Camera Dojo

Canon PowerShot SX740 HS: is the 40x pocket zoom worth it?

The short answer

The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS is a 2018 pocket camera with a 40x optical zoom (24-960mm equivalent), and reviewers and owners agree it carries that much reach in a jeans pocket.

Its small 1/2.3-inch sensor and JPEG-only files hold it back in dim light, so it suits daylight travel, family events and distant subjects best. It launched at $399.99, but stock is short and Digital Camera World said in August 2026 that it often sells above its $549.99 list price, at around $699.

Zoom
40x, 24-960mm equiv.
Sensor
20.3 MP, 1/2.3-inch CMOS
Video
4K 30p (cropped), 1080p 60p
Price
$549.99 list, around $699 street (Aug 2026)
Check used pricesWhat owners say

Built from 93 opinions from 18 pages and videos. Not yet tested by Camera Dojo. Updated .

Black Canon PowerShot SX740 HS seen from the front at an angle, lens extended, on a plain light background
Photo: Chi Ho Chan from Hong Kong, CC BY 2.0

The short version

The praise is consistent: all eight opinions on size are positive, most saying it fits a pocket despite the long lens, Auto mode makes it easy for beginners, the 3-inch screen flips up 180 degrees for selfies, and it was the first PowerShot to record 4K. Reviewers also like how easily it pairs with a phone, and owners like how cheap spare NB-13L batteries are.

The complaints are just as consistent: no viewfinder, no touchscreen, no RAW, a weak pop-up flash, and detail that turns soft in low light or at full zoom. Digital Camera World puts it plainly: it does not disappoint as a long-zoom travel camera, but it will not amaze you, and a top phone beats it at wide angle. Canon Rumors reported in May 2025 that production had ended, and in the UK a 2024 Lite version without USB charging has effectively replaced it, per Digital Camera World.

Good fit if

  • You want a real optical zoom for travel, birds, kids' sports or landmarks, in a camera that fits a pocket
  • You mostly shoot outdoors in daylight and are happy with JPEGs straight from the camera
  • You want a flip-up screen for selfies and casual clips, with 4K when you need it
  • You prefer physical buttons and a dependable Auto mode to shooting on a phone

Think twice if

  • Indoor parties, night scenes and blurred backgrounds matter most: a 1-inch camera like the G7 X Mark II does better there
  • You want RAW files, an eye-level viewfinder or a touchscreen
  • You plan to vlog wide in 4K or plug in an external microphone
  • You won't pay well above the $399.99 launch price for a 2018 design

Canon SX730 HS, SX740 HS and SX740 HS Lite: what changed

All three share the same 40x, 24-960mm f/3.3-6.9 lens and the same 20.3 MP 1/2.3-inch sensor, and the body design goes back to the SX720 HS of 2016. What separates them is the processor, video and charging.

ModelYearSensorWhy look for it
PowerShot SX730 HS201720.3 MP 1/2.3-inch CMOS, DIGIC 6Same lens, sensor and body, but Full HD video only and bursts up to 5.9 fps. It kept NFC and the SuperFine JPEG setting. At the SX740's launch, Photography Blog told anyone who did not need 4K to buy the discounted SX730 instead.
PowerShot SX740 HS201820.3 MP 1/2.3-inch back-illuminated CMOS, DIGIC 8This camera: the first 4K PowerShot, 10 fps bursts, stabilization up to 3.5 stops (from 3.0), and 265 shots per charge (from 250). It dropped NFC and SuperFine JPEG.
PowerShot SX740 HS Lite2024Same as the SX740 HSIdentical except that it cannot charge over USB; you use the supplied battery charger. Digital Camera World says it effectively replaced the SX740 HS in the UK after a change in EU regulations.

Sources: photographyblog.com, imaging-resource.com, digitalcameraworld.com, cameralabs.com, techradar.com

What owners and reviewers say, topic by topic

We sorted 93 opinions about the SX740 HS from 18 pages and videos on 17 websites and channels. Each row shows how many people raised a topic and how many of them were positive. Open a row to read short quotes, each linked to its source.

Owner voices are thin: six CDW buyer reviews, one lifestyle blogger, one reader question and two iFixit posts. Most opinions come from editorial reviews written around launch (Digital Camera World updated its review in August 2026) and from five YouTube reviews. Two blog reviews were tied to Canon (a gifted camera and a Canon UK collaboration). Reddit, DPReview, B&H and Best Buy reviews could not be read.

  1. Image look36% positiveof 14

    Opinions split, leaning negative: people like the sharp, well-exposed daylight shots and how well quality holds at long zoom, but more say the heavy JPEG processing softens fine detail and that a good recent phone matches it. There is no RAW option.

