Canon PowerShot A720 IS Review 2026: Is This Still Worth Buying?
The Canon PowerShot A720 IS launched back in 2007, yet it keeps showing up in shopping carts in 2026. Vintage digital cameras have made a strong comeback, and this little 8 megapixel shooter is one of the most searched names on Reddit, eBay, and YouTube.
Many photographers want the warm, film like look that older CCD sensors produce, and the A720 IS delivers that look at a friendly price.
This review breaks down everything you need to know before you buy one in 2026. You will learn about its sensor, zoom lens, image quality, battery life, video features, and price.
You will also see how it compares to modern compacts and which alternatives suit different budgets. Read on to decide if this retro Canon belongs in your bag.
Key Takeaways
- The Canon PowerShot A720 IS uses an 8 megapixel CCD sensor that produces warm, sharp images with a vintage feel that phone cameras cannot copy.
- It packs a 6x optical zoom lens with optical image stabilization, which is rare for a camera of its age and price class.
- The camera runs on two AA batteries, so you can swap power on the road without hunting for proprietary chargers.
- Image quality is strongest at ISO 80 to 200, while higher ISO shots show noise that adds to the retro mood many users want.
- You can find a used A720 IS for around 80 to 130 dollars on resale sites, which makes it one of the most affordable vintage point and shoot options.
- Modern alternatives like the Canon SX740 HS or ELPH 360 HS offer more zoom and 4K video, but they lack the classic CCD color science.
Canon PowerShot A720 IS Overview
- 12.1 megapixels, 4x optical zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer, and DIGIC III Image Processor
- Lithium-ion battery makes the camera lighter and offers an easy alternative to recharge
The Canon PowerShot A720 IS sits in the middle of Canon’s old A series lineup. It replaced the A710 IS and added a higher resolution sensor and a wider ISO range. The body feels chunky compared to a modern slim compact, but that grip makes it easy to hold steady.
Canon packed solid features into this camera for its time. You get an 8 megapixel CCD sensor, a 6x optical zoom, optical image stabilization, face detection, and a 2.5 inch LCD. The camera also keeps an optical viewfinder, which most modern compacts have dropped.
The A720 IS feels like a bridge between film cameras and the digital era. You can shoot in full auto or use program, aperture priority, shutter priority, and manual modes. That mix makes it a great learning tool for new photographers in 2026 who want to practice the basics without phone distractions.
Design and Build Quality
The A720 IS uses a tough plastic shell with a rubberized grip on the right side. The body weighs about 200 grams without batteries, which feels solid without being heavy. The silver and black finish still looks clean even on used units from 2007.
The button layout is simple and clear. You get a mode dial on top, a dedicated print share button, and a four way controller on the back. The shutter button sits right under your index finger, and the zoom rocker wraps around it. Every control falls where your thumb or finger expects it to be.
The lens extends in two stages when you power on the camera. This adds a small delay, but the lens locks in place firmly. The battery and SD card door feels snug, which matters because AA batteries shift more than dedicated packs. Build quality is one reason so many used A720 IS units still work today.
Image Sensor and Picture Quality
The A720 IS uses a 1/2.5 inch CCD sensor with 8 megapixels of resolution. CCD sensors are now rare because most modern cameras use CMOS chips. The CCD look is exactly why people buy this camera in 2026.
Images from the A720 IS show rich, warm colors and pleasing skin tones. Highlights roll off in a soft way that reminds many users of consumer film stocks. At ISO 80 and ISO 100, the photos look surprisingly clean and sharp. Edge to edge detail is strong thanks to the well designed Canon lens.
ISO 400 starts to show noise, and ISO 800 and ISO 1600 produce grainy results. Many vintage camera fans actually love this grain because it adds character to street and travel photos. If you want clean low light shots, this is not the right camera. If you want a moody, nostalgic look, the A720 IS nails it.
Lens Performance and 6x Optical Zoom
The 6x optical zoom covers a 35mm to 210mm equivalent range. That gives you a useful wide angle for groups and landscapes plus a real telephoto reach for portraits and details. The maximum aperture runs from f/2.8 at the wide end to f/4.8 at full zoom.
Sharpness is best between the wide end and the middle of the zoom range. At full 210mm reach, images get a bit softer, but they stay usable for social media and prints up to 8 by 10 inches. The lens shows minor barrel distortion at the wide end, which is normal for compacts of this era.
The built in optical image stabilizer is the star of the show. It gives you about two to three stops of handheld benefit. You can shoot at slower shutter speeds without blur, which helps a lot in low light or at the long end of the zoom. Few cheap vintage compacts include true optical stabilization, so this feature alone makes the A720 IS stand out.
