Value (8.0)
The Canon A720 IS is a unique hybrid of an entry-level budget point-and-shoot and an advanced manual control camera. The PowerShot fits into a rare category of 6x mid-range zooms since most manufacturers tend to stick to the standard 3x optical zoom or push the optics up to 18x. There are, however, a select number of competitors in the field of 6x or 7x optical zoom cameras, though most don't offer the image quality the A720 IS affords. In general, the Canon A720 IS is a good budget point-and-shoot for automatic shooters who might turn to manual shooters. With its optical image stabilization, mid-range zoom, sub-$250 price tag, and solid performance, the PowerShot A720 IS is a good value.
Who’s this Camera For?
Point and Shooters – The camera is marketed toward this group. The entry-level A720 IS has enough manual controls for users to grow with the camera.
Budget Consumers – At a near $250, the Canon PowerShot A720 IS qualifies for the budget category. For an optically stabilized camera, that’s a deal.
Gadget Freaks – Technophiles won’t be too impressed with the PowerShot A720 IS. Tech geeks tend to go for trendy Wi-Fi-enabled cameras or those with touch screens.
Manual Control Freaks – For point-and-shooters who like to manually control aperture, shutter speed, and even flash output, the Canon PowerShot A720 IS offers a surprising amount of control that other automatic point-and-shoots don’t.
Pros / Serious Amateurs – Professional photographers might consider this budget point-and-shoot as a pocketable vacation camera for its image quality and manual controls.
Comparisons
Canon PowerShot A710 IS – At a current online selling price of $280 (original price $399), last’s year’s model may be tempting for those on a budget. Both the PowerShot A720 IS and A710 IS carry 6x optical zoom lenses and 2.5-inch, 115,000-pixel resolution monitors. The updated edition, however, packs the higher 8-megapixel resolution versus the 7.1-megapixel A710 IS. The A720 IS has a higher sensitivity range up to 1600 ISO, up from 800 ISO. The newer model also has the Digic III processor with Genuine Face Detection. Users should consider the savings of about $70 if they are willing to sacrifice the increased resolution, higher ISO, and 35-face finding technology.
Casio Exilim EX-V8 –The 8.1-megapixel Casio V8 has a comparable megapixel count and equally-sized 2.5-inch LCD screen as the Canon A720. The Casio model carries increased 230,400-pixel resolution, however, way up from the comparably puny 115,000-pixel monitor resolution on the Canon. As its highest optical zoom camera, the Casio V8 has an increased zoom of 7x versus the 6x optical zoom Canon PowerShot A720 IS. The Exilim camera uses mechanical CCD-shifting image stabilization to reduce blur, while the PowerShot uses optical lens-shifting image stabilization. That increased zoom comes at a hefty $329.99 retail price.
HP Photosmart Mz67 – At $199.99, the 8-megapixel HP Mz67 comes with the same megapixel count and 6x optical zoom capability. That $50 in savings will cost the customer the optical image stabilization, which is offered on the Canon model. Both feature 2.5-inch LCD screens. Canon users will gain Manual modes, but HP users gain more built-in editing functions. In general, the image stabilization is too good to pass up.
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Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ7 – With a $179.95 price tag (original price $199), customers might also consider the less expensive Lumix LZ7. The 7.2-megapixel Panasonic camera has a lower megapixel count than the 8-megapixel Canon PowerShot A720 IS, but both feature 2.5-inch, 115,000-pixel resolution monitors. Each camera is fitted with a 6x optical zoom that carries optical image stabilization. Canon users, however, will gain Manual and Priority modes, since the Panasonic LZ7 does not have adjustable controls for shutter speed or aperture.
