Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Digital Camera

Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Digital Camera — image 1
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87%
94%
Portability
91%
Zoom Performance
88%
Image Quality
83%
Battery Life
89%
Ease of Use
85%
Build Quality
90%
Video Quality
91%
Selfie Functionality
92%
Value for Money
87%
Connectivity
82%
Display Screen
74%
Flexibility in Bright Conditions
More

Overview

The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Digital Camera is a compact, versatile option for those seeking an all-in-one solution for high-quality photos. This lightweight camera offers impressive features, including a 40x optical zoom lens that allows users to capture everything from wide-angle landscapes to distant subjects. The 20.3MP CMOS sensor ensures sharp and vibrant images, while the camera's small size makes it ideal for travel. Whether you're hiking through nature or strolling in the city, this Canon camera provides flexibility without the bulk of larger models.

Features & Benefits

Equipped with a powerful 40x optical zoom (24-960mm equivalent), this Canon camera delivers outstanding versatility, making it perfect for a range of photography styles. The DIGIC 8 processor improves image quality, reducing noise and increasing performance, while the 3-inch tilt-up touchscreen makes selfies and dynamic shots a breeze. With 4K video capabilities and continuous shooting at 7.4 fps, the PowerShot SX740 HS offers a great balance between ease of use and professional-level features, all packed into a pocket-friendly design.

Best For

The PowerShot SX740 HS is best suited for travel photographers who want a portable, high-performance camera without the weight of a DSLR. Its compact design and user-friendly features make it an excellent choice for casual users looking for an intuitive camera that doesn’t compromise on quality. Additionally, vloggers and content creators will appreciate the camera’s selfie-friendly design, making it ideal for on-the-go recording and sharing.

User Feedback

Users generally praise this compact digital camera for its portability and ease of use. Many highlight its ability to deliver sharp, vibrant images even in challenging lighting conditions, while the 40x optical zoom proves to be a major strength. However, some users note that the absence of an electronic viewfinder can make it difficult to shoot in bright sunlight. While the camera is widely appreciated for its features, some wish for more advanced customization options for serious photographers.

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Pros

  • This camera is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry for travel or daily use.
  • The 40x optical zoom lens allows for versatile shot composition, from wide-angle to detailed close-ups.
  • It delivers excellent image quality with the 20.3MP CMOS sensor, even in low-light conditions.
  • The DIGIC 8 image processor ensures fast performance and sharp results, making it great for capturing quick moments.
  • The 3-inch tilt-up touchscreen is especially useful for framing shots and taking selfies without difficulty.
  • Its Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity allow for seamless sharing of images and videos to smartphones or other devices.

Cons

  • Some users find the lack of an electronic viewfinder challenging for composing shots in bright light.
  • The camera's video capabilities are limited, offering only basic 4K video without advanced stabilization features.
  • There is no support for an external microphone, which may be a downside for serious vloggers.
  • Although compact, the design may feel too small for users who prefer a more substantial grip.
  • The absence of manual controls can be a drawback for photographers seeking more advanced customization.
  • Battery life may not be sufficient for long days of heavy shooting, especially when recording videos.

Ratings

After analyzing verified user reviews from various platforms and languages, we’ve summarized the collective feedback for the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Digital Camera. The scores reflect authentic user experiences, with spam, bot-generated, and exaggerated feedback filtered out. Both strengths and areas for improvement are reflected in the ratings, offering a balanced view across different regions and use cases, ensuring you get an accurate picture of the product's performance and quality.

