Canon PowerShot SX70 HS
Canon · Bridge · 20 MP · 1/2.3” · 4K video
Score Breakdown
Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.
General | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Canon |
| Model | PowerShot SX70 HS |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2018 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | September 20, 2018 |
| Camera type |  Bridge |
| Camera size | 127 x 91 x 117 mm |
| Camera weight | 608 g |
Optics49/100 | |
About the OpticsThough released a few years ago, the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS still holds its ground in the camera market. Its specifications cater to those seeking a portable and affordable bridge camera. Canon PowerShot SX70 HS Overview and OpticsThe Canon PowerShot SX70 HS receives a 49/100 score for its optics. This camera features a 20-megapixel CMOS sensor with a Digic 8 processor, offering a 10 frames-per-second shooting speed. Its DXOMARK score for the sensor is 58, and the sensor size is 1/2.3″. The camera does not have a lens mount, as it uses a fixed lens mount, meaning the lens cannot be changed. Additionally, there is no image stabilization, and the aspect ratio is 3:2. Comparing these specifications to other cameras in the market, the PowerShot SX70 HS falls short in some areas. The absence of image stabilization and a lens mount limit versatility and performance for various shooting conditions. Furthermore, the 1/2.3″ sensor size is relatively small, resulting in lower image quality compared to cameras with larger sensors. Despite these limitations, the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS still provides decent optics for casual photographers. Its 20-megapixel resolution and 10 fps shooting speed allow for capturing detailed images and action shots. However, more advanced photographers may find the camera’s optics lacking in comparison to other options available in the market. | |
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 20 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 5184 x 3888 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | CMOS |
Sensor size ⓘThe sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 6.17 x 4.55 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  1/2.3” |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 10 fps045 |
Lens mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Fixed |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | Digic 8 |
Aspect ratio ⓘThe aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |  3:2 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 10030200 |
Max ISO ⓘRefers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. | 32003003280000 |
Min ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 10030200 |
Max ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 32003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 1544080 |
Max shutter speed ⓘThe maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. | 200080032000 |
Autofocus points ⓘAutofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 90300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. | No |
Viewfinder type ⓘThe viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. | Electronic |
| Viewfinder dots | 236000009900000 |
Video91/100 | |
About the VideoThe Canon PowerShot SX70 HS receives a video score of 91/100. This camera boasts a maximum video resolution of 4K, with dimensions of 3840 x 2160. It also offers a high maximum video frame rate of 120fps, enabling smooth slow-motion footage capture. Furthermore, the SX70 HS has a built-in time-lapse functionality, adding versatility and creative options for users. In the current market, these video specifications place the SX70 HS as a strong contender. 4K video resolution is a sought-after feature, and the high frame rate ensures smooth video capture. The time-lapse functionality enhances the camera’s appeal to a wide range of users, from amateur filmmakers to professional videographers. The Canon PowerShot SX70 HS stands out in the market with its advanced video capabilities. With a combination of 4K resolution, a high frame rate, and built-in time-lapse, this camera offers users impressive video performance. | |
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |  Yes |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |  4K |
Max video format ⓘVideo resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. | 3840 x 2160 |
Max video frame rate ⓘHow many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. | 120 fps |
Timelapse built in ⓘA built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |  Yes |
Video file format ⓘDifferent cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. | MPEG-4, MOV |
Features54/100 | |
About the FeaturesThe Canon PowerShot SX70 HS receives a feature score of 54/100. This score reflects the camera’s capabilities and how they compare to other models in today’s market. The camera is equipped with a 3-inch screen, which has a resolution of 922,000 dots. Although it lacks a touchscreen, it does have a flip screen, which adds versatility for various shooting angles. In terms of connectivity, the PowerShot SX70 HS offers Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, making it easy to transfer images and remotely control the camera. However, it does not include GPS functionality. When assessing the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS’s features, it is evident that the camera provides a decent range of options for photographers. While it may not excel in every area, particularly with the lack of touchscreen and GPS, it still presents a solid choice for those seeking a camera with a good balance of features and performance. | |
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |  Yes |
External flash ⓘExternal flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. | No |
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. | No |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. | No |
| Screen type | TFT LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. | No |
| Screen size | 3" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 9220001150001500000 |
Flip screen ⓘA flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |  Yes |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |  Yes |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. |  Yes |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |  Yes |
Storage & Battery21/100 | |
About the Storage & BatteryThe storage and battery of the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS receive a score of 21/100. This camera has a single memory card slot that accepts SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards. The battery life lasts for 325 shots, using an LP-E12 battery type. However, this model does not offer USB charging. Compared to other cameras in today’s market, the storage and battery performance of the SX70 HS is below average. Many modern cameras have longer battery life and multiple memory card slots, providing more convenience and flexibility for users. The lack of USB charging also limits the charging options for this camera. The Canon PowerShot SX70 HS falls short in storage and battery capabilities, making it less competitive in the current market. This may be a point of consideration for potential buyers seeking a camera with superior storage and battery performance. | |
| Memory card | SD / SDHC / SDXC |
| Dual memory card slots | No |
| Battery type | LP-E12 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 325 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | No |