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Canon PowerShot SX740  Camera Review

Reviewed Feb 08, 2021 at 07:40am
Test bench update Feb 24, 2025 at 02:56pm
Tested using methodology v0.13 
Canon PowerShot SX740
5.9
Travel Photography 
3.0
Landscape Photography 
6.0
Sport & Wildlife Photography 
6.3
Vlogging 
4.9
Studio Video 
3.7
Action Video 
0.0
Raw Photo 
 2

The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS is a compact point-and-shoot camera. Though its tiny sensor won't blow you away any more than your phone camera, this pocketable point-and-shoot comes with a 40x zoom-capable lens, making it super easy to capture far-off subjects. Add in 4k video capability and a price that won't break the bank, and you've got an appealing budget option for casual or travel photography.

Our Verdict

5.9
Travel Photography 

The Canon PowerShot SX740 is okay for travel photography. Its out-of-camera image quality is decent, and photos don't have a lot of visible image noise at low ISO settings, but they aren't very sharp. Its autofocus is okay but isn't very consistent when tracking moving faces. The battery life is also disappointing. That said, the camera is very portable and easy to take wherever you go, but it can be a bit uncomfortable because of its compact size, especially if you have larger hands.

Pros
  • Portable design with decent build quality.
  • JPEG images look pretty good at low ISO settings.
Cons
  • Not very comfortable to hold.
  • Poor battery life.
3.0
Landscape Photography 

The Canon PowerShot SX740 isn't the best choice for landscape photography, though it's fine for more casual photography. The biggest issue is its tiny sensor, which has a limited dynamic range, meaning it can't capture a wide array of detail in high-contrast shots. Its built-in lens isn't especially sharp, although the camera does produce pleasing colors.

Pros
  • Portable design with decent build quality.
Cons
  • Not very comfortable to hold.
  • Poor dynamic range.
  • Photos aren't especially sharp.
6.0
Sport & Wildlife Photography 

The Canon PowerShot SX740 is okay for sport and wildlife photography. It can shoot at a reasonably high continuous speed and has an okay autofocus system. However, it may struggle to clearly capture fast-moving subjects like athletes or running animals. Image quality isn't the best, but the long zoom range and good stabilization feature mean you can get fairly clear shots of far-away subjects.

Pros
  • Portable design with decent build quality.
Cons
  • Not very comfortable to hold.
6.3
Vlogging 

The Canon PowerShot SX740 is mediocre for vlogging. It's portable, and its flip-out screen lets you easily monitor yourself while recording. Its optical stabilization helps keep videos stable, even when you're on the go. Unfortunately, it has poor 4k and FHD video quality, so videos aren't very sharp or detailed. The autofocus is also inconsistent when tracking faces.

Pros
  • Portable design with decent build quality.
  • Impressive video stabilization performance.
Cons
  • Poor 4k and FHD video quality.
  • Inconsistent autofocus.
4.9
Studio Video 

The Canon PowerShot SX740 isn't a good choice for studio video, though it isn't meant for this use. Video quality is poor in both 4k and 1080p, with limited dynamic range and sharpness. Its autofocus system does an okay job tracking moving subjects, but it sometimes struggles to keep them in focus. The camera lacks inputs and outputs and has limited internal recording capability for higher-quality video capture.

Pros
  • Portable design with decent build quality.
Cons
  • Not very comfortable to hold.
  • Poor 4k and FHD video quality.
  • Limited internal recording capability.
3.7
Action Video 

The Canon PowerShot SX740 isn't meant for action video. While it's very portable, it doesn't support 120 fps or 240 fps video recording, so you can't capture slow-motion action videos. It doesn't have the best 4k or FHD recording quality, either. It also lacks any water resistance.

Pros
  • Portable design with decent build quality.
Cons
  • Not very comfortable to hold.
  • Poor 4k and FHD video quality.
  • No water resistance.
0.0
Raw Photo 

The Canon SX740 can't shoot in RAW format.

Pros
None
Cons
None
  • 5.9
    Travel Photography
  • 3.0
    Landscape Photography
  • 6.0
    Sport & Wildlife Photography
  • 6.3
    Vlogging
  • 4.9
    Studio Video
  • 3.7
    Action Video

  • Performance Usages

  • 0.0
    Raw Photo
  • Changelog

    1.  Updated Feb 24, 2025: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.13. We've added new tests for Video Dynamic Range and Luminosity Patch Detection. You can learn more about these updates in the changelog.
    2.  Updated Jan 29, 2024: Added text to the 'Raw Photo Performance' verdict box.
    3.  Updated Jan 29, 2024: Converted to Test Bench 0.12.1.
    4.  Updated Apr 24, 2023: Converted to Test Bench 0.12.

