Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Review: Superzoom Worth Buying?

You want a camera that zooms far, fits in your pocket, and shoots sharp photos. The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS promises all three. It packs a huge 40x optical zoom into a body you can slip into a jacket pocket. It shoots 4K video too, which is rare for a camera this small and this affordable.

But does it hold up in real use? Does the image quality match the specs on paper? This review answers those questions in plain language.

You will learn what this camera does well, where it falls short, and who should actually buy it. By the end, you will know if the SX740 HS fits your needs or if a rival serves you better. Let us start.

In A Nutshell

Short on time? Here is the quick summary of the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS before we go deep.

• The 40x optical zoom reaches from 24mm wide to 960mm telephoto, so you shoot wide landscapes and distant subjects with one lens.
• It records 4K UHD video at 30fps, a first for Canon’s PowerShot SX line, plus 4K time lapse movies for creative clips.
• The camera stays truly pocketable at just 299g, which makes it a strong travel and everyday companion.
• A tilting 3 inch LCD flips up 180 degrees for selfies and vlogging, though it is not a touchscreen.
• The DIGIC 8 processor enables fast 7.4fps burst shooting with autofocus, good for kids, pets, and action.
• The main trade offs are no RAW support, no viewfinder, and a small 1/2.3 inch sensor that limits low light performance.

What Is The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS?

The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS is a compact travel zoom camera. Canon released it in 2018 as an update to the older SX730 HS. It targets families, travelers, and new vloggers who want more reach than a phone.

The camera uses a 20.3 megapixel 1/2.3 inch CMOS sensor. This sensor is small, which is normal for pocket superzooms. The star feature is the 40x optical zoom lens. That lens covers a 24 to 960mm range in full frame terms. You get wide shots and far away shots from one body.

Canon added the DIGIC 8 image processor to this model. This chip brought two big upgrades over the SX730. First, it added 4K video recording. Second, it raised burst speed to 7.4fps with autofocus. These changes made the SX740 more competitive against rivals like the Panasonic ZS series.

The body weighs only 299g with battery and card. It measures about 110 x 64 x 40mm. You can carry it all day without strain. The camera also includes built in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for fast sharing to your phone. It is a simple, friendly camera that moves you beyond smartphone photos without a steep learning curve.

Last update on 2026-08-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Design And Build Quality

The SX740 HS feels solid for a budget compact. The body uses plastic, but it does not feel cheap. A small rubberized grip sits on the front. This grip gives your fingers a secure hold even with one hand.

On top you find the shutter button ringed by the zoom lever. Canon placed the video record button and power switch nearby. The mode dial gives you full manual, aperture priority, and shutter priority modes. Enthusiasts will appreciate this control range in such a small camera.

The back holds a scrolling dial that doubles as a four way pad. The buttons sit close together on the right side. This layout helps one handed use. But people with large hands may find the buttons cramped. It takes a day or two to learn where each button lives.

The camera comes in black or silver. Both look clean and modern. A pop up flash hides on top and releases with a small catch. The lens retracts fully when off, which keeps the profile slim.

One smart touch is the Zoom Framing Assist button. When you lose your subject at full zoom, you hold this button and the lens pulls back. Release it and the zoom returns. This feature makes long telephoto shots far easier to frame. Overall the build punches above its price.

The 40x Optical Zoom In Real Use

The zoom is the heart of this camera. 40x optical zoom means you go from a wide 24mm view to a distant 960mm reach. That is a massive range for a pocket camera. You shoot a full room, then zoom to a bird across a field, without changing lenses.

In daily use the zoom is smooth and controlled. The lever moves the lens at a steady pace. It is neither too fast nor too slow. The 5 axis image stabilization helps a lot at long focal lengths. Without it, handheld shots at 960mm would blur badly.

The camera also offers ZoomPlus at 80x. This mode uses smart processing to extend reach with little quality loss. Beyond that, digital zoom pushes to a combined 160x, but image quality drops sharply at those extremes. Stick with optical zoom for the best results.

