Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Point-and-Shoot Camera

Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Point-and-Shoot Camera — image 1
Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Point-and-Shoot Camera — image 2
Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Point-and-Shoot Camera — image 3
Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Point-and-Shoot Camera — image 4
Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Point-and-Shoot Camera — image 5
Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Point-and-Shoot Camera — image 6
Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Point-and-Shoot Camera — image 7
73%
27%
93%
Zoom Range
74%
Image Quality
52%
Low-Light Performance
47%
Battery Life
94%
Portability
67%
Video Quality
69%
Autofocus Speed
63%
Touchscreen & Controls
82%
Optical Stabilization
77%
Wi-Fi & Connectivity
72%
Build Quality
71%
Value for Money
86%
Ease of Use
81%
Selfie & Vlog Usability
More

Overview

The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Point-and-Shoot Camera occupies a genuinely useful middle ground — compact enough to slip into a jacket pocket, yet capable enough to make dedicated camera users take notice. Canon has long earned trust for producing cameras with natural color rendering and reliable build quality, and the SX740 HS continues that tradition. Priced in the mid-to-premium compact range, it competes directly against Sony and Panasonic superzooms and holds its own on paper. That said, be clear about what it is: a sophisticated point-and-shoot, not a mirrorless system replacement. If you accept that framing, it becomes a genuinely compelling travel option.

Features & Benefits

The 40x optical zoom reach is the SX740 HS's headline act — at the long end, you can fill the frame with a bird on a distant branch or read a scoreboard from the bleachers, all without a lens change. Powering that reach is a 20.3MP sensor paired with Canon's DIGIC 8 processor, which genuinely improves autofocus speed and noise handling over older compact generations. The 4K video capability is a welcome addition, though treat it as a handy bonus rather than a cinematic tool — bitrate and dynamic range won't rival dedicated video cameras. The tilting touchscreen makes awkward angles far less awkward, and optical image stabilization does meaningful work when you're zoomed in and shooting handheld.

Best For

This compact superzoom is a natural fit for travelers who refuse to check a camera bag but still want shots that a phone simply can't capture — distant architecture, wildlife on a game drive, performers on a stage. It also works well as a first real camera for someone graduating from smartphone photography, since automatic modes are intuitive and the learning curve is gentle. Birders will particularly appreciate the reach-to-weight ratio. Content creators shooting casual travel vlogs will find the 4K mode and Wi-Fi transfer convenient. One group that might want to look elsewhere: anyone shooting frequently indoors or at dusk, where the small sensor will show its limits.

User Feedback

Across roughly 196 ratings, the SX740 HS holds a 4.2-star average — a score that reflects genuine enthusiasm tempered by honest frustration. Buyers who use it for safaris, air shows, and stadium events consistently praise the zoom range, noting it outperforms what you'd expect from a camera this size, and Canon's color rendering draws frequent compliments. The criticisms are real, though. Low-light performance is a recurring disappointment — noise creeps in well before you'd hit the ISO ceiling on a larger-sensor camera. Battery life gets called out regularly, especially on longer shooting days; carrying a spare is less a tip and more a necessity. A few users also find the touchscreen laggy when navigating menus under pressure.

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Pros

  • The 40x optical zoom lets you photograph distant birds, wildlife, or stage performers with detail that no smartphone can match.
  • Pocketable size means you will actually carry it — no bag required, no excuses to leave it at the hotel.
  • Canon color science produces warm, natural-looking images straight out of the camera with minimal editing needed.
  • The tilting touchscreen makes overhead crowd shots and low-angle compositions genuinely easy to frame.
  • Optical image stabilization delivers noticeably sharper results when shooting handheld at longer zoom distances.
  • 4K video recording is a practical bonus for travel vloggers who want more than 1080p without buying a second device.
  • Built-in Wi-Fi makes sharing photos to a phone fast and painless, no cables or memory card readers needed.
  • At roughly 300 grams, the SX740 HS is light enough to wear around your neck all day without fatigue.
  • The DIGIC 8 processor keeps autofocus responsive and shot-to-shot speeds snappy for a camera this size.
  • Intuitive automatic modes lower the barrier for beginners while still offering manual control for those who want it.

