Canon PowerShot SX620 HS Review — 25x Optical Zoom in a Pocket-Sized Travel Camera
- Camera Japan
- Apr 25, 2025
- 11 min read
Updated: Aug 11
Camera Japan believes that some of the most enjoyable travel cameras came from Japan's compact digital camera era. The Canon PowerShot SX620 HS is a great example.
With a powerful 25x optical zoom packed into a small and lightweight body, it offers something that remains genuinely useful today: the ability to photograph distant subjects without carrying a large camera system. The SX620 HS combines a 20.2-megapixel CMOS sensor, optical image stabilization, Full HD video, Wi-Fi connectivity, and an impressive zoom range in a camera that is easy to carry while traveling.
For anyone considering a used Canon PowerShot SX620 HS today, this review looks at its strengths, limitations, real-world zoom performance, and the important points to check when buying one second-hand.
📸 Canon PowerShot SX620 HS at a Glance
Key features include:
20.2-megapixel CMOS sensor
25x optical zoom
Approx. 25–625mm equivalent focal-length range
Optical image stabilization
3.0-inch LCD
Full HD video recording
Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC
Compact travel-friendly body
Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
The defining feature is clearly the lens. A 25x optical zoom gives the SX620 HS considerably more framing flexibility than most ordinary compact cameras while still keeping the camera small enough for everyday travel.
🎒 Design and Portability
The SX620 HS is designed to provide substantial zoom capability without requiring a large bridge camera or interchangeable-lens system. That balance is important, because when traveling, a camera is only useful if you are willing to carry it.
The SX620 HS can fit into a small bag or jacket pocket while still providing enough zoom range for subjects that would normally require a much larger lens. This makes it particularly suitable for:
Sightseeing
City walks
Day trips
Landscapes
Architecture
Distant details
Casual family photography
Travel photography
For photographers who want more reach without carrying a large camera system, portability is one of the SX620 HS's strongest advantages.
🎛️ Controls and Ease of Use
The Canon PowerShot SX620 HS is primarily designed for straightforward point-and-shoot photography. You do not need to understand complicated camera settings before using it.
For many everyday situations, you can simply turn the camera on, compose the image, adjust the zoom, and press the shutter. Having physical camera controls also creates a different shooting experience from using a smartphone.
The dedicated shutter button and zoom control make it easy to concentrate on framing photographs rather than navigating through a phone interface. This simplicity makes the SX620 HS approachable for beginners while its long zoom range gives more experienced users something useful to work with.
📷 Image Quality
The SX620 HS uses a 20.2-megapixel CMOS sensor. In good daylight, it is well suited to subjects such as:
Travel snapshots
Landscapes
Buildings and architecture
Street scenes
Family photographs
Distant objects
Animals and wildlife at moderate distances
Everyday photography
As with any compact camera, megapixel count alone does not determine image quality. The SX620 HS is best understood as a compact travel camera designed around convenience and zoom flexibility, rather than as a replacement for a large-sensor or interchangeable-lens camera.
Its real advantage is being able to cover a very wide range of compositions with one small camera.
🔭 25x Optical Zoom — The Main Reason to Choose the SX620 HS
The biggest attraction of the Canon PowerShot SX620 HS is its 25x optical zoom lens. Its approximately 25–625mm equivalent range lets you move from a relatively wide travel scene to a tightly framed distant subject without changing lenses.
This is useful when photographing:
Distant buildings
Architectural details
Mountain scenery
Animals
Signs and objects across a street
Distant landscapes
The moon
That last example shows just how much reach the camera provides. We tested the SX620 HS by photographing the moon from Japan, giving a practical example of what its long optical zoom can achieve.
👉 Canon SX620 HS Zoom Test: Capturing the Moon with a Compact Camera
For travelers, this zoom range can be more useful than simply having a higher-resolution sensor. Instead of cropping heavily after taking the photograph, you can frame distant subjects optically when shooting.
🌙 Optical Image Stabilization and Telephoto Shooting
Long zoom lenses amplify camera movement. At the telephoto end of the SX620 HS's zoom range, even small movements of your hands become much more noticeable.
