The SX730 was already a contender as the best point-shoot camera, but SX740 HS is here to completely dethrone it. If you were looking to upgrade or were a big fan of the SX730, and need an excellent general-use point-and-shoot camera, the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS is where it’s at. If you have a camera that needs lenses, you might also want to read our Tamron 18-270mm PZD B008 lens review. Find more great cameras with our best digital camera list.
Why We Like It – Canon PowerShot SX740 HS
The SX740 HS Canon released has improved over its previous model, the SX730, in every sense of the word, from a better image processor to an improved design.
- Excellent performance for price
- Built-in technology keeps 40x zoom stable
- Versatile
- LCD screen isn’t touchscreen
Performance
Unlike the Canon PowerShot N, the Canon PowerShot SX740 has the same 20.3 megapixels as PowerShot SX610 HS. It’s built with the latest DIGIC image processor, the DIGIC 8. This provides a much sharper, higher image quality than before—even in low-light environments. SX740’s video quality also improved from 1080p Full HD to 4K at 30fps, which is great for video recording. However, if you want better video quality, look to the Olympus Tough TG-6.
We haven’t seen a 40x optical zoom lens since the Nikon Coolpix B500. With such a long zoom range, Dual Sensing IS kicks in to ensure the image is stable. Extra stabilization helps keep the camera steady in general, which is very helpful when using features like continuous shooting.
Related: Read the Canon PowerShot G16 review
Design
The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS is very compact, having dimensions of 1.60 x 4.30 x 2.50 inches and weighing 0.61 lbs. It’s quite impressive that Canon managed to cram high performance into such a small body. But for another small device, check out the Blackmagic Pocket 4K Cinema camera. The camera is both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capable. There’s a mode dial in the top right, allowing you to switch between different settings such as adjusting white balance, focal length, and even shutter priority.
The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS also comes built with a 3-inch LCD screen, but it isn’t touch screen capable. It can, however, twist and turn in various positions.
Value
When considering the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS’ performance, build quality, and compact design, we can wholeheartedly mark this camera as having superb value. This is especially true when you compare its price to Canon’s PowerShot G7 X Mark II, which is inferior in almost every category but costs $200 more. The SX740 has a better image processor, more megapixels to work with, better video resolution, and a longer zoom range. Not even the Nikon W300 matches the SX740 in performance.
Related: Check out the Fujifilm X T10 review
Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Wrap Up
The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS is such a versatile point-and-shoot camera, and Canon banks on providing some great performance points like 4K video and 20.3 megapixels. And it doesn’t waste its 40x optical zoom by adding technology to keep your shots stable. For the price you’re paying, you can easily look past the fact that the LCD screen lacks touch screen capabilities.
