Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Review: Is This Worth It?

Are you looking for a camera that fits in your pocket but shoots like a pro? The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS might be exactly what you need.

This compact point-and-shoot camera packs a massive 40x optical zoom lens, 4K video, and Wi-Fi into a body small enough to slip into your jeans.

But is it truly worth your money in 2026? In this review, we dig into every detail. We cover image quality, zoom performance, video features, battery life, and more.

Key Takeaways

• Massive 40x Optical Zoom: The lens covers a 24 to 960mm equivalent range. This makes it one of the most powerful zoom cameras in the compact category. You can shoot wide landscapes and distant subjects with the same device.
• 20.3 Megapixel BSI-CMOS Sensor: The sensor captures sharp, detailed images in good lighting. Colors look natural and crisp straight out of the camera. It is great for casual and travel photography.
• 4K Video Recording with Time-Lapse: You get full 4K UHD video and even 4K time-lapse mode. This is a standout feature for a camera at this price point. Vloggers and content creators will appreciate the stereo sound recording as well.
• Flip-Up 3-Inch LCD Screen: The screen tilts up to 180 degrees for selfies and vlogging. It makes self-portraits and group shots incredibly easy. No tripod or timer required for a great selfie.
• Built-In Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: You can transfer photos to your smartphone instantly. The Canon Camera Connect app makes sharing and remote control simple. Bluetooth keeps a low-power connection active at all times.
• DIGIC 8 Processor with 10fps Shooting: The processor delivers fast performance and reliable autofocus. You get up to 10 frames per second with AF lock. This helps you capture fast-moving subjects without missing a moment.

Canon PowerShot SX740 HS: Overview of a Compact Powerhouse

Last update on 2026-10-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS is a slim and lightweight travel zoom camera. Canon designed it for people who want powerful zoom without carrying a heavy DSLR.

The camera features a 20.3 megapixel BSI-CMOS sensor, a DIGIC 8 image processor, and a 40x optical zoom lens equivalent to 24 to 960mm. It also offers 4K video, a flip-up selfie screen, and built-in Wi-Fi with Bluetooth.

The SX740 HS is the successor to the SX730 HS and brings significant upgrades. These upgrades include 4K video, better processing speed, and improved zoom framing assist technology. The camera is available in both black and silver colors.

It is priced in the mid-range segment, making it accessible for everyday photographers. If you want a camera that does a lot without breaking the bank, the SX740 HS is a solid starting point.

Design and Build Quality: Slim Body, Solid Feel

The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS has a clean, compact design that looks and feels premium. The body measures just 101.6 x 58.7 x 35.5 mm and weighs around 299 grams with battery and card included. It truly fits in a pocket, which is rare for a camera with this much zoom power.

The outer shell uses a combination of plastic and metal parts. This gives it a decent feel in the hand without adding too much weight. The right side has a comfortable thumb grip and a textured surface to prevent slipping.

Controls are laid out logically, and the mode dial sits on top for quick access. There is no weather sealing on this model, so you should avoid rain or dusty conditions.

Overall, the build quality is fine for everyday use. It is not rugged, but it feels sturdy enough for regular travel and outdoor shoots.

The 40x Optical Zoom: See More Than Ever Before

The standout feature of this camera is its 40x optical zoom lens. It covers a range from 24mm wide-angle to an incredible 960mm telephoto equivalent. This means you can capture sweeping landscapes and then zoom in on a bird perched on a branch hundreds of feet away.

Canon also includes its Zoom Framing Assist feature. When you zoom in and lose track of your subject, a single button press zooms out temporarily to help you reframe, then jumps back to your original zoom level.

This is incredibly useful for action shots or wildlife photography. The Optical Image Stabilizer keeps your shots steady even at maximum zoom.

Without stabilization, shooting at 960mm would produce extremely shaky images. The combination of long zoom and stabilization makes this camera truly impressive for its size and price category.

Top 3 Alternatives for Canon PowerShot SX740 HS

Last update on 2026-10-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Last update on 2026-10-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Last update on 2026-10-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

20.3 Megapixel Sensor: What to Expect from Image Quality

The SX740 HS uses a 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor with 20.3 effective megapixels. In good lighting conditions, photos look sharp, colorful, and well-exposed. Canon’s color science adds warmth and vibrancy to images, which many users find pleasing straight from the camera.

The sensor handles moderate contrast scenes well. You get clean images at ISO 100 to ISO 400. As you push ISO higher, noise becomes more visible, especially in shadow areas.

At ISO 1600 and above, image quality drops noticeably. The camera does not support RAW file format, which means all edits rely on the processed JPEG output. For most casual users and travelers, the image quality is more than adequate.