At full zoom the lens aperture narrows to f/6.9. This means less light reaches the sensor. So bright daylight gives the best long range shots. In dim light, the zoom struggles and you may see softer images. Still, for travel, wildlife, sports, and events, this zoom range is hard to beat at this price. It is the single strongest reason to buy this camera.

Image Quality And Sensor Performance

Let us be honest about the sensor. The SX740 uses a 1/2.3 inch CMOS chip. This is the same small size found in most superzoom compacts. It cannot match the larger sensors in premium cameras. But it does deliver pleasing results in good light.

In bright daylight, photos look sharp with punchy colors. Canon’s color science produces natural skin tones and rich blues and greens. JPEGs come out ready to share with little editing needed. The 20.3 megapixel resolution gives you room to crop and print.

Low light is the weak spot. The camera runs from ISO 100 to ISO 3200. Noise stays low up to ISO 400. Past ISO 800, grain becomes visible. At ISO 1600 and 3200, images turn soft and noisy. So indoor and night shots need care.

The lens focuses as close as 1cm in macro mode. This lets you capture flowers, food, and small details with nice detail. Chromatic aberration shows up as slight purple or green fringing in high contrast scenes, but it is minor.

One clear limit is the lack of RAW support. You only get JPEG files. This reduces editing flexibility for advanced users. For casual shooters, though, the JPEGs are good enough. The image quality suits family snaps, travel, and social media just fine.

Top 3 Alternatives For Canon PowerShot SX740 HS

The SX740 HS is great, but it is not the only pocket superzoom. If you want a viewfinder, RAW files, or touchscreen control, these three rivals deserve a look. Each one competes closely on zoom, size, and price. Here are the top alternatives worth your money.

The Sony DSC-HX99 offers a 24 to 720mm zoom, a pop up electronic viewfinder, RAW support, and a touchscreen. It is the pick for enthusiasts who want more control.

Last update on 2026-08-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Nikon Coolpix A1000 brings a 35x zoom, a built in viewfinder, and a tilting touchscreen. It also shoots RAW and 4K, making it a balanced all rounder.

Last update on 2026-08-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Panasonic Lumix ZS80 features a 30x Leica branded zoom, a viewfinder, 4K photo modes, and RAW files. It is a strong travel choice for those who value handling and video.

Last update on 2026-08-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

4K Video And Recording Features

The SX740 HS was the first PowerShot with 4K video. This gave it a big edge over the older SX730. You record 4K UHD at 30fps for crisp, detailed footage. The extra resolution lets you crop or reframe in editing without losing sharpness.

The camera also shoots Full HD at 60fps. This higher frame rate gives smooth motion for sports and action clips. You can slow footage slightly for a cinematic feel. HD 720p at 60fps is there too for smaller file sizes.

A fun bonus is 4K time lapse movies. You set the camera to capture frames over time, and it builds a smooth clip in camera. This works great for sunsets, clouds, and busy streets. It saves you the hassle of stitching frames later.

There are limits to know. The camera crops the frame in 4K mode, so you lose some wide angle reach. Video clips also cap at 29 minutes 59 seconds. Audio comes from a built in stereo mic since there is no mic input jack.

The image stabilization helps video a lot. Handheld clips stay steady even at longer zoom. For a pocket camera, the 4K footage looks clean and colorful in good light. It is a solid tool for vloggers, travelers, and family memories.

Autofocus And Burst Shooting

The DIGIC 8 processor gives the SX740 HS quick performance. Autofocus is fast and accurate in good light. The camera locks focus in a moment on well lit subjects. It offers Face and Tracking AF, Zone, single point, and center modes.

The AF slows down as light drops. In dim rooms or at dusk, it hunts a bit before locking. An AF assist beam helps in very dark scenes. For most daytime shooting, focus feels snappy and reliable.

