
We have updated the core specification comparison of Canon SX70 HS vs. Nikon P900. These two superzoom cameras are highly popular among photographers, specifically due to the long zoom range that the cameras offer under $600. The Canon SX70 HS was announced back in 2018, and the Nikon P900 in March 2015. Yes, both of them are old but still in production and high demand. Both cameras are of perfect tool for travel and wildlife photography, and even for casual photography. Let’s dive into the details and find out the best one among these two.

IDive more into the details, The Canon SX70 HS vs Nikon P900 Detailed specification comparison below
Canon SX70 HS vs Nikon P900 – Specification Comarison
| Features/ Models | Canon SX70 HS | Nikon P900 |
| Megapixel | 20.3 Megapixel | 16 Megapixel CMOS Sensor |
| Sensor size | 1/2.3″ (6.17 x 4.55 mm) | 1/2.3″ (6.17 x 4.55 mm) |
| Low pass filter | Yes | Yes |
| Optical Zoom | 65X | 83.3X |
| Aperture Range | F3.4–6.5 | F2.8 – F6.5 |
| Macro Range | 0 cm | 1 Cm |
| Image Stabilization | Optical | Optical |
| AF system | Contrast Detect | Contrast Detect |
| AF Points | 9 AF points | 49 AF points |
| ISO | Auto, 100-3200 | Auto, 100-12800 |
| Shutter Min/ mix | 30-1/32000 | 15 sec-1/4000 |
| Continuous shooting speed | 10 fps | 7fps |
| Video | 4K @ 30fps | Full HD @60fps |
| Display | 3.0″ 922,000-Dot Fully articulated Xtra Fine LCD | 3.0″ 921k-Dot Free-Angle LCD Monitor |
| Viewfinder | Electronic (100%) | Electronic (100%) |
| Hot shoe | Yes | No |
| Wireless | WiFi and NFC | WiFi and NFC |
| Battery life | 325 shots | 360 shots |
| Dimensions | 127 x 91 x 117 mm | 140 x 103 x 137 mm |
| Weight | 605 g | 831 g |
Key Differences and Advantages Over Each Other
- The Canon SX70 HS offers slightly higher resolution.
- The Canon SX70 HS camera features a 20.3MP BSI CMOS sensor, offering higher resolution compared to the Nikon P900’s 16MP CMOS sensor. But a 4MP difference between them doesn’t matter that much since there’s a big difference in the optical zoom powers of the two.
The Optical Zoom of Nikon P900 – Wins here
- The Nikon P900’s 83.3x optical zoom, which covers approximately 2000mm, dominates over Canon SX70 HS’s 65x optical zoom. Nikon provides a longer telephoto reach, highly suitable for capturing distant objects.
- One thing to note is that the Nikon P900 uses a slightly better lens compared to Canon’s. The Nikon P900 starts at f/2.8 aperture, whereas Canon SX70 HS starts from f/3.4. Although SX70 HS covers a slightly wider range (21mm vs. 24mm).
Autofocus System: Nikon Wins Here
- In this round of the mega zoom camera competition, the Nikon P900 features a better autofocus system compared to the Canon SX70 HS.
- The P900 uses a 49-point contrast-detect AF system, whereas the Canon SX70 HS remains limited to a 9-point system. So potentially, Nikon will offer better focusing, even on moving subjects.
ISO Range – Nikon offer Extended Range
- The Nikon P900 offers an extended ISO range up to 12800. Despite having a lower resolution sensor, the larger pixel size captures more light compared to the Canon sensor, which remains limited to ISO 3200.
Continuous Shooting Speed – Canon Wins here
- The Canon SX70 HS has a better continuous shooting speed. The camera can shoot up to 10 frames per second, while the Nikon P900 remains limited to 7 fps. So you’ll miss approximately three frames every second when using the Nikon P900.
Canon SX70 HS Has 4K Advantage
- The Canon SX70 HS can record 4K video up to 30fps, which is a great upgrade over the Nikon P900 that remains limited to Full HD @ 60fps.
