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 upgraded from the SX50, but have used the SX60, so was excited to purchase the SX70. The zoom is great and quiet and quiet while videoing. Was sad to see no hot shoe and that the ISO was now embedded and harder to quickly change. Have not set up the Wifi yet.

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

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.

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

A competent travel and holiday camera with lots to recommend it, the PowerShot SX70 HS is a fine option for holidays in sunnier climes. If you need something that will deliver across a broader range of indoor and outdoor situations, though, it may be best to look towards a camera with a more modest zoom range and a larger sensor.

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;

The Canon PowerShot SX70 HS is good for sport and wildlife photography. It has a good continuous shooting speed and a relatively quick buffer empty time, so you can capture moments of fast-moving action with minimal interruption.

Incredibly long focal length., Lightweight and comfortable to use., Excellent image stabilization., Good shooting speed.

Image quality degrades in low light., No touchscreen., Bulky size.

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