The PowerShot SX720 HS, despite its streamlined and lightweight body measuring 109.7 mm (w) x 63.8 mm (h) x 35.7 mm (d) and weighing just approximately 270 g, features a 24–960 mm (35 mm film equivalent) 40x optical zoom lens that, through ZoomPlus, can be digitally extended to approximately 80x while maintaining high imaging performance.

Combining a high-sensitivity approximately 20.3 million effective pixel CMOS image sensor and Canon's high-performance DIGIC 6 image processor, the SX720 HS achieves exceptional imaging results with reduced blur and noise even when shooting in low-light conditions. Furthermore, the camera offers improved image stabilization with 5-axis Advanced Dynamic IS while also minimizing the distortion that can occur during horizontal and vertical rotation, ensuring steady image capture even when shooting while running or when walking backwards.