    Differences Between Sizes And Variants

    The Canon SX740 comes in two different color variants: Black and Silver. We tested the Black variant, and you can see the label for the model we tested here. We expect the Silver variant to perform similarly. If you come across another variant, let us know in the discussions.

    Popular Camera Comparisons

    Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III

    The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III is a much better point-and-shoot camera than the Canon PowerShot SX740, though it's priced higher. It feels more premium, and its 1-inch sensor captures significantly better image and video quality. Beyond that, it also offers RAW image capability, faster burst shooting, better autofocus, and better video features.

    Sony ZV-1

    The Sony ZV-1 is better than the Canon PowerShot SX740. It uses a larger 1-inch type sensor that captures better image and video quality. It also has much better video features. On top of that, it has a significantly more effective autofocus system and faster burst shooting. That said, since the ZV-1 is a vlogging cam, it has a much shorter zoom range than the Canon.

    Panasonic LUMIX ZS80

    The Panasonic LUMIX ZS80 is a better value option than the Canon PowerShot SX740. Unlike the Canon, it can capture RAW images and has a small electronic viewfinder, making it a bit more versatile. Plus, it has a better battery life and more effective autofocus. However, its zoom range is a bit shorter than that of the Canon.

    Nikon COOLPIX A1000

    The Nikon COOLPIX A1000 is a bit better than the Canon PowerShot SX740. It has a viewfinder, a more versatile tilting screen, and RAW image capability, giving you more flexibility for photography. That said, the Canon has a better autofocus system.

    Test Results

    perceptual testing image
    Sort:
    RATINGS
    Category:
    All
    Design
    9.0
    Portability
    Height
    2.5" (6.4 cm)
    Width
    4.3" (11.0 cm)
    Depth
    1.6" (4.0 cm)
    Volume
    17.2 in³ (281.6 cm³)
    Weight
    0.66 lbs (0.30 kg)
    7.0
    Build Quality

    • Generally feels solid and durable
    • Flash mechanism seems a bit flimsy
    • Back wheel feels a bit loose
    • Input/output compartment protected by a flap, not a solid door

    Body
    Body Type
    Point and Shoot
    Water Resistance
    No
    Mirrorless
    Yes
    Rugged
    No
    Hot Shoe
    No
    Customizable Button
    No
    Command Dial
    1
    Tripod Mount
    Yes
    Lens Mount
    No Lens Mount
    Built-In Flash
    Yes
    Fastest Shutter Speed
    1/3,200 s
    In The Box

    • Canon SX740
    • Case
    • Case strap
    • Battery charger
    • Battery
    • Wrist strap
    • User manual

    7.0
    Ergonomics & Comfort
    Hand Grip: Small Hand
    Yes
    Hand Grip: Medium Hand
    No
    Hand Grip: Large Hand
    No
    Hand Grip: Extra-Large Hand
    No

    • Hand grip is uncomfortable due to camera size, although it's suitable for those with small hands
    • Only one wheel to change aperture, ISO, and shutter speed

    Viewfinder
    Viewfinder Type
    No Viewfinder
    Advertised Coverage
    N/A
    Advertised Resolution
    N/A
    Advertised Magnification
    N/A
    7.0
    Screen
    Screen Articulation Type
    Flip-Out
    Screen Max Brightness
    577 cd/m²
    Advertised Resolution
    0.92 million dots
    Size
    3.0" (7.6 cm)
    Touchscreen
    No
    9.0
    Menu System
    Guide Mode
    Yes
    App Name
    Canon Camera Connect

    • Easy to use; not a lot of settings to choose from
    • Guide Mode is available for additional information about settings and features
    • Depending on the mode selected, different settings appear in the menu system

