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The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS is built for one clear priority: fitting a very long zoom range into a compact camera. Canon specifies a 40x optical zoom covering 24–960mm equivalent, plus 4K recording, a flip-up screen and wireless smartphone connections. The trade-off is a small 1/2.3-inch sensor and a telephoto maximum aperture of f/6.9, so this is a reach-and-portability choice—not a specification-led pick for low-light photography. This review is based on Canon’s published specifications, not hands-on testing.
What the SX740 HS is designed to do
The SX740 HS is a fixed-lens compact superzoom. Its central appeal is that the lens covers subjects from wide-angle scenes to distant details without changing lenses: Canon lists a 4.3–172mm lens, equivalent to 24–960mm in 35mm format. The 40x optical zoom is the meaningful figure for framing distant subjects; Canon also lists approximately 4x digital zoom, which is a separate feature and should not be confused with additional optical reach.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
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| 1 |
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Canon PowerShot SX740 HS | Buy on Amazon | |
| 2 |
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Canon PowerShot SX740 HS 20.3MP Digital Camera Bundle | $899.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Canon PowerShot SX740 HS | $695.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Canon PowerShot SX740 HS 20.3MP Digital Camera (2956C001) (Silver) Bundle | $829.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Canon Powershot SX740 HS Digital Camera (Black) | $879.00 | Buy on Amazon |
That range makes the camera relevant for travel, family outings, sightseeing and other situations where carrying a larger camera system may be inconvenient. It can frame a broad view at the wide end and bring a faraway subject closer at the long end. Canon includes optical image stabilization and Zoom Framing Assist, but the specifications alone do not establish how steady handheld results will be or how reliably the camera handles moving subjects.
Image quality: the reach comes with a small sensor
Canon specifies a 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor with approximately 20.3 effective megapixels (approximately 21.1 total). That is a compact-camera sensor format, and the camera’s headline zoom should be weighed against it. The sensor size and lens specifications do not prove a particular image-quality outcome; actual detail, noise, autofocus and stabilization performance depend on shooting conditions and require testing.
#1 Best Overall
- 40x optical zoom with optical image stabilizer and zoom framing assist
- 4K video and 4K time-lapse movie
- 20.3 Megapixel CMOS sensor
- High-speed continuous shooting
The lens’s maximum aperture is f/3.3 at the wide end and f/6.9 at the telephoto end. The f/6.9 limit matters when zoomed in: less light reaches the sensor than at the wide end, which can make dim indoor events, evening scenes or fast-moving subjects more demanding. If low-light shooting is a priority, the SX740’s long reach and compact size should not be mistaken for a guarantee of bright, clean results.
Video, screen and controls
4K and Full HD recording
The SX740 HS records 4K video at 3840 × 2160 and 29.97 frames per second. Full HD recording is available at 1920 × 1080 and either 59.94 or 29.97 fps; HD is listed at 1280 × 720 and 59.94 fps. Canon specifies MP4 files with H.264 video and AAC-LC stereo audio. These formats and frame rates describe recording options, not independent assessments of video quality, autofocus or stabilization.
Rank #2
- Items Included: PowerShot SX740 HS Digital Camera (Black), Canon NB-13L Battery, Canon CB-2LH Charger, WS-800 Wrist Strap, Bag, 64GB Memory Card
- Powerful Zoom in Your Pocket: The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS features an impressive 40x optical zoom lens (24–960mm equivalent), allowing you to capture wide-angle landscapes and distant subjects with stunning clarity. Whether photographing wildlife, architecture, or everyday moments, this ultra-compact camera offers extraordinary reach and detail in a sleek, travel-friendly body.
- Crisp 20.3MP Sensor with DIGIC 8 Processing: Equipped with a high-resolution 20.3MP CMOS sensor and Canon’s powerful DIGIC 8 image processor, the SX740 HS delivers sharp, vibrant photos with rich color depth and minimal noise. From bright daylight to dim interiors, the camera’s intelligent processing ensures excellent results with speed and accuracy.
- Stunning 4K UHD Video Recording: Capture your favorite memories in 4K UHD at 30p, delivering four times the resolution of Full HD. Perfect for travel vlogs, family events, or everyday storytelling, this compact point-and-shoot brings cinematic video quality to your fingertips. Built-in 5-axis stabilization ensures smooth footage even when shooting handheld or on the move.
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Connectivity: Seamlessly share photos and videos via built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Use the Canon Camera Connect app to transfer files to your smartphone, post directly to social media, or operate the camera remotely. This wireless functionality keeps your content connected and your workflow efficient, no matter where you are.
Flip-up display, no optical viewfinder
The 3-inch LCD has approximately 922,000 dots and tilts upward by 180 degrees, which can help when framing a self-facing shot or holding the camera at an unusual angle. Canon lists no optical viewfinder. That means composing depends on the rear screen, a practical consideration in bright conditions or for anyone who prefers to hold a camera to the eye.
Shooting modes and burst rates
Canon lists P, M and Tv modes, along with Hybrid Auto, Auto and scene/color modes. Its stated burst rates are approximately 10 shots per second with One-Shot AF and 7.4 shots per second with Servo AF. Canon cautions that rates can slow depending on shooting conditions and settings; the figures do not by themselves indicate tracking accuracy or how long a burst can be sustained.
Rank #3
- Powerful 40x Optical Zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer and Zoom Framing Assist
- 4K Video and 4K Time-lapse Movie
- Built-in Wi-Fi* and Bluetooth** Technology
- 20.3 Megapixel*** CMOS Sensor
- DIGIC 8 Image Processor.Optical Viewfinder:Not available
Wireless features and sharing
Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth let the camera connect with compatible phones or tablets, and Canon Camera Connect supports image transfer. This provides a route for moving pictures to a mobile device without removing the memory card. Compatibility and setup details can depend on the device and software; Canon’s product page describes the camera’s connectivity features.
