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

Happy with my purchase, just need some practice now! Was surprised there was no case included In the package though & not sure if I'm keen on the way instructions recommend attaching lense cover to side of camera. It almost gets in the way while using the camera.

If you're a bit more serious about capturing distant subjects, but not quite serious enough to consider spending thousands of dollars, think about the larger Nikon P900 or P1000 if you want as much telephoto reach as possible, or one of the better 1-inch-sensor bridge cameras, like the Sony RX10 III...

65x zoom lens; Vari-angle LCD; Excellent EVF; 10fps bursts; Raw image capture; 4K video with mic input; Wi-Fi; Strong ergonomics

Not great in dim light; Omits accessory shoe and 24fps video; 4K not available in all modes; Not a good choice for fast action

I have had a canon DSLR for quite a few years now and my main usage was to take photographs of birds. I have been disappointed with the zoom lenses as a decent one can cost thousands so, on the lookout for a zoom lens with decent magnification, I came across a birding site that recommended this...

Great camera for travel. Lightweight but has features as bigger camera.

The Canon PowerShot SX70 HS is a bridge camera. That means it combines some of the features of an interchangeable lens camera with those of a compact camera. So while it is fairly compact and has a fixed zoom lens, it looks like a small SLR.

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;

Amazing zoom. Good pix in good light.

The Canon PowerShot SX70 HS ($549.99) is a compelling argument for why bridge cameras still exist, and, for the right photographer, make a lot of sense. It makes some minor changes from the previous generation SX60 HS, keeping the same lens, but adding a higher-resolution image sensor, 4K video, and a much better viewfinder. It's a solid option for smartphone users who crave zoom power, and for SLR owners looking for a lighter camera to grab when on the go. As with the SX60 HS that came before it, the SX70 HS earns our Editors' Choice award. From Ultra-Wide to Extreme Telephoto The SX70 HS ($599.99 at Amazon) doesn't stray from the standard bridge camera blueprint. It's smaller than an SLR, but shaped like one. It boasts an ample handgrip, plenty of physical controls, and an understated matte black finish. The camera measures 3.6 by 4.6 by 5.0 inches (HWD) and weighs about 1.3 pounds when loaded with a battery and card and ready to shoot. Similar Products ...

The Canon PowerShot SX70 HS captures views ranging from ultra-wide to extreme telephoto. It's a solid camera for wildlife observers, families, and shutterbugs in search of a lightweight bridge model.

65x zoom lens; Vari-angle LCD; Excellent EVF; 10fps bursts; Raw image capture; 4K video with mic input; Wi-Fi; Strong ergonomics

Not great in dim light; Omits accessory shoe and 24fps video; 4K not available in all modes; Not a good choice for fast action