Shocking Comparison: Canon Powershot SX720 HS vs Panasonic Lumix DMC G7 – Which Camera Should You Invest In?

Choosing the right camera can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. If you’re looking for a versatile and capable camera that can capture both stunning photos and high-quality videos, the Canon PowerShot SX720 HS and the Panasonic Lumix DMC G7 are strong contenders. Both cameras offer impressive features and capabilities, but which one reigns supreme? Let’s dive into a detailed comparison to help you make an informed decision.

Design and Build Quality

The Canon PowerShot SX720 HS is a compact point-and-shoot camera with a familiar design. Its lightweight and ergonomic body make it easy to carry around, while the textured grip provides a secure hold. The Panasonic Lumix DMC G7, on the other hand, is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera (MILC) with a more robust build. It’s slightly larger and heavier than the SX720 HS but boasts a more professional feel.
Both cameras offer a good selection of buttons and dials for easy access to key settings. The SX720 HS features a dedicated zoom lever and a mode dial for quick switching between shooting modes. The G7 provides a customizable control dial, function buttons, and a dedicated button for accessing the video recording mode.

Image Quality and Performance

The Canon PowerShot SX720 HS is equipped with a 20.3MP CMOS sensor and a powerful DIGIC 6 image processor. It delivers excellent image quality, especially in well-lit conditions. The camera’s 40x optical zoom lens offers impressive reach for capturing distant subjects. However, image quality can degrade at higher zoom levels, especially in low light.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC G7 features a 16MP Micro Four Thirds sensor and the Venus Engine 9 image processor. It produces vibrant and detailed images with accurate colors and natural skin tones. The G7’s sensor size gives it an edge in low light performance, capturing cleaner images with less noise.

Video Capabilities

Both cameras offer impressive video recording capabilities. The Canon PowerShot SX720 HS can record Full HD videos at 60fps, while the Panasonic Lumix DMC G7 can record 4K videos at 30fps. The G7 also offers a variety of video recording features, including slow motion and time-lapse recording.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance

The Canon PowerShot SX720 HS utilizes a hybrid autofocus system that combines contrast detection and phase detection. It provides fast and accurate autofocus, particularly in good lighting conditions. The G7’s contrast detection autofocus is also responsive and reliable, especially when using the electronic viewfinder.
In terms of shooting performance, the SX720 HS offers a continuous shooting rate of 5.9fps, while the G7 can shoot up to 8fps with continuous autofocus. Both cameras are capable of capturing fast-moving subjects.

Connectivity and Features

The Canon PowerShot SX720 HS provides Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity for easy wireless sharing of images and videos. It also features a built-in GPS receiver for geotagging photos. The Panasonic Lumix DMC G7 offers Wi-Fi, NFC, and Bluetooth connectivity. It also supports remote control functionality via a smartphone app.
Both cameras offer a variety of shooting modes, including automatic, manual, and semi-automatic modes. The SX720 HS features a dedicated scene mode dial for easy access to specific shooting scenarios, while the G7 offers a more customizable approach through its menu system.

Versatility and Expandability

The Panasonic Lumix DMC G7 has a clear advantage in terms of versatility and expandability. As a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, it allows you to swap lenses to suit different shooting situations. The Micro Four Thirds system offers a wide range of lenses from Panasonic, Olympus, and other manufacturers. The G7 also features a hot shoe for attaching external flashes and other accessories.
The Canon PowerShot SX720 HS is a fixed lens camera, limiting its versatility. While its 40x zoom lens offers impressive reach, it might not be suitable for all shooting scenarios.

The Verdict: Which Camera Should You Choose?

The choice between the Canon PowerShot SX720 HS and the Panasonic Lumix DMC G7 ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Canon PowerShot SX720 HS:

• Pros: Compact and lightweight design, excellent image quality in good light, powerful zoom lens, dedicated zoom lever and mode dial.
• Cons: Limited versatility, image quality can degrade at higher zoom levels, no 4K video recording.

Panasonic Lumix DMC G7:

• Pros: Robust build quality, excellent image quality, 4K video recording, versatile interchangeable lens system, customizable controls.
• Cons: Larger and heavier than the SX720 HS, contrast detection autofocus can be slower in low light.

If you’re looking for a compact and affordable point-and-shoot camera with a powerful zoom lens, the Canon PowerShot SX720 HS is a solid choice. However, if you value versatility, image quality, and video capabilities, **the Panasonic Lumix DMC G7 is the better option.**

The Final Word: Beyond the Canon PowerShot SX720 HS vs Panasonic Lumix DMC G7

Beyond the technical specifications and features, it’s important to consider your personal shooting style and preferences. If you’re a casual photographer who wants a camera that’s easy to use and carry around, the SX720 HS might be a good fit. However, if you’re looking for a more advanced camera that offers creative control and expandability, the G7 is the way to go.
Ultimately, the best camera for you is the one that you’ll use the most and that will help you capture the moments that matter.

What You Need to Know

Q: Which camera is better for low light photography?
A: The Panasonic Lumix DMC G7 has a larger sensor than the Canon PowerShot SX720 HS, giving it an edge in low light performance. It captures cleaner images with less noise compared to the SX720 HS.
Q: Which camera is better for video recording?
A: The Panasonic Lumix DMC G7 offers 4K video recording, while the Canon PowerShot SX720 HS is limited to Full HD. The G7 also provides a wider range of video recording features, including slow motion and time-lapse.
Q: Which camera is more versatile?
A: The Panasonic Lumix DMC G7 is significantly more versatile due to its interchangeable lens system. It allows you to switch lenses to suit different shooting situations, giving you greater creative control.
Q: Which camera is more affordable?
A: The Canon PowerShot SX720 HS is generally more affordable than the Panasonic Lumix DMC G7. However, the price of both cameras can vary depending on the retailer and any bundled accessories.
Q: Which camera is better for beginners?
A: Both cameras are relatively easy to use, but the Canon PowerShot SX720 HS might be a better choice for beginners due to its simplified controls and dedicated scene modes. However, the Panasonic Lumix DMC G7 offers more features and customization options for those who want to learn more about photography.