Canon PowerShot SX740 HS, analysis with characteristics, opinion and price

Canon PowerShot SX740 HS, we've tested it

The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS is a compact camera that, despite fitting in a pocket, boasts a large 40x optical zoom . This translates to a focal range equivalent between 24 and 960mm. In other words, we have incredible flexibility to take all kinds of photos.

But not only that, this camera ranks at the top of Canon's compact camera catalog. This means that it has some features inherited from the manufacturer's SLR and mirrorless cameras. For example, it is equipped with the DIGIC 8 image processor and is capable of bursting at up to 10 fps . It also has five-axis image stabilization, a 20.3-megapixel CMOS sensor and the option to record video with 4K resolution. That is, we are facing a high-flying compact. I have had the opportunity to try it for a few days and here he tells you what I think.

Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Datasheet

Sensor20.3 MP 1 / 2.3-type back-illuminated CMOS
Image processorDIGIC 8
objective4.3 - 172mm, 40x optical zoom, 80x ZoomPlus, f / 3.3 - f / 6.9
FocusTTL, Face and Tracking (9 points)
ISO sensitivity100-3200 in one-point increments
Continuous shootingAF up to 10fps, Servo AF up to 7.4fps
ViewfinderNot
screen3.0-inch LCD (TFT), approx. 922,000 pixels
Video4K at 30 fps

1080p at 60, 50, 30 or 25 fps

720p at 60 and 50 fps

ConnectivityMicro USB, micro HDMI (Type D), WiFi 802.11n
BatteryNB-13L, Autonomy approx. 265 shots
StorageSD, SDHC, SDXC (UHS-1 Speed ​​Class 3 compliant)
Dimensions110.1 x 63.8 x 39.9 mm
Weight299 grams (including battery and memory card)
AvailabilityAvailable
Price425 euros

A camera that fits in your pocket

we have tested Canon PowerShot SX740 HS side lens

Considering that it offers a 40x optical zoom, the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS is surprisingly compact . It might be a bit pretentious to say that it fits in a pocket, but a small bag is safe. We have it available in two finishes: totally black or silver with the handle area in brown imitation leather.

we have tested Canon PowerShot SX740 HS top buttons

Being a compact camera, we have quite simple controls. At the top we find the power button, the mode wheel, the video record button and a small lever that we can move left and right to zoom.

The back is dominated by a 3-inch screen . It is a good screen, with a resolution of 922,000 pixels, but it is not touch. I do not understand how in a high-end compact camera Canon has chosen to put a screen that is not touch.

we have tested Canon PowerShot SX740 HS raised screen

On the other hand, the screen can be tilted 180 degrees, but it is not fully articulated . This should not be too much of a problem, since if we want to record ourselves we can do it.

Going back to the back, under the small space to place the thumb, we have the different control buttons. The first button is to tell the camera which position to start at. Next to it we have the WiFi button and under them the control wheel. This can also be used as a crosshair and includes exposure control, flash, display information, and manual focus. At the end of all we have the Play and Menu buttons.

we have tested Canon PowerShot SX740 HS rear

On the right side, looking at the camera from behind, we have a small cover that hides the HDMI and the USB . The battery and memory card are placed from the bottom. And right next to it we have a 1/4 thread to be able to put the camera on a tripod.

If we look at the left side we will see a small sliding button that allows us to open the flash. This is located on the top of the camera, just opposite the control buttons.

we have tested Canon PowerShot SX740 HS closed sensor

When the camera is off, the objective lens is covered by a small metal sheet . This opens by itself when we turn on the camera, while the lens is deployed.

Image quality and performance

Thanks to the DIGIC 8 processor , the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS's focus is quite fast. Especially when we have the lens placed at the largest angle.

When we deploy the impressive zoom of this compact, things get complicated. The system focuses well, but not even the 5-axis stabilizer is able to compensate for the movement of our hands . So, if we want to take photos with a large zoom, it is highly recommended to use a tripod.

we have tested Canon PowerShot SX740 HS cross

40x zoom photo with tripod

I did not like that it is not possible to choose the focus point . We can switch between focus to the face with tracking, autofocus with tracking or center point. If we choose the last option we can focus and reframe, but it will not be possible to move the focus point.

As for burst, we have up to 10 fps . It is quite interesting data for a compact. The focus is capable of tracking slow or predictable moving objects, but it is not a suitable camera for sports photography.

we have tested Canon PowerShot SX740 HS smoke

Photo zoom

The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS offers a resolution of 20.3 megapixels . Get good image quality when we have a lot of light. However, having a small sensor, when the light is scarce we will lose detail.

Without a doubt, the most striking thing about this camera is its 40x zoom . This allows us to carry, in a minimum space, a very versatile system. We will be able to take photos from the largest buildings, thanks to its wide angle, to the most distant details. An ideal camera to take, for example, on vacation.

we have tested Canon PowerShot SX740 HS lights

As is usual with Canon, the colors are slightly saturated, but nothing serious . Indoors the automatic white balance setting tends to yellow. Something that we can mitigate by changing the white balance and putting one more in line with the scene.

Something that I did not like is that the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS does not allow shooting in RAW format . I know it is a compact camera, but we are talking about a high-end model.

we have tested Canon PowerShot SX740 HS museum

As for the video, it allows recording with 4K UHD quality . The video quality is good for home use, but little else. However, it would have been a mistake on Canon's part not to include 4K quality recording, since almost all phones already do. And let's not forget that the great rivals of this type of camera are smartphones.

Photo gallery taken with Canon PowerShot SX740 HS

Wireless connectivity

The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS is equipped with WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity . We can thus share and make backup copies of the photos directly on the mobile or tablet. For this we will need the Canon Camera Connect application.

We have tested Canon PowerShot SX740 HS connectors

At the physical level we have a specific Hi-Speed ​​USB connector (compatible with Micro-B) and a micro HDMI connector (Type D). However, we do not have a connection for an external microphone , something, on the other hand, quite normal for compact cameras.

Conclusions and price

Compact cameras have it complicated compared to mobiles. So your only way out is to offer something that a mobile camera cannot. Like for example the 40x zoom that the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS has . This gives us total flexibility for photographs of our trips or vacations.

On the other hand, the image quality offered by this camera is quite good , especially in optimal lighting conditions. In addition, we have a 10fps burst, 4K video and a good resolution of 20.3 megapixels.

we have tested Canon PowerShot SX740 HS final

However, Canon has missed a good opportunity to make an attractive compact camera for photographers . It is true that it includes a manual mode and the same image processor as its reflex and mirrorless sisters. However, it does not allow shooting in RAW format, something essential if we want to go a little further in photography.

Also, we can't change the focus point either . Finally, we have a somewhat small sensor that affects night photography. Still, we are before a good compact camera.

The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS is already on sale with an official price of 425 euros .