Top 3 Alternatives for Canon PowerShot A720 IS
If the A720 IS is hard to find in good shape, or if you want more modern features, these three cameras are strong alternatives. Each one covers a different budget and use case.
- Powerful 40x Optical Zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer and Zoom Framing Assist
- 4K Video and 4K Time-lapse Movie
- Canon USA Authorized. Items Include: Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Digital Camera (Black) and 64GB Memory Card
- The Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A combines a 20.2MP CMOS sensor and DIGIC 4+ processor for sharp, high-quality stills and Full HD 1080p...
- 26mm wide lens with 4x optical zoom
- Capture breathtaking images in Sweep Panorama Mode
The Canon SX740 HS offers a huge 40x optical zoom, 4K video, and Wi Fi. It is the best pick if you want long range shots and modern connectivity. The Canon ELPH 360 HS is a slim 12x zoom compact that fits in a pocket, with Full HD video and a 20 megapixel CMOS sensor. The Sony Cyber Shot DSC W530 is the budget vintage pick, with a 14 megapixel sensor and a 4x zoom that mimics the casual point and shoot style of the A720 era.
Manual Controls and Shooting Modes
The A720 IS gives you full manual control, which is rare for a budget compact. You can pick from program, aperture priority, shutter priority, and full manual modes. The mode dial also includes auto, portrait, landscape, night, sports, and a stitch assist mode for panoramas.
In manual mode you can set shutter speeds from 15 seconds up to 1/2000 of a second. Aperture choices are limited because the lens uses an ND filter system rather than true blades, but you still get useful control. ISO ranges from 80 to 1600, with an auto high ISO setting for tricky light.
The custom white balance feature is excellent for its class. You can point the camera at a white card and lock in accurate colors. Exposure compensation and bracketing are also on board, so you can shoot for HDR or fix tricky lighting. These features make the A720 IS a real teaching tool for beginners who want to learn photography basics.
Video Recording Features
Video on the A720 IS is basic by 2026 standards. The camera records at 640 by 480 resolution at 30 frames per second in Motion JPEG format. There is no HD mode and no 4K. Sound is mono only through a small built in microphone.
The video does have a charm of its own. The standard definition look feels like old camcorder footage from the early 2000s, which is trendy on TikTok and Instagram in 2026. Many creators chase this aesthetic on purpose. The A720 IS gives you that look straight out of the camera.
You can zoom during recording, but the optical zoom is locked once you press record. Only digital zoom works during a clip. Image stabilization stays active during video, which helps a lot when you walk and shoot. If retro style video clips are your goal, this camera delivers them without filters.
Battery Life and Power Options
The A720 IS runs on two AA batteries, which is a huge advantage over cameras with proprietary packs. You can use alkaline cells in a pinch, rechargeable NiMH cells for daily use, or even lithium AAs for cold weather.
With a good set of NiMH batteries, you can expect about 300 to 400 shots per charge. That number is solid for a compact camera. The AA system also means you can buy fresh power at any gas station or convenience store, which matters on travel days when chargers stay home.
The downside is that AA batteries add a bit of weight and bulk. A modern lithium pack would be smaller and lighter. Still, for a vintage camera that you might pull out once a week, the AA system is the simplest and most reliable choice. Just keep a spare pair in your bag and you are set for the day.
LCD Screen and Optical Viewfinder
The A720 IS has a 2.5 inch LCD with 115,000 pixels. That resolution is low by modern standards, and the screen looks grainy when you zoom in to check focus. It is fine for framing shots and reviewing exposure, but you cannot judge fine detail on the screen.
The screen brightness is acceptable in shade and indoors. In bright sunlight, the LCD washes out, which is where the camera’s other big feature steps in. The A720 IS includes a real optical viewfinder, a feature that most modern compacts have removed.
The optical viewfinder is small and shows about 80 percent of the frame. It is not as accurate as an SLR finder, but it lets you compose shots when the screen is unusable. You can also save battery by turning the LCD off and using the viewfinder, which extends your shooting day. Few compacts under 200 dollars in 2026 give you both options.
Autofocus and Speed Performance
The autofocus system uses a 9 point AiAF setup with face detection. In good light, the camera locks focus in about half a second. The DIGIC III processor handles the work well and rarely hunts in normal scenes.
In low light, focus speed drops and the camera hunts more often. A small AF assist lamp helps in dim rooms, but it does not reach far. Continuous shooting maxes out at about 1.3 frames per second, which feels slow today. The A720 IS is not built for action or sports.
Startup time is roughly two seconds from off to first shot. Shutter lag is short once focus locks. The camera is responsive for daily shooting, family events, and travel photos. Just do not expect it to keep up with kids running or fast moving pets. Patience and timing matter more with a camera from this era.