Cons

  • Low-light and indoor image quality degrades quickly, with noticeable noise appearing at moderate ISO levels.
  • Battery life is short enough that a full day of active shooting almost always requires a spare battery.
  • Maximum zoom images can look soft and lose fine detail, especially in anything less than bright daylight.
  • The touchscreen can feel sluggish when navigating menus quickly, frustrating users who want responsive controls.
  • No weather sealing means a sudden rain shower or dusty trail puts the camera at real risk.
  • Video dynamic range is limited — highlights blow out and shadows crush faster than on larger-sensor alternatives.
  • The small grip offers modest ergonomics; users with larger hands may find extended shooting sessions tiring.
  • No raw file support in all shooting modes limits post-processing flexibility for more demanding photographers.
  • Continuous autofocus during video recording is not on par with current mirrorless standards, producing occasional hunting.
  • At this price tier, competing models from Sony offer slightly stronger low-light performance worth comparing before buying.

Ratings

Our AI rating system analyzed verified global buyer reviews for the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Point-and-Shoot Camera, actively filtering out incentivized, duplicate, and bot-generated feedback to surface what real owners genuinely experience. The scores below reflect an honest cross-section of both the camera's standout strengths and its documented frustrations — nothing is smoothed over. Whether you are a first-time buyer or comparing it against competing superzooms, these ratings are designed to give you a clear, unvarnished picture.