Burst shooting is a real highlight. The camera fires at 7.4fps with continuous autofocus. If you lock focus on the first frame, it hits 10fps. This speed helps you catch kids running, pets playing, and sports action. You get a burst of frames to pick the sharpest shot.

One drawback is the fixed focus point options. You cannot freely move the AF point around the frame. For off center subjects, you focus and recompose. This is a minor annoyance for careful shooters. But for point and shoot use, the autofocus system does its job well and keeps up with active subjects.

Screen, Menus, And Ease Of Use

The SX740 HS uses a 3 inch LCD with 922,000 dots. The screen is bright and clear in most conditions. It tilts up a full 180 degrees, so it faces forward for selfies and vlogging. This flip up design is a big plus for solo creators.

The screen is not a touchscreen, though. You navigate menus with physical buttons and the dial. This feels dated next to rivals with touch control. Once you learn the layout, it works fine, but touch would speed things up.

Canon designed the menus to be simple and friendly. New users move from smartphone shooting to this camera without stress. A Feature Assistant explains modes as you scroll. The Smart Auto mode detects 29 scene types and sets everything for you.

For sharing, the built in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth shine. You pair the camera with the free Canon Camera Connect app. Then you send photos to your phone in seconds. Bluetooth keeps a low power link active for quick transfers. You can also control the camera remotely from your phone, which helps with group shots and tricky angles. The overall experience feels smooth for beginners and casual users.

Battery Life And Portability

Battery life is average for this class. The camera uses a NB-13L lithium ion battery. Canon rates it at about 265 shots per charge in normal use. Turn on Eco Mode and you stretch that to around 370 shots.

For a full day of heavy shooting, carry a spare battery. Many owners buy a second battery for travel. Video drains the battery faster, giving roughly 30 to 45 minutes of 4K recording per charge. Plan around this if you shoot a lot of clips.

The camera charges over USB, which is handy on the road. You top up from a power bank or laptop. Note that Canon supplies the battery and charger in the box. Charging via USB may need a compatible cable.

Portability is where this camera wins big. At just 299g and pocket sized, it goes everywhere. You forget it is in your bag until you need it. This is the key appeal over a bulky DSLR or bridge camera. You get 40x zoom and 4K in a body lighter than many phones with cases. For travel, hikes, theme parks, and daily carry, the size and weight are a joy. Just pack that extra battery.

Pros And Cons Of The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS

Every camera has strengths and weaknesses. Here is a clear breakdown to help you decide fast. These points sum up real world use and reviews.

Pros:

• The 40x optical zoom covers 24 to 960mm, giving huge reach in a tiny body.
• It records 4K UHD video and 4K time lapse, rare at this price and size.
• The camera is truly pocketable at only 299g for easy all day carry.
• Fast 7.4fps burst shooting with autofocus captures action well.
• The tilting 180 degree screen makes selfies and vlogging simple.
• Built in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth allow quick, easy photo sharing.
• Sharp, colorful JPEGs come straight from the camera in good light.

Cons:

• The small 1/2.3 inch sensor struggles in low light with visible noise.
• There is no RAW support, which limits photo editing flexibility.
• The camera has no electronic viewfinder, so bright sun makes framing hard.
• The screen is not a touchscreen, so menu control feels slower.
• Battery life of around 265 shots means you need a spare for full days.
• You cannot freely move the autofocus point around the frame.

Who Should Buy The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS?

This camera suits specific people well. Knowing if you are one of them saves you money and regret. Let us match the SX740 to the right buyers.

Travelers will love it. The huge zoom and small size mean you shoot landscapes, landmarks, and distant details with one light camera. It slips into a day bag with room to spare. You skip the weight of a big camera kit.

Families are a great fit too. Parents catch kids at play with fast burst mode. The simple auto modes need no photo skills. Grandparents and casual users find it easy to point and shoot.

