Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Review

The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS is a compact superzoom camera that has been a popular choice for travelers and casual photographers since its release. With a 40x optical zoom lens and 4K video recording, it packs a lot of capability into a small body. But is it the right camera for you? Our editorial team compared specifications, buyer feedback, and key decision factors to give you an honest review.

Who Should Buy the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS?

This camera is designed for people who want a single, pocketable device that can handle a wide range of shooting situations. If you often find yourself at concerts, sporting events, or on safari, the 40x zoom (24-960mm equivalent) lets you capture subjects that are far away without carrying heavy telephoto lenses. It is also a great choice for family vacations, where you can switch from wide-angle group shots to close-ups of wildlife with a simple twist of the zoom ring.

However, if you are a photographer who prioritizes low-light performance or wants full manual control with a viewfinder, this camera may disappoint. The small 1/2.3-inch sensor is common in compact superzooms, but it cannot match the image quality of larger sensor cameras like the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III or an entry-level mirrorless camera.

Design and Build Quality

The SX740 HS is compact and lightweight, weighing just 299 grams with battery and card. It fits easily into a jacket pocket or a small purse. The body is made of plastic, which keeps the weight down but gives it a slightly less premium feel compared to metal-bodied rivals. The grip is a small bump on the front, which is fine for a camera this size, but those with larger hands may find it a bit cramped.

The buttons are well-placed and responsive, and the mode dial on top allows quick access to manual, aperture priority, and scene modes. The rear screen is a 3-inch tilt-type LCD with 922k dots. It tilts up and down, which is helpful for high-angle or low-angle shots, but it does not flip out to the side for selfies or vlogging. There is no touchscreen, so you must use the four-way controller to move the autofocus point, which can be a bit tedious.

Performance and Image Quality

In good light, the SX740 HS produces sharp, vibrant images with pleasing colors. The 20.3-megapixel sensor, combined with Canon's DIGIC 8 processor, delivers good detail for its class. The 40x zoom is the star here, and at full telephoto, the optical image stabilizer does a decent job of keeping shots steady, though you will still need to brace yourself or use a tripod for the sharpest results.

Low-light performance is the camera's biggest weakness. At ISO 800 and above, noise becomes noticeable, and details can smear. The maximum aperture at the wide end is f/3.3, which is not very bright, and at full zoom it drops to f/6.9. This means you will need to raise ISO in dim conditions, which can degrade image quality. For casual evening shots with flash, it is acceptable, but for serious low-light work, look elsewhere.

Video Capabilities

One of the standout features of the SX740 HS is its 4K video recording. It can shoot 4K UHD at 30p with no crop, which is rare in this class. The footage is detailed and smooth, and the optical stabilization helps reduce handheld shake. There is also a 1080p mode at up to 60p for slow-motion effects. However, there is no external microphone input, and the built-in microphone picks up handling noise, so for serious vlogging you would need a separate audio recorder.

Ease of Use and Connectivity

Canon's menu system is straightforward, and the SX740 HS includes a “Creative Filters” mode for fun effects like Fisheye and Toy Camera. The camera has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, allowing you to transfer images to your smartphone using the Canon Camera Connect app. The app is reliable, though some users find it a bit clunky. There is also a feature called “Auto Transfer” that can send images to your phone as you shoot, which is handy for sharing on social media.

The battery life is rated at about 265 shots per charge, which is good for a compact camera. You can easily get a full day of casual shooting on a single charge. The camera charges via a micro-USB cable, but it does not support USB-C, and there is no charger included in the box; you must plug the camera into a computer or use an optional wall adapter.

Common Buyer Complaints

• No touchscreen: Many users miss the convenience of tapping to focus, especially when using the zoom.
• Low-light noise: Photos at high ISO can be grainy, limiting indoor use without flash.
• Plastic build: Some feel the camera is not as durable as they expected.
• Autofocus in low contrast: The contrast-detect AF can hunt in dim or low-contrast scenes.
• No viewfinder: In bright sunlight, the LCD can be hard to see, making composition difficult.

Comparison with Alternatives

If you are considering the SX740 HS, you might also look at the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX99. The Sony offers a 30x zoom, a pop-up electronic viewfinder, and a touchscreen, but it is often more expensive. The Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS80 has a similar 30x zoom and a viewfinder, but its autofocus is slower. The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III has a larger 1-inch sensor for better low-light performance, but its zoom is only 4.2x, so it is not a direct competitor for zoom reach.

Value and Verdict

The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS is a niche product that excels at one thing: providing an incredible zoom range in a tiny package. For travelers, hikers, and birdwatchers, it is a valuable tool. The 4K video is a bonus, and the ease of use makes it accessible to beginners. However, if you need better low-light performance or a viewfinder, you may want to spend more on a different model. Check the current price on Amazon to see if it fits your budget.

Final Thoughts

In summary, the SX740 HS is a well-rounded superzoom that delivers on its promise of reach and portability. It is not perfect, but for its intended audience, it is a reliable companion. We recommend it for casual photographers and travel enthusiasts who prioritize zoom over image quality in challenging light.