Battery, memory card and what comes in the box
Battery expectations
The camera uses Canon’s NB-13L battery. Canon estimates approximately 265 still shots per charge, or approximately 370 in ECO mode. Its listed video figures are approximately 60 minutes of CIPA-compliant recording or 100 minutes of continuous recording. These are manufacturer estimates, not promises for a particular trip; usage, settings and conditions affect runtime. A spare NB-13L may be useful for a long day away from a charger.
Rank #4
- Canon USA Authorized. Items Include: Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Digital Camera (Silver) – 20.3MP, 40x Optical Zoom, 4K UHD Video, Wi-Fi & Bluetooth, Compact Point & Shoot, Bag, 64GB UHS-I SDXC Memory Card
- 40x Optical Zoom Power – Capture everything from sweeping landscapes to distant details with 40x optical zoom and Optical Image Stabilization for crisp, steady shots.
- High-Resolution 20.3MP Sensor – Produce vibrant, detailed images with a CMOS sensor and DIGIC 8 processor, perfect for travel, events, and everyday moments.
- 4K Ultra HD Video – Record stunning 4K UHD video with high-quality audio, plus 4K time-lapse mode for creative storytelling in a portable package.
- Travel-Friendly & Connected – Lightweight design with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for easy sharing, remote control, and instant backups via Canon Camera Connect app.
Memory card
The SX740 accepts SD, SDHC and SDXC cards using the UHS-I interface. Canon’s specifications do not establish a particular capacity or speed recommendation here, so check the camera guide and the card’s compatibility details before buying rather than assuming a specific card is required.
Canon U.S. package contents
Canon’s U.S. product listing includes the camera, one NB-13L battery, a CB-2LH charger and a WS-800 wrist strap. Canon says a USB interface cable and software CD-ROM are not included. Box contents can vary by region and seller, so verify the listing for the exact unit being purchased.
Best Value
- Features: This long-zoom digital camera from Canon features a built-in lens with 40x Optical Zoom for dynamic coverage and exceptional field of view. Powered by a 20.3MP High-Sensitivity CMOS sensor, the PowerShot SX740 HS utilizes a unique light-capturing design to provide sharp, high resolution images
- Sleek and Lightweight: The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS features a soft textured finish for a slip-resistant grip that fits comfortably in your hand. The design is small enough to fit in your pocket, but with enough power packed in to take the amazing high quality images you have become accustomed to from Canon cameras
- Superior Quality: The PowerShot’s 20.3MP CMOS sensor combined with the DIGIC 8 Image Processor to boost image quality, increase light sensitivity, and provide outstanding images. The DIGIC 8 Processor provides continuous shooting of up to 7.4 frames per second
- 3-Inch Touchscreen LCD Display: The Canon camera is equipped with a 3” color touch LCD monitor with 180-degree tilt-up capabilities that are perfect for selfies or to frame your perspective in a unique way. The Feature Assistant function provides intuitive controls give you dynamic playback options and encourages artistic experimentation while providing guidance for excellent photos
- 40x Optical Zoom Lens: The built-in extra-wide ultra-zoom lens provides 4.3-172mm focal length in a 35mm format equivalent of 24-960mm, giving you an outstanding reach for any photographic situation
Size, portability and practical compromises
Canon lists dimensions of approximately 110.1 × 63.8 × 39.9mm and a CIPA-measured weight of 299g; body-only weight is listed as 275g. Those figures support the camera’s compact-travel positioning, though the camera still requires a memory card and its battery. Its key compromise is not simply size: the long lens is paired with a small sensor, a telephoto aperture of f/6.9 and no optical viewfinder. Whether that balance suits you depends on how much you value reach over low-light flexibility and eye-level viewing.
Who should consider the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS?
A plausible fit
- Travelers who want a built-in lens spanning wide scenes and distant subjects without carrying interchangeable lenses.
- People who prioritize a compact camera with a substantial optical zoom range.
- Casual video shooters for whom 4K at 29.97 fps and a 180-degree upward-tilting screen meet their needs.
- Users who want Wi-Fi and Bluetooth options for transferring images to a compatible mobile device.
Think twice if these needs come first
- Frequent low-light shooting: the small sensor and f/6.9 maximum aperture at the telephoto end are important constraints to weigh.
- Composing through a viewfinder: Canon lists no optical viewfinder.
- Buying based on autofocus, stabilization or image-quality promises: the published specifications do not establish real-world performance in those areas.
- Choosing the best value against current rivals: no direct comparison or current market-price assessment is established here.
Firmware and regional support
Canon’s U.S. support page lists firmware version 1.4.3 with a notice dated November 20, 2025, alongside the camera’s user guide and supplementary information. Firmware and support details can change; check the current version and instructions on Canon’s support page before updating. Canon’s U.S. support page also advises users outside the United States and its territories to contact their regional Canon support center, so local availability and firmware information should be confirmed with Canon in your region. The version notice is available at Canon’s firmware advisory.
Verdict
The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS is best understood as a compact camera whose defining feature is its 24–960mm-equivalent optical range. It combines that reach with 4K video, a flip-up LCD and wireless transfer features, while asking buyers to accept a small sensor, a dark telephoto maximum aperture and screen-only composition. It is worth considering when portability and framing distant subjects matter more than low-light flexibility; the specifications alone cannot establish whether its image quality or handling will satisfy a particular buyer.
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