Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I was looking to replace my Kodak Z950 travel zoom after nearly 5 years of service, and was very pleased with the performance of my now 2-year-old Canon SX40 HS super-zoom, so I was going to look at Canon first. I was considering the SX700 HS, but late last year, the Canon website noted the coming update to the SX710 HS, so I waited. I ordered directly from Canon and have had it a couple of weeks now (about 2 weeks ahead of Amazon). The main change from the SX700 to the 710 is the increase in resolution from 16 MP to 20 MP. The other features are basically the same, including a 30x optical zoom (fairly high for this range of camera), Canon's DIGIC 6 processor, and wireless connectivity including NFC to tap-transfer pictures to a compatible cell phone. The SX710's body is also the same as the SX700, with a pop-up flash and a small easy-to-hold form. If you're familiar with Canon cameras, the mode wheel and controls will be what you're used to - if you're new to the brand, they're straightforward and very easy to use. I usually leave my camera in M (manual) mode and select the exposure, shutter, ISO, and white balance myself. I'm by no means a pro, but that level of control allows me to get the best picture quality in virtually any situation, including very low light without flash. And unlike my old Kodak, the Canon screen - a very sharp 922K 3-inch LCD - adjusts with the settings you choose to show a much more accurate representation of what you'll shoot *before* you take the picture. The Kodak's screen was basically one setting and I often had to retake shots after seeing how they came out. The mode dial is a little on the stiff side compared to my SX40, so I did have to get used to that, but unless you frequently change from one mode to the other, that really shouldn't be a problem. In actual use, the SX710 shines. Again, it's a travel zoom, so if you're going on a photo-intensive trip, bird watching, or some similar activity and want "awesome/incredible" pictures, then use a super-zoom or DSLR. Just to compare for myself, I took the exact same picture with both the SX40 and SX710, with the same image settings - the 40's photo was sharper and had better focus on tiny details, and I expected that from the better lens of the super-zoom. But for "very good" pictures, the SX710 is far superior to the old Kodak, and is just shy of the SX40 for the pictures I generally take (parties, general scenery, fixed targets, etc.). The range of shutter speeds, exposures, and ISO settings allow you to get a great picture whether in full Auto, full Manual, or anywhere in between. The aperture is fine for this type of camera, ranging from f/3.2 to 6.9, although again, it won't match the abilities of a super-zoom or DSLR. Both the image and video quality are what you'd expect from Canon. Images print clearly on photo paper and look good shared online in all the resolution ranges (although it's always recommended to shoot in the higher MP ranges if the pictures are intended for hardcopy printing). The video shoots up to a very clear 60 fps in full HD (1920x1080p) and allows standard zoom during shooting for very nice movies. You also get clear stereo sound. Besides the stiff mode wheel, the only drawbacks I've encountered are a less-than-quick battery/card door (you need a very dry/tacky finger to open it quickly), and the flash snaps to its position with an audible "twang" of the spring which has me just a little concerned about long-term durability. All minor issues, though - and nothing that really takes away from using the camera. Since the SX710 is just an update of the 700, the full range of accessories are already available, including AC adapters, 12V car chargers, higher-output batteries (I like the Vivitar NB-6L / NB-6LH Ultra High Capacity 1700mAH Li-ion Replacement Batteries for Select Canon Digital Cameras, Pack of 2 for this line), and other equipment. I also went with the Case Logic DCB-302 Compact Case for Camera - Black as I have had good experience with Case Logic bags for other equipment, and while it's a very snug fit for the camera body, it works pretty well. Canon warranty is their standard 1 year on the camera body and 90 days on the OEM battery. (The Vivitar batteries come with a 5 year warranty, which is why I like to use those.) For a travel zoom, the SX710 HS is a terrific camera. Features, settings, and capabilities are first-rate, and all in a very tidy package that can fit in your pocket. While this brings my run of Kodak cameras to a close after nearly 30 years of 35mm, APS, and digital products, I'm much happier with the Canon equipment I have now, and look forward to years of excellent service from the SX710 HS.