The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS stands out as one of the most compact super zoom cameras available today. This tiny camera packs an impressive 40x optical zoom into a pocket friendly design.
Professional photographers and casual users alike have been testing this camera since its release. The results show both exciting possibilities and some clear limitations.
This comprehensive review covers everything you need to know about the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS.
Key Takeaways
• Exceptional Zoom Range: The 40x optical zoom provides 24-960mm equivalent reach, making it perfect for wildlife photography, sports, and travel where you need to capture distant subjects without getting close.
• Ultra Compact Design: At just 0.66 pounds and measuring 4.3 x 2.5 x 1.6 inches, this camera easily fits in jacket pockets or small bags, making it ideal for travelers who want powerful zoom without bulk.
• 4K Video with Limitations: While the camera shoots 4K video, it uses a 1.35x crop factor that significantly reduces the field of view, making wide-angle 4K shots challenging but extending telephoto reach even further.
• Image Quality Trade-offs: The small 1/2.3-inch sensor produces decent results in good lighting but struggles with image noise and softness in low light conditions, particularly above ISO 800.
• Value Proposition: Priced around $400, the SX740 HS offers excellent zoom capability for the money but lacks premium features like touchscreen, viewfinder, or RAW file support found in some competitors.
Design and Build Quality
The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS maintains the sleek design philosophy that made its predecessors popular. The camera body feels solid despite its lightweight construction. Canon engineers managed to fit serious zoom capability into a remarkably small package. The overall dimensions make this camera genuinely pocketable.
Build materials feel durable for everyday use. The camera body shows good attention to detail in most areas. However, some components feel less premium than others. The flash mechanism seems somewhat flimsy compared to the main body. The rear control wheel also exhibits slight looseness during operation.
The input and output compartments feature protective flaps rather than solid doors. This design choice prioritizes convenience over weather sealing. Most users will find this approach perfectly adequate for typical shooting conditions. The camera includes one command dial for adjusting various settings.
Grip comfort varies significantly based on hand size. Users with small hands will find the grip manageable and comfortable. Medium to large handed users may struggle with the minimal grip area. The compact size creates inherent limitations for ergonomic design. This represents a fundamental trade-off between portability and handling comfort.
Lens Performance and Zoom Capabilities
The 40x optical zoom lens delivers the primary appeal of this camera system. The zoom range covers 24-960mm in full frame equivalent terms. This range handles everything from wide landscape shots to extreme telephoto work. Few compact cameras can match this versatile zoom coverage.
Image stabilization performs exceptionally well throughout the zoom range. Canon’s advanced stabilization system helps maintain sharp images even at maximum zoom. Hand-held shooting remains possible at focal lengths that would normally require tripod support. The stabilization system adapts to different shooting situations automatically.
Maximum aperture ranges from f/3.3 at wide angle to f/6.9 at telephoto. These relatively modest maximum apertures limit low light performance. The aperture range is typical for super zoom lenses of this type. Depth of field control becomes more limited compared to larger aperture lenses.
Macro focusing capability impresses with minimum focusing distance of just 1cm. This allows for dramatic close-up photography when needed. The macro performance surpasses many competing models. However, working distance becomes extremely close, potentially causing shadow issues from the lens itself.
Image Quality Analysis
Image quality represents both the strength and weakness of the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS. The 20.3-megapixel CMOS sensor captures plenty of detail in optimal conditions. Colors appear vibrant and well-saturated using default camera settings. Dynamic range proves adequate for most typical shooting scenarios.
Low light performance shows clear limitations. The small 1/2.3-inch sensor struggles to maintain image quality as ISO values increase. Image noise becomes problematic around ISO 800 and higher. Detail loss occurs as the camera applies aggressive noise reduction processing.
Sharpness varies considerably across the zoom range. Wide angle performance generally delivers good results. Image quality degrades noticeably as you zoom toward the telephoto end. Maximum zoom shots appear softer than ideal. This represents a common challenge for extreme zoom lenses.
The camera cannot shoot RAW files, limiting post-processing flexibility. JPEG processing appears competent but sometimes aggressive. Over-sharpening artifacts occasionally appear in fine detail areas. The lack of RAW support disappoints serious photographers who want maximum editing control.
Video Recording Features
The DIGIC 8 processor enables 4K video recording at 25 or 30 frames per second. This represents a significant upgrade from the previous SX730 HS model. 4K video quality looks impressive when shooting conditions are favorable. The camera can record clips up to 30 minutes in length.
The 4K crop factor creates significant limitations. Recording in 4K mode uses a 1.35x crop from the sensor center. This dramatically reduces the effective wide-angle coverage. Selfie videos and group shots become much more challenging in 4K mode. The crop factor essentially makes the lens longer but less wide.
Full HD recording uses the complete sensor width without cropping issues. 1080p video offers better flexibility for various shooting situations. Frame rates up to 60fps are available in Full HD mode. The optical image stabilization works effectively during video recording.
Audio recording quality remains basic with built-in stereo microphones. External microphone support is not available. Wind noise can become problematic during outdoor recording. The lack of audio monitoring features limits video production capabilities.
Autofocus Performance
The autofocus system provides mixed results depending on shooting conditions. Face detection works reliably when subjects are clearly visible. The system quickly locks onto faces in most lighting situations. Eye detection is not available, limiting portrait photography precision.
Tracking performance varies significantly with subject type and movement speed. Slow moving subjects generally track acceptably. Fast or erratic movement often confuses the autofocus system. Sports photography becomes challenging due to tracking limitations.
Low light autofocus struggles considerably. The small sensor and modest maximum apertures limit focusing capability in dim conditions. Focus hunting becomes common in challenging lighting. Manual focus options provide limited precision for critical work.
