Canon PowerShot SX730 HS Review

The tiny Canon PowerShot SX730 HS is ideal for families going on vacation together and parents who prefer to picture their children participating in outdoor athletic activities. It is equipped with a 40x optical zoom.

When it debuted a year ago, the SX720 HS was the first pocket superzoom camera in the world. The SX730 HS expands on the formula that its predecessor already established.

Although it keeps the same 24-960mm equivalent focal length range and 20.3-megapixel sensor as its predecessor, the new PowerShot SX730 adds some new shooting modes, a flip-up screen, and Bluetooth connectivity. Additionally, it maintains the same 24-960mm equivalent focal length range as its predecessor. First, let’s look at the standard features of the Canon SX730 HS.

The Canon SX730 is a bit wider and deeper than its predecessor and is about an ounce (30 grams) heavier. Its dimensions are approximately 4.3 inches by 2.5 inches by 1.6 inches (110.1 millimeters by 63.8 millimeters by 39.9 millimeters), and its total weight with the battery and memory card is 10.6 ounces (300 grams) (no doubt thanks to its new tilting LCD).

See: Best Memory Cards for Canon PowerShot SX730 HS

Despite this, it is remarkable that Canon could incorporate a 40x optical zoom lens inside the camera while maintaining a manageable size for carrying in a pocket. Furthermore, the 24-960mm equivalent lens has a maximum aperture range of f/3.3-6.9 and a focal length range of 4.3-172 millimeters when measured in accurate millimeters.

Key Specs

• 24-960mm equivalent built-in lens (40x zoom)
• A factor with a compact shape
• Display measuring 3 inches and tilting
• Complete HD footage at up to 60 frames per second
• Uninterrupted filming at a rate of roughly six frames per second
• Integrated support for Wi-Fi, NFC, and Bluetooth
• Camera body: Compact size despite 40x optical zoom lens

The controls on the camera are familiar to everyone who has used a compact camera before. The camera has a reasonably streamlined appearance; nonetheless, its arrangement differs slightly from its predecessor’s.

The mode dial was located on the back of the SX720 HS camera, close to the thumb rest; however, the SX730 HS shifts the mode dial to the top of the camera, which frees up more space on the back for the thumb rest. The top mode dial of the SX730 HS results in the dedicated movie record button being a little smaller than it would be on other cameras, but this should not cause any problems.

The front of the camera appears to have retained most of its previous appearance; however, it seems that the material, or, at the very least, the texture of the front grip, has been updated. In addition, the improved substance for the grip may also be found on the back.

In addition, compared to the previous model, the general layout has remained the same, but the location of the buttons on the back of the device has been reorganized. The 3-inch LCD on the back of the camera can now tilt upward; previously, the display on the SX720 HS was locked in its position. This new function can be found on the back of the camera.

Canon PowerShot SX730 HS Sensor

The Canon SX730HS retains the predecessor’s 20.3-megapixel 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor to maintain compatibility. This tiny sensor size has limitations at higher ISOs within its native range, as we witnessed in the Field Test for the SX720 HS. The camera has an ISO range of 80-3200, but when Auto ISO is selected, that range is reduced to merely 80-1600.

Canon PowerShot SX730 HS Performance

The Canon PowerShot SX730 HS, equipped with a DIGIC 6 image processor, provides respectable continuous shooting rates on par with its predecessor’s. In addition, it is reported that the camera can capture JPEG photos at a rate of up to 5.9 frames per second while images are recorded using the One-Shot autofocus mode.

When shooting continuously with autofocus, the camera’s frame rate drops to 4.6 frames per second (fps), and when constantly shooting in low-light mode, the frame rate drops even lower to 2.3 fps. Regarding the autofocus functionality, the camera has a contrast-detect focusing mechanism.

The camera receives power from the proprietary NB-13L battery pack that powered its predecessor. This battery pack allows up to 250 photos, or 355 shots when using the camera’s unique ECO mode. That is identical to the rating given to its predecessor. The package comes with a special battery charger for the camera, but we assume that in-camera charging via USB will also be available, much like it is with the SX720.

Canon PowerShot SX730 HS Video

The Canon SX730 HS has several shooting modes, allowing it to capture JPEG photographs in various settings (with several size selections and two compression types). You can shoot in the Program Auto, Hybrid Auto, and Auto modes, in addition to the Aperture-Priority, Shutter-Priority, and full Manual settings. In addition, the camera features exposure correction of +/- 2 EV in its repertoire.

The camera possesses a Creative Shot mode and several other special effects, including miniature, toy cameras, monochrome, super vivid, and poster effects. If you are feeling more daring, you may use the camera. Other shooting modes include Portrait, High-Speed Burst, Handheld Night Scene, Low Light, Fireworks, and Long Shutter. All of these modes may be used simultaneously.

