A potelyt.com – Photography & Imaging Resources
ad

When you use links on apotelyt.com to buy products,
the site may earn a commission.

PW

Canon SX720 vs YI M1

The Canon PowerShot SX720 HS and the YI M1 are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in February 2016 and September 2016. The SX720 is a fixed lens compact, while the M1 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on a 1/2.3-inch (SX720) and a Four Thirds (M1) sensor. Both cameras offer a resolution of 20.2 megapixels.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Canon SX720
versus
YI M1
Canon SX720   YI M1
Fixed lens compact camera Mirrorless system camera
24-960mm f/3.3-6.9 Micro Four Thirds lenses
20.2 MP – 1/2.3" sensor 20.2 MP – Four Thirds sensor
1080/60p Video 4K/30p Video
ISO 80-3,200 ISO 100-25,600
No viewfinder, LCD framing No viewfinder, LCD framing
3.0" LCD – 922k dots 3.0" LCD – 1040k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Fixed touchscreen
5.9 shutter flaps per second 5 shutter flaps per second
250 shots per battery charge450 shots per battery charge
110 x 64 x 36 mm, 270 g 114 x 64 x 34 mm, 281 g
logo
Check SX720 offers at
ebay.com
logo
Check M1 offers at
ebay.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon PowerShot SX720 HS and the YI M1? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

ad

Body comparison

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Canon SX720 and the YI M1 is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The SX720 can be obtained in two different colors (black, red), while the M1 is also available in two color-versions, but different ones (black, silver).

Size Canon SX720 vs YI M1
Compare SX720 versus M1 top
Comparison SX720 or M1 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the YI M1 is somewhat larger (4 percent) than the Canon SX720. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the SX720 nor the M1 are weather-sealed.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the SX720 has a lens built in, whereas the M1 is an interchangeable lens camera that requires a separate lens. Attaching the latter will add extra weight and bulk to the setup. You can compare the optics available for the M1 and their specifications in the Micro Four Thirds Lens Catalog.

Concerning battery life, the SX720 gets 250 shots out of its Canon NB-13L battery, while the M1 can take 450 images on a single charge of its YI BXM-10 power pack. The power pack in the M1 can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, you can navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from a broad list of cameras there.

scroll hint
Body Specifications
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon SX720 110 mm 64 mm 36 mm 270 g 250 n Feb 2016 EUR 329ebay.com
2.
 
YI M1 114 mm 64 mm 34 mm 281 g 450 n Sep 2016 EUR 349ebay.com
3.
 
Canon G7 X Mark II 106 mm 61 mm 42 mm 319 g 265 n Feb 2016 EUR 685ebay.com
4.
 
Canon SX410 104 mm 69 mm 85 mm 325 g 185 n Feb 2015 EUR 279ebay.com
5.
 
Canon SX420 104 mm 69 mm 85 mm 325 g 195 n Jan 2016 EUR 299ebay.com
6.
 
Canon SX540 120 mm 82 mm 92 mm 442 g 205 n Jan 2016 EUR 369ebay.com
7.
 
Canon SX710 113 mm 66 mm 35 mm 269 g 230 n Jan 2015 EUR 299ebay.com
8.
 
Canon SX730 110 mm 64 mm 40 mm 300 g 250 n Apr 2017 EUR 399ebay.com
9.
 
Canon SX740 110 mm 64 mm 40 mm 299 g 265 n Jul 2018 EUR 399 amazon.com
10.
 
Fujifilm X-A3 117 mm 67 mm 40 mm 339 g 410 n Aug 2016 EUR 449ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon 1 J5 98 mm 60 mm 32 mm 231 g 250 n Apr 2015 EUR 449ebay.com
12.
 
Panasonic TZ90 112 mm 67 mm 41 mm 322 g 380 n Apr 2017 EUR 429ebay.com
13.
 
Sony HX80 102 mm 58 mm 36 mm 245 g 390 n Mar 2016 EUR 449ebay.com
14.
 
Sony HX90V 102 mm 58 mm 36 mm 245 g 360 n Apr 2015 EUR 469ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. Normally, street prices remain initially close to the MSRP, but after a couple of months, the first discounts appear. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Canon SX720 features a 1/2.3-inch sensor and the YI M1 a Four Thirds sensor. The sensor area in the M1 is 704 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 5.6 and 2.0. Both cameras feature a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 4:3.

Canon SX720 and YI M1 sensor measures

Even though the M1 has a larger sensor, both cameras offer the same resolution of 20.2 megapixels. This implies that the M1 has a lower pixel density and larger individual pixels (with a pixel pitch of 3.34μm versus 1.18μm for the SX720), which gives it a potential advantage in terms of light gathering capacity. In addition, the M1 is a somewhat more recent model (by 7 months) than the SX720, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the SX720 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The Canon PowerShot SX720 HS has a native sensitivity range from ISO 80 to ISO 3200. The corresponding ISO settings for the YI M1 are ISO 100 to ISO 25600 (no boost).

