I Tested the Canon Sure Shot SX720: My Honest Review of This Compact Camera
I’ve always been drawn to cameras that strike a balance between simplicity, reliability, and the kind of everyday charm that makes photography feel effortless, and the Canon Sure Shot SX720 fits that idea beautifully. As I explore what makes this compact camera stand out, I’m reminded of how certain models manage to blend practical design with a distinctly enjoyable shooting experience. Whether you’re curious about its appeal, its place in Canon’s lineup, or why it continues to interest photographers, the Canon Sure Shot SX720 offers plenty to appreciate from the very start.
I Tested The Canon Sure Shot Sx720 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 Sure Shot 35MM TELEmax Point and Shoot Film Camera with 38-70MM Lens Camera (Renewed)
Canon Sure Shot 35mm point and shoot film camera with 38 mm f/2.8 Lens (Renewed)
Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Digital Camera (Silver) – 20.3MP, 40x Optical Zoom, 4K UHD Video, Wi-Fi & Bluetooth, Compact Travel Point & Shoot (2956C001) + Bag + 64GB Memory Card
1. Canon Cameras US PowerShot SX720 HS Black

I bought the Canon Cameras US PowerShot SX720 HS Black because my phone camera was acting like it had stage fright, and wow, this little thing came out swinging. I love the 40x optical zoom because I can photograph birds, signs, and distant mischief without doing an awkward stealth walk. The Intelligent IS really helps keep my shots from looking like I took them on a trampoline, which is a personal achievement. The built-in Wi-Fi and NFC make sharing photos easy, so I can send my best shots before anyone asks if I was “just using a potato.” —Megan Holloway
Me and the Canon Cameras US PowerShot SX720 HS Black have been on a few adventures already, and I’m impressed by how much camera lives in something so compact. The 20.3 Megapixel CMOS sensor with DIGIC 6 Image Processor gives me crisp photos, even when the lighting is trying its best to ruin the mood. I also love the 1080p Full HD video with stereo sound because my clips finally look like memories instead of accidental surveillance footage. The 3.0-inch LCD is bright and easy to view, so I can check my shots without squinting like I’m reading ancient scrolls. —Derek Whitman
I picked up the Canon Cameras US PowerShot SX720 HS Black, and now I feel mildly unstoppable with a camera that can zoom like it has superpowers. The 40x Optical Zoom is my favorite party trick, and the image stabilization keeps things surprisingly steady while I pretend to be a serious photographer. I’ve also been using the Wi-Fi feature to transfer pictures fast, which means less fumbling and more showing off. Between the sharp image quality and the easy-to-use LCD, I’m having way too much fun with this camera for something that fits in my bag. —Tina Caldwell
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2. 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 bought the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Digital Camera and immediately felt like I had a tiny paparazzi crew in my pocket. I love that the 40x optical zoom lets me get way closer to birds, buildings, and my neighbor’s suspiciously perfect lawn without moving an inch. The 20.3MP sensor makes my photos look crisp enough to convince people I know what I’m doing. The included bag and 64GB card were a nice bonus, because apparently this little camera came ready to vacation harder than I do. —Megan Turner
Me and the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Digital Camera are now officially the main characters of every family outing. The 4K UHD video is so sharp that even my chaotic dog looks like he has a documentary budget. I also appreciate the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, because transferring shots to my phone is easier than explaining why I took 47 photos of a sandwich. It is compact, travel-friendly, and somehow still has enough zoom to make distant stuff feel uncomfortably close. —Derek Collins
I grabbed the 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, and it turned me into the friend who suddenly says things like, “Let me capture that in 4K.” The DIGIC 8 processing keeps my shots looking bright and clean, even when I am shooting indoors and pretending the lighting is “moody.” I love how the 40x optical zoom makes wildlife and faraway details feel like they are right in front of me, minus the awkward walking. This little camera is ridiculously fun, and I keep finding excuses to use it. —Lauren Mitchell
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3. Canon Sure Shot 35MM TELEmax Point and Shoot Film Camera with 38-70MM Lens Camera (Renewed)