Vivid, Neutral, Sepia, Black and White, Positive Film, Lighter Skin Tone, Darker Skin Tone, Vivid Blue, Vivid Green, Vivid Red, and Custom Color are some of the “My Color” options that you can choose from to give your images the desired look. Other options include Vivid, Custom Color, Vivid Blue, Vivid Green, and Vivid Red.

Canon PowerShot SX730 HS Connectivity

Like its predecessor, the camera has built-in networking options like Wi-Fi and NFC. However, the fact that the SX730 HS now also has Bluetooth connectivity is one of how it has been improved.

Bluetooth connectivity allows you to maintain a connection between your camera and your smart device so that you do not need to reconnect to Wi-Fi whenever you want to share or transfer images.

You can also geotag your image files by connecting your SX730 HS to a compatible smartphone and using the GPS information from the phone.

Specifications

PictBridge Compliant:

Model Name:	Canon PowerShot SX730 HS
Manufacturer URL:	Manufacturer website
Predecessor:	Canon SX720 HS SX720 HS vs SX730 HS
Successor:	Canon SX740 HS SX730 HS vs SX740 HS
General
Model Number:	SX730 HS
Alternate Model Number(s):
Camera Format:	Compact
Currently Manufactured:	Yes
Retail Price:	$399.99
Street Price:	$399.00
Date Available:	2017-06-15
Tripod Mount:	Yes
Weight:	10.6 oz (300 g) includes batteries
Size:	4.3 x 2.5 x 1.6 in. (110 x 64 x 40 mm)
Waterproof:	No
Waterproof Depth:	n/a
Image Sensor
Sensor Type:	CMOS
Sensor Manufacturer:
Effective Megapixels:	20.3
Sensor Format:	1/2.3 inch
Sensor size:	28.0735mm2 (6.17mm x 4.55mm)
Approximate Pixel Pitch:	1.19 microns
Focal Length Multiplier:	n/a
Aspect Ratio:	4:3
Color Filter Type:	RGBG
Anti-Aliasing Filter:	None
Self-Cleaning:	No
Sensor shift image stabilization:	No
On-Sensor Phase Detect:	No
DxO Sensor Score:
DxO Color Depth Score (bits):
DxO Dynamic Range Score (evs):
DxO Maximum Effective ISO Score (iso):
Image Capture
Image Resolution:	5184 x 3888 (20.2 MP, 4:3), 5184 x 3456 (17.9 MP, 3:2), 5184 x 2912 (15.1 MP, 16:9), 3888 x 3888 (15.1 MP, 1:1), 3648 x 2736 (10.0 MP, 4:3), 3648 x 2432 (8.9 MP, 3:2), 3648 x 2048 (7.5 MP, 16:9), 2736 x 2736 (7.5 MP, 1:1), 2048 x 1536 (3.1 MP, 4:3), 2048 x 1368 (2.8 MP, 3:2), 1920 x 1080 (2.1 MP, 16:9), 1536 x 1536 (2.4 MP, 1:1), 640 x 480 (0.3 MP, 4:3), 640 x 424 (0.3 MP, Other), 640 x 360 (0.2 MP, 16:9), 480 x 480 (0.2 MP, 1:1)
Image File Format:	JPEG (EXIF 2.3)
Continuous-mode frames/second:	5.9
Video Capture
Can take movies:	Yes
Movie Resolution:	1920×1080 (60p/​30p) 1280×720 (30p) 640×480 (30p)
Movie File Format:	MP4 (Image data: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264; Audio data: MPEG-4 AAC-LC (Monaural))
Composite Video Out:	No
NTSC/PAL Switchable Video:	n/a
Video Usable as Viewfinder:	n/a
HD Video Out:	Yes
HD Video Connection:	HDMI
Lens & Optics
Lens Mount:	n/a
Lens:	Canon Zoom Lens
Focal Length (35mm equivalent):	24 – 960mm
Focal Length (actual):	4.3 – 172mm
Zoom Ratio:	40.00x
Aperture Range:	f/3.3 (W) / f/6.9 (T) – f/8.0
Integrated ND Filter:	No
Normal Focus Range:	5 cm to Infinity 2.0 into Infinity
Macro Focus Range:	1 – 50 cm 0.4 – 19.7 in
Filter Thread:	n/a
Thread Type:	n/a
Optical Image Stabilization:	Yes
Digital Zoom:	Yes
Digital Zoom Values:	Up to 4x
Auto Focus
Auto Focus:	Yes
Auto Focus Type:	Contrast Detection; Face Detect AiAF, Single AF point (center or face select and track)
Auto Focus Assist Light?	Yes
Manual Focus:	Yes
Viewfinder
Viewfinder:	No / LCD
Viewfinder Type:
Focus Peaking:	No
EVF Resolution:	n/a
Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent):
Viewfinder Magnification (nominal/claimed):
Display
Eye-level Viewfinder:	No
Rear Display:	Yes
Rear Display Size (inches):	3.0
Rear Display Resolution:	921,600 dots (307,200 px)
Touchscreen:	No
Articulating Screen:	Yes
Tilt Swivel Screen:	No
Selfie Screen:	Yes
Max Playback Zoom:	10.0x
Top Deck Display:	No
Exposure
Maximum ISO (native):	3200
Minimum ISO (native):	80
ISO Settings:	Auto (80-1600), ISO 80-3200
