It's a good camera for starters.The quality of the pictures is nice, but if you use zoom, even when still in the optical zoom range, the quality drops considerably. This is the worst part in my opinion regarding this camera.The landscape mode is really good and works pretty well. And the continuous shot mode is capable of capturing a good amount of pictures.

A good compact birding camera

Pluses: Great extended reach, good color rendering and adequate sharpness. Surprisingly effective image stabilization, given the 1365mm equivalent telephoto. But it’s a challenge to hold steady - use a tripod if possible. I got it to ID birds at a distance, and it has worked very well for that purpose. But my overall vacation photos came out pretty well too.Minuses: Poor low-light performance. No weatherproofing.

Canon SX70 vs Canon SX60

I have had a SX60 for more than 3 years now, and had the SX50 and SX40 before that. So I have always liked this line and felt each was indeed an upgrade over the previous. But to me the SX70 is the biggest upgrade yet. Both pictures and video at the highest settings are noticeably clearer, brighter and more detailed. When in auto mode, subjects get locked in much faster, so you can take pictures faster and still be focused. 4k video is amazing, I actually bought this camera for my son's graduation from Jr. College and I sat very far back to get a good angle. When zoomed in at 10x zoom video came out crystal clear in an outdoor setting and moving video was great too. Indoor pictures were also significantly brighter and clearer. Don't hesitate if you want to upgrade ... MoreI have had a SX60 for more than 3 years now, and had the SX50 and SX40 before that. So I have always liked this line and felt each was indeed an upgrade over the previous. But to me the SX70 is the biggest upgrade yet. Both pictures and video at the highest settings are noticeably clearer, brighter and more detailed. When in auto mode, subjects get locked in much faster, so you can take pictures faster and still be focused. 4k video is amazing, I actually bought this camera for my son's graduation from Jr. College and I sat very far back to get a good angle. When zoomed in at 10x zoom video came out crystal clear in an outdoor setting and moving video was great too. Indoor pictures were also significantly brighter and clearer. Don't hesitate if you want to upgrade from a previous version or you just want a camera that can do it all extremely well.

Good camera for general use DO NOT expect DSLR performance.

This is a good camera for average shots. I purchased it for good quality images and good zoom in a small package easy to pack when hiking or traveling and that is exactly what it delivers. Good quality, great zoom in a very nice small light weight package. If you are accustom to quality DSLR's like a 7D or better and want that performance out of this camera you will be disappointed. Another annoying trait, the still images can be framed in several different sizes but none of them match the standard DSLR size. Overall it delivered exactly what I was expecting with slightly lower photo quality than I had hoped.

Great Zoom and Bridge Camera

First, a legitimate review really can't be done until some time has passed for a product to be truly tested. However, I am giving this a 4-star, as it is meeting my expectations.I've been purchasing PowerShots since 2001 and "SureShots" prior to 2000. This model (after extensive research) is a good pick. The zoom is great and the stabilization on this model for exceeds my old Canon PowerShot SX20 HS. I looked into the Nikon Coolpix, but this Canon won out.If you are looking for a camera where you don't have to change lenses, but you want a great zoom, this is it. If I was willing to pay almost $1500. I would get the Sony CyberShot DSC-RX 10, as it rates #1 for this type of camera.

Great point and shoot camera for sports photography and nature.

Great point and shoot camera, zoom is incredible, I take a lot of pictures at my daughters field hockey games in the day light and under the stadium lights at night and the SX70 does very well. I need the zoom to get close up and down field. I have upgraded from the SX50, great bump in performance.

Lightweight with good features

This is exactly what I was looking for. The range is awesome for a lightweight camera I can carry all day while birding. I was pleasantly surprised that it was so easy to focus on very distant obscured birds.

Power shot is powerfull!

I bought this for my wife's birthday. She has a Pixel phone and likes taking pictures. This is a great bridge camera because it offers great zoom and imaging, but doesn't require separate lenses and filters. It can be used like a point and shoot camera, or you can manually adjust settings, shutter speed exposure, etc, if you want to get more technical. The image sensor is great and illuminates green when it focuses on your target. The zoom magnification is great! Wildlife photos from a distance are clear when zoomed. I highly recommend this for anyone wanting to learn about photography and is a bit intimidated by it. You can take amazing pictures with little effort and learn to use the more advanced settings as you get more comfortable with the camera. The grip is ... MoreI bought this for my wife's birthday. She has a Pixel phone and likes taking pictures. This is a great bridge camera because it offers great zoom and imaging, but doesn't require separate lenses and filters. It can be used like a point and shoot camera, or you can manually adjust settings, shutter speed exposure, etc, if you want to get more technical. The image sensor is great and illuminates green when it focuses on your target. The zoom magnification is great! Wildlife photos from a distance are clear when zoomed. I highly recommend this for anyone wanting to learn about photography and is a bit intimidated by it. You can take amazing pictures with little effort and learn to use the more advanced settings as you get more comfortable with the camera. The grip is good, (my wife loves it) but not for big hands. The camera is smaller than most dslr, and fits nicely in off brand cases. Very high quality damera, at a medium price.

Sharp, clear images, powerful zoom, lightweight

Im used to shooting with Nikon, with heavy/expensive lenses. My daughter, a professional photographer, actually suggested I try this little Canon SX70 for a point-and-shoot camera to take on trips when I dont want to haul all that equipment. I LOVE this camera! Im pleasantly surprised by the clear, bright images, and the flexibility it offers. Connecting to WiFi is super convenient and fun. The zoom is amazing, and images are still quite sharp. One huge disappointment is the lack of a hot shoe for a flash attachment. I cant imagine why Canon made this change on this model. The camera functions adequately in low light (3200 ISO) but not fabulous, and attached flash is well, you know inferior. But otherwise, this little camera is well worth the money. The video ... MoreIm used to shooting with Nikon, with heavy/expensive lenses. My daughter, a professional photographer, actually suggested I try this little Canon SX70 for a point-and-shoot camera to take on trips when I dont want to haul all that equipment. I LOVE this camera! Im pleasantly surprised by the clear, bright images, and the flexibility it offers. Connecting to WiFi is super convenient and fun. The zoom is amazing, and images are still quite sharp. One huge disappointment is the lack of a hot shoe for a flash attachment. I cant imagine why Canon made this change on this model. The camera functions adequately in low light (3200 ISO) but not fabulous, and attached flash is well, you know inferior. But otherwise, this little camera is well worth the money. The video quality is excellent, and Ill be getting a lot of use out of it this summer on vacations. Highly recommend.

Try another brand.

Not really a fan. I started with the Powershot SX 40 and loved it. About the time the 50 came out, my 40 was worn out. I bought the 50 and had focus problems after a bit, then bought a 2nd one. Same thing happened with the focus. When I took it to a camera shop in Tucson they waited 3 months for Canon to send the parts and then suggested the shop sell me the Powershot sx60. I bought it. Again, not too happy. I now have the 70 and I am pretty much finished with Canon. They don't seem to want to back up their products, only sell you the latest.