    6.9
    Built-In Lens
    See details on graph tool
    Maximum Aperture
    3.3 - 6.9
    Max Aperture (Full-Frame Equivalent)
    f/18.5
    Minimum Focal Length
    4.3 mm
    Maximum Focal Length
    172 mm
    Max Focal Length (Full-Frame Equivalent)
    960 mm
    Optical Image Stabilization
    Yes
    Luminance
    72.5%
    Light Falloff
    89.9%
    Sensor
    Sensor Type
    CMOS
    Advertised Effective Pixels
    20.3 MP
    Sensor Size
    1/2.3-inch
    Processor
    DIGIC 8
    Extended ISO Minimum
    N/A
    Native ISO Minimum (Base ISO)
    100
    Native ISO Maximum
    3,200
    Tested Firmware
    Ver. 1.0.2
    4.8
    Battery
    Battery Type
    Canon NB-13L
    USB Charging
    Yes
    Power Delivery While Recording
    No
    Advertised Battery Life In Photo
    265 photos
    Tested Battery Life In Video
    55 min
    Photo General
    7.0
    Photo Shooting Speed
    Low Speed Continuous
    4 fps
    High Speed Continuous
    10 fps
    Silent Shooting Continuous
    N/A
    Raw Buffer Size
    N/A
    JPEG Buffer Size
    62 Photos
    Buffer Empty Time
    3 s
    0.0
    Photo AF-C Tracking
    Autofocus Tracking ShotsN/A
    Perfect Focus Hit Rate
    N/A
    Usable Focus Hit Rate
    N/A
    7.8
    Photo AF-C Center Point
    Autofocus Center Point Shots
    center-point-run-01-01
    Run 01
    AF-C Center Point 01
    Perfect Focus Hit Rate
    78%
    Usable Focus Hit Rate
    83%
    8.0
    Photo Image Stabilization
    Minimum Shutter Speed Achieved
    1/10 s
    In-Body Image Stabilization
    No
    Photo Image Quality
    0.0
    Photo RAW Dynamic Range
    Dynamic Range At Base ISO
    N/A
    Dynamic Range At 1/500s Exposure Time
    N/A
    Dynamic Range At 1/2000s Exposure Time
    N/A
    Dynamic Range At 1/4000s Exposure Time
    N/A
    0.0
    Photo RAW Sharpness
    Vertical Edge MTF50 At Base ISO
    N/A
    Horizontal Edge MTF50 At Base ISO
    N/A
    0.0
    Photo RAW Noise
    SNR 18% At 1/8 Exposure Time (125 ms)
    N/A
    SNR 18% At 1/30 Exposure Time (33 ms)
    N/A
    SNR 18% At 1/125 Exposure Time (8 ms)
    N/A
    SNR 18% At 1/500 Exposure Time (2 ms)
    N/A
    Pictures Sample Gallery
    The Skate Park Picture
    JPEG Skate Park PictureDownload
    RAW Skate Park PictureN/A
    The Polish Church Picture
    JPEG Polish Church PictureDownload
    RAW Polish Church PictureN/A
    The Studio Picture
    JPEG Studio PictureDownload
    RAW Studio PictureN/A
    The Stairway Picture
    JPEG Stairway PictureDownload
    RAW Stairway PictureN/A
    Video General
    Video Features
    Full HD Video
    Yes
    4k Video
    Yes
    6k Video
    No
    Clean HDMI Output
    No
    Advertised Max Chroma Sampling Over HDMI
    Not Advertised
    Advertised Max Bit Depth Over HDMI
    N/A
    Log Picture Profile
    No
    Recording Light
    No
    Audio
    Audio Test Sample
    Audio Recording
    Stereo
    Microphone Level Display
    No
    Video File Format And Compression
    MP4 H.264 / MPEG-4 AVC
    Yes
    MP4 H.265 / HEVC
    No
    MOV H.264 / MPEG-4 AVC
    No
    MOV H.265 / HEVC
    No
    AVCHD H.264 / MPEG-4 AVC
    No
    All-I Compression
    No
    4k Video
    3.1
    4k Video Frame Rate
    240 fps In 4k
    No
    120 fps In 4k
    No
    60 fps In 4k
    No
    30 fps In 4k
    Yes, with a Crop
    24 fps In 4k
    No
    4k Crop At Max Available fps
    1.35 x
    6.3
    4k Video Internal Recording
    Bitrate Maximum In 4k
    120 Mbps
    Bitrate Minimum In 4k
    120 Mbps
    Chroma Sampling In 4k
    4:2:0
    Bit Depth In 4k
    8 Bit
    Record Time Limit In 4k
    30 min
    Overheat Recording Interruptions in 4k
    4
    5.6
    4k Video Autofocus Performance
    Object Tracking In 4k
    7.0
    Face Tracking In 4k
    4.5
    Face Detection In 4k
    Yes
    Eye Detection In 4k
    No
    3.5
    4k Video Quality
    Low Light Capability In 4k
    3.0
    Test Scene Extract In 4k
    4.0
    6.5
    4k Video Rolling Shutter Effect
    4k Rolling Shutter
    5.3°
    Full HD Video
    5.5
    FHD Video Frame Rate
    240 fps In FHD
    No
    120 fps In FHD
    No
    60 fps In FHD
    Yes
    30 fps In FHD
    Yes
    24 fps In FHD
    No
    FHD Crop At Max Available fps
    1 x
    7.4
    FHD Video Internal Recording
    Bitrate Maximum In FHD
    30 Mbps
    Bitrate Minimum In FHD
    30 Mbps
    Chroma Sampling In FHD
    4:2:0
    Bit Depth In FHD
    8 Bit
    Record Time Limit in FHD
    30 min
    6.4
    FHD Video Autofocus Performance
    Object Tracking In FHD
    7.3
    Face Tracking In FHD
    6.0
    Face Detection In FHD
    Yes
    Eye Detection In FHD
    No
    3.0
    FHD Video Quality
    Low Light Capability In FHD
    3.0
    Test Scene Extract In FHD
    3.0
    6.5
    FHD Video Rolling Shutter Effect
    FHD Rolling Shutter
    5.3°
    Video Image Quality
    4.9
    Video Dynamic Range
    Strict SNR Max Dynamic Range
    6.54 stops
    Lenient SNR Max Dynamic Range
    6.54 stops
    Background Floor Max Dynamic Range
    8.83 stops
    0.0
    Luminosity Patch Detection
    Above Middle Gray
    N/A
    Below Middle Gray
    N/A
    Storage And Connectivity
    Storage
    Card 1 Slot
    SD Card UHS-I
    Card 2 Slot
    No 2nd Card Slot
    5.8
    Inputs / Outputs
    USB
    Micro USB
    HDMI
    Micro (Type D)
    Headphones
    No
    Microphone
    No Microphone input
    Wi-Fi
    Yes
    Bluetooth
    Yes