In terms of underlying technology, the SX720 is build around a BSI-CMOS sensor, while the M1 uses a CMOS imager. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

SX720 versus M1 MP

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

scroll hint
Sensor Characteristics
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Canon SX720 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38881080/60p20.311.881748
2.
 
YI M1 Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/30p23.012.6103073
3.
 
Canon G7 X Mark II 1-inch 20.0 5472 36481080/60p21.811.926062
4.
 
Canon SX410 1/2.3 19.9 5152 3864720/30p20.211.672047
5.
 
Canon SX420 1/2.3 19.9 5152 3864720/25p20.311.780648
6.
 
Canon SX540 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38881080/60p20.311.780648
7.
 
Canon SX710 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38881080/60p20.211.671247
8.
 
Canon SX730 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38881080/60p20.511.992450
9.
 
Canon SX740 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38884K/30p20.612.1105051
10.
 
Fujifilm X-A3 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.813.1166481
11.
 
Nikon 1 J5 1-inch 20.7 5568 37124K/15p21.112.047965
12.
 
Panasonic TZ90 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38884K/30p19.110.610636
13.
 
Sony HX80 1/2.3 18.0 4896 36721080/60p20.411.882248
14.
 
Sony HX90V 1/2.3 18.0 4896 36721080/60p20.211.673847
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, but the M1 provides a better video resolution than the SX720. It can shoot movie footage at 4K/30p, while the Canon is limited to 1080/60p.

ad

Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The SX720 and the M1 are similar in the sense that neither of the two has a viewfinder. The images are, thus, framed using live view on the rear LCD. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Canon SX720 and YI M1 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

scroll hint
Core Features
  empty Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Canon SX720none n3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/3200s 5.9/s Y Y
2.
 
YI M1none n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/4000s 5.0/s n n
3.
 
Canon G7 X Mark IInone n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/2000s 8.0/s Y Y
4.
 
Canon SX410none n3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 0.5/s Y Y
5.
 
Canon SX420none n3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 0.5/s Y Y
6.
 
Canon SX540none n3.0 / 461 fixed n 1/2000s 5.9/s Y Y
7.
 
Canon SX710none n3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/3200s 6.0/s Y Y
8.
 
Canon SX730none n3.0 / 922 tilting n 1/3200s 5.9/s Y Y
9.
 
Canon SX740none n3.0 / 922 tilting n 1/3200s 10.0/s Y Y
10.
 
Fujifilm X-A3none n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
11.
 
Nikon 1 J5none n3.0 / 1037 tilting Y 1/4000s 60.0/s Y n
12.
 
Panasonic TZ901166 n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
13.
 
Sony HX80638 n3.0 / 922 tilting n 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
14.
 
Sony HX90V638 n3.0 / 921 tilting n 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

One difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The SX720 has one, while the M1 does not. While the built-in flash of the SX720 is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light.

The YI M1 has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the SX720 and the M1 write their files to SDXC cards. The SX720 supports UHS-I cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s), while the M1 cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD cards.

ad

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Canon PowerShot SX720 HS and YI M1 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

scroll hint
Input-Output Connections
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Canon SX720-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
2.
 
YI M1Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y-Y
3.
 
Canon G7 X Mark II-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
4.
 
Canon SX410-stereo / mono---2.0---
5.
 
Canon SX420-mono / mono---2.0YY-
6.
 
Canon SX540-stereo / mono--mini2.0YY-
7.
 
Canon SX710-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
8.
 
Canon SX730-stereo / mono--micro2.0YYY
9.
 
Canon SX740-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y-Y
10.
 
Fujifilm X-A3Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
11.
 
Nikon 1 J5-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
12.
 
Panasonic TZ90-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
13.
 
Sony HX80-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
14.
 
Sony HX90V-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-

It is notable that the M1 has a hotshoe, which makes it possible to easily attach optional accessories, such as an external flash gun. The SX720 does not feature such an accessory-socket.

Both the SX720 and the M1 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The SX720 was replaced by the Canon SX730, while the M1 does not have a direct successor. Further information on the features and operation of the SX720 and M1 can be found, respectively, in the Canon SX720 Manual (free pdf) or the online YI M1 Manual.

ad

Review summary

So how do things add up? Is there a clear favorite between the Canon SX720 and the YI M1? Which camera is better? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

ilogo

Reasons to prefer the Canon PowerShot SX720 HS:

  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (5.9 vs 5 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Ready to shoot: Has a lens built-in, whereas the M1 requires a separate lens.
  • Less heavy: Is lighter even though it comes with a built-in lens (unlike the M1).
  • Sharper images: Has hand-shake reducing image stabilization built-in.
  • Easier fill-in: Is equipped with a small onboard flash to brighten deep shadow areas.
  • Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
  • Faster buffer clearing: Has an SD card interface that supports the UHS-I standard.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in February 2016).