Zoom Range
93%
The telephoto reach consistently earns the SX740 HS its strongest praise across buyer reviews. Travelers shooting wildlife on safari, birders in the field, and sports fans in stadium seats all report the zoom far exceeded their expectations for a camera this small. Capturing a distant eagle or reading a far-off trail marker feels almost effortless.
At the absolute maximum end of the zoom range, diffraction and lens physics catch up with the small sensor, producing images that are noticeably softer in anything less than bright daylight. A minority of buyers expecting mirrorless-level sharpness at full extension came away slightly disappointed.
Image Quality
74%
26%
In good outdoor light, the SX740 HS produces vibrant, well-exposed images with the warm, accurate color rendering that Canon is consistently known for. Vacation shots, landscape photography, and daytime portraits land with pleasing contrast and natural skin tones that require very little post-processing for social sharing.
The 1/2.3-inch sensor is the camera's most significant technical constraint — noise intrudes at moderate ISO levels, and indoor or evening shots reveal a softness that larger-sensor cameras handle cleanly. Buyers shooting frequently in dim venues or at dusk will find this limitation recurring and frustrating at this price point.
Low-Light Performance
52%
48%
With a subject well-lit by available light — a candle-lit dinner, a warmly lit hotel lobby — the DIGIC 8 processor does a reasonable job managing noise at lower ISO settings. The built-in flash provides adequate coverage for close-range indoor portraits in a pinch.
This is the area where the SX740 HS draws the most consistent criticism from buyers who tested it beyond ideal conditions. Concert halls, evening city streets, and dimly lit receptions produce noticeably grainy, detail-lost results that buyers upgrading from larger-sensor cameras find hard to accept at this tier.
Battery Life
47%
53%
The battery charges via a dedicated Canon charger and is compact enough that carrying one or two spares adds almost no weight to a travel kit. Buyers who planned ahead and purchased extras report no disruption to their shooting days.
This is the SX740 HS's most-cited real-world frustration. A single charge rarely survives a full day of active shooting, especially with Wi-Fi enabled or 4K video recording in use. Buyers who did not bring a spare battery consistently reported having to cut shooting sessions short — an avoidable but genuinely annoying limitation.
Portability
94%
Reviewers repeatedly comment that this is the rare superzoom they actually carry every day rather than leave in the hotel room. At roughly 300 grams it slips comfortably into a jacket pocket or a small day bag, making it an ideal companion for city walks, day hikes, and events where a full camera kit would be impractical.
The compact dimensions do come at a small ergonomic cost — buyers with larger hands note the grip is a bit shallow for extended handheld sessions, and prolonged telephoto shooting can feel slightly unstable without a strap. It is a genuine trade-off inherent to the size, not a manufacturing flaw.
Video Quality
67%
33%
The inclusion of 4K recording wins genuine appreciation from travel vloggers who want footage that holds up on larger screens. In bright outdoor settings, 4K clips from the SX740 HS look crisp and detailed enough for YouTube content, social reels, and personal travel archives that would not look out of place on a modern TV.
Dynamic range in video is limited — highlights clip and shadows block up faster than on cameras with larger sensors or dedicated video modes. Autofocus hunting during video is also a commonly noted annoyance, particularly when subjects move or when shooting in lower ambient light, which disrupts otherwise smooth footage.
Autofocus Speed
69%
31%
For stationary or slow-moving subjects in good light — portraits, landscapes, posed group shots — the 9-point contrast-detection system locks on quickly and accurately. Casual travel and everyday photography rarely pushes this system beyond its comfortable operating zone.
Fast or erratically moving subjects, particularly in lower light, reveal the autofocus system's limitations clearly. Sports photographers and wildlife shooters trying to track birds in flight or athletes mid-action will find the system misses or loses focus at a rate that would not be acceptable on a mirrorless body.
Touchscreen & Controls
63%
37%
The tilting touchscreen is well-received for self-portrait framing and creative low-angle compositions, and tapping to set focus on a specific subject works reliably in standard shooting modes. For casual users navigating the camera in a relaxed setting, the interface feels accessible and modern.
A recurring complaint across reviews is that the touchscreen feels sluggish when navigating menus quickly or under cold-weather conditions. Users accustomed to physical button-heavy camera layouts also note the reduced number of dedicated external controls makes in-the-moment setting changes slower than they would like.
Optical Stabilization
82%
18%
The optical image stabilization earns consistent appreciation from buyers who use the SX740 HS at longer zoom distances. Handheld shots of distant birds, buildings, or performers that would be blurred messes without stabilization come out sharp enough to crop and use, which genuinely expands the practical utility of the zoom range.
At the extreme telephoto end, even good stabilization cannot fully compensate for the amplification of minor hand tremors, and buyers notice a higher keeper rate when they brace against a wall or use a monopod. The system works well within its limits, but those limits are real at maximum zoom.
Wi-Fi & Connectivity
77%
23%
Buyers who use Canon's Camera Connect app consistently find the Wi-Fi transfer feature convenient for posting travel photos quickly without finding a cable. The initial pairing process is straightforward, and once set up the connection is stable enough for transferring a reasonable batch of images without frustration.
Wi-Fi speeds are adequate for a handful of images but feel slow when transferring larger files or 4K video clips. Several reviewers also noted that leaving Wi-Fi active during the day drains the already modest battery noticeably faster, forcing a choice between convenience and endurance.
Build Quality
72%
28%
The camera feels solidly assembled for its weight class, with a textured grip surface that provides enough friction to hold securely during active use. Canon's manufacturing consistency is reflected in reviews — few buyers report mechanical issues or buttons that feel flimsy out of the box.
The complete absence of weather sealing is a genuine concern for outdoor users, and the plastic body construction does not inspire confidence in rough travel conditions. Several buyers reported being caught in unexpected rain and immediately worrying about damage — a stress that more rugged compact alternatives do not create.
Value for Money
71%
29%
For buyers whose primary need is extraordinary zoom reach in a pocketable camera, the SX740 HS delivers on its core promise convincingly. Travelers who return with sharp shots of far-off wildlife or stadium performers consistently feel the investment was justified by the capabilities they simply could not replicate on a smartphone.
Buyers who expected more balanced all-around performance — particularly in low light or for serious video use — sometimes feel the price is harder to justify against competing options that offer stronger sensors or better video autofocus in the same market segment. It is strong value if the zoom is your primary need, less so if it is not.
Ease of Use
86%
First-time camera buyers and smartphone upgraders consistently highlight how quickly they got comfortable with the SX740 HS. Automatic scene detection handles the heavy lifting in most situations, and the Feature Assistant on-screen guidance gives beginners just enough creative direction without being patronizing.
More experienced photographers occasionally find the automatic bias of the interface gets in the way when they want to override settings quickly. Accessing manual controls requires navigating a few menu layers, which can slow things down when a shot opportunity is brief and conditions are changing fast.
Selfie & Vlog Usability
81%
19%
The 180-degree tilting screen makes this compact superzoom noticeably more practical for self-recording than fixed-screen competitors. Travel vloggers and solo travelers appreciate being able to confirm framing without guessing, and the face-detection autofocus works reliably in this mode under decent lighting conditions.
The lack of a microphone input means audio quality for vlogging is limited to the built-in mic, which picks up wind noise and handling sounds in outdoor conditions. Content creators who care about clean audio will need an external recording solution, which adds complexity to what is otherwise a pleasingly simple setup.

