The PowerShot A720 IS was a pretty snappy performer, overall. The camera takes about 1.1 seconds to extend its big lens, which is above average. Focusing speeds were good, typically around 0.2 - 0.4 seconds, and rarely exceeding one second. Low light focusing was excellent, thanks to the camera’s AF-assist lamp. Shot-to-shot speeds were minimal, except when you’re using the flash, where they were around 3 to 4 seconds. While the PowerShot A720 won’t break any speed records for its continuous shooting mode, I do like the fact that you can keep shooting until your high speed memory card fills up. The camera’s battery life is more than 20% above average, and that’s on just two AA batteries. Like all Canon cameras, the A720 IS supports the USB 2.0 High Speed standard.