ilogo

Advantages of the YI M1:

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • Better image quality: Is equipped with a larger and more technologically advanced sensor.
  • Richer colors: The sensor size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
  • More dynamic range: Larger sensor captures a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Larger sensor produces good images even in poorly lit environments.
  • Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/30p vs 1080/60p).
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1040k vs 922k dots).
  • Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/4000s vs 1/3200s) to freeze action.
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • More flexible: Takes interchangeable lenses and can thus be used with specialty optics.
  • Longer lasting: Gets more shots (450 versus 250) out of a single battery charge.
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • Better lighting: Features a hotshoe and can thus hold and trigger an external flash gun.
  • Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
  • More modern: Was introduced somewhat (7 months) more recently.

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the M1 is the clear winner of the contest (16 : 9 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

SX720 09:16 M1

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon SX720 and the YI M1 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Superzoom Camera and Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the SX720 or the M1 perform in practice. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.

Expert reviews

This is where reviews by experts come in. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

scroll hint
Expert Camera Reviews
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon SX720..+....4/54.5/5 Feb 2016 EUR 329ebay.com
2.
 
YI M1......69/100.... Sep 2016 EUR 349ebay.com
3.
 
Canon G7 X Mark II4.5/5+ +..81/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2016 EUR 685ebay.com
4.
 
Canon SX410..o........ Feb 2015 EUR 279ebay.com
5.
 
Canon SX420..........3/5 Jan 2016 EUR 299ebay.com
6.
 
Canon SX540............ Jan 2016 EUR 369ebay.com
7.
 
Canon SX710..+....4/53.5/5 Jan 2015 EUR 299ebay.com
8.
 
Canon SX730..+....4/54/5 Apr 2017 EUR 399ebay.com
9.
 
Canon SX740..+3.5/5..4/54/5 Jul 2018 EUR 399 amazon.com
10.
 
Fujifilm X-A3......74/1004.5/54/5 Aug 2016 EUR 449ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon 1 J5........4.5/54.5/5 Apr 2015 EUR 449ebay.com
12.
 
Panasonic TZ90..+ +4/5..4/54/5 Apr 2017 EUR 429ebay.com
13.
 
Sony HX80............ Mar 2016 EUR 449ebay.com
14.
 
Sony HX90V4/5+ +....4/54.5/5 Apr 2015 EUR 469ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

logo
Check SX720 offers at
ebay.com
logo
Check M1 offers at
ebay.com

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just use the search menu below. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

~
    loader
    ad

    Specifications: Canon SX720 vs YI M1

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Canon SX720 YI M1
    Camera Type Fixed lens compact camera Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens 24-960mm f/3.3-6.9 Micro Four Thirds lenses
    Launch Date February 2016 September 2016
    Launch Price USD 379 USD 349
    Sensor Specs Canon SX720 YI M1
    Sensor Technology BSI-CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format 1/2.3" Sensor Four Thirds Sensor
    Sensor Size 6.17 x 4.55 mm 17.3 x 13.0 mm
    Sensor Area 28.0735 mm2 224.9 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 7.7 mm 21.6 mm
    Crop Factor 5.6x 2.0x
    Sensor Resolution 20.2 Megapixels 20.2 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 5184 x 3888 pixels 5184 x 3888 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 1.18 μm 3.34 μm
    Pixel Density 71.80 MP/cm2 8.96 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 1080/60p Video 4K/30p Video
    ISO Setting 80 - 3,200 ISO 100 - 25,600 ISO
    Screen Specs Canon SX720 YI M1
    Viewfinder Type no viewfinder no viewfinder
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 922k dots 1040k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Fixed screen
    Touch Input no Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Canon SX720 YI M1
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking FeatureFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/3200s 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 5.9 shutter flaps/s 5 shutter flaps/s
    Time-Lapse Photographyno IntervalometerIntervalometer built-in
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Single card slot
    UHS card support UHS-I no
    Connectivity Specs Canon SX720 YI M1
    External Flash no Hotshoe Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port micro HDMI micro HDMI
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in Wifi built-in
    Near-Field Communication NFC built-in no NFC
    Bluetooth Support no Bluetooth Bluetooth built-in
    Body Specs Canon SX720 YI M1
    Battery Type Canon NB-13L YI BXM-10
    Battery Life (CIPA)250 shots per charge450 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging no USB charging USB charging
    Body Dimensions 110 x 64 x 36 mm
    (4.3 x 2.5 x 1.4 in)
    114 x 64 x 34 mm
    (4.5 x 2.5 x 1.3 in)
    Camera Weight 270 g (9.5 oz) 281 g (9.9 oz)
    logo
    Check SX720 offers at
    ebay.com
    logo
    Check M1 offers at
    ebay.com

    Did you notice an error on this page? If so, please get in touch, so that we can correct the information.

    You are here Home  »  CAM-parator  »  Canon SX720 vs YI M1