Suitable for:

The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Point-and-Shoot Camera is an excellent match for travelers who want genuine photographic reach without hauling a bag full of lenses — think safari trips, national park visits, or city breaks where you want one camera that handles everything from wide street scenes to distant landmarks. Birders and wildlife watchers will appreciate how much zoom this little body delivers without straining a shoulder or a budget. It also makes a smart stepping stone for smartphone photographers who feel creatively boxed in but are not yet ready to commit to a full interchangeable-lens system and all the gear that follows. Casual vloggers and social media creators will find the 4K mode and built-in Wi-Fi genuinely practical for quick content capture and transfer. Event photographers looking for a discreet, pocketable backup at weddings or graduations will also get solid mileage out of this compact superzoom.

Not suitable for:

The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Point-and-Shoot Camera is not the right tool for anyone who shoots frequently in low-light environments — indoor venues, evening receptions, or dimly lit street photography will push the small sensor to its limits, producing noisy images that a larger-sensor camera would handle cleanly. Serious videographers should also look elsewhere; the 4K mode is a convenient feature, not a professional video tool, and dynamic range and recording flexibility are limited compared to even entry-level mirrorless options. Action and sports photographers who need fast, reliable subject tracking will find the 9-point contrast-detection autofocus system lags behind what modern mirrorless bodies offer. Anyone planning extended full-day shoots should know upfront that battery life is a genuine weakness — without a spare, you risk running out of power mid-session. Finally, buyers expecting weather sealing or rugged durability for hiking in wet or dusty conditions will need to look at a different class of camera entirely.

Specifications

  • Sensor: The camera uses a 20.3-megapixel 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor, a common size in the compact superzoom category that balances resolution with the camera's pocket-friendly dimensions.
  • Processor: Canon's DIGIC 8 image processor handles noise reduction, autofocus calculations, and color rendering, offering a meaningful step up in speed and image quality over the previous DIGIC 7 generation.
  • Optical Zoom: The built-in lens covers a 24–960mm equivalent focal range, giving you a wide-angle starting point and enough telephoto reach to isolate distant subjects without moving closer.
  • Digital Zoom: An additional 4x digital zoom extends reach further, though at the cost of image resolution and sharpness beyond the optical limit.
  • Image Stabilization: Optical image stabilization is built into the lens system, actively compensating for camera shake — particularly useful when shooting handheld at longer zoom lengths.
  • Video Resolution: The camera records 4K (2160p) video, as well as Full HD 1080p, giving users flexibility depending on storage capacity and intended use.
  • Display: A 3-inch capacitive touchscreen LCD tilts up to 180 degrees, making it practical for selfies, vlogging, and low-angle shooting without crouching awkwardly.
  • Autofocus: The 9-point contrast-detection autofocus system covers the frame adequately for static and moderately moving subjects in good light, though it can hunt in low-contrast or dim conditions.
  • Continuous Shooting: The camera can fire at up to 7.4 frames per second in continuous shooting mode, useful for capturing action sequences or burst-shooting candid moments.
  • ISO Range: Sensitivity runs from ISO 100 to ISO 6400, with the practical sweet spot for clean images sitting at ISO 800 or below given the small sensor size.
  • Aperture Range: The lens aperture ranges from f/3.3 at the wide end to f/6.9 at maximum zoom, meaning light-gathering ability decreases noticeably when fully extended.
  • Shutter Speed: Shutter speeds range from 15 seconds down to 1/3200 of a second, covering everything from long-exposure night shots to freezing fast-moving subjects in bright conditions.
  • Connectivity: The camera includes built-in Wi-Fi for smartphone pairing and wireless image transfer, plus a micro-HDMI output and a single USB port for wired connections.
  • Battery: A rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack is included; battery life is modest by camera standards, and carrying at least one spare is strongly recommended for full-day use.
  • Weight: The body weighs approximately 300 grams with battery and memory card, making it one of the lighter superzoom compacts in its class.
  • File Formats: Still images are saved as JPEG files with selectable quality levels; the camera does not offer RAW capture in standard shooting modes.
  • Flash: A built-in automatic flash is integrated into the top of the body, with manual on/off override available through the settings menu.
  • Water Resistance: The SX740 HS has no weather sealing or water resistance rating, so it should be kept dry and protected from dust during outdoor use.
  • Memory Card: The camera accepts SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards with a write speed class of C10 recommended for smooth 4K video recording.
  • Warranty: Canon provides a standard limited manufacturer warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship under normal use conditions.

