Last week we discussed the Nikon Coolpix P1000, a camera defined by its integrated 24-3000 telephoto lens. The photography world still debates whether such extreme levels are necessary, and amid that doubt, an inevitable question arises: Why not look for something more humble in that regard that helps the pocket but doesn't sacrifice too much? The key to solving that puzzle is the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS, with a telephoto equivalent to 21-1365, and a price that places it among the most popular entry-level DSLRs.
Compact cameras are often seen as remnants of a past era. Smartphones have completely absorbed the space of casual photography, and there's nothing to suggest a radical change in that situation. However, the market reminds us that there are solutions far superior to photos taken with mobile phones. One of those solutions is the bridge camera with superzoom. Precisely positioned between basic compacts and DSLRs, it is essentially a great wild card that, while demanding some compromises, also offers a more linear and simpler experience. The first superzoom we studied in our photographic adventure was the Nikon Coolpix P1000 with its 3,000-millimeter cannon, but there is much more to explore in that particular space. Today it's the turn of the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS.
Canon PowerShot SX70 HS: Getting Your Feet Wet in the Superzoom World
Announced last September, the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS presents a 20.3-megapixel effective CMOS sensor, accompanied by the eighth (and most recent) version of the DIGIC image processor. Its ISO sensitivity extends from 100 to 3,200 without Boost modes, and shutter speed ranges from 1/2000 to 15 seconds. Its integrated LCD screen measures 3 inches, with a resolution of 922,000 dots, and it's fully articulating, but Canon decided to leave out touch support. There are no major changes regarding the electronic viewfinder, with a total of 2.36 million dots and 100% coverage.
The Canon PowerShot SX70 HS is not especially strong in low-light situations. The processor does what it can to compensate for noise, but the general recommendation is to work with the lowest ISO levels and adopt a tripod. Still, the autofocus system with 9 points, tracking, and face detection works quite well (even in extreme macro), even though it's relatively humble compared to other cameras. The most solid performance of the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS manifests in the mid-range of the focal length, followed by the telephoto mode. There are no major issues regarding aberrations, but if the environment is very unfavorable for the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS, it will be reflected in image quality. In summary: low ISOs and very abundant light.
In the interface of the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS we find a relatively simple set of buttons, adopting positions that facilitate right-hand use, and with a mode dial inherited from higher-end models. Within the list of functions we find the classic Tv (shutter priority), Av (aperture priority), P (programmed automatic) and M (manual), plus Full Auto, Hybrid mode that records small scenes before each shot and condenses them into a 'clip of the day', Panoramic mode, Sports, Scenes (SCN), Creative Filters, video mode, and programmable modes C1 and C2 to store our favorite parameters. Once again, the camera does not have touch support, but it's not very difficult to control, quite the opposite. The rest of the details, in the manual.
As with its direct rivals, video recording is not necessarily a priority in the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS, but nevertheless the camera can record 4Kp30 and p25 at 120 megabits per second. That bitrate offers more than decent visual quality despite the sensor's size; however, it's not a bad idea to add a fast memory card to the setup. This element will also be very useful to get the most out of the camera's Burst, which rises to 10 FPS. On the connectivity side, the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS brings WiFi n at 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth, while smartphone linking is done through the Canon Camera Connect app, which has actually improved in quality, but its last update is from October. These delays and functionality issues are not exclusive to a single manufacturer, and I hope that in 2019 apps receive more attention.
Accessories for the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS
When looking for accessories, the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS can be a rarer breed than usual. The camera doesn't have weather sealing, and the trained eye probably noticed that there's no hot shoe on the body, but that doesn't mean we'll end up empty-handed. After all, there are flashes and auxiliary lights out there, as well as bags, supports, and complete kits that expand the potential of this superzoom camera. Would you like to see?
Batteries and Power
Manufacturers often apply some adjustments to their bridge cameras regarding accessories, but the Japanese giant decided not to reinvent the wheel here, and the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS uses standard LP-E12 batteries, guaranteeing wide availability. In fact, the compatible module from the Gloxy brand works very well, and the Gloxy 2-in-1 charger for home and car gives us more flexibility when we can't use the charger that comes with the camera. For less than 45 euros you can exceed the limit of 325 shots (more than 400 in Eco mode) enabled by each round of charge. The code for the compatible module is DI3776,VDTS-4604-CH-0712001294.
Tripods and Supports
The Canon PowerShot SX70 HS weighs 610 grams with battery and memory card installed. That makes it a bit heavier than the average compact camera, but it's in line with many DSLRs, to which we must add the weight of the lenses. That means that when acquiring a tripod for Canon PowerShot SX70 HS, we won't have any difficulty. The first model on our list is the classic Gloxy GX-T6662A, with a maximum capacity of 10 kilograms, and a maximum working height of 1.6 meters. The second option is the Clampod Takeway T1, with extraordinary grip on multiple surfaces, compact design, flexibility in anchoring devices (you can even use smartphones!), and a resistance of 40 kilograms. Buying any of these solutions will cost you 60 euros, but you should check out the kits below.
Bags
As mentioned above, the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS doesn't come with factory sealing, so we can't neglect its transport, but at the same time it's necessary to recognize that with a bridge camera it might not be indispensable to acquire a full backpack. That said, we have two bags to recommend. First, the Delta 400a Fancier with padded and modifiable interior, available in two colors, and a messenger format that makes it very comfortable. Second, the Lowepro Toploader Zoom 50 AW II adopts a traditional strap, its top closure allows us to access the camera in seconds, it has secondary pockets and an external waterproof cover. The product code for the Fancier bag is Fancier400a,0712034688.
Flashes and Continuous Lights
That's right, the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS abandoned the hot shoe (the previous model did have it), which limits our selection of flashes and auxiliary lights. However, nothing stops us from adding to the arsenal a slave flash like the Gloxy GX-F328 with universal compatibility, with a guide number of 35, support, case, diffuser, and an excellent price-performance ratio. Now, if the idea is to bathe a scene in light, all the cannons point to the Rotolight NEO 2 light. You can use it with AA batteries or connected to electricity, it includes a kit with four diffuser and color filters, and a very comfortable case for transport. The code for this flash is 0719821488,0714591609.
Filters and Special Kits
Given the impossibility of installing other lenses, the best way to optimize the optical capacity of the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS is through the use of filters. Luckily, the people at Gloxy cover the vast majority of cases with their excellent 67mm kit. The package is composed of a polarizing filter, an ultraviolet one, and a neutral density one. You can buy them for just 80 euros, but if you want more for less, the most effective way is to look for a 15-element mega kit, which includes the three filters, the Fancier bag, the Clampod, a cleaning kit, and much more for 200 euros. The kit code is Fkit67,15PDSLR-Kit67.
End of the line, at least for today. The market offers us several cameras with technical specifications superior to those found in the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS, but that is quickly reflected in the price. This camera is a very interesting entry point into the world of superzooms, and besides teaching you a lot, it doesn't demand a gigantic accessory commitment. Our exploration of models with integrated telephoto lenses will continue, but you should keep this Canon offer in mind. Good luck!
