The Canon PowerShot range of cameras has a broad spectrum, from the powerful PowerShot G7 X MKII to the budget PowerShot SX530. There is something in this line to suit every type of photographer and every skill level. The Canon PowerShot SX730 HS sits somewhere in the middle and offers decent quality, a good set of features, and great usability.
This is a decent portable camera that beginners would benefit from using, due to its user-friendly features. It is also incredibly lightweight and compact and could make the perfect travel camera. In the review below, we look at the features of this point-and-shoot camera including technical specs, design, and usability.
Main Features
The Canon PowerShot range of cameras usually has a decent image sensor and strong optical zooms. The Canon PowerShot SX730 HS is no exception. For a small and affordable point-and-shoot camera, it boasts a decent 20.3MP CMOS sensor and a 40x optical zoom. You can see the full technical specifications of this point-and-shoot camera below:
- Size: 110.1×63.8×39.9mm
- Weight: 300g
- Sensor: 20.3MP CMOS Sensor
- Image Processor: DIGIC 6
- Max FPS: 7 fps
- Max Video Resolution: 1080p HD at 60p
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi / Bluetooth
- Touchscreen: No
- Image Stabilization: Yes
The image sensor gives an effective pixel resolution of 20.3MP. It should also be noted that the Canon PowerShot SX730 HS only has the DIGIC 6 processor. This is a relatively old processor version, with new Canon cameras featuring the DIGIC 9 or DIGIC X processor. Essentially, this means that image quality and light transmission may not be as good as newer cameras.
At 300g and a longest length of 110.1mm, this camera is one of the lightest point-and-shoot cameras available. It could easily fit in your pocket and you would barely notice carrying it in luggage or a backpack.
Design
In terms of design, the Canon PowerShot SX730 HS looks fantastic. It has a stylish design that Canon has continued with other point-and-shoot models like the PowerShot SX740 HS. This includes a slimline body and a textured grip on the right-hand side. As a result, it is comfortable to hold.
The LCD screen is three inches and has a decent resolution of 922,000 dots. It is not a touchscreen, which is one downfall. Also, it does not have the flexibility of some of the Canon screens. You can only tilt and push the screen upwards. It cannot be rotated outwards.
There is also no EVF. To compose photos, you must use the LCD screen to change image settings, etc. The Canon PowerShot SX730 HS does have a pop-up flash, however, that can work in both auto and manual modes.
We like the simple rear button layout of this budget point-and-shoot camera. The rear panel is relatively uncluttered and it features four main buttons along with the control dial. Beginners should easily be able to understand how to use the camera. The optical zoom is also relatively easy to control with a simple zoom dial on the top panel.
Usability
The Canon PowerShot SX730 HS is versatile and has a great set of features for beginners. The 20.3MP sensor and DIGIC 6 processor will provide sharp images with great contrast and color depth. This is complemented by the 40x optical lens.
If you want a simple operation with minimal effort, you can use one of the 58 different scenes or use the auto-detection mode. This shooting mode analyses the current photo conditions and chooses the most suitable camera settings. There are also different special scenes like smooth skin, miniature effect, super vivid, and monochrome.
The 40x optical lens has an effective focal range of 4.3 – 172mm or a 35mm equivalent of 24-960mm. This is an impressive range and allows you to shoot everything from wide-angle through to super-telephoto. Also, it has a decent maximum aperture range of f/3.3 at 4.3mm to f/6.6 at 172mm.
To improve performance, there is built-in image stabilization. This helps correct for camera shake up to three stops using an intelligent five-axis dynamic IS. As a result, using the camera handheld at extreme zoom distances is still relatively easy.
The autofocusing system is okay, but it could be better. You can still track objects and focus in decent time, but newer Canon cameras certainly have a vastly improved autofocus system.
Canon PowerShot SX730 HS vs. Nikon COOLPIX A1000
Most other camera manufacturers have a solid point-and-shoot range like the Canon PowerShot series. One such example is Nikon’s COOLPIX range. Like the PowerShot series, COOLPIX includes affordable options like the COOLPIX W150 all the way through to powerful models like the COOLPIX P900.
A suitable comparison to the SX730 HS is the Nikon COOLPIX A1000. We square them up below:
| Canon PowerShot SX730 HS | Nikon COOLPIX A1000 | |
| Megapixel Count | 20.3MP | 16.0MP |
| Video Quality | 1080p at 60p | 4K UHD at 30p |
| Weight | 300g | 330g |
| Dimensions | 110.1 x 63.8 x 39.9mm | 114.2 x 71.7 x 40.5mm |
| Max ISO | 3200 | 6400 |
The PowerShot is the lighter and slightly smaller option. It weighs 30g less and is easier to hold. The Nikon COOLPIX A1000 is still relatively portable too, however.
One of the main differences is the basic image quality. The PowerShot SX730 HS has a 20.3MP CMOS sensor, whereas the A1000 only has a 16MP sensor. This will make a difference and at face value, the SX730 HS offers superior image quality.
The SX730 HS has a better optical zoom at 40x, whereas the A1000 has a 35x optical zoom. It also has a slightly better maximum aperture of f/3.3. Overall, the Canon PowerShot SX730 HS is the better option, but the A1000 may perform better in low-light situations.
The Canon PowerShot SX730 HS Is a Great Portable Option for Travel
If you don’t necessarily want or need a powerful DSLR or mirrorless camera and simply want a portable camera to take quality photos with, the Canon PowerShot SX730 HS is a solid choice. It is compact, lightweight, and offers excellent quality for both photos and videos. It is also easy to use for beginners.