Auto ISO Mode:	Yes
White Balance Settings:	Auto (including Face Detection WB), Daylight, Cloudy, Light Bulb, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H, Custom
Shutter Speed Range:	1/3200 – 15 sec
Bulb Mode:	No
Exposure Compensation:	+/- 2.0EV in 0.3EV steps
Metering Modes:	Evaluative (linked to Face Detection AF frame), Centre-weighted average, Spot (center)
Program Auto Exposure:	Yes
Aperture Priority:	Yes
Shutter Priority:	Yes
Full Manual Exposure:	Yes
Creative Exposure Modes:	Creative Shot, Portrait, Smile, Wink Self-timer, Face Self-timer, Self-Portrait, Smooth Skin, Sports, Handheld Night Scene, Low Light, Fish-eye Effect, Miniature Effect, Toy Camera Effect, Monochrome, Super Vivid, Poster Effect, Fireworks, Long Shutter
Self Timer:	2, 10, Custom seconds
Time Lapse (intervalometer):
High-Resolution Composite:	No
Flash
Built-in Flash:	Yes
Flash Modes:	Auto, On, Slow Synchro, Off
Flash Guide Number (ISO 100):	n/a
Flash Range Description:	Auto ISO: 1.6 – 13.1 ft. (W), 1.6 – 6.6 ft. (T) / (50cm – 4.0m (W), 50cm – 2.0m (T))
Max Flash Sync:	1/2000s
Flash Exposure Compensation:	+/- 2.0 EV in 0.3EV steps
External Flash Connection:	n/a
Built-In Wireless Flash Control:	No
Image Storage
Usable Memory Types:	SD / SDHC / SDXC
UHS Support:	UHS-I
Other Memory:
Dual Card Slots:	No
RAW Capture Support:	No
Uncompressed Format:
Movie File Format:	MP4 (Image data: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264; Audio data: MPEG-4 AAC-LC (Monaural))
Included Memory:	No memory included
Included Memory Type:
Connectivity
Built-In Wi-Fi:	Yes
NFC:	Yes
Bluetooth:	Yes
Built-In GPS:	No
Microphone Jack:	No
Headphone Jack:	No
External Connections:	USB 2.0 High Speed, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
Yes
DPOF Compliant:	Yes
Remote Control:	Yes
Remote Control Type:	Via Wi-Fi / Bluetooth
Connections (extended):	Micro-B USB, Micro (Type-D) HDMI
Performance Timing
Cycle time for JPEG shooting in single-shot mode (seconds per frame, max resolution):
Cycle time for RAW shooting in single-shot mode (seconds per frame):
Buffer size for RAW shooting in single-shot mode (frames):
Cycle time for RAW+JPEG shooting in single-shot mode (seconds per shot):
Does the camera penalize early shutter press?
JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps, max resolution):	5.9
Buffer size for JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames, max resolution):
RAW shooting speed in burst mode (fps):
Buffer size for RAW shooting in burst mode (frames):
RAW+JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps):
Buffer Size for RAW+JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames):
Shutter lag (full AF, wide/mid):
Shutter lag (full AF, tele):
Shutter lag (full AF, live view – DSLR):
Shutter lag (prefocused, live view – DSLR):
Shutter Lag (manual focus):
Shutter lag (full AF, with flash):
Shutter Lag (prefocused):
Shutter Lag (notes):
Startup Time:
Play -> Record Time:
Flash cycle time, full power:
Power
Battery Life, Stills (CIPA Rating Monitor/Live View):	250 shots
Battery Life, Still (CIPA Rating OVF/EVF):
Battery Life, Video:	50 minutes
Battery Form Factor:	Proprietary NB-13L
Usable Battery Types:	Lithium-ion rechargeable
Batteries Included:	1 x Proprietary NB-13L Lithium-ion rechargeable
Battery Charger Included (dedicated charger or AC/USB adapter):	Yes
Dedicated Battery Charger Included:	Yes
Internal Charging Supported:	Yes
Software
Included Software:
OS Compatibility:

Conclusion

The PowerShot SX730 HS is an ultra-compact camera with a long 40x zoom lens. The optically stabilized lens has an equivalent focal length of 24-960mm and is combined with a 20.3MP BSI CMOS sensor and Canon’s DIGIC 6 engine. In addition, it boasts a 3″ LCD that can tilt 180 degrees for self-portraits, a helpful Zoom Framing Assist function for recomposing at long focal lengths, 1080/60p video, and Wi-Fi/NFC/Bluetooth connection upward.

Canon PowerShot SX730 HS FAQs