Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Review 2026: Still Worth It?

The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS first hit the market back in 2018. Yet here we are in 2026, and it remains one of the most popular compact cameras on Amazon. That says something powerful about what this little camera can do.

But is it still a smart buy in 2026? Newer compact cameras have entered the market. Sensor technology has improved. So, does the SX740 HS hold up against fresh competition?

This review covers everything you need to know. We break down the image quality, zoom performance, video features, battery life, and real-world usability. Read on to find out if this camera deserves a spot in your bag this year.

Key Takeaways

• The 40x optical zoom is still unmatched at this price point. You get a 24-960mm equivalent range in a body that fits in your jeans pocket. No smartphone comes close to this level of optical reach.
• 4K video recording is a standout feature for a camera in this class. You can shoot crisp Ultra HD footage at 30 frames per second. This makes it a solid pick for travel vloggers and content creators on a budget.
• The 20.3 MP sensor uses a 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS chip paired with Canon’s DIGIC 8 processor. It handles daylight shooting very well. Low-light performance has limits, but that is expected at this sensor size.
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity let you transfer photos to your phone quickly. You can also use your smartphone as a remote control. Sharing to social media takes just seconds.
• The tilting LCD screen flips up 180 degrees for selfies and vlogging. There is no electronic viewfinder, which may bother some users. But the screen is bright and clear outdoors.
• Battery life sits at around 265 shots per charge. This is average for compact cameras. Carrying a spare battery is a good idea for full-day trips. The camera uses the Canon NB-13L battery.

Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Overview

The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS is a compact superzoom camera built for travelers, families, and casual photographers. Canon designed it as an upgrade to the older SX730 HS. The biggest addition was 4K video recording and a faster DIGIC 8 image processor.

This camera weighs just 299 grams with the battery and memory card installed. It measures roughly 110 x 64 x 40 mm. You can slip it into a jacket pocket or a small purse without any trouble.

The body is made from a combination of metal and high-quality plastic. It feels solid in the hand despite its small size. Canon offers it in both black and silver color options. The overall build quality holds up well, even after years of regular use.

The camera uses a 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor with 20.3 effective megapixels. This sensor pairs with Canon’s DIGIC 8 processor. Together, they deliver fast performance and good color accuracy in most conditions.

Design and Build Quality

The SX740 HS has a clean, minimal design. Canon kept the button layout simple and easy to learn. The mode dial sits on top of the camera. You get quick access to Auto, Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Manual modes.

A small but useful thumb grip on the back helps you hold the camera steady. The front has a slight textured area for your right hand. These small details make a difference during long shooting sessions.

The 3.0-inch tilting LCD is the main display. It flips upward 180 degrees for selfies. The screen resolution is 922,000 dots, and it looks sharp in most lighting. However, it is not a touchscreen. All menu navigation happens through physical buttons and dials.

There is no electronic viewfinder on this model. If you want an EVF, you need to look at the Canon SX70 HS or similar models. For most casual users, the LCD screen works perfectly fine.

Zoom Performance and Lens Quality

The star feature of this camera is its 40x optical zoom lens. This gives you a focal range of 24mm to 960mm in 35mm equivalent terms. You can go from a wide landscape shot to a close-up of a bird across a field in seconds.

Canon’s Optical Image Stabilizer helps keep shots sharp at longer zoom distances. The stabilizer does a solid job of reducing hand shake. You can also use the ZoomPlus feature, which extends the zoom to 80x digitally. Digital zoom reduces image quality, but ZoomPlus handles it better than standard digital zoom.

At the wide end, the lens produces sharp, well-exposed images with minimal distortion. As you zoom in beyond 20x, sharpness drops slightly. This is normal for superzoom compact cameras. A tripod or steady surface helps at maximum zoom.

The lens also supports macro shooting as close as 1 cm. This opens up possibilities for flower photography, food shots, and detail work. The macro focus range gives this camera extra versatility.

