Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Digital Camera - 40x Zoom Compact

In this review of the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS, the bottom line is simple: this compact point-and-shoot is for travelers and casual photographers who need extreme reach in a pocketable body. The reviewer found the 20.3MP sensor paired with the 40x optical zoom and Canon's DIGIC 8 processor delivers sharp telephoto shots and quick continuous bursts, while built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth make sharing easy. The included bundle items like a spare NB13L battery and a 64GB memory card make it a ready-to-go kit out of the box.

Key Features

• 40x Optical Zoom: The long 24-960mm (35mm equivalent) range brings distant subjects close without changing lenses, useful for travel and wildlife.
• 20.3MP CMOS Sensor: Provides detailed stills suitable for prints and cropping while keeping noise manageable at everyday ISO settings.
• DIGIC 8 Image Processor: Enables 10-fps continuous shooting with AF lock for capturing fast action and improves processing speed for high-resolution video.
• 4K Video and Time-Lapse: Records 4K footage and 4K time-lapse sequences for sharper video and flexibility in post-processing.
• 3.0in Tilting LCD: The screen flips 180 degrees for selfies and easier framing from high or low angles.
• Connectivity and Accessories: Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth simplify transfer to mobile devices, and the bundle includes extras like a spare battery, 64GB card, charger, and soft bag to start shooting immediately.

Who It's For

The SX740 HS is best suited to travelers, hikers, and casual photographers who want a single compact camera with a very long zoom and simple operation. The reviewer recommends it for anyone who values reach and portability over interchangeable-lens flexibility.

Photographers who need larger sensors, interchangeable lenses, or advanced manual controls should look elsewhere, as this camera is optimized for convenience and telephoto reach rather than low-light performance or professional-grade depth-of-field control.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Very long 40x optical zoom with optical image stabilization keeps distant subjects sharp.
• 4K video and 4K time-lapse add modern video capabilities to a compact body.
• Bundled extras like the NB13L replacement battery and 64GB card make the camera ready to use out of the box.
• Compact size and tilting 3.0in LCD make framing and selfies straightforward.

Cons

• Small sensor size means performance in low light and depth-of-field control are limited compared with larger-sensor cameras.
• Advanced users may find manual controls and creative flexibility more limited than on interchangeable-lens systems.

Specifications

Sensor	20.3MP CMOS sensor
Processor	DIGIC 8 Image Processor
Zoom Range	24-960mm (35mm equivalent), 40x optical
Display	3.0in tilting LCD
Video	4K video and 4K time-lapse recording
Continuous Shooting	Up to 10 fps with AF lock
Connectivity	Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Our Verdict

The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS bundle is a good value for travelers and casual shooters who want exceptional zoom in a compact, ready-to-shoot kit. With reliable image stabilization, 4K video, and a useful set of included accessories, it delivers reach and convenience, though those who prioritize low-light performance or interchangeable lenses should consider other systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this camera shoot 4K video?
Yes. The SX740 HS supports 4K video recording and 4K time-lapse capture.

Is the zoom stabilized for sharp telephoto shots?
Yes. The camera uses optical image stabilization to reduce blur at long focal lengths.

What comes in the bundle?
The bundle includes the camera, a 64GB memory card, NB13L replacement battery and charger, Corel photo software, card reader, micro HDMI cable, soft case, flexible tripod, and cleaning kit.