Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Digital Camera Review 2026: Still Worth It?

The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS has been on the market since 2018. Yet, in 2026, this compact camera still flies off the shelves. That alone should tell you something.

Smartphones have improved year after year, but they still can’t match a 40x optical zoom packed inside a body small enough for your pocket.

The SX740 HS delivers 20.3 megapixels, 4K video, and built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. It does all of this at a price point that won’t empty your wallet.

But is it the right camera for you in 2026? Are there better options now? This full review breaks down every feature, every strength, and every weakness. By the end, you’ll know exactly whether the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS fits your needs. Let’s get into it.

Key Takeaways

• The 40x optical zoom (24-960mm equivalent) is the star feature of this camera. It lets you capture wide landscape shots and zoom into distant subjects with impressive clarity. Very few compact cameras offer this zoom range in such a small body.
• 20.3 megapixel resolution produces sharp, detailed images in good lighting conditions. The 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor paired with Canon’s DIGIC 8 processor handles color reproduction and noise reduction well for a camera in this class.
• 4K video recording at 30fps adds serious value. You can shoot high-resolution video clips on vacation or at events without carrying bulky gear. The camera also supports Full HD at 60fps for smoother motion.
• Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth make it easy to transfer photos directly to your phone or tablet. You can also use Canon’s Camera Connect app to control the camera remotely and share images on social media instantly.
• The flip-up LCD screen tilts 180 degrees, making it ideal for selfies and vlogging. However, the camera lacks a viewfinder, which can be a drawback in bright sunlight.
• Battery life sits at around 265 shots per charge, which is average for this category. Carrying a spare battery is a smart idea for longer trips or full-day outings.

Canon PowerShot SX740 HS: Overview and First Impressions

The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS makes a strong first impression. Pick it up and you notice how light and compact it feels. It weighs just 299 grams with the battery and memory card. The body measures roughly 110 x 64 x 40mm, which means it fits easily into a jacket pocket or a small bag.

Canon offers this camera in black and silver. Both look clean and modern. The build quality feels solid despite the lightweight plastic body. The grip area has a textured surface that provides a decent hold.

The 3.0-inch tilting LCD screen on the back is bright and responsive. It flips up 180 degrees for selfies and vlogging, which is a handy touch. The screen resolution sits at 922,000 dots, and it displays colors accurately.

The button layout is simple. Canon placed the mode dial, zoom lever, and shutter button on the top. The back panel has a directional pad, a dedicated video record button, and quick menu access. New users will find this camera easy to learn and operate within minutes.

40x Optical Zoom Performance

The 40x optical zoom is the biggest reason people buy the Canon SX740 HS. The lens covers a focal range of 24mm to 960mm in 35mm equivalent terms. That is an incredible range for a pocket-sized camera.

At the wide end (24mm), you can capture expansive landscapes, group photos, and architecture. Zoom all the way in to 960mm, and you can photograph birds, distant buildings, or the moon with impressive detail.

Canon also includes a ZoomPlus feature that digitally extends the reach to 80x. This does reduce image quality slightly, but it remains usable in bright conditions. The zoom motor operates smoothly and quietly, which is great for video recording.

Optical Image Stabilization helps reduce blur at longer focal lengths. Canon claims 3.5 stops of stabilization. In practice, this means you can shoot handheld at moderate shutter speeds without a tripod. At the extreme 960mm end, you will still need steady hands or some form of support.

Image Quality and Sensor Details

The Canon SX740 HS uses a 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor with 20.3 effective megapixels. This sensor size is standard for compact superzoom cameras. It captures plenty of detail in well-lit environments.

In daylight, photos look sharp, vibrant, and well-exposed. Canon’s DIGIC 8 image processor handles white balance and color reproduction effectively. Greens look natural. Skin tones appear warm and accurate. The auto mode does a reliable job in most outdoor scenarios.

Indoor and low-light performance is where this sensor shows its limits. The small sensor size means noise starts to appear at ISO 800 and above. At ISO 1600 and 3200, images lose fine detail and show visible grain. The ISO range extends to 3200, which is modest compared to cameras with larger sensors.

JPEG output tends to apply moderate noise reduction, which smooths fine textures. If you want the best results in dim lighting, keep the ISO as low as possible and use a stable surface. Overall, the image quality is solid for its class but won’t match cameras with 1-inch sensors.

Top 3 Alternatives for Canon PowerShot SX740 HS

1. Sony RX100 VII offers a much larger 1-inch sensor with 20.1 megapixels. It delivers better low-light performance, faster autofocus, and superior image quality. The zoom range is shorter at 24-200mm, but the overall output is sharper.