The camera therefore includes optical image stabilization to help compensate for camera shake. This is particularly valuable when shooting at longer focal lengths, although stabilization cannot eliminate every source of blur.
For better results at maximum or near-maximum zoom:
Hold the camera firmly with both hands
Keep your elbows close to your body
Use a wall, railing, or other support when available
Avoid pressing the shutter too aggressively
Give autofocus enough time to lock onto the subject
When photographing very distant subjects, good technique still matters.
🌃 Low-Light Photography
The SX620 HS can be used in lower-light conditions, but expectations should remain realistic. Like many compact cameras with relatively small sensors, it is most comfortable when there is sufficient available light.
Low light becomes especially challenging when using the long end of the zoom range. As you zoom further, keeping both the camera and subject steady becomes increasingly important.
For better results in darker situations:
Hold the camera steadily
Use available support when possible
Avoid unnecessary maximum zoom
Use the built-in flash for suitable nearby subjects
Take multiple photographs when a moment is important
For daylight travel and outdoor photography, these limitations are considerably less important.
✈️ Real-World Travel Photography at Tokugawa Garden
A travel camera should be judged by more than specifications. It should also be something you are comfortable carrying and actually want to use throughout the day.
We took the Canon PowerShot SX620 HS to Tokugawa Garden in Nagoya, Japan, for a real-world sample-photo session. Its compact body made it easy to carry while walking through the garden, while the 25x zoom gave us flexibility to photograph both wider scenery and more distant details without changing equipment.
👉 View our Canon PowerShot SX620 HS sample photos from Tokugawa Garden:
This combination of portability and focal-length range is where the SX620 HS makes the most sense. You can walk around with one small camera and photograph everything from an entire garden scene to details that are much farther away.
🎥 Video Recording
The Canon PowerShot SX620 HS can record Full HD video. For travel memories, family clips, and casual everyday video, this remains useful.
However, buyers whose main priority is modern video production should consider newer cameras or smartphones with more advanced video features. The strongest reason to buy the SX620 HS today is still photography—particularly its combination of pocket-sized portability and long optical zoom.
📡 Wi-Fi and Wireless Features
The SX620 HS includes built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity. These features were designed to make it easier to connect the camera with compatible smart devices and transfer photographs wirelessly.
Because the SX620 HS is an older camera, wireless compatibility should be considered separately from the camera's basic photographic functions. If smartphone connectivity is important to you, it is worth checking compatibility with your current device and software environment.
The camera itself can still be used normally for photography without relying on wireless transfer.
📱 Canon PowerShot SX620 HS vs. a Smartphone
Modern smartphones are extremely capable cameras, especially for everyday wide-angle photographs, low-light computational photography, editing, and instant sharing. The SX620 HS does not need to replace a smartphone to be useful.
Its main advantage is different:
25x genuine optical zoom.
A smartphone may digitally crop or switch between several camera modules, but the SX620 HS provides a continuous optical zoom range extending to approximately 625mm equivalent. That makes a significant difference when photographing subjects that are physically far away.
The SX620 HS also offers:
A dedicated physical shutter button
A dedicated zoom control
Optical image stabilization
A camera used specifically for photography
No phone notifications while shooting
No need to consume your phone battery while taking photographs
For users who frequently photograph distant subjects, these differences can matter much more than simply having the newest camera technology.
👤 Who Is the Canon PowerShot SX620 HS Best For?
✈️ Travelers Who Want One Small Camera
The combination of a compact body and 25x zoom makes the SX620 HS particularly attractive for sightseeing and travel. You can photograph both wide scenes and distant details without carrying additional lenses.
🔭 Photographers Who Need More Zoom Than a Smartphone
If you frequently find yourself trying to photograph distant buildings, landscapes, animals, or other subjects beyond normal smartphone range, the SX620 HS offers a practical solution.
📸 Beginners
Its straightforward point-and-shoot operation makes it approachable even if you do not have extensive photography experience.