- Additionally, Canon SX70 HS also has a dedicated microphone port for enhanced audio input.
Design and Portability Factors Favor Canon
- The Canon SX70 HS camera is quite lightweight since it has fewer zoom elements. It weighs only 608 grams, whereas Nikon with its extended zoom weighs 899 grams.
- So, it all depends — can you sacrifice optical reach for weight? You have to decide.
Connectivity
- Canon offers Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity.
- Nikon also features Wi-Fi, but it doesn’t have Bluetooth. So transferring images is easy on both, but if you want to use a Bluetooth remote controller, it only works with Canon.
Battery Life
- Nikon P900 has a slight edge here — it offers 360 shots, whereas Canon SX70 HS is limited to 325. The difference is small.
- But a big advantage is that the P900 also supports in-camera USB charging, which is very convenient for travel, whereas Canon requires an external charger.
2025 Market for Both Cameras
- Canon SX70 HS is available at a slightly more affordable price tag in new condition — you have to pay $699 for the camera.
- As we all know, the Nikon P900 has been discontinued, so used bodies are available on B&H, eBay, and some on Amazon at around $566. But if you want a new camera, you can go for the upgraded model — the Nikon P950, available at $796.
Conclusion – Best Zoom Camera Nikon P900
Nikon P900 camera 83X Optical zoom, 18X more than the Canon SX70 HS camera. And 2 stop more ISO range for cleaner low-light images. But, on the other hand, the Canon SX70 HS camera offers a bit faster continuous shooting speed and the capability to record 4K videos. So, if you are looking for a Zoom camera under $600, then you should get the Nikon P900, or if you also want to shoot 4K videos with your megazoom camera, then go with the Canon SX70HS.
Buy the Nikon P900 camera from Amazon and B&H
Buy Canon SX70 HS from B&H Store | Amazon.com









Correction: the SX70 HS has a 1/2.3″ sensor, not the much larger 1″ sensor. It compares to the Nikon, certainly. But that misprint would have you comparing it to the Sony RX10 or the Panasonic FZ2500, which are in an entirely different league.
This is comparing apples and oranges. It is like comparing a Nikon P1000 with a Nikon D3500.
If the SX70 is to be compared with a Nikon P series camera, it should be more appropriately compared with the P600, or its replacement, the P610.
But, the even more appropriate comparison, as I have already mentioned, would be comparing the SX70 with the Nikon B700. Those two cameras, are the most similar, and, the SX70, as I have already suggested, appears to be Canon’s equivalent of the Nimon B700.
Why that comparison is not done, is not explained.
In my last previous post,
“Canon’s equivalent of the Nimon B700.”
should have been
“Canon’s equivalent of the Nikon B700.”
Sorry.
@Dave Haynie
Thanks for the suggestion, we have corrected the info.
@Bret Busby
We will compare it with Nikon B700 also.
But, at the same time the Nikon P900 also falls in approx same price range. So, we have to compare it.
Canon sensor size 1″?
This comparison is flawed in a number of ways. The replacement for the SX60 is the SX70,equally the replacement for the P900 was the P1000. The SX70 should be compared with the P1000, not the P900.
As stated by someone else, its on the G series that have 1″ sensor, this has the much smaller 1/2.3 sensor.
Unfortunately if you did this review properly, you would probably be recommending the Nikon P1000
Andy
@Andy
We pick cameras based on features and price range, the P900 and Canon SX70HS falls on same price range.
Canon, congratulations! For taking the step, for introducing the BSI-CMOS technology in the recently presented PowerShote. White and bottled, …………. The future Canon APS-C Pro can break molds.
Canon, enhorabuena!, por dar el paso, por introducir la tecnología BSI-CMOS en la recién presentada PowerShote. Blanco y en botella, …………. La futura APS-C Pro de Canon puede romper moldes.