The Canon PowerShot SX70 HS is a relatively new “bridge camera,” which is essentially a type of camera that lives somewhere between compact cameras and interchangeable lens cameras. The biggest appeal to the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS is its ultra-zoom, which is 65x.
Of course, the camera came out in 2019, so it also features some cool, more modern specs like 4K video and a high resolution EVF and screen.
Don’t let the appearance of the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS fool you. It does look exactly like a DSLR, but it’s really a camera for people who need an ultra-zoom lens or for entry-level photographers who aren’t quite sure what they’re after yet. The great thing about the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS is that it does a little bit of everything.
Of course, one of the biggest problems with creating a camera like the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS that does a little bit of everything is that it can’t do all of those things well. The only way Canon could fit a 65x optical zoom into this camera is by using a sub-APS-C sensor, which means that your image quality is going to take a hit.
Let’s dive right into this Canon PowerShot SX70 HS review to discuss exactly what this looks like in practice.
Canon PowerShot SX70 HS Specs
Most of the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS specs are impressive. For example, you can shoot 4K UHD video at up to 30 p with it. You can also shoot RAW images in something called a CR3 mode, which is a Canon-specific feature that allows you to compress your images between 30-40% without any loss of image quality.
Of course, options like this are important with the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS because, as I mentioned, the image quality is lacking with this camera. You cannot shoot good quality images in low light since the ISO range is a measly 100-3200 and you also cannot shoot amazing images thanks to the camera’s sensor which is a 20.3MP sub-APS-C sensor.
However, someone who is attracted to the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS likely won’t be looking for these specs. Instead, they’ll be looking for information about the ultra-zoom.
This camera was created around a lens that essentially functions as a 21-1365mm lens. The zoom range on the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS is absolutely ridiculous.
As for the autofocus system, there are pros and cons to it. The biggest pro is that you can move autofocus points with your finger on the screen in order to get a more precise shot. The biggest con is that the system only comes with 9 contrast-detect points, which in 2021, or even in 2019, is underwhelming.
Other Canon PowerShot SX70 HS Specs:
- 20.3MP sub-APS-C sensor
- 65X optical zoom
- DIGIC 8 processor
- ISO range of 100-3200
- 10fps burst mode
- 4K video capabilities at up to 30p
- 3” fully articulating LCD with 922k-dots
- Built in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- 1.34 lbs
Canon PowerShot SX70 HS Body & Design
The Canon PowerShot SX70 HS design is meant to mimic a DSLR. The camera measures 5.0” x 4.6” x 3.6” and weighs 1.34 lbs.
The Canon PowerShot SX70 HS features a mode dial on the top of the camera which allows you to select shutter priority, aperture priority, or manual exposure mode.
If you’re familiar with any of the older cameras in the PowerShot line, you’ll be thankful to know that not much has changed about the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS build. It comes with a longer lens, of course, but most of the button layout is the same.
You can expect to find a movie record button on the back of the camera next to the EVF, which is easy to reach. You’ll also find the menu and INFO buttons on the back of the camera.
The Zoom Framing Assist function is still there. It allows you to zoom out in order to relocate your subjects. The Seek and Lock buttons are also both still present. These allow you to get additional stabilization.
Finally, there is a traditional lever that lets you control your camera’s zoom.
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Canon PowerShot SX70 HS Build & Handling
When it comes to the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS handling, the camera works really well. It’s simple, but with a bridge camera, you really don’t need very much.
You have two options for viewing your photos. You can either use the impressively good 2.36m-dot electronic viewfinder, which measures just under 0.40 inches, or you can use the 3” screen, which comes with 922k-dots. Both options work well in bright light, although the EVF does act as a battery drain so you’ll want to either purchase an extra battery or always shoot in ECO mode.
This camera will normally get 325-shots out of a single battery charge. If you are always using the EVF, this plummets to 255 shots. If you strictly use ECO mode, though, you can increase this number of shots to 405.
The grip on this camera is really deep, which means even the most entry-level photographers will feel comfortable carrying it around all day.
One thing that is frustrating about the camera is that it doesn’t come with a touchscreen. If you’re trying to use this camera to transition out of using your smartphone camera, maybe think twice about doing so.
Canon PowerShot SX70 HS Video Performance
Huge thank you to Digital Tech Reviews & Tips for the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS video performance test above.
While I have been bragging on this camera’s capability to take 4K video footage, I should mention that Canon has not been. It definitely seems like this isn’t exactly a selling point for Canon because it is actually pretty difficult to get to the 4K mode. What I mean by this is that if you click the record button on this camera, it will automatically start shooting 1080p video, unless you are in Movie mode on the mode dial.
If you are in Movie mode, you can shoot 4K video at either 30fps or 25fps. You can also shoot 1080p at either 60fps or 120fps.
Unfortunately, you are stuck using the microphone on the camera, unless you’re looking to spend more money on a microphone bracket because you cannot mount a microphone on the camera. This means that the camera definitely isn’t for serious videographers, but vloggers working in studio could get away with using the in-camera microphone.
Canon PowerShot SX70 HS Price
The Canon PowerShot SX70 HS price, when it first came out, was $550. I strongly believe the price point on bridge cameras is one of the reasons why they still exist.
Of course, it’s been a couple of years since the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS came out, which means you can find them used online for much, much cheaper.
A quick google search led me to find a few Canon PowerShot SX70 HS bodies for half of their original price, so anywhere from the $250-$300 range.
Of course, I never recommend buying used cameras from websites you don’t trust. It’s an expensive purchase, regardless of how much money you’re saving by buying used, and secondhand sellers oftentimes don’t understand how cameras work. This means that they may not know if their camera has an issue.
So, I recommend that you go to MPB and look for a used Canon PowerShot SX70 HS. MPB rotates through hundreds of cameras everyday and they basically do all of the work of vetting a seller for you because they hire professional photographers to grade each piece of equipment that they resell.
If you’re interested in learning more about MPB, you can read our review of them in the learn more links below.