    Comments

    1. Product

    Canon PowerShot SX740: Main Discussion

    Let us know why you want us to review the product here, or encourage others to vote for this product.

    PreviewBack to editorFormat guide
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    1. Update: We’ve converted this review to Test Bench 0.13. We’ve added new tests for Video Dynamic Range and Luminosity Patch Detection. You can learn more about these updates in the changelog.

      Show More Updates
    2. 2
      1
      0
      1
      0

      To anyone that comes across this review, if you’re ever comparing sample images, make sure to plug in the numbers and find out the MP ratings for each camera you’re comparing. Make sure it’s an apples to apples comparison, and you weren’t stuck trying to analyze a 15.1MP against a 16.8MP image without knowing they were drastically different, like I was. If you’re going to compare cameras fairly, remember this. Sure, it should be a no-brainer, but I thought I was comparing a 20MP camera against another. So to summarize, find out the MP rating of the sample images. Make sure you know exactly what you’re comparing a camera against.

      hey Zekester2097,

      Just wanted to point out that this camera doesn’t support RAW files, and JPEG is a compressed file format, so even though the camera has a 20MP sensor, you’re always going to be getting compressed image files. The file sizes vary because the camera compresses and writes those images differently depending on the information in the photo (complexity of colors, dynamic range, etc.), and every camera processes JPEG images a bit differently. But both 15.1 and 16.8MP are more than enough for sharing images online, so I wouldn’t get too caught up in megapixel counts! Hope this helps.

      -Adriana

    3. 2
      1
      0
      1
      0

      To anyone that comes across this review, if you’re ever comparing sample images, make sure to plug in the numbers and find out the MP ratings for each camera you’re comparing. Make sure it’s an apples to apples comparison, and you weren’t stuck trying to analyze a 15.1MP against a 16.8MP image without knowing they were drastically different, like I was. If you’re going to compare cameras fairly, remember this. Sure, it should be a no-brainer, but I thought I was comparing a 20MP camera against another.

      So to summarize, find out the MP rating of the sample images. Make sure you know exactly what you’re comparing a camera against.

    4. Update: Added text to the ‘Raw Photo Performance’ verdict box.

      Show More Updates
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