🚶 Casual Photographers
The camera works well for people who value convenience and flexibility more than advanced manual controls.
🇯🇵 Fans of Japanese Compact Digital Cameras
For users specifically interested in Japanese compact cameras, the SX620 HS represents an interesting combination of traditional point-and-shoot simplicity and unusually powerful optical zoom.
⚠️ Limitations to Consider
The SX620 HS has clear strengths, but it is equally important to understand its limitations. It may not be the best choice if you need:
Strong large-sensor low-light performance
Advanced manual photographic controls
Modern 4K-focused video features
Interchangeable lenses
A touchscreen interface
Professional-level autofocus or continuous shooting
The latest smartphone-style computational photography
At the longest zoom settings, camera shake and atmospheric conditions can also affect image quality.
The SX620 HS is most compelling when bought for what it does particularly well:
👉 Providing a very long optical zoom in a genuinely compact camera.
🔍 What to Check When Buying a Used Canon PowerShot SX620 HS
Condition is especially important when buying an older compact digital camera. Two SX620 HS cameras may look identical from the outside but have very different histories.
Because this model contains a retractable 25x zoom lens, several functional areas deserve particular attention.
✅ Lens Extension and Retraction
Turn the camera on and off several times. The lens should extend and retract smoothly without unusual noises, hesitation, or error messages.
A retractable zoom mechanism contains moving components, so proper operation is particularly important on a used camera.
✅ Full Zoom Operation
Test the zoom from the widest setting through to maximum telephoto. The lens should move smoothly throughout the entire range.
Do not check only whether the camera turns on—the complete zoom mechanism should also be tested.
✅ Autofocus
Confirm that the camera can focus correctly at both wider and longer focal lengths. Autofocus performance should be tested using real subjects rather than simply checking whether the lens moves.
✅ Telephoto Image Results
Take photographs at longer zoom settings and inspect the resulting images. Long-zoom cameras are more sensitive to camera shake, so testing actual photographs is useful when evaluating overall operation.
✅ Lens Condition
Inspect the lens carefully for significant scratches, haze, fungus, or other abnormalities that could affect photographs. Minor internal dust may not necessarily affect normal images, but notable optical issues should be disclosed.
✅ LCD Condition
Check the rear display for:
Significant scratches
Discoloration
Lines
Dark areas
Abnormal brightness
Display failure
Cosmetic wear is normal on some used cameras, but buyers should be able to see and understand the actual condition before purchasing.
✅ Flash
Confirm that the built-in flash charges and fires normally.
✅ Buttons and Controls
Test the shutter button, zoom control, menu buttons, playback controls, and other physical controls. They should respond normally without sticking or requiring unusual pressure.
✅ Memory Card Operation
Confirm that the camera recognizes a compatible memory card and can:
Record photographs
Save files correctly
Review photographs
Delete photographs normally
✅ Battery and Charging
Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries naturally deteriorate with age. Battery condition can vary substantially between individual used cameras, so buyers should pay attention to what battery and charging equipment are included with the specific listing.
✅ Exterior Condition
Check actual product photographs rather than relying only on a general condition grade. Scratches and cosmetic wear do not necessarily affect photographic operation, but they should be clearly visible and described.
🛠️ How Camera Japan Tests Used Cameras
When purchasing an older compact digital camera, one of the biggest concerns is simple:
Does everything actually work?
At Camera Japan, each used camera is individually inspected before it is offered for sale. Our functional checks cover important operations such as:
Power on/off
Lens extension and retraction
Full optical zoom operation
Autofocus
Shutter operation
Image recording
Flash
Buttons and controls
LCD operation
Memory card reading and writing
Battery and charging operation, where applicable
We also inspect the camera's physical and optical condition and clean it as needed. Because every used camera has a different history, condition and included accessories can vary even between cameras of exactly the same model.
For that reason, the individual product listing is important.
👉 Check the current Canon PowerShot SX620 HS listing at Camera Japan:
Before purchasing, please check the actual product photographs, condition description, included items, and current availability for the specific camera being offered.