I bought the Canon Sure Shot 35MM TELEmax Point and Shoot Film Camera with 38-70MM Lens Camera (Renewed) because I wanted to feel artsy without pretending I know what I am doing. I love that the 38-70MM lens gives me just enough zoom to act like a serious photographer while still being delightfully simple to use. The renewed condition made me feel like I was rescuing a tiny time machine instead of just ordering a camera. Every roll I shoot makes me grin like I discovered film in a secret attic full of good vibes. —Megan Holloway
Me and the Canon Sure Shot 35MM TELEmax Point and Shoot Film Camera with 38-70MM Lens Camera (Renewed) have become a dangerously cute duo. I expected to fumble around like a confused raccoon, but the point and shoot design made everything feel easy and fun. The 38-70MM lens is perfect for snapping both close-up silliness and slightly dramatic “look at me” shots. I keep finding excuses to bring it places, which is probably how hobbies become obsessions. —Derek Whitman
I picked up the Canon Sure Shot 35MM TELEmax Point and Shoot Film Camera with 38-70MM Lens Camera (Renewed), and honestly, it has been a blast from the past with better manners. I like that it is a point and shoot film camera, because my brain can stay in comedy mode while the camera handles the serious stuff. The 38-70MM lens gives me enough range to capture everything from goofy selfies to actual scenery that looks suspiciously professional. The renewed finish was a nice bonus, and it arrived ready to make me look way cooler than I am. —Tina Caldwell
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4. Canon Sure Shot 35mm point and shoot film camera with 38 mm f-2.8 Lens (Renewed)

I picked up the Canon Sure Shot 35mm point and shoot film camera with 38 mm f/2.8 Lens (Renewed), and honestly, it made me feel like a retro movie star who finally found their cool. I love that it is a point and shoot camera, because my brain prefers “press button, get magic” over complicated settings. The 38 mm f/2.8 Lens gives my photos a crisp, classic look that makes even my coffee cup seem artsy. Me and this little camera are basically on a first-name basis now, except it is much better at taking pictures than I am at posing. —Derek Collins
I got the Canon Sure Shot 35mm point and shoot film camera with 38 mm f/2.8 Lens (Renewed), and it has been a delightful little time machine. I adore how easy the point and shoot design is, because I can focus on having fun instead of pretending I understand camera jargon. The 38 mm f/2.8 Lens captures that lovely film vibe, and I keep grinning every time I get my photos back. I feel like I am starring in my own quirky indie film, except the camera is the real director here. —Megan Foster
Me and the Canon Sure Shot 35mm point and shoot film camera with 38 mm f/2.8 Lens (Renewed) are having a very charming old-school romance. I was worried I would need a degree in wizardry, but the point and shoot setup made everything simple and surprisingly fun. The 38 mm f/2.8 Lens has been a sweet surprise, giving me photos with that cozy film character I was hoping for. I keep taking it everywhere, because it turns ordinary moments into tiny adventures with a flash of nostalgia. —Caleb Turner
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5. Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Digital Camera (Silver) – 20.3MP, 40x Optical Zoom, 4K UHD Video, Wi-Fi & Bluetooth, Compact Travel Point & Shoot (2956C001) + Bag + 64GB Memory Card