Pros and Cons of the Canon PowerShot A720 IS
Every camera has trade offs, and the A720 IS is no exception. Here is a clear look at the high points and the low points based on hands on use in 2026.
The pros are easy to list. The camera offers excellent CCD image quality at low ISO, a useful 6x zoom with image stabilization, full manual controls, an optical viewfinder, AA battery power, and a friendly used price. The build quality is strong, and the user interface is one of the cleanest Canon ever made.
The cons are real but manageable. Video is only standard definition. There is no Wi Fi, no Bluetooth, and no GPS. High ISO noise is heavy above ISO 400. The LCD resolution is low. Burst shooting is slow. The camera is bulky compared to a slim modern compact. None of these issues are dealbreakers if you know what you are buying.
Price and Where to Buy in 2026
The Canon PowerShot A720 IS is no longer in production, so all sales are used or refurbished. Prices in 2026 range from about 70 dollars for a worn unit to 150 dollars for a like new sample with original box. The average eBay price sits around 100 dollars.
You can also find the camera on Amazon, Mercari, and at local thrift stores. Always check that the lens extends smoothly and the LCD has no dead pixels before you buy. A working A720 IS should power on within two seconds and zoom without any grinding noise.
Be sure to factor in a few extras. You may need a 2 GB SD card, a fresh set of NiMH AA batteries, and a charger. The total cost with accessories usually lands around 120 to 160 dollars. That price still beats most modern compacts and gives you a unique CCD look that costs far more on rarer vintage models.
Who Should Buy the Canon PowerShot A720 IS
This camera is a great fit for several types of users. Vintage digital fans who chase the early 2000s look will love the CCD output. Photography students will benefit from the full manual controls and the clean user interface. Travelers who hate proprietary chargers will enjoy the AA battery system.
Casual shooters who want a backup to their phone will find the A720 IS easy to carry and fun to use. The optical viewfinder and zoom make it more flexible than most phones. Parents who want a cheap first camera for a kid can hand this one over without worry, since it is durable and easy to replace if dropped.
The A720 IS is not the right pick for everyone. Skip it if you need 4K video, Wi Fi transfer, fast burst shooting, or strong low light performance. Modern compacts like the Canon SX740 HS handle those tasks far better. But if vintage charm and manual learning are your goals, the A720 IS hits a sweet spot.
Final Verdict
The Canon PowerShot A720 IS in 2026 is a charming, capable, and affordable vintage compact. Its 8 megapixel CCD sensor produces images with a warm, film like character that modern phone cameras cannot match. The 6x stabilized zoom, full manual modes, and AA battery system add real practical value.
It will not replace a modern compact for sports, low light, or 4K video. It does not need to. The A720 IS earns its place as a fun second camera for creative projects, daily snapshots, and learning the basics of photography. It also makes a fine gift for anyone curious about the vintage digital trend.
For around 100 dollars used, this little Canon delivers more joy per shot than many cameras at three times the price. If you find one in good shape, grab it. The A720 IS proves that good design and honest features do not go out of style, even almost 20 years after launch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Canon PowerShot A720 IS still good in 2026?
Yes, the camera still produces sharp, warm images at low ISO and works well for casual and creative use. Its CCD sensor gives a vintage look that many photographers want in 2026. It is not built for action or 4K video, but it shines for daily and travel shots.
What batteries does the Canon PowerShot A720 IS use?
The A720 IS uses two AA batteries. You can use alkaline, lithium, or rechargeable NiMH cells. NiMH batteries give the best balance of cost, weight, and shot count, with about 300 to 400 photos per charge.
Does the Canon PowerShot A720 IS shoot video?
Yes, but only in standard definition. The camera records 640 by 480 video at 30 frames per second in Motion JPEG format. The look is retro and popular for social media clips in 2026.
Can you connect the A720 IS to a phone or computer?
You can connect it to a computer with a USB cable to transfer photos. The camera has no Wi Fi or Bluetooth, so it cannot send photos to a phone directly. You can also pull the SD card and use a reader.
How much should I pay for a used Canon PowerShot A720 IS?
A used A720 IS usually costs between 70 and 150 dollars depending on condition. A clean unit with original box and accessories sits at the top of that range. Always test the lens, screen, and shutter before you buy.
What SD card works with the Canon PowerShot A720 IS?
The camera supports SD and SDHC cards up to about 32 GB. A 2 GB or 4 GB card is plenty for daily use since the files are small. Stick with name brand cards like SanDisk or Kingston for reliable performance.
Hi there! I’m Jinny, the tech enthusiast behind GadgetInsight. I spend my days unboxing the newest devices, diving deep into their features, and figuring out how they can genuinely improve your life – or if they’re worth your hard-earned money at all.
Last update on 2026-06-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
