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The best Canon point-and-shoot depends on what you want it to do: choose the PowerShot G7 X Mark III for creator video and a larger-sensor starting point, the G5 X Mark II for premium stills with a viewfinder, or the SX740 HS when long optical zoom matters most. The ELPH 360 HS A is the lightest option here, while the older G7 X Mark II is worth considering only after comparing its condition, warranty and price with newer alternatives. Availability varies by region, and at least one model is listed as discontinued or out of stock on Canon’s U.S. product page.
Which Canon point-and-shoot is best for you?
There is no single best Canon compact camera for every buyer. These five PowerShot models solve different problems: two prioritize a 1-inch sensor, one reaches much farther across a scene, one emphasizes a small carry weight, and one is an older 1-inch option. Use the table to narrow the choice, then confirm that the exact model is available at a price and condition you consider reasonable.
| Model | Best fit | Sensor and resolution | Lens or zoom | Video and framing | Weight | Availability, price and other details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III | Overall image quality and creator video | 20.1MP, 1-inch stacked CMOS | 24–100mm-equivalent; f/1.8–2.8; optical stabilization | 4K/30p, tilting touchscreen, vertical-video support and live streaming | Not stated in the cited Canon specification | Canon’s U.S. product page marks it discontinued/out of stock; remaining, used or refurbished stock may be the practical route. Canon specifies NB-13L battery and SD-family card support. Price and warranty terms vary by seller. |
| Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II | Premium stills with an electronic viewfinder | 20.1MP, 1-inch stacked CMOS | 5x optical zoom | 4K/30p; pop-up electronic viewfinder and Touch & Drag AF | Not stated in the cited Canon sources | Current price, warranty and availability are not stated in the cited Canon materials. |
| Canon PowerShot SX740 HS | Travel and distant subjects | 20.3MP, 1/2.3-inch CMOS | 40x optical zoom; 24–960mm-equivalent; optical stabilization | 4K video | 299g CIPA weight | Current price, warranty and availability are not stated in the cited Canon specification. |
| Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A | Lightweight casual carry | 20.2MP, 1/2.3-inch CMOS | Not stated in the cited Canon specification | Not stated in the cited Canon specification | 147g CIPA weight | Current price, warranty and availability are not stated in the cited Canon specification. |
| Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II | Older 1-inch alternative | Not stated in the cited Canon catalog entry | Not stated in the cited Canon catalog entry | Not stated in the cited Canon catalog entry | Not stated in the cited Canon catalog entry | Still listed in Canon’s catalog; compare the particular camera’s condition, warranty and price carefully because it is an older generation. |
The specifications in this comparison come from Canon U.S. product information and Canon’s 2023 product guide where noted. “Not stated” means the cited material does not establish that value; it does not mean a camera lacks the feature. The weight figures shown are CIPA weights for the two models for which Canon’s cited specifications provide them. No independent lab test results are available here, so the image-quality guidance below is based on sensor size and documented features rather than a head-to-head test.
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Start with the photographs and situations you expect to shoot, not the megapixel number alone. A long zoom, a larger sensor, a pocket-friendly body and creator-oriented video are different priorities, and a compact camera cannot maximize all of them at once.
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Sensor size and low-light flexibility
The G7 X Mark III and G5 X Mark II use 1-inch sensors, while the SX740 HS and ELPH 360 HS A use smaller 1/2.3-inch sensors. All else being equal, the larger sensor gives the two G-series cameras a stronger starting point for low-light work and background control. That is a sensor-size-based inference, not a promise that every picture will look better: exposure, lens settings, focus, subject movement and how the image is viewed also matter.
Do not treat megapixels as a direct image-quality ranking. The listed models cluster around 20 megapixels, but resolution alone does not tell you how clean a dim indoor image will look or how much background blur a camera can produce.
Zoom range and stabilization
Optical zoom changes the view through the lens, making it useful when you cannot move closer to a subject. The SX740 HS is the clear reach option in this group, with a documented 40x range; its smaller sensor is the trade-off to understand before choosing it over a G-series model. Optical stabilization is specified for the SX740 HS and G7 X Mark III, but the cited information does not establish comparable stabilization details for every model in this list.
Zoom does not guarantee that a camera will capture every distant subject sharply. Light, camera movement and subject movement still affect the result. For travel landmarks or a distant stage, the SX740 HS’s reach can be more useful than a larger sensor; for indoor portraits or general-purpose shooting, the G-series sensor size and lens information may better match the need.
Video and viewing
Resolution is only one part of choosing a camera for video. If you plan to record yourself, check how the screen tilts and whether the camera has the creator functions you actually need. The G7 X Mark III is the most clearly documented creator-oriented choice here; the G5 X Mark II offers a pop-up electronic viewfinder, a useful alternative for still photographers who prefer composing at eye level.
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Size, weight and daily use
A camera that is easy to carry is more likely to be with you when a photo opportunity appears. Canon lists the ELPH 360 HS A at 147g and the SX740 HS at 299g under CIPA weight specifications. Those figures help frame the portability trade-off, but the cited material does not provide equivalent weights for all five cameras, and accessories such as a spare battery or case add to what you carry.
Is the PowerShot G7 X Mark III the best Canon camera for vlogging?
It is the strongest match in this group for a creator who wants documented video and streaming functions alongside a compact camera. Canon describes it as “video creator ready” and says it can use live-streaming services directly to YouTube; it also lists 4K/30p recording, vertical-video support and a tilting touchscreen.