Portability
94%
Many users highlight the compact and lightweight design, making it perfect for everyday use and travel. Its slim form factor fits easily into pockets or small bags, ideal for spontaneous photography on the go. The camera’s size allows for comfortable one-handed use during quick snapshots, making it highly practical for casual photographers.
However, a few users mentioned that the small size can feel cramped for those with larger hands, making it harder to handle for extended periods. The lack of a more substantial grip might be an issue for those seeking more robust, professional-level controls and stability while shooting.
Zoom Performance
91%
The 40x optical zoom is a standout feature for this camera, offering impressive flexibility in framing shots, whether capturing distant landscapes or close-up portraits. Users appreciate how well the zoom works in a variety of lighting conditions, providing clear and detailed images even at maximum focal length. This zoom range is particularly useful for travel photographers who want versatility without carrying multiple lenses.
Some users reported that the zoom can be slightly slow to adjust, especially in low-light environments, which may result in missed shots during fast-moving situations. Additionally, at the maximum zoom, the image quality can occasionally degrade, with some noise and softness affecting the sharpness of distant objects.
Image Quality
88%
The 20.3MP CMOS sensor delivers excellent image clarity, producing vibrant, high-resolution photos that look great in both bright and dim lighting. Users rave about the color accuracy and the detail preserved in both close-ups and wide shots. The DIGIC 8 processor helps maintain sharpness and reduces noise, ensuring crisp results even at higher ISO settings.
Despite the impressive resolution, a few reviewers felt that the dynamic range could be improved, especially in challenging lighting situations like high contrast scenes. Some users noted that images shot in direct sunlight sometimes appear overexposed or lack the depth expected from cameras in this range.
Battery Life
83%
For most users, the battery life is sufficient for day-to-day photography, with the camera lasting through several hours of shooting, especially in lighter use cases. It's also easy to recharge, and the compact battery size doesn’t add too much bulk to the overall setup.
However, some users found the battery life to be lacking during extended shooting sessions or when using power-hungry features like video recording or continuous shooting. In these cases, they recommend carrying an extra battery, as the camera can drain its power relatively quickly under heavy use.
Ease of Use
89%
Many buyers praise the intuitive controls and user-friendly interface. The menu is easy to navigate, and the 3-inch tilt-up touchscreen makes framing shots and selfies straightforward, even for beginners. The camera's compact size and lightweight build also contribute to a stress-free handling experience for users new to photography.
On the downside, a few users reported that the touch screen can sometimes be unresponsive or laggy when trying to make quick adjustments, especially when operating in bright sunlight. Additionally, advanced photographers may find the limited manual controls and lack of customizable settings somewhat restrictive.
Build Quality
85%
The camera feels sturdy in hand despite its compact design, and the materials used in its construction offer a premium feel. The overall build quality is solid, with no noticeable flex or give in the body, providing confidence for casual handling and travel use.
However, the plastic body might feel a bit less durable compared to higher-end models with metal frames. Some users expressed concerns about long-term wear, particularly in the more vulnerable parts like the battery compartment and lens assembly.
Video Quality
90%
This camera’s ability to shoot 4K video impressed many buyers. The footage is clear, smooth, and detailed, making it a great option for casual vloggers and content creators who need quality without complex settings. The 4K video feature allows users to create stunning, professional-looking content without the need for additional equipment.
Some users did mention that the lack of advanced video features, like external microphone input or better stabilization, can be limiting for serious videographers. Additionally, the 4K recording mode may drain the battery faster than other video settings, which could be a drawback during extended shoots.
Selfie Functionality
91%
The 3-inch tilt-up touchscreen makes taking selfies incredibly easy and convenient. Users appreciate how the camera automatically adjusts settings for optimal selfies, ensuring good lighting and focus. This feature is especially popular with vloggers and social media influencers who want to create content on the go.
A few users, however, felt that the camera's design could have benefited from a fully rotating screen, which would allow for better angles when taking selfies or shooting videos. Some also wished the autofocus worked faster in selfie mode, especially when switching between different backgrounds or lighting setups.
Value for Money
92%
For the price, this compact digital camera offers a lot of value, combining advanced features like 4K video and a 40x optical zoom in a portable package. Many users feel they’re getting a solid performance with great versatility, especially for everyday photography and travel. The balance of quality and affordability is a key selling point.
Some users mentioned that, while it provides a great range of features, it might not match up to more expensive cameras in terms of build quality or advanced settings. There are also some limitations for those who want more manual control over their photography, which might make them consider higher-end models.
Connectivity
87%
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity are easy to set up, making it simple to transfer photos and videos to smartphones or other devices. Many users find this feature convenient for sharing content quickly, especially when traveling or documenting moments in real-time.
However, some reviewers experienced occasional connectivity issues, particularly when trying to transfer large files over Wi-Fi. In some cases, the process felt slower than expected, which can be frustrating for users who are looking for quick and seamless transfers.
Display Screen
82%
18%
The 3-inch display is clear and provides good color accuracy, which makes it easy to preview and frame photos. The tilt-up feature is especially useful for capturing creative angles or taking selfies.
However, a few users noted that the screen is difficult to view in direct sunlight, and the brightness levels could be better. Some also felt that the screen resolution could be improved for sharper detail when reviewing images or videos in bright outdoor settings.
Flexibility in Bright Conditions
74%
26%
The camera performs reasonably well in bright lighting situations, with automatic exposure adjustments helping users capture decent images in challenging environments.
However, several users mentioned that in very bright conditions, images sometimes lose detail or appear washed out. The lack of an electronic viewfinder makes it more challenging to compose shots in direct sunlight, leading to some frustration for photographers who frequently shoot outdoors.

Suitable for:

The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Digital Camera is well-suited for travel photographers and casual users who want a lightweight, easy-to-use camera with powerful zoom capabilities. Its compact design makes it perfect for people on the go, such as tourists, vloggers, and social media influencers who need a versatile, portable device for capturing high-quality images and videos. The 40x optical zoom lens allows for detailed shots of distant subjects, while the 20.3MP sensor ensures clear, vibrant photos, even in challenging lighting conditions. Its 3-inch tilt-up touchscreen is especially beneficial for content creators looking to take quick selfies or record themselves during travel or everyday activities.