The autofocus hit rate measures approximately 78% for perfect focus under good conditions. Usable focus rate reaches 83% according to professional testing. These numbers represent adequate but not exceptional performance for this camera category.
Battery Life and Power Management
Battery performance proves adequate but not exceptional for extended shooting sessions. Canon rates the NB-13L battery at 265 shots per charge under standard testing conditions. Real world usage typically falls below these optimistic manufacturer claims.
Video recording drains the battery quickly. Continuous 4K recording may last approximately 55 minutes on a single charge. 1080p recording extends battery life somewhat. Users planning extended video work should invest in spare batteries.
Power management features include USB charging capability. The camera can charge while connected to external power sources. However, the camera cannot record while charging simultaneously. This limitation affects studio or long-term recording applications.
Some users report unusual battery drain during storage. The camera may spontaneously power on when left unused, depleting battery charge. This issue appears to affect some units more than others. Removing the battery during extended storage may prevent this problem.
Connectivity and Wireless Features
Modern connectivity features make the SX740 HS convenient for current digital workflows. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity enable wireless image transfer and remote control functions. The Canon Camera Connect app provides smartphone integration.
Bluetooth pairing simplifies the connection process. Once paired, the camera automatically connects when the app launches. This eliminates the manual connection process required with older cameras. Geotagging functionality uses smartphone GPS data automatically.
Remote shooting capabilities work well for selfies and group photos. The smartphone app provides basic remote control functions. Live view display helps with composition when the camera is positioned remotely. Automatic image transfer can operate in the background while shooting.
The camera no longer includes NFC connectivity found in previous models. This change eliminates the quick tap connection feature for Android devices. Most users will find Bluetooth pairing adequately convenient for regular use.
Comparison with Competitors
The Panasonic Lumix TZ90 represents the primary competition for the Canon SX740 HS. The Panasonic offers a built-in electronic viewfinder and touchscreen interface. However, the zoom range only extends to 720mm equivalent compared to 960mm on the Canon.
Sony HX99 provides similar zoom range in an even smaller package. The Sony includes an electronic viewfinder but costs significantly more. Build quality and interface design favor the Sony for users willing to pay the premium price.
Price positioning makes the Canon competitive against most alternatives. The 40x zoom range in this size category remains relatively unique. Value conscious buyers will appreciate the balance of features and pricing offered by the SX740 HS.
Feature comparison reveals trade-offs across all models in this category. The Canon prioritizes zoom range over advanced features like touchscreens or viewfinders. Users must decide which capabilities matter most for their specific photography needs.
Pros and Cons Assessment
Advantages include the exceptional zoom range that enables photography impossible with smartphone cameras. The compact size makes the camera genuinely portable for travel photography. 4K video capability adds modern appeal despite the crop factor limitations.
Image stabilization performs excellently throughout the zoom range. The fast 10fps continuous shooting helps capture action sequences. Wireless connectivity features work reliably for modern digital workflows. The flip-up screen facilitates selfie photography effectively.
Disadvantages center on image quality limitations inherent to the small sensor design. Low light performance disappoints compared to larger sensor cameras. The lack of touchscreen and electronic viewfinder feels dated in current market context.
The 4K crop factor significantly limits wide-angle video recording capability. Battery life could be better for extended shooting sessions. The camera cannot shoot RAW files, limiting post-processing flexibility for serious photographers.
Value for Money Analysis
At approximately $400, the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS occupies an interesting market position. The price point targets casual photographers who want serious zoom capability without professional camera complexity. Value depends heavily on intended use cases.
Travel photographers will appreciate the extreme zoom range and compact size combination. Wildlife enthusiasts on a budget can access telephoto capabilities previously requiring expensive lens systems. The convenience factor adds significant value for many users.
Serious photographers may find limitations frustrating. The lack of RAW shooting, modest image quality, and missing advanced features may justify spending more on alternative cameras. Professional use cases exceed the camera’s capabilities in most situations.
Cost per zoom millimeter favors the SX740 HS compared to traditional camera and lens combinations. The convenience of having everything in one small package creates value that extends beyond pure image quality measurements.
Final Verdict and Recommendations
The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS succeeds as a specialized tool for specific photography needs. Users prioritizing zoom range and portability will find this camera delivers excellent value. The combination of 40x zoom in a pocket sized package remains impressive.
Image quality limitations prevent universal appeal. Users expecting professional results or excellent low light performance should consider alternatives. The camera works best as a supplementary device rather than a primary photography tool.
Recommended for travel photography, wildlife observation, and casual telephoto work. The camera excels when extreme zoom capability matters more than absolute image quality. Family photographers will appreciate the convenience and versatility offered.
Not recommended for professional work, low light photography, or users requiring maximum image quality. The small sensor and feature limitations make this camera unsuitable for demanding applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Canon SX740 have image stabilization?
Yes, the camera features advanced optical image stabilization that works effectively throughout the 40x zoom range.
Can the SX740 shoot RAW files?
No, the camera only captures JPEG files, which limits post-processing flexibility compared to RAW capable cameras.
How long does the battery last?
Canon rates the battery at 265 shots per charge, though real-world usage typically achieves less than this official rating.
Does the camera have a touchscreen?
No, the 3-inch LCD screen is not touch sensitive, requiring button navigation for all camera controls.
Is the SX740 good for video?
The camera shoots 4K video but with a significant crop factor that limits wide-angle coverage, making 1080p more practical for most uses.
How does it compare to smartphone cameras?
The 40x optical zoom provides capabilities impossible with smartphone cameras, though overall image quality may not exceed modern premium phones in good lighting.