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FAQ

It is genuinely useful in good daylight — you can pick out birds on branches, read distant signage, or bring a stadium performer into frame with recognizable detail. At the very limit of the zoom range, some softness is inevitable given the sensor size and lens physics, but in bright conditions the results are far better than you might expect from a camera this small. Indoor or low-light performance at maximum zoom is a different story — that is where the small sensor struggles most.

It is a legitimate concern, not an exaggeration. Under moderate use, most people find the battery starts running low after a few hundred shots, and a day of heavy shooting with Wi-Fi active can drain it faster. The practical fix is simple: buy an extra battery or two before your trip. They are inexpensive, lightweight, and completely solve the problem. Treating the SX740 HS as a one-battery camera for a full day out will leave you disappointed.

It produces watchable, reasonably sharp 4K footage in good light — perfectly fine for travel vlogs or casual documentation. That said, dynamic range is limited, and if you pan quickly or shoot in mixed lighting, you will notice compression artifacts. For anything beyond casual content creation, a dedicated video camera or mirrorless body will give you noticeably better results. Think of it as a genuine bonus feature, not a professional video tool.

Yes, the built-in Wi-Fi pairs with Canon's Camera Connect app, available on both iOS and Android. Once connected, you can browse and download images directly to your phone. The initial setup takes a few minutes, but once it is configured it works reliably for quick social media sharing without needing a cable or card reader.

Both cameras occupy the same pocketable superzoom niche, and the choice often comes down to color preference and ecosystem. The Sony WX500 offers stronger low-light performance from its BSI sensor and slightly better video autofocus, while the Canon delivers more natural color rendering and a more intuitive touchscreen interface. The Canon also edges ahead on zoom range. If low-light shooting is a priority, the Sony is worth a close look; if you prefer Canon colors and a more tactile menu experience, the SX740 HS is competitive.

It will manage reasonably well for brightly lit birthday parties, but concert or dark-venue photography is where you will hit the sensor's limits. At ISO 1600 and above, noise becomes noticeable and fine details soften. If indoor low-light events are your primary use case, a camera with a larger sensor would serve you better. For well-lit indoor gatherings, the results are pleasant and colors are true to life.

Yes, it flips up to face you completely, so framing yourself while recording or taking a self-portrait is straightforward without guessing. It is one of the more practical features on this compact superzoom and works noticeably better than fixed-screen alternatives. The touchscreen also lets you tap to set focus on your face directly, which speeds up the process.

It is a solid choice for that transition. The automatic modes handle most decisions for you, the menus are relatively approachable, and the image quality improvement over a typical smartphone — especially outdoors and at distance — is immediately obvious. As confidence grows, there are manual controls to explore. The main adjustment to expect is thinking ahead about battery and carrying a memory card, which smartphone users are not used to managing.

No, the SX740 HS does not support RAW capture in standard shooting modes — it saves images as JPEG only. If post-processing flexibility and maximum editing latitude are important to your workflow, this is a real limitation to factor in. For casual editing and social sharing, JPEG at the fine quality setting is quite workable.

The build feels solid for a camera in this size class, with a textured grip that keeps it secure in hand. However, there is no weather sealing of any kind, so even light rain or a splash poses a genuine risk. For hiking, beach trips, or unpredictable weather, a protective case is strongly advised. It is not a rugged travel camera — treat it accordingly and it will hold up well.