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Canon PowerShot A720 IS Point & Shoot Camera

The Canon PowerShot A720 IS is a 8MP 1/2.5 inch compact camera — with 480p video. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.

Canon PowerShot A720 IS Point & Shoot Camera

Canon PowerShot A720 IS Point & Shoot Camera

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Camera Overview — Canon PowerShot A720 IS

The Canon PowerShot A720 IS is an 8MP point-and-shoot camera built around a 1/2.5-inch sensor and powered by Canon's DIGIC III image processor. It covers an ISO range of 80 to 1600, giving shooters some flexibility in varying lighting conditions. The camera delivers still images at a maximum resolution of 3264x2448 pixels and supports a burst mode at up to 1.3 fps.

For video, it captures footage at up to 480p with frame rate options of 30fps or 15fps in 8-bit color. Autofocus is handled by a 9-point Contrast Detection system that also includes Face Detection AF. Optical Image Stabilization helps reduce camera shake during handheld shooting.

The 2.5-inch fixed LCD displays at 115,000 dots, and an optical viewfinder is also available as an alternative for composing shots. A built-in pop-up flash covers basic flash needs, and storage is handled via SD and SDHC cards. The camera runs on 2 x AA batteries — alkaline, NiMH, or lithium — offering approximately 140 shots on alkaline or 400 shots on NiMH per CIPA standards.

The plastic body measures 97 x 67 x 42 mm and weighs 243g, making it genuinely pocketable. No weather sealing is present, and connectivity is limited to USB — no Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

Key Features — Canon PowerShot A720 IS

8MP 1/2.5-Inch Sensor: Captures still images at up to 3264x2448 pixels, suitable for standard prints and everyday photography.

Optical Image Stabilization: Canon's OIS system reduces camera shake during handheld shooting, helping produce sharper images in lower light or at longer focal lengths.

DIGIC III Processor: Canon's DIGIC III engine handles image processing and supports features like Face Detection AF for faster subject acquisition.

AA Battery Compatibility: Runs on 2 x AA alkaline, NiMH, or lithium batteries, making it easy to find replacement power anywhere without proprietary chargers.

Dual Composition Options: Both a 2.5-inch LCD and an optical viewfinder are available for framing shots, useful in bright sunlight where screens can be hard to see.

Face Detection AF: Contrast Detection autofocus includes Face Detection to help keep subjects sharp in portraits and group shots.

Camera Specifications — Canon PowerShot A720 IS

Canon PowerShot A720 IS full specifications
SpecDetail
Use CasesTravel, Beginner-Friendly
TypePoint and Shoot
Sensor1/2.5 inch
Resolution8MP
ProcessorDIGIC III
ISO Range80 – 1600
AF SystemContrast Detection, Face Detection AF
AF Points9 points
Max Photo Resolution3264x2448
Burst Rate1.3 fps
Max Video Resolution480p
Max Frame Rate30fps

Description — Canon PowerShot A720 IS

The Canon PowerShot A720 IS pairs an 8MP sensor on a 1/2.5-inch chip with the DIGIC III image processor, producing still images at up to 3264x2448 pixels. The ISO range runs from 80 to 1600, and color profile options include Vivid, Neutral, Sepia, Monochrome, and Custom. Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) is built in to assist with handheld shooting. The 9-point autofocus system uses Contrast Detection and Face Detection AF for reliable subject acquisition.

For composing shots, shooters can choose between the optical viewfinder or the 2.5-inch fixed LCD with 115,000-dot resolution. Video recording tops out at 480p at 30fps or 15fps in 8-bit color. A built-in pop-up flash handles low-light fill, and storage is via SD and SDHC cards.

The 2 x AA battery system — compatible with alkaline, NiMH, or lithium cells — delivers up to 400 shots per charge on NiMH. The plastic body measures 97 x 67 x 42 mm and weighs 243g, with no weather sealing and USB as the sole connectivity option.

Pros — Canon PowerShot A720 IS

  • ✓Flexible AA battery compatibility (alkaline, NiMH, or lithium) makes power sourcing easy anywhere
  • ✓NiMH batteries deliver approximately 400 shots per charge per CIPA standard
  • ✓Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) helps reduce blur during handheld shooting

Cons — Canon PowerShot A720 IS

  • ✗Video is capped at 480p resolution with no higher-resolution option
  • ✗Burst mode tops out at just 1.3 fps, limiting action shooting capability
  • ✗LCD resolution of 115,000 dots is low by modern standards, making image review less precise

Reviews — Canon PowerShot A720 IS

Videos — Canon PowerShot A720 IS

The ULTIMATE FILM ALTERNATIVE? My MOST used digital CCD sensor camera. Canon PowerShot A590is — Liam Kix

Resources & Downloads — Canon PowerShot A720 IS

Manuals & Guides

Frequently Asked Questions — Canon PowerShot A720 IS

What type of batteries does the Canon PowerShot A720 IS use?+
The camera uses 2 x AA batteries and accepts alkaline, NiMH, or lithium types. Per CIPA standards, you can expect approximately 140 shots on alkaline batteries and around 400 shots on NiMH batteries.
What storage cards are compatible with this camera?+
The PowerShot A720 IS accepts SD and SDHC memory cards. No other card formats are supported.
Does the camera have image stabilization?+
Yes, it features Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). Note that in-body IS and digital IS are not present — only the optical system is included.
What is the maximum video resolution this camera can record?+
The camera records video at a maximum resolution of 480p, with frame rate options of 30fps or 15fps. Video is captured in 8-bit color.
Does the camera support wireless connectivity?+
No. The PowerShot A720 IS does not include Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. It connects to a computer via USB only.
What autofocus system does the camera use?+
It uses a Contrast Detection autofocus system with 9 focus points and includes Face Detection AF. Eye tracking and subject tracking are not supported.

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