The Canon PowerShot SX70 HS is the long-awaited successor to the hugely popular SX60 HS. An SLR-styled super-zoom, it retains the 65x 21-1365mm zoom lens of its predecessor, not the longest in its class, (that would be the 125x Nikon P1000) but long enough to cover everything from super-wide-angle...

The Canon PowerShot SX70 HS is a superzoom compact camera that boasts a huge 65x optical zoom with a 35mm-equivalent focal range of 21-1365mm. Its new 20.1MP high-sensitivity CMOS sensor promises excellent image quality, especially as it's paired with Canon's latest high-end DIGIC 8 processor.

This is TechRadar's review summary that gives you all the key information you need if you're looking for quick buying advice in 30 seconds; our usual full, in-depth review follows.

Great zoom range with 21mm (equiv.) start; Lovely handling; Effective image stabilisation; Decent 4K video results; Lightweight body; Competent AF system

No touchscreen; Build quality feels cheap; Wideangle performance isn't great; Lack of slow-motion video options; Styles not possible in raw; No USB charging

Figured it was time to upgrade my older Canon SX-40 (which still works great) to this new version, an Xmas gift to myself. Yes, the phone has taken over most of the online postings, but I still like a 'real' camera to take macro closeups and good zoom photos, which phones don't even come close to...

I have owned many generations of this camera and this one does not disappoint. It is a little larger in size that my last sx50 but not much. Love the zoom and increased shutter speed. Photos are sharp and very clear. The grip on the camera is a nice improvement as well.

The Canon Powershot SX70 HS with a 65x optical zoom lens features 4K video recording. The 65x optical zoom lens is equivalent to 21-1365mm in 35mm equivalent terms. There's a 20.3-megapixel sensor, and 0cm macro focus. The camera can shoot at 10fps, or 5.7fps with continuous AF.

Good colour reproduction; 4K UHD video recording; Extra-wide 21mm equivalent lens; Higher resolution electronic viewfinder; 0cm macro focus

High price; Focusing issues; No touch-screen; No auto HDR option

A well-featured and solid bridge camera that makes sense as a travel camera – just don’t rely on it for low light

65x zoom lens; Manual control; Raw format shooting; Good viewfinder

Screen not touch-sensitive; low light shooting poor; Detail not great at wide-angle

A bridge camera is never going to top the charts of most exciting cameras of the year, but ones like the SX70 satisfy a certain sector of the market none-the-less. If you’re looking for something for your travels that is flexible to use and has a good array of features – the SX70 is worth considering, especially if the length of the zoom is your biggest concern. However, there are better bridge cameras on the market if you can cope with something shorter. Image quality from the SX70 is decent enough in good light, but as soon as nightfall descends, you’re going to want something else as a backup – a shame as other features and the handling, are generally very good. Take a look at the Panasonic FZ2000 or Sony RX10 IV if money is no object and you want the best of the best. If you’d rather put your pennies and pounds towards your travel budget, older models in both of those ranges – such as the still excellent FZ1000 are also worth exploring.

65x zoom lens; Manual control; Raw format shooting; Good viewfinder;

Screen not touch-sensitive; low light shooting poor; Detail not great at wide-angle;

65x zoom lens; Manual control; Raw format shooting; Good viewfinder;

Screen not touch-sensitive; low light shooting poor; Detail not great at wide-angle;

If you're looking for the convenience of a DSLR without the bulk or expense of multiple lenses, then a bridge camera could be for you – and the PowerShot SX70 HS is Canon's latest example.

Easy and fast to use; Great handling; Decent autofocus performance; Effective image stabilisation; Pleasing 4K footage

Poor wide-angle performance; Build quality could be better; No touchscreen; Noisy images past lowest ISO settings; Auto white balance a little hit and miss