2. Sony ZV-1 II is an excellent choice for vloggers and content creators. It has a 1-inch sensor, an 18-50mm wide-angle lens, and outstanding video features. It focuses on quality over zoom reach.

3. Nikon Coolpix A1000 provides a 35x optical zoom, 4K video, and a built-in electronic viewfinder. It competes directly with the SX740 HS and adds a viewfinder that Canon’s camera lacks.

4K Video Recording Capabilities

The Canon SX740 HS records 4K UHD video at 30 frames per second. This was a significant upgrade over its predecessor, the SX730 HS, which maxed out at Full HD. The 4K footage looks crisp and detailed on modern screens.

You also get Full HD 1080p recording at 60fps, which is great for capturing smoother motion. This frame rate works well for action clips, sports, and faster-moving subjects. The camera supports MP4 format, making file sharing and editing straightforward.

One limitation is a recording time cap on 4K clips. The camera may stop recording after roughly 10 minutes due to heat buildup. This makes it better for short clips than extended shooting sessions.

The camera includes a miniature effect movie mode, time-lapse movie, and video snapshot features. Audio is recorded through a built-in mono microphone.

There is no external microphone input, which limits audio quality for serious video work. For casual travel videos and social media clips, the 4K output is more than adequate.

Autofocus System and Speed

The Canon SX740 HS uses a contrast-detection autofocus system. It is not the fastest system on the market, but it gets the job done in most situations. In good lighting, the autofocus locks onto subjects quickly and accurately.

The camera supports face detection and tracking AF, which helps keep human subjects sharp. It recognizes faces and maintains focus as subjects move within the frame. This feature is useful for group shots and casual portraits.

In low-light conditions, the autofocus slows down noticeably. It may hunt back and forth before locking onto a subject. Fast-moving subjects at longer zoom lengths can also challenge the AF system.

Continuous shooting speed reaches 10fps at full resolution with a fixed focus point. This drops to around 7.4fps with continuous autofocus. For a compact camera, this burst rate is respectable.

It lets you capture fast moments like sports, pets, or kids in motion. You can hold down the shutter and pick the best frame from the burst.

Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Connectivity

Wireless connectivity is a key convenience feature of the SX740 HS. The camera has both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth built in. These features work together through Canon’s Camera Connect app, available on iOS and Android.

Bluetooth maintains a low-energy connection between the camera and your phone. This allows you to tag photos with GPS data from your smartphone. It also enables quick pairing every time you want to transfer images.

Wi-Fi handles the actual image transfer. You can send full-resolution photos or resized versions to your phone in seconds. The transfer speed is reasonable, and the process is simple once you set it up the first time.

Remote shooting is another useful feature. You can control the camera from your phone, adjust settings, and trigger the shutter wirelessly. This is handy for group photos, self-portraits, or when the camera is mounted on a tripod at a distance.

Design, Build Quality, and Ergonomics

The Canon SX740 HS has a slim, rectangular design that prioritizes portability. The body is made of durable polycarbonate plastic. It feels well-assembled with no creaks or flex in the build.

The top of the camera holds the mode dial, power button, zoom lever, and shutter button. Everything is within easy thumb and finger reach. The rear has a control wheel, directional pad, and dedicated buttons for video recording, playback, and menu access.

One area where the design could improve is the grip. The front of the camera has a small raised area with a textured surface. It provides some hold, but larger hands may find it insufficient. A small add-on grip or a wrist strap can solve this issue.

The tilting LCD screen is a highlight. It flips up a full 180 degrees, making it visible from the front. This is ideal for vloggers and anyone who takes frequent selfies. The screen does not touch, though. Canon did not include a touchscreen on this model, which can make menu navigation slower.

Battery Life and Storage

The Canon SX740 HS uses the NB-13L rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Canon rates it at approximately 265 shots per charge using the CIPA testing standard. In real-world use, this number can vary based on zoom usage, Wi-Fi activity, and screen brightness.

If you plan to shoot heavily during a trip or event, 265 shots may not be enough. Carrying a spare NB-13L battery is a practical solution. Third-party batteries are also available at lower prices and offer similar performance.

The camera charges via a USB Micro-B cable, which allows you to recharge it from a power bank or laptop. This is a useful feature for travelers. However, USB-C would have been a welcome upgrade. The charging time from empty to full takes roughly two hours.

For storage, the SX740 HS accepts SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards. A fast UHS-I card is recommended for 4K video recording. A 64GB card provides enough space for thousands of photos or several hours of 4K footage.

Who Should Buy the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS?

The SX740 HS is a great fit for specific types of users. Travel photographers will love the combination of extreme zoom and pocket-friendly size. You can explore a new city and zoom into distant landmarks without carrying heavy gear.