However, serious photographers who want maximum editing flexibility may find the JPEG-only output limiting. For bright daylight shooting and travel photography, the results are genuinely impressive for a compact camera.

DIGIC 8 Processor: Speed and Smart Performance

Canon’s DIGIC 8 image processor powers the SX740 HS and makes a noticeable difference in day-to-day performance. The camera starts up quickly and focuses fast in most lighting situations.

The processor also handles noise reduction, color rendering, and 4K video processing without slowing down. The DIGIC 8 chip enables high-speed continuous shooting at up to 10 fps with AF lock engaged.

In Servo AF mode, the camera shoots at up to 7.4 fps while tracking a moving subject. This level of speed is impressive for a compact camera. The processor also powers the Zoom Framing Assist and Story Highlights features.

Story Highlights automatically creates short edited clips from your photos and videos. For everyday use, the camera feels snappy and responsive. Menus load fast, zoom is smooth, and there is minimal shutter lag. The DIGIC 8 processor keeps this small camera feeling modern and capable.

4K Video Recording: Capture Life in Full Detail

The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS records 4K UHD video at 30 frames per second. This was a major upgrade over the SX730 HS, which only recorded Full HD. 4K footage looks incredibly detailed on modern screens and gives you room to crop in post-production without losing quality.

The camera also supports Full HD at 60fps for smoother motion video. Stereo audio recording adds to the video quality. A 4K time-lapse movie mode lets you create stunning time-lapse videos directly in-camera without additional editing.

The optical zoom works during video recording, making it easy to pull in distant subjects while filming. One downside is that 4K video does come with some cropping.

Also, extended 4K recording can drain the battery faster than still photography. Despite these limitations, the video features are impressive for a camera in this price range and size.

The Flip-Up Screen: Perfect for Selfies and Vlogging

The SX740 HS features a 3-inch LCD screen that tilts upward to 180 degrees. This makes it incredibly easy to take selfies, record vlogs, and shoot at unusual angles. Simply flip the screen up, frame yourself, and shoot.

The screen has a resolution of approximately 922,000 dots, which gives a clear and sharp preview image. However, the screen is not a touchscreen. You cannot tap to focus or tap to take a photo.

All controls are handled through physical buttons and dials. The screen is bright enough for outdoor use in most conditions, though direct sunlight can reduce visibility somewhat. For content creators and social media users, the flip-up selfie screen is a genuine asset.

It eliminates the need for a separate mirror or remote shutter. Combined with Wi-Fi connectivity, it makes the camera a solid option for vloggers who travel light.

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Share Photos Instantly

The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS includes built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for seamless wireless connectivity. The Wi-Fi feature allows you to transfer images directly to your smartphone or tablet.

The Canon Camera Connect app is available for both iOS and Android, and setup is straightforward. You can also use the app to control the camera remotely. This is great for group photos or creative angles where you cannot press the shutter manually.

Bluetooth provides an always-on low-energy connection that keeps the camera linked to your phone. This allows for automatic photo transfer and location tagging without draining the battery as fast as Wi-Fi alone.

You can also upload photos directly to social media or cloud services through a connected device. For travelers and content creators, this connectivity makes the camera feel modern and practical. The wireless features work reliably once set up correctly.

Battery Life: How Long Does It Last?

Battery life is an area where the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS shows a notable limitation. The camera is rated for approximately 265 shots per charge using the NB-13L battery. In real-world use, heavy zoom use, video recording, and Wi-Fi connectivity can reduce this count significantly.

Users who shoot a lot of video in 4K will find the battery draining faster than expected. It is strongly recommended to carry at least one spare battery when traveling or shooting for extended periods.

The camera charges via a dedicated charger, not USB charging, which is a minor inconvenience. Charging the battery fully takes a couple of hours.

On the positive side, the battery is lightweight and small. Having two batteries gives you a full day of shooting without worrying about running out of power. Battery life is a real-world limitation, but it is manageable with a simple backup solution.

Low-Light Photography: Strengths and Limits

The SX740 HS has a maximum ISO of 3200, which is on the lower end by today’s standards. In low-light situations like indoor events, evening shots, or dimly lit scenes, you will notice increased image noise at higher ISO settings.

The camera handles ISO 400 and below very well. At ISO 800, images are still usable with some softness. At ISO 1600 and 3200, the noise becomes more visible and details start to soften. The small sensor size limits the camera’s low-light capability compared to cameras with larger sensors.

However, the Optical Image Stabilizer helps prevent blur from camera shake in low light. Using flash in indoor settings improves exposure significantly.

The overall message is this: the SX740 HS performs well in daylight and decent indoor lighting. For serious low-light or night photography, a camera with a larger sensor would serve you better.