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That feature combination is more relevant to vlogging than the sensor resolution alone. A tilting screen can help you monitor framing while recording yourself, and vertical-video support is useful if your intended format is portrait orientation. The cited product information does not establish every detail a creator may need—such as recording limits, streaming requirements or current service compatibility—so verify those specifics with Canon for the exact region and firmware before buying.
Availability is the practical complication. Canon’s U.S. product page currently marks the model discontinued/out of stock, so a buyer may need to consider remaining new stock, refurbished stock or a used unit. For a used camera, test the screen hinge, touch response, lens movement, recording and any needed connection before relying on it for paid or time-sensitive work.
Should you choose the G5 X Mark II for still photography?
The G5 X Mark II is the premium stills-oriented pick if you want a 1-inch sensor and an electronic viewfinder in a compact body. Canon’s product information specifies 5x optical zoom and 4K/30p video, while Canon’s 2023 guide highlights the pop-up viewfinder and Touch & Drag AF.
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The viewfinder is a meaningful distinction from relying only on a rear screen: it gives you an eye-level way to compose, while Touch & Drag AF is intended to let you adjust focus by touch. These features may suit travel, street and everyday still photography when you value framing options more than the extreme reach of a travel-zoom camera.
The cited Canon material does not provide a current price or stock status for this model. Check the seller’s exact listing and regional Canon support information rather than assuming that every retailer has the same new, refurbished or used options.
Is the PowerShot SX740 HS the best Canon camera for travel and zoom?
Choose the SX740 HS if getting close to distant subjects without changing lenses is the priority. Its 40x optical zoom covers a 24–960mm-equivalent range, and Canon also specifies optical stabilization and 4K video.
That reach makes it the most natural option here for sightseeing, landmarks, and subjects that are difficult to approach. It is not automatically the best travel camera for everyone: its 1/2.3-inch sensor is smaller than the G-series 1-inch sensors, so buyers who expect frequent indoor or low-light shooting should weigh reach against sensor size rather than treating 40x as a universal advantage.
Canon lists a CIPA weight of 299g. The cited specification does not establish a current price or availability, so confirm those with a seller in your region before deciding whether it fits your trip budget.
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Is the ELPH 360 HS A a good small Canon camera?
The ELPH 360 HS A is the light-carry choice in this five-camera guide, with a Canon-listed CIPA weight of 147g and a 20.2MP 1/2.3-inch sensor. It is the model to investigate if keeping the camera load down matters more than choosing a larger sensor or the longest documented zoom.
The cited Canon information does not establish its lens range, video capabilities, current price or availability. Check the exact model name and full specification sheet before purchase, especially if you have a minimum zoom or video requirement. The “A” in the model name matters when matching product listings; do not assume a listing for a similarly named ELPH model has identical specifications.
When does the older G7 X Mark II make sense?
The G7 X Mark II may be worth considering as an older 1-inch alternative if a particular unit is attractively priced and its condition and warranty are acceptable. Canon’s catalog still lists the model, but the cited catalog entry does not establish its detailed specifications, present availability or a fair current price.
Compare the actual unit and seller terms rather than assuming that the Mark II and Mark III are interchangeable. Ask what is included, whether the camera has been tested, what the return window covers and whether the warranty applies to you. If the price approaches that of a newer or better-supported option, the older generation may not be the sensible purchase.
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How should you compare price, warranty and stock?
Prices and availability are not fixed across regions or sellers, and the cited Canon information does not establish current transaction prices for these five models. Check the exact model, condition and warranty on the listing you intend to buy; a new, refurbished and used camera are not equivalent offers even when they share a product name.
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- Confirm the model: Match the full product name, including Mark II or Mark III and the ELPH 360 HS A suffix, against the product page and seller listing.
- Check condition and returns: For used or refurbished stock, establish what testing was done, what the return period is and who is responsible if the camera develops a fault.
- Verify regional support: Confirm that the seller’s warranty applies in your country and that local service options are available.
- Budget for essentials: Canon specifies NB-13L battery and SD-family card support for the G7 X Mark III. Confirm which battery, charger and card are included with the specific camera; the cited material does not establish equivalent accessory details for all five models.
- Check the feature you need: If a must-have is not documented in this guide—for example, a specific screen behavior or card format—verify it in Canon’s specification for that exact model before paying.
Which one should you buy?
Choose the G7 X Mark III if creator video is central and you can find a trustworthy unit; the G5 X Mark II if you want a 1-inch compact with a viewfinder; the SX740 HS if distant-subject reach comes first; or the ELPH 360 HS A if the cited low weight is your priority. Consider the G7 X Mark II only as an older alternative after checking the specific camera’s condition, warranty and price. Because Canon availability is uneven and regional, confirm current stock and seller terms at the point of purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the SX740 HS suitable for wildlife photography?
Its long optical-zoom range can help when wildlife is far away, but the cited specifications do not establish autofocus tracking, burst performance or how well it handles a particular animal or lighting condition. If those capabilities matter, verify them in the full model-specific documentation and test samples before relying on it.
Does a 1-inch sensor always take better photos than a 1/2.3-inch sensor?
No. Sensor size is one factor, not a guarantee for every scene or photographer. The larger sensor is a useful starting point for low-light flexibility and background control, but focus, exposure, lens settings and subject movement can change the result.
What should I test before buying a used PowerShot?
Take and review test photos at both wide and telephoto settings, check that the lens extends and retracts smoothly, and try every screen control you expect to use. Also test video recording, battery charging and the included accessories, then confirm the seller’s return window and warranty in writing.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