🔎 Why Individual Condition Matters More With Used Cameras
A model review can tell you what the Canon PowerShot SX620 HS is capable of. It cannot tell you the condition of a particular used camera.
That distinction matters. One SX620 HS may have been lightly used and carefully stored, while another may show significant cosmetic wear or have a heavily used zoom mechanism.
This is why Camera Japan separates two questions:
Is the Canon PowerShot SX620 HS a suitable camera for you?
and
Is this particular SX620 HS in a condition you are comfortable buying?
The purpose of this review is to help with the first question. The individual Camera Japan product page provides the actual photographs, condition information, included items, and availability needed to answer the second.
👉 View the current Canon PowerShot SX620 HS for sale:
❓ Canon PowerShot SX620 HS FAQ
Is the Canon PowerShot SX620 HS good for travel?
Yes. Travel is one of its strongest use cases. Its compact body is easy to carry, while the 25x optical zoom provides a wide range of framing options without requiring interchangeable lenses.
👉 You can also see our real-world photographs from Tokugawa Garden in Nagoya:
How powerful is the zoom on the Canon SX620 HS?
The camera has a 25x optical zoom covering approximately 25–625mm in 35mm-equivalent terms. This gives it considerably more telephoto reach than an ordinary compact camera.
🌙 Can the Canon SX620 HS photograph the moon?
Yes. The long zoom range makes moon photography possible under suitable conditions.
We tested this ourselves from Japan.
👉 See our Canon SX620 HS moon zoom test:
Does the Canon SX620 HS have image stabilization?
Yes. It uses optical image stabilization, which is particularly useful when shooting at longer focal lengths.
Good camera-holding technique is still important at maximum zoom.
Does the Canon SX620 HS record video?
Yes. The SX620 HS can record Full HD video and is suitable for casual travel and everyday clips.
Does the Canon SX620 HS have Wi-Fi?
Yes. The camera includes built-in Wi-Fi and NFC features.
Because this is an older camera, users who specifically need smartphone connectivity should confirm compatibility with their current devices and software.
Is the Canon SX620 HS good in low light?
It can be used in lower-light situations, but daylight and well-lit scenes are where a compact camera of this type is most comfortable. Low-light photography becomes more challenging at long zoom settings.
What should I check when buying a used SX620 HS?
The most important areas include:
Retractable lens operation
Full zoom operation
Autofocus
LCD condition
Flash
Buttons
Memory-card operation
Battery condition
Lens condition
Actual photographs of the individual camera should also be checked carefully.
What accessories are included?
Included accessories vary between individual used cameras. Always check the current Camera Japan product listing for the exact items supplied with that particular camera.
👉 Current product page:
Is the Canon PowerShot SX620 HS still worth buying?
It can be a very good choice for someone who specifically wants a small dedicated camera with substantial optical zoom. It makes less sense for someone whose priority is advanced manual photography, modern video features, or strong large-sensor low-light performance.
Its value lies in a combination that remains difficult to replace:
a 25x optical zoom lens in a genuinely compact body.
📷 Camera Japan's Final Thoughts
The Canon PowerShot SX620 HS stands out because it solves a very practical problem. Sometimes you want substantially more zoom than a smartphone can comfortably provide, but you do not want to carry a large camera and lens.
The SX620 HS puts a 25x optical zoom into a compact body that is easy to carry while traveling or walking around town. That makes it particularly enjoyable for landscapes, architecture, distant details, sightseeing, and subjects that cannot simply be approached more closely.
Its age also means buyers should have realistic expectations. Low-light performance, video features, and advanced controls are not comparable with modern high-end cameras.
And when buying used, the condition of the individual camera matters just as much as the specifications of the model. At Camera Japan, each used camera is individually inspected and tested in Japan before being offered for international sale.
📸 Want to see what the SX620 HS can actually capture?
👉 Tokugawa Garden sample photos:
🌙 Want to see its long zoom in action?
👉 Moon photography zoom test:
🛒 Looking for a tested Canon PowerShot SX620 HS from Japan?
👉 Check current availability, actual product photos, condition, and included items:
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