The Canon PowerShot series has remained popular for beginners and hobbyists. These compact cameras are excellent for people who just want to take photos without any fuss. Despite the basic functionality, however, they still offer superior image technology.
A prime example of this design ethos is the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS – a brilliant point-and-shoot camera with an excellent 40x optical zoom. Furthermore, it benefits from the latest Canon image processing technology.
If you are not concerned with the advanced functionality or lens choice of DSLR cameras, the PowerShot SX740 HS could be an excellent choice. We take an in-depth look at the camera features and design. Moreover, we analyze its performance and see what separates it from other compact cameras.
Main Features
The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS packs a great range of features into a small camera. It has built-in image stabilization which helps when using the 40x optical zoom. Furthermore, it provides excellent video recording at 4K HD and has a continuous shooting mode of 10fps, which is better than some pro DSLR cameras. The following are the basic specifications of this camera:
- Size: 110 x 63 x 39mm
- Weight: 299g
- Sensor: 20.3MP CMOS Sensor
- Image Processor: Digic 8
- Raw Images: Yes
- Video Quality: 4K HD
- Connectivity: WiFi / Bluetooth / USB
- Touchscreen: Yes
The autofocus of this device is also advanced – it has multiple focus points and allows for both auto and manual focus control. One of the main drawbacks of the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS is that it only has average performance for low-light photos. It doesn’t have a high maximum ISO and when pushed to the higher end, some images may have noticeable background noise.
Design
As with other PowerShot cameras, the SX740 HS looks amazing. It has a sleek design complemented by a right-hand textured grip. Furthermore, it is compact. With the zoom retracted, the camera can comfortably fit in your pocket. If you need a portable travel camera that still offers great quality, the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS is one of the best choices available.
Aside from the compact and lightweight design, the camera also has a logical button layout and a high-quality screen. It has a top dial for program modes and a top-shutter. In addition to this, it has a button layout on the rear that is easy to access. Finally, the LCD screen can be tilted, which makes it great to use for video recording.
Users can shoot in full RAW mode, and the camera has both WiFi and USB connections – this means that you can quickly download photos to your smartphone or other external devices. Â
Performance
The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS also performs well. It has a powerful image processor and a large sensor, which means that the basic image quality is fantastic and on par with some higher-end DSLR cameras. Obviously you can’t change lenses, but there is a powerful 40x optical zoom. The zoom offers great flexibility for close-up photos, but you do lose some of the quality at the extreme focal ranges.
The SX740 HS is also easy to use and has a myriad of simple functions. Users who are not comfortable using manual settings can utilize the auto program mode – this essentially chooses the best camera settings for you based on the scene in front of you.    Â
Canon PowerShot SX740 HS vs. Canon PowerShot SX720 HS
You may want to look at the older model of the Canon PowerShot SX720 HS – why spend more purchasing the SX740 HS when you can buy the SX720 HS? We have provided a fair comparison so that you can understand the main differences between the two similar models.
The first thing to notice is the underlying image technology. Both cameras feature the same image sensor – a 20.3MP resolution CMOS sensor. The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS, however, has a superior image processor – the latest Digic 8. The SX720 HS only has the Digic 6 processor which is two versions older. This means that the SX740 HS has superior image quality.
In addition to this, the PowerShot SX740 HS has superior video recording quality too. It is capable of recording video footage at full 4K HD, whereas the SX720 HS is only capable of recording at 1080p. Obviously, 1080p is still acceptable quality, but if you want to create high-quality video, the SX740 HS would be the obvious choice. To show the main specs of these cameras, we have created a comparison table below:
| Canon PowerShot SX740 HS | Canon PowerShot SX720 HS | |
| Megapixel Count | 20.3MP | 20.3MP |
| Processor | Digic 8 | Digic 6 |
| Lens Mount | N/A | N/A |
| Weight | 299g | 270g |
| Dimensions | 110 x 63 x 39mm | 109 x 63 x 35mm |
| Video | 4K HD | 1080p |
The Canon PowerShot SX720 HS is certainly a great camera for beginners and everyday use. If you want a little extra quality, however, we would advise choosing the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS. The improved image and video quality are hard to turn down.
Why Choose the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS?
If you want a functional point-and shoot-camera that provides excellent image quality, the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS is a top choice. It almost offers DSLR-quality images without the requirement for advanced knowledge and camera controls. For those who don’t want to use manual controls or the complex features of DSLR cameras, the SX740 HS is a great alternative. It is easy to use and takes a no-fuss approach to photography.
You’ll need to weigh the pros and cons and consider what level of photography you would use this device for. If you just want a high-quality camera to take photos for memories, the SX740 HS is a great option. Alternatively, if you want to create advanced photography and use different shooting techniques, a DSLR camera with interchangeable lenses could be a better option. Â Â Â