    • “the problem with the photos not being sharp was solvable but it isn't”

      CDW customer review 2021-11Owner

    • “the slight over-sharpening that's visible around natural subjects is a little aggressive”

      Matt Golowczynski, TechRadar 2019-06Hands-on review

    • “I was rather surprised how well the quality remains the more you start to zoom in.”

      Dave Brett, Travel DaveHands-on review

    • “decent still image quality in good light and truly pocketable format is still a compelling one for the family market”

      Mark Goldstein, Photography Blog 2018-08Hands-on review

  2. Screen and viewfinder25% positiveof 12

    The flip-up 3-inch screen is liked for selfies and vlogging, but the missing viewfinder and the lack of touch control are the most repeated complaints, especially in bright sun.

    • “I did have a small issue with the screen not being touch screen compatible.”

      Dave Brett, Travel DaveHands-on review

    • “There's still no electronic viewfinder, no Raw format shooting, no touchscreen, and no ability to change focal point”

      Mark Goldstein, Photography Blog 2018-08Hands-on review

    • “The LCD screen fully flips up, allowing you to see yourself, fix your pose and arrange the perfect backdrop before taking the shot”

      Fresh and FearlessHands-on review

    • “This is frustrating on very bright days when the main screen can be difficult to see”

      Ben Andrews, Digital Camera World 2026-08Hands-on review

  3. Low light and flash36% positiveof 11

    Mostly a weak spot. The small 1/2.3-inch sensor loses detail as ISO rises and the pop-up flash reaches only about 4 m, though a few users liked its night neon shots, the Food mode in dim restaurants and having a built-in flash at all.

    • “you may be forced to use the little built-in flash when in darker conditions”

      Theano Nikitas, Tom's Guide 2019-01Hands-on review

    • “the camera struggles to maintain fine detail in the face of increasing image noise”

      Ben Andrews, Digital Camera World 2026-08Hands-on review

    • “allowing you to take perfect shots when the lighting conditions aren’t so easy to work with”

      Fresh and FearlessHands-on review

    • “The trade-off is that it has a smaller sensor than the G7 X, so low-light performance and background blur aren’t as strong.”

      Mercedes Chloe 2025-12Owner

  4. Video45% positiveof 11

    Reviewers like the stabilized 4K footage, but point to the 4K crop that narrows the view, rolling shutter, weak low-light video and the lack of a microphone input.

    • “rolling shutter, where elements in the scene appear to be skewed when they or the camera move, is an issue”

      Matt Golowczynski, TechRadar 2019-06Hands-on review

    • “it's possible to capture some excellent 4K footage”

      Mark Goldstein, Photography Blog 2018-08Hands-on review

    • “I’m very impressed with the 4K quality that this camera can produce.”

      Dave Brett, Travel DaveHands-on review

    • “filming in 4k takes a 1:1 / 8 Megapixel crop from the middle of the sensor resulting in quite a severe reduction in the field-of-view”

      Ken McMahon, Camera Labs 2018-09Hands-on review

  5. Ease of use60% positiveof 10

    Mostly praised for a full Auto mode, clear menus and optional manual control. The complaints are small buttons, a short shutter delay in Auto and one buyer who found it harder than expected.

    • “I thought this would be a simpler camera to use than my mirrorless camera. I was wrong.”

      CDW customer review 2021-06Owner

    • “It’s lightweight, easy to use, and incredibly versatile”

      Mercedes Chloe 2025-12Owner

    • “If you’re a novice, rest assured, there is also a full automatic option available too”

      Fresh and FearlessHands-on review

    • “There is a slightly irritating delay between pressing the shutter button and an image being captured in Auto mode.”

      Ben Andrews, Digital Camera World 2026-08Hands-on review

  6. Size and weight100% positiveof 8

    The clearest strength: all eight opinions are positive, saying it slips into a pocket or a packed bag despite the 40x lens, which retracts flush when the camera is off.

    • “The zoom gives me freedom, the portability keeps it realistic, and the simplicity means I actually use it.”

      Mercedes Chloe 2025-12Owner

    • “It’s like having my SLR in a pocket. The zoom is great.”

      CDW customer review 2020-01Owner

    • “it still nicely slotted into my bag without any problem”

      Fresh and FearlessHands-on review

    • “It’s also super handy that this PowerShot fits perfectly into your pocket”

      Dave Brett, Travel DaveHands-on review

  7. Reliability today29% positiveof 7

    Thin and anecdotal. Single owners report a sticking lens cover, a freeze with the lens out and a dark rear screen, while one CDW buyer reports three years with zero issues.

