useful when we are recording video.

we have tested Canon PowerShot SX70 HS top buttons

At the top of the camera we have the more or less usual controls. On the one hand, the shutter button. This includes a small lever with which we will control the zoom . And just above we have the wheel to modify the trigger parameters, such as speed or aperture.

Using the main wheel at the top we can switch between the different modes offered by the camera. We have the usual modes of a reflex camera, with speed priority, aperture or fully manual. We also have two custom modes (C1 and C2), as well as several creative modes. Specifically, it has seven filters that we can apply when taking the photograph .

Right next to the mode wheel we have two buttons. The largest is the power button and the other is the WiFi connection. I did not like the location of the latter very much, since there have been few times that I have hit the WiFi button when I wanted to turn the camera on or off .

we have tested Canon PowerShot SX70 HS rear

On the back of the camera we have some typical SLR camera controls. Right next to where we place our thumb is the record video button. And at the opposite end we have two buttons: exposure lock and focus point lock and select .

Under the thumb we have the Info button, the control cross, and the Play and Menu buttons. If we are in completely manual mode, the upper button of the crosshead will allow us to change the functionality of the wheel located next to the shutter button between speed, aperture and ISO.

Also from the crosshead we can select the type of focus, even a manual focus . From this crosshead we can also activate and deactivate the flash. A flash that, by the way, does not fire automatically. We will have to open it manually and activate it in the options to be able to use it.

we have tested Canon PowerShot SX70 HS screen

The rear is completed by a 3-inch vari-angle screen and viewfinder. Perhaps one of the "flaws" that this camera has is that the screen is still not touch . Canon would have curled the curl with a touchscreen with the ability to focus by tapping on the screen.

And as for the viewfinder, it offers a resolution of 2.36 million pixels and 100% coverage. Finally, the camera does not have a hot shoe , so we will not be able to place an external flash or a directional mic. A shame the truth.

Picture quality

The Canon PowerShot SX70 HS is equipped with a 20.3 megapixel sensor and the DIGIC 8 processor . The latter is the same processor that Canon's latest SLR and mirrorless cameras have. Even the Canon EOS R equips this processor.

we have tested Canon PowerShot SX70 HS photo sea

The overall performance of the camera is quite good, especially when shooting in good light conditions. I have missed a bit more sharpness in the images, at least when compared to my regular SLR camera, a Canon EOS 77D. Still, the lens has good corner sharpness and minimal distortion . Chromatic aberrations are present, especially when in high contrast areas, but they are not overly conspicuous.

we have tested Canon PowerShot SX70 HS macro

But what is really interesting about the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS is its versatility. It is capable of offering us from a 65x zoom (equivalent to 1365 mm in 35 mm) to Macro shots . In fact, the latter works wonders, as it is able to focus on the object by literally touching it with the camera lens. Of course, only with the wide angle to the maximum, if we want to use zoom we will have to separate ourselves a bit.

we have tested Canon PowerShot SX70 HS wide angle

we have tested Canon PowerShot SX70 HS zoom

Having said the good, it's time to talk about the bad. The biggest weakness of the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS when it comes to taking pictures is the noise. As we increase the ISO sensitivity, the DIGIC 8 processor tries but is unable to eliminate noise without sacrificing detail .

we have tested Canon PowerShot SX70 HS in low light

So even at ISO 400 the grain makes an appearance . This increases when we go to ISO 800, being very little recommended to use ISO values ​​of 1600 or 3200, the maximum that the camera supports.

It also doesn't help that the brightness of the lens is not excessively high. We have from f / 3.4 to f / 6.5 when we zoom to the maximum . That is, in low light conditions it will be almost impossible to use the 65x zoom, since we will need a fast shutter speed to compensate for the movement that occurs just by holding the camera. At least freehand.

we have tested Canon PowerShot SX70 HS fast

And, although the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS has image stabilization, it does not manage to compensate for camera shake at such an extreme length . This, coupled with the aforementioned f / 6.5 maximum telephoto aperture and noise at high ISOs, makes the tripod necessary for high-zoom night shots.

Finally, comment that the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS does allow shooting in RAW , something that I missed in the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS. But since an image is worth a thousand words, here is a gallery of photographs taken with the PowerShot SX70 HS.

Photo gallery taken with the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS

4K video

Relax, I have not forgotten the video. It seems that, although it has cost, Canon has understood that users demand to be able to record videos with 4K resolution, so the latest cameras from the manufacturer already include it.

The Canon PowerShot SX70 HS allows recording with a maximum resolution of 4K at 30 fps . We also have the usual Full HD resolutions, both at 60 fps and 30 fps.

Good connectivity, both wired and wireless

The Canon PowerShot SX70 HS not only inherits the design of SLR cameras, but also much of its connectivity. And honestly, this seems like a great success on Canon's part.

we have tested Canon PowerShot SX70 HS connectors

We have the usual USB port, but also a micro HDMI connector (Type D). But what I liked the most is that it has a connection for a remote trigger and a connection for an external microphone .

Additionally, the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS is equipped with WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity . These allow us to connect the camera to the Canon Camara Connect application and transfer the images to the mobile or tablet. We can even use the application as a remote trigger.

Conclusions and price

We could say that the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS is an off-road camera . It offers us tremendous versatility, ensuring that we can photograph any type of situation if we take it on a trip or on vacation. As I said, we have from a spectacular zoom to a macro mode with a distance of 0 cm.

However, this versatility comes at a price. And, although the sensor has a good resolution, the camera is lack of sharpness. The image quality, without being bad, is not up to the standard of SLR cameras . The noise level even at low ISO is very noticeable and the lens aperture is quite limited, which greatly affects the use of the camera.

we have tested Canon PowerShot SX70 HS final

Still, we are facing a very complete camera . We have the option of recording video with 4K resolution, up to 10 fps in burst, connection for external microphone, folding screen, a new zoom control on the lens, the possibility of shooting in RAW and a new viewfinder much better than its predecessor.

In short, it is a good camera if you want to have everything in one device without having to complicate your life by changing lenses . Of course, assuming that the image quality will not be the highest.

We can get the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS with an official price of 580 euros . Maybe a bit high when compared to some entry-level SLRs.