Top 3 Alternatives for Canon PowerShot SX740 HS

1. Panasonic LUMIX ZS80D offers a 30x zoom with a Leica-branded lens. It includes an electronic viewfinder, which the SX740 HS lacks. Image quality is comparable, and it also shoots 4K video.

2. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX99 packs a 28x zoom into an even smaller body. It features a pop-up EVF, a touchscreen LCD, and 4K video recording. The autofocus system is fast and accurate.

3. Nikon Coolpix A900 gives you a 35x optical zoom and 20 MP sensor. It has a flip-up screen for selfies and shoots 4K UHD video. It is a budget-friendly option with solid all-around performance.

Image Quality and Sensor Performance

The SX740 HS delivers good image quality in well-lit conditions. Colors look accurate and vibrant straight out of the camera. Canon’s DIGIC 8 processor handles white balance well in both daylight and cloudy skies.

At ISO 100 to 400, images look clean and detailed. You can print photos up to A3 size without noticeable quality loss. ISO 800 still produces usable results for online sharing and smaller prints.

Above ISO 1600, noise becomes more visible. The 1/2.3-inch sensor is small compared to cameras with 1-inch or APS-C sensors. This limits its ability to handle high ISO situations. Night photography and indoor events require steady hands or a tripod.

The camera shoots in JPEG format only. There is no RAW file support. This means you have less room for editing and post-processing. For most casual users, JPEG output is more than enough. Serious photographers may find this limiting.

4K Video Recording Capabilities

The SX740 HS records 4K UHD video at 3840 x 2160 resolution and 30 frames per second. Video quality is impressive for a camera at this price point. Colors look natural, and detail is strong in good light.

You also get Full HD 1080p recording at 60 fps. This option gives you smoother motion and is better for action scenes. The camera also supports a Time-Lapse Movie feature built right into the menu system.

5-axis image stabilization works during video recording. This keeps footage smoother during handheld use. It does not match the stabilization found in higher-end cameras or gimbals, but it helps a lot.

One downside is the recording limit. Videos are capped at about 10 minutes for 4K and 30 minutes for 1080p. Also, the camera can overheat during extended 4K recording sessions in warm weather. Keep this in mind if you plan long video shoots.

Autofocus System

The SX740 HS uses Canon’s contrast-detection autofocus system. It is reliable in bright conditions and locks onto subjects quickly. The camera offers single-point AF, face detection, and tracking AF modes.

Face detection works well for portraits and group photos. It identifies faces in the frame and adjusts focus and exposure. This makes point-and-shoot photography very easy for beginners.

Tracking AF can follow a moving subject across the frame. It performs best with subjects that move at moderate speeds. Fast-moving wildlife or sports action may challenge this system.

In low-light conditions, the autofocus slows down noticeably. The camera may hunt for focus in dim rooms or at dusk. Using the center focus point improves accuracy in tricky lighting. Overall, the AF system is adequate for everyday use.

Connectivity: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

The SX740 HS includes built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. These features connect the camera to your smartphone through the Canon Camera Connect app. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices.

Bluetooth provides a low-power, always-on connection between the camera and your phone. This lets you browse images on the camera from your phone without a full Wi-Fi handshake every time.

Wi-Fi kicks in for image transfers and remote shooting. You can use your phone screen as a live viewfinder. This is useful for group photos, tripod shots, or creative angles. Transfer speeds are decent for JPEG files.

You can also upload images directly to cloud services through the Canon image.canon platform. This provides automatic backup and easy access from any device. The connectivity features add real value to the overall package.

Battery Life and Storage

The camera uses a Canon NB-13L rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Canon rates it at approximately 265 shots per charge using the CIPA testing standard. Real-world results vary based on zoom usage, flash, and video recording.

Heavy zoom use and 4K video drain the battery faster. A spare battery is a smart investment for all-day trips. The NB-13L is small, lightweight, and easy to carry as a backup.

Charging happens through USB using the included cable. You can charge the battery inside the camera. This is convenient for travel since you do not need a separate external charger. A portable power bank can also top up the battery.

The camera accepts SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards. For 4K video, Canon recommends a UHS Speed Class 3 card or higher. A fast 64 GB card gives you plenty of room for both photos and video clips.