Continuous Shooting and Autofocus Speed

For action and sports photography, the SX740 HS offers impressive speed for its class. In One-Shot AF mode with AF lock, the camera reaches 10 frames per second. With Servo AF tracking engaged, it shoots at 7.4 fps.

This means you can capture fast-moving subjects like kids at play, pets, or sporting events with a reasonable hit rate. The autofocus system is fast in good lighting and performs adequately in moderate light.

In low light or at maximum zoom, autofocus can slow down and occasionally hunt for focus. The camera also features low-speed continuous shooting at 4 fps in One-Shot AF mode for more controlled burst sequences.

The combination of speed and zoom makes this camera stand out in the compact segment. While it cannot match dedicated sports cameras, it delivers solid results for everyday action shooting at a fraction of the size and cost.

Who Is the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Best For?

The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS is a great fit for a specific type of photographer. Travelers will love the combination of powerful zoom and compact size. You can photograph distant mountains, wildlife on safari, or landmarks without switching lenses.

Casual photographers who want a step up from smartphone photos will appreciate the simple controls and automatic shooting modes. Vloggers and content creators benefit from the 4K video, flip-up screen, and Wi-Fi connectivity.

Parents who want to capture their children’s sports events or school performances will find the 40x zoom incredibly useful. The camera is also well-suited for first-time camera buyers who want to learn photography basics without spending a lot.

It is not the right choice for professional photographers, low-light specialists, or users who need RAW support. But for the right user, it punches well above its weight class.

Pros and Cons of the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS

Pros:

• 40x optical zoom in a truly pocket-sized body is a rare combination
• 4K video and 4K time-lapse add serious value for content creators
• DIGIC 8 processor delivers fast startup, quick AF, and smooth performance
• Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth make sharing and remote shooting easy
• Flip-up 180-degree screen is excellent for selfies and vlogging
• 10fps continuous shooting is impressive for a compact camera

Cons:

• No RAW file support limits editing flexibility for serious photographers
• Battery life is limited at around 265 shots per charge
• Low-light performance is average due to the small 1/2.3-inch sensor
• Maximum ISO of 3200 is low compared to modern standards
• No touchscreen makes navigation slightly less intuitive
• No built-in viewfinder makes shooting in bright sunlight harder

Final Verdict: Is the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Worth Buying?

The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS is a genuinely impressive compact camera for the right buyer. It packs a 40x zoom, 4K video, flip-up screen, and wireless connectivity into a body that fits in your pocket.

For travelers, casual photographers, and vloggers, it offers an outstanding combination of features and portability. The DIGIC 8 processor keeps everything fast and smooth, and the image quality in good light is very satisfying.

The main limitations are battery life, low-light performance, and the absence of RAW support. These are real drawbacks for demanding photographers. However, for everyday use and travel documentation, the SX740 HS delivers consistent, quality results.

If you want a capable all-in-one travel camera that does not weigh down your bag, this camera deserves serious consideration. It is a smart buy for anyone who values zoom range, compact size, and ease of use above all else.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS shoot in RAW format?

No. The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS does not support RAW file format. It saves all images as JPEG files only. If RAW shooting is important to you, consider an alternative like the Nikon Coolpix A1000, which does support RAW output.

What is the maximum video resolution on the SX740 HS?

The camera records video at 4K UHD resolution at 30 frames per second. It also supports Full HD at 60fps. There is also a dedicated 4K time-lapse video mode built into the camera.

Can I use the SX740 HS for wildlife photography?

Yes, the 40x optical zoom with a 960mm equivalent focal length makes it very capable for wildlife photography. The Zoom Framing Assist feature helps you track and reframe moving animals. However, performance in dim forest or overcast conditions may be limited by the small sensor.

How good is the battery life on the Canon SX740 HS?

The camera is rated for approximately 265 shots per charge. Real-world use with 4K video and Wi-Fi will reduce this. Carrying a spare NB-13L battery is strongly recommended for full-day shoots.

Does the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS have a viewfinder?

No. The SX740 HS does not have an optical or electronic viewfinder. You compose all your shots using the 3-inch rear LCD screen. This can be a drawback in very bright sunlight where screen visibility is reduced.

Is the LCD screen on the SX740 HS a touchscreen?

No, the screen is not a touchscreen. You use physical buttons and the rear control dial to navigate menus and adjust settings. Tap-to-focus and tap-to-shoot are not available on this model.

Is the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS still a good buy in 2025?

Yes, it remains a strong choice for travel and casual photography in 2025. The 40x zoom, 4K video, and compact form factor are still competitive. The price has also become more attractive over time, making it an even better value proposition for budget-conscious buyers.