Family photographers will appreciate the easy-to-use auto mode and face detection. You can hand this camera to anyone, and they will get a good photo. The flip-up screen makes it fun for group selfies too.

Casual vloggers who want 4K video in a small package will find this camera useful. The tilting screen, built-in stabilization, and wireless connectivity check many boxes for basic video content.

This camera is not ideal for professional work. The small sensor limits low-light performance and dynamic range. Action and sports photographers will find the contrast-detection AF too slow for fast-paced subjects.

If you need advanced manual controls, RAW file support (this camera only shoots JPEG), or a viewfinder, you should look at other options.

Pros and Cons of the Canon SX740 HS

The strengths of this camera are clear. The 40x zoom in a pocket-sized body is the biggest draw. Very few cameras match this zoom range at this size. The 4K video, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, and flip-up screen add significant value.

Image quality in daylight is excellent for its class. Colors look rich and natural. The autofocus works well in bright conditions, and the 10fps burst mode captures fast moments effectively.

On the downside, the 1/2.3-inch sensor struggles in low light. Noise becomes a problem above ISO 800. The camera lacks a viewfinder, which makes shooting in bright sunlight difficult. There is no RAW file support, which limits post-processing flexibility.

The battery life of 265 shots is below average for a travel camera. The absence of a touchscreen feels like a missed opportunity. The USB Micro-B charging port is outdated by 2026 standards. Despite these weaknesses, the SX740 HS still delivers solid value for its target audience.

Canon SX740 HS vs. Smartphone Cameras in 2026

Smartphone cameras have improved dramatically. Flagship phones now have multiple lenses, computational photography, and impressive software processing. So why would you buy a dedicated camera like the SX740 HS?

The answer is optical zoom. Even the best smartphones in 2026 offer around 5x to 10x optical zoom. The SX740 HS offers 40x optical zoom, which no smartphone can match. If you need to photograph a bird in a tree, a player on a distant field, or the moon, this camera wins every time.

Smartphones also rely heavily on digital processing and AI to enhance photos. The results are often great, but they can look over-processed. The SX740 HS produces a more natural, optical image with true zoom capability.

Where smartphones win is in convenience, sharing speed, and low-light computational photography. Night mode on modern phones often produces cleaner images than the SX740 HS can at high ISO. The choice depends on what you value most: extreme zoom range or all-around convenience.

Is the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Worth Buying in 2026?

The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS remains a strong value proposition in 2026. It fills a very specific niche that smartphones and most other compact cameras cannot touch. The 40x zoom in a truly pocketable body is still rare and desirable.

For travelers, families, and casual photographers who want more reach than a phone can offer, this camera delivers. The 4K video, wireless features, and flip-up screen add layers of versatility. The price has also become more attractive as the camera has aged.

If you need better image quality, faster autofocus, or advanced manual controls, consider alternatives like the Sony RX100 VII or the Sony ZV-1 II.

But if zoom range and portability are your top priorities, the Canon SX740 HS is still hard to beat. It does one thing exceptionally well, and that’s what makes it worth buying even eight years after its release.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS shoot RAW files?

No, the Canon SX740 HS only shoots JPEG images. It does not support RAW file capture. This means you have less flexibility for editing and post-processing compared to cameras that offer RAW support. For casual users, the JPEG quality is good enough for prints and social media sharing.

How far can the Canon SX740 HS zoom?

The camera has a 40x optical zoom that covers 24mm to 960mm in 35mm equivalent. Canon’s ZoomPlus feature extends this digitally to 80x. The optical zoom range lets you photograph distant subjects like wildlife, sports players, and architectural details with clarity.

Can you use the Canon SX740 HS for vlogging?

Yes, the SX740 HS works for basic vlogging. It has a 180-degree flip-up screen, 4K video recording, and built-in image stabilization. However, it lacks an external microphone input and uses a mono mic. Serious vloggers may prefer the Sony ZV-1 II for better audio and video features.

Does the Canon SX740 HS have image stabilization?

Yes, the camera includes optical image stabilization (OIS) rated at approximately 3.5 stops. This helps reduce camera shake, especially at longer focal lengths. The stabilization works for both photos and video recording.

What memory card does the Canon SX740 HS use?

The camera accepts SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards. For best results with 4K video, use a UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) card or higher. A 64GB or 128GB card gives you plenty of space for extended shooting sessions.

How does the Canon SX740 HS compare to the SX730 HS?

The SX740 HS improves on the SX730 HS in two key areas. It adds 4K video recording and a faster DIGIC 8 image processor. The burst shooting speed also improved to 10fps. The sensor, zoom range, and body design remain largely the same between the two models.

Last update on 2026-05-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API