Shooting Modes and Creative Features

The SX740 HS includes a good selection of shooting modes. You get full Manual, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Program Auto. Scene modes cover situations like Portraits, Sports, Night, and Food.

Auto Mode handles most situations well. The camera analyzes the scene and picks the right settings. This makes it a true point-and-shoot experience for beginners and families.

Canon’s Creative Filters add fun effects in-camera. Options include Fisheye, Miniature, Toy Camera, Monochrome, and more. These filters apply in real time, so you see the effect before you take the shot.

The Self-Portrait mode activates automatically when you flip the screen up. It includes skin smoothing and background defocus options. These features make selfies look polished without any editing.

Who Should Buy the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS in 2026?

This camera fits travelers who want a powerful zoom without carrying heavy gear. The pocket-friendly size and 40x zoom make it ideal for sightseeing, wildlife viewing, and vacation photography.

Families benefit from the easy Auto mode and face detection. Parents can capture school events, birthday parties, and sports days with minimal effort. The flip-up screen also makes family selfies simple.

Casual vloggers will appreciate the 4K video and stabilization features. The compact size makes it easy to carry every day. It is a solid entry point for YouTube or social media video content.

However, if you need RAW file support, an electronic viewfinder, or strong low-light performance, this camera may fall short. Enthusiast photographers should consider a 1-inch sensor compact like the Canon G7 X Mark III instead.

Canon PowerShot SX740 HS: Pros and Cons

Pros:

The 40x optical zoom remains the biggest draw. The camera is extremely portable and fits in any pocket. 4K video recording adds real value. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth make sharing fast and easy. The flip-up screen is great for selfies and vlogging.

Cons:

The 1/2.3-inch sensor limits low-light performance. There is no RAW shooting option for advanced editing. The camera lacks an electronic viewfinder. Battery life at 265 shots is just average. The LCD is not a touchscreen, which feels outdated in 2026.

Overall, the pros outweigh the cons for most casual users. The SX740 HS delivers strong performance where it matters most. Its weaknesses are expected trade-offs for a camera at this size and price.

Final Verdict: Is the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Still Worth It in 2026?

The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS remains a strong choice in 2026 for anyone who values zoom range and portability. No smartphone can replicate its 40x optical zoom. The camera delivers solid image quality in good light and shoots impressive 4K video.

It has clear limitations. The small sensor, lack of RAW support, and missing viewfinder are real downsides. But Canon built this camera for convenience and versatility, and it delivers on both.

If you want a compact camera that travels well, zooms far, and shoots great video, the SX740 HS still earns a recommendation. It fills a gap that smartphones and larger cameras cannot. For the price, it offers outstanding value and reliable everyday performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS shoot RAW photos?

No, the SX740 HS shoots in JPEG format only. It does not support RAW file capture. If you need RAW shooting, consider the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III or the Sony RX100 series.

Can the Canon SX740 HS record 4K video?

Yes, it records 4K UHD video at 30 fps. It also supports 1080p Full HD at 60 fps. The 4K recording is capped at approximately 10 minutes per clip due to processing heat.

Does the Canon SX740 HS have an electronic viewfinder?

No, this camera does not include an electronic viewfinder. It relies on a 3.0-inch tilting LCD screen for framing. The Panasonic LUMIX ZS80D and Sony HX99 are alternatives that include an EVF.

How far can the Canon SX740 HS zoom?

The camera has a 40x optical zoom with a 24-960mm equivalent focal range. With ZoomPlus digital zoom, you can extend the reach to approximately 80x. Optical zoom produces the sharpest results.

Is the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS good for vlogging?

Yes, it is a decent entry-level vlogging camera. The flip-up screen, 4K video, and compact size make it practical for daily vlogging. It lacks an external microphone jack, so audio quality depends on the built-in mic.

What memory card does the Canon SX740 HS use?

The camera accepts SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards. For 4K video, use a card rated at UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) or faster. A 64 GB or 128 GB card is ideal for mixed photo and video use.