New vloggers and content creators benefit from the flip up screen and 4K video. You film yourself, check framing, and share fast over Wi-Fi. It is an affordable step up from a phone.

Who should skip it? Serious enthusiasts and pros will want more. If you need RAW files, a viewfinder, strong low light shots, or a large sensor, look elsewhere. The Sony HX99 or a 1 inch sensor camera serves you better. Also, if you only shoot in dim indoor settings, the small sensor may frustrate you. But for bright, active, everyday shooting on a budget, this camera delivers real value.

Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Price And Value

The SX740 HS launched at $399. Since it is an older model, you often find it at lower prices or in bundles. Some listings now include cases, cards, and spare batteries, which add value.

At its price, the camera offers a strong feature to cost ratio. Few cameras give you 40x zoom and 4K video this cheap. A phone with similar zoom costs far more, and even then the optical reach cannot match this lens.

Compared to rivals, the SX740 sits at the value end. The Sony HX99 and Nikon A1000 cost more but add viewfinders and RAW. If those features do not matter to you, the Canon saves you money while covering the basics well.

Value depends on your needs. For a first real camera, a travel companion, or a family camera, it is a smart buy. You get proven Canon reliability and easy handling. Watch for bundle deals to stretch your dollar further. Overall, the SX740 HS remains a sensible pick for buyers who want reach and simplicity without a high price tag.

Last update on 2026-08-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Final Verdict On The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS

The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS earns a firm recommendation for the right buyer. It nails its main goal. You get a massive 40x zoom and 4K video in a pocket sized body. That combination is still rare and still useful in 2026.

The camera shines in good light. Photos look sharp and colorful, the zoom reaches far, and the burst mode catches action. The flip screen and wireless sharing make it fun and modern. It is a joy to carry on trips and to family events.

It is not perfect. The small sensor limits low light shots, and the lack of RAW and a viewfinder holds back serious users. The screen begs for touch control. These are the trade offs of a budget superzoom.

So here is the bottom line. If you want an easy, light, far reaching camera for travel, family, and casual video, the SX740 HS is a great choice. If you demand pro image quality and full control, spend more on a rival. For most casual shooters, this camera hits the sweet spot of price, zoom, and simplicity. It remains a smart, dependable pocket superzoom.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS shoot RAW photos?

No, the SX740 HS shoots JPEG only. It does not support RAW files. This limits deep editing but keeps files small and easy to share. Casual users rarely miss RAW, while enthusiasts may prefer a rival that offers it.

Is the Canon SX740 HS good for vlogging?

Yes, it works well for beginner vlogging. The screen flips up 180 degrees so you see yourself while filming. It records 4K video and shares clips over Wi-Fi. The lack of a mic input is the main downside for serious vloggers.

How far can the Canon SX740 HS zoom?

The camera offers 40x optical zoom, which equals 24 to 960mm in full frame terms. With ZoomPlus it reaches 80x. Optical zoom keeps quality high, so you shoot distant subjects clearly in good light.

Does the Canon SX740 HS have a viewfinder?

No, it does not have an electronic viewfinder. You compose shots using the 3 inch LCD screen only. In bright sunlight this can make framing harder. If a viewfinder matters to you, consider the Sony HX99 or Nikon A1000.

How long does the Canon SX740 HS battery last?

The battery lasts about 265 shots per charge in normal use, or around 370 in Eco Mode. For 4K video, expect roughly 30 to 45 minutes. Carrying a spare battery is wise for full days of shooting.

Is the Canon SX740 HS good in low light?

It performs best in bright light. The small 1/2.3 inch sensor shows noise above ISO 800. Indoor and night photos come out softer and grainier. For low light as a priority, a camera with a larger sensor works better.

Can the Canon SX740 HS connect to a phone?

Yes, it has built in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. You pair it with the free Canon Camera Connect app. Then you transfer photos fast and even control the camera remotely from your phone for group shots.