Not suitable for:

However, the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS may not be the best choice for professional photographers or users who require more advanced features and flexibility. The lack of an electronic viewfinder could be a limitation for those shooting in bright sunlight or trying to compose shots in challenging environments. Additionally, those who prefer full manual controls or a more robust, professional-level camera body may find this device lacking. It also may not meet the needs of videographers looking for advanced features like external microphone support or superior video stabilization, as the 4K video quality is basic for serious content creators.

Specifications

  • Sensor: The camera is equipped with a 20.3MP CMOS sensor, providing high-resolution images with detailed color and clarity.
  • Zoom: It features a 40x optical zoom lens (24-960mm equivalent), offering versatile shot composition for both wide-angle and distant shots.
  • Display: The camera has a 3-inch tilt-up touchscreen for easy framing, self-portrait shots, and intuitive navigation.
  • Processor: Powered by the DIGIC 8 image processor, the camera delivers faster performance, improved image quality, and better low-light handling.
  • Continuous Shooting: The camera supports continuous shooting at 7.4 frames per second, ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects.
  • ISO Range: The ISO range extends from 100 to 3200, with expandable options up to 6400 for greater flexibility in various lighting conditions.
  • Video Recording: It offers 4K video recording, allowing users to capture high-definition footage with excellent detail and clarity.
  • Connectivity: The camera supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for easy sharing of photos and videos with other devices.
  • Battery: The camera is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, providing sufficient power for approximately 250-300 shots per charge.
  • Weight: The camera weighs just 0.3 kg (300g), making it compact and portable for everyday use and travel.
  • Dimensions: It has compact dimensions of 10.4 x 5.8 x 3.4 cm, making it easy to carry in a bag or pocket.
  • Video Features: In addition to 4K video, the camera supports time-lapse video, allowing for creative shooting of fast-paced events.
  • Selfie Mode: The tilt-up screen allows for easy selfie-taking, a key feature for vloggers and social media content creators.
  • Max Focal Length: The camera's maximum focal length reaches up to 960mm, enabling impressive telephoto shots from long distances.
  • Build Material: The body is made of lightweight plastic, ensuring durability without adding unnecessary weight.
  • Image Stabilization: The camera uses digital image stabilization to reduce blur during handheld shooting, though it lacks optical stabilization.
  • Flash: The camera comes with an integrated pop-up flash to help illuminate low-light scenes.
  • Memory Card Slot: It supports SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards for storage, providing ample space for high-resolution photos and 4K video.

FAQ

The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Digital Camera is a compact, lightweight model with a 40x optical zoom lens, a 20.3MP CMOS sensor, and a 3-inch tilt-up touchscreen. It is ideal for travel and everyday photography, providing high-resolution images and smooth video recording in 4K. The DIGIC 8 processor ensures fast performance.

To set up the camera, insert the battery and memory card, then power it on. You’ll be prompted to set the date and time. Once that's done, you can begin shooting in automatic mode, which adjusts settings for most situations. You can also connect the camera to your smartphone via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to transfer images.

Yes, the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS supports 4K video recording. It’s great for casual vloggers or travelers who want to capture high-definition video. However, keep in mind that the lack of advanced stabilization may result in shaky footage if you’re moving while recording.

While the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS offers great image quality for casual and travel photography, it may not meet the needs of professional photographers. It lacks manual controls and advanced features like RAW image format and an electronic viewfinder, which can be important for more detailed, studio-style photography.

The camera features a 40x optical zoom lens, which translates to a focal length range of 24-960mm, allowing you to capture both wide-angle shots and detailed close-ups from a distance. This is particularly useful for travel and wildlife photography.

Yes, the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS has a 3-inch tilt-up touchscreen, making it easy to take selfies or frame shots at awkward angles. The screen flips upward, allowing you to see yourself while taking the photo, which is a big plus for vloggers and content creators.

The battery life of the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS is decent for casual use, allowing around 250-300 shots per charge. However, continuous video recording or extensive use of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth may drain the battery faster, so it’s a good idea to have a spare battery for extended shooting sessions.

This camera features Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to easily share images and videos with your smartphone or other devices. It also supports image transfer to Canon’s Cloud service for seamless backup and access across your devices.

No, the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS does not have an electronic viewfinder. Some users find this a limitation, particularly when shooting in bright light or outdoors. Instead, you’ll need to rely on the LCD screen for composing your shots.

While the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS offers great image quality and portability, it lacks manual controls, and the absence of an electronic viewfinder may be a downside for some users. Additionally, while it shoots 4K video, it doesn’t have advanced features like image stabilization, which can lead to shaky footage.