The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS is a compact camera that boasts a large 40x optical zoom despite fitting in a pocket. This translates to an equivalent focal range between 24 and 960mm. That is, we have incredible flexibility to take all kinds of photographs.
But not only that, this camera is at the top of Canon’s compact camera catalog. This means it has some features inherited from the manufacturer’s mirrorless and DSLR cameras. For example, it is equipped with the DIGIC 8 Image Processor and is capable of bursts of 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 I tell you what I thought.
DATA SHEET CANON POWERSHOT SX740 HS
| Sensor | 20.3 MP 1/2.3-type back-illuminated CMOS |
| image processor | DIGIC 8 |
| Aim | 4.3 – 172mm, 40x optical zoom, 80x ZoomPlus, f/3.3 – f/6.9 |
| Approach | TTL, Face, and Tracking (9 points) |
| ISO sensitivity | 100-3200 in one-point increments |
| continuous shooting | AF up to 10 fps, Servo AF up to 7.4 fps |
| Viewfinder | No |
| Screen | LCD (TFT) 3.0 inches, approx. 922,000 pixels |
| Video | 4K at 30 fps 1080p at 60, 50, 30 or 25 fps 720p at 60 and 50 fps |
| connectivity | Micro USB, Micro HDMI (Type D), WiFi 802.11n |
| Battery | NB-13L, Autonomy approx. 265 shots |
| Storage | SD, SDHC, SDXC (UHS-1 Speed ​​Class 3 compliant) |
| Dimensions | 110.1 x 63.8 x 39.9mm |
| Weight | 299 grams (battery and memory card included) |
| Availability | Available |
| Price | 425 euro |
A CAMERA THAT FITS IN YOUR POCKET
Considering that it offers a 40x optical zoom, the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS is surprisingly compact. Maybe it’s a little pretentious to say it fits in a pocket, but a small bag for sure. We have it available in two finishes: black or silver, with the grip area in brown imitation leather.
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 to move left and right to zoom.
A 3-inch screen dominates the back. It is a good screen, with a resolution of 922,000 pixels, but it is not touchy. I do not understand how Canon has chosen to put a non-touchscreen in a high-end compact camera.
On the other hand, the screen can be tilted 180 degrees, but it is not fully articulated. This shouldn’t be too much of a problem since if we want to record ourselves, we can do it.
Returning to the back, we have the different control buttons under the small space to place the thumb. The first button is to tell the camera in which position to start. Next to it, we have the WiFi button and the control wheel below them. This can also be used as a crosshead, including exposure control, flash, information display, and manual focus. At the end of the whole, we have the Play and Menu buttons.
On the right side, looking at the camera from behind, we have a small cover that hides the HDMI and USB. The battery and memory card are placed at the bottom. And right next to it, we have a 1/4 thread to put the camera on a tripod.
Looking at the left side, we will see a small sliding button that allows us to open the flash. This is located at the camera’s top, opposite the control buttons.
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 unfolded.
IMAGE QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE
Thanks to the DIGIC 8 processor, the focus of the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS is quite fast, especially when we have the lens placed at the widest angle.
When we deploy the impressive zoom of this compact, things get complicated. The focus system is fine, but not even the 5-axis stabilizer can compensate for our hands’ movement. So, if we want to take photos with a large zoom, it is highly recommended to use a tripod.
I did not like that choosing the focus point was impossible. We can switch between focusing on the face and autofocus with tracking or a center point. If we choose the last option, we can focus and reframe, but moving the focus point is impossible.
As for the burst, we have up to 10 fps. It is quite an interesting fact for a compact. The focus can track slow or predictable moving objects, but it is not a camera suitable for sports photography.
The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS offers a resolution of 20.3 megapixels. Get a good image quality when we have a lot of light. However, with a small sensor, we will lose detail when the light is scarce.
Without a doubt, the most striking thing about this camera is its 40x zoom. This allows us to carry a very versatile system in a minimum space. Thanks to its wide angle, we can take photos from the largest buildings to the most distant details. An ideal camera to take with us, for example, on vacation.
As usual with Canon, the colors are slightly saturated, but nothing serious. Indoors the automatic white balance adjustment tends to turn 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’s a compact camera, but we’re discussing a high-end model.
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 mobile phones already do. And let’s not forget that the great rivals of this type of camera are smartphones.
GALLERY OF PHOTOS 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.
On a 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, which is quite normal in compact cameras.
CONCLUSIONS AND PRICE
Compact cameras have a difficult time compared to mobile phones. So your only way out is to offer something a mobile camera can’t offer. For example, the 40x zoom that the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS has. This gives us total flexibility for the 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 burst of 10 fps, 4K video, and a good resolution of 20.3 megapixels.
However, Canon has missed a good opportunity to make an attractive compact camera for photographers. It includes a manual mode and the same image processor as its DSLR and mirrorless siblings. 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.
I am a writer with eight years of experience writing in business and technology. I always carry a passion for learning and discovering new knowledge.