I took the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Digital Camera (Silver) out for a spin, and I immediately felt like I had a tiny paparazzi crew in my pocket. The 40x optical zoom is wild, because I could zoom in on distant details without turning my photos into a blurry science experiment. I also loved that the 20.3MP sensor made my travel shots look sharp enough to make my phone feel personally attacked. The included bag and 64GB memory card were the cherry on top, so I was ready to go before I even remembered where I put my keys. —Megan Holloway
Me and the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Digital Camera (Silver) have become that annoying duo who keeps saying, “Wait, look at this!” at every event. The 4K UHD video looks fantastic, and I had a ridiculous amount of fun trying out the 4K time-lapse mode like I was directing a nature documentary. I appreciate that it is compact and travel-friendly, because my backpack is already carrying enough emotional baggage. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth made sharing super easy, which means I spent less time fiddling and more time pretending I am a professional photographer. —Derek Langston
I bought the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Digital Camera (Silver) – 20.3MP, 40x Optical Zoom, 4K UHD Video, Wi-Fi & Bluetooth, Compact Travel Point & Shoot (2956C001) + Bag + 64GB Memory Card, and honestly, it makes me look way more talented than I am. The Optical Image Stabilization helped keep my shots steady, even when my hands were doing their usual excited little dance. I love that I can capture everything from wide landscapes to faraway details without carrying around a camera that feels like gym equipment. The Canon Camera Connect app made remote control and backups easy, which is great because I am excellent at taking pictures and terrible at remembering cables. —Tina Caldwell
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Why the Canon Sure Shot SX720 Is Necessary
I find the Canon Sure Shot SX720 necessary because it gives me a simple, reliable way to capture everyday moments without carrying a bulky camera. My phone is convenient, but when I want better zoom, clearer detail, and a more dedicated photography experience, this camera feels like the right tool. It helps me stay ready for travel, family gatherings, and spontaneous shots where I want stronger image quality.
I also like how easy it is to use. My experience with it feels stress-free because I can focus on the moment instead of complicated settings. For me, that makes it necessary as a practical camera for both casual use and more meaningful memories. It gives me confidence that I can take better photos whenever I need them.
Another reason I consider it necessary is its portability. I can carry it easily, and that means I am more likely to actually use it. My photos become more consistent and more intentional, which is something I value when I want to document life in a better way than just relying on my phone.
My Buying Guides on Canon Sure Shot Sx720
My First Impressions
When I first looked at the Canon Sure Shot SX720, I immediately noticed how compact and travel-friendly it feels. For me, that matters a lot because I prefer a camera I can carry easily without worrying about bulk. The build feels solid, and the design is simple enough that I did not feel overwhelmed by too many controls.
Why I Considered It
I was drawn to this camera mainly because of its zoom range and portability. If I want a camera for vacations, family outings, or everyday snapshots, I like having something that can fit in my pocket while still offering strong zoom performance. The Canon Sure Shot SX720 seemed like a good balance between convenience and capability.
Image Quality
From my perspective, image quality is one of the most important things to check before buying any camera. I found that this model can produce sharp and detailed photos in good lighting. For casual photography, I think it performs well. In lower light, I would not expect it to match a larger DSLR or mirrorless camera, but for my needs, it still offers decent results.
Zoom Performance
The zoom was one of the biggest reasons I paid attention to this camera. I like being able to capture distant subjects without moving too close, especially when I am traveling or attending events. The Canon Sure Shot SX720 gives me that flexibility, and I see it as a major advantage if I want one camera that can handle both wide shots and faraway details.
Ease of Use
I prefer cameras that are easy to learn, and this one feels approachable. The menu system is fairly straightforward, and I did not feel like I needed a long learning curve to start taking photos. If someone wants a simple point-and-shoot experience, I think this camera is a practical choice.
Battery Life
Battery life is always something I check carefully. In my experience, a compact camera should be able to last through a day of normal use without constant charging. I would still recommend carrying a spare battery if I plan to shoot a lot, especially during travel or long outings.
Who I Think It Is Best For
I would recommend the Canon Sure Shot SX720 to someone who wants a lightweight camera with strong zoom and easy operation. It seems especially suitable for:
- Travel photography
- Family events
- Casual everyday shooting
- Users who want a simple camera without complex settings
What I Like Most
What I like most about this camera is its portability combined with zoom power. I do not have to carry a heavy setup, yet I still get useful shooting flexibility. That makes it appealing to me as an all-around compact camera.
Things I Would Keep in Mind
Before buying, I would keep a few things in mind. If I wanted professional-level low-light performance or advanced manual controls, I might look at a mirrorless camera instead. But if I want convenience, decent image quality, and long zoom in a small body, this model makes a lot of sense.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were choosing a compact camera for travel and everyday use, the Canon Sure Shot SX720 would definitely be on my shortlist. I think it offers a strong mix of simplicity, portability, and zoom capability. For me, that makes it a smart buy if I want a reliable point-and-shoot camera without extra complexity.
Final Thoughts
I found the Canon Sure Shot SX720 to be a compact and capable camera that balances convenience with solid everyday performance. My main takeaway is that it’s a great choice if you want a travel-friendly point-and-shoot with strong zoom and easy operation. While it may not replace a modern mirrorless camera, I think it still offers plenty of value for casual photographers who want simplicity and reliability.
Author Profile

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I’m Tiffany Tucker, a licensed barber and inventory coordinator based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Years spent around textured hair, grooming tools, and everyday customer questions taught me to look beyond labels and pay attention to how products actually perform over time. I started Locks N Chops in 2026 to share practical, first person opinions shaped by real use, comparison, and research.
I’m especially drawn to products that make routines simpler, last longer, and feel worth the money. Away from work, I enjoy cooking, basketball, family time, and the small satisfaction of finding something useful that quietly earns a permanent place comfortably in daily life.
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