    • “I have the same problem but i DID drop it and it is immediately after that that the problem began.”

      iFixit AnswersOwner

    • “It's only been almost a year since I have bought this camera, and suddenly the camera froze and went while it was still on”

      Canon Camera Geek, reader questionOwner

    • “This has been an amazing camera. I have had mine for 3 years and zero issues.”

      CDW customer reviewOwner

    • “the screen is very dark when I shine it in the sun or use a flashlight I can see everything on the screen”

      iFixit AnswersOwner

  8. Price and value43% positiveof 7

    Split. Some say it gives a lot for the money; others say it lacks RAW for what it costs, offers fewer features than rivals, and that prices for older PowerShots have climbed.

    • “Hopefully some of the inflated pricing for older Canon Power Shot cameras won't continue”

      Canon Rumors

    • “For the price, you get a lot of value out the camera, and it’s an all-round good purchase.”

      Dave Brett, Travel DaveHands-on review

    • “I did consider buying the latest Sony ZV1F as it’s almost half the price of the Canon”

      Mercedes Chloe 2025-12Owner

    • “It's a little cheaper than its rivals, but nowhere near as well specified”

      Matt Golowczynski, TechRadar 2019-06Hands-on review

  9. Memory cards and transfer80% positiveof 5

    Phone pairing over Bluetooth and Wi-Fi through Canon's Camera Connect app is praised as easy; one vlogger found wireless transfers slow and uses a card reader instead.

    • “you can easily link it up to your phone and directly download any material that is shot or videoed”

      Fresh and FearlessHands-on review

    • “Canon's Camera Connect has one of the easiest-to-use and most feature-rich mobile apps for iOS and Android.”

      Theano Nikitas, Tom's Guide 2019-01Hands-on review

    • “if you pair your device with the camera over Bluetooth it will automatically connect via Wifi when you launch the app”

      Ken McMahon, Camera Labs 2018-09Hands-on review

  10. Build quality75% positiveof 4

    Reviewers do not call it flimsy but disagree on what it is made of: mostly plastic says Digital Camera World, metal and polycarbonate says TechRadar, all metal says Tom's Guide.

  11. Batteries and charging100% positiveof 4

    All positive but few voices: TechRadar expects most people to beat the rated 265 shots, and owners like that NB-13L spares are cheap and easy to find.

    • “the average user will enjoy far better battery life than these official figures tend to suggest anyway”

      Matt Golowczynski, TechRadar 2019-06Hands-on review

PositiveMixedNegative

Canon G7X or SX740: which is better?

PowerShot SX740 HSPowerShot G7 X Mark II or Mark III
Sensor1/2.3-inch, 20.3 MP1-inch, larger than the SX740's
Zoom40x, 24-960mm equivalentLimited range that can feel restrictive for travel
Low light and background blurWeakerStronger, with flattering video indoors
Best atTravel, landscapes, family events, sports gamesVlogging, sit-down video, indoor shots

Pick the PowerShot SX740 HS if

  • You want reach: distant birds, kids on a field, details on a building across the square
  • You mostly shoot outdoors in daylight
  • You want the simpler camera: the lifestyle blogger who chose it says the zoom, size and simplicity are why she actually uses it

Pick the PowerShot G7 X Mark II or Mark III if

Sources: mercedeschloe.com, imaging-resource.com, digitalcameraworld.com

How to get sharper photos from the SX740 HS

Most soft SX740 HS photos come from the long end of the lens, low light or digital zoom, and reviewers suggest the same few fixes.

  1. 1

    Give it light

    Camera Labs says the noise reduction smooths away detail as sensitivity rises, and Digital Camera World says the small sensor struggles to hold fine detail in low light. Shoot outdoors or near a window when you can.

  2. 2

    Brace it at full zoom

    Stabilization is rated at up to 3.5 stops, but Tom's Guide still suggests a mini-tripod or other support when you are zoomed all the way in.

  3. 3

    Stop short of 960mm for the shot that matters

    Digital Camera World found shots noticeably softer when zoomed right in, and Camera Labs saw the same lens on the SX730 HS turn softer, with color fringing, near 720mm. Pull back a little when the subject allows.

  4. 4

    Skip digital zoom

    Past 40x the camera crops digitally: Canon lists 80x ZoomPlus, and up to 3840mm with the digital zoom. Tom's Guide says the results are not great, even on a tripod.

  5. 5

    Use Zoom Framing Assist

    At 960mm it is easy to lose a bird or a player. Hold the Framing Assist button on the back and the lens pulls back so you can find the subject; let go and it zooms back in.

  6. 6

    Tame bright skies

    Dynamic range is limited and Highlight Tone Priority is missing, so TechRadar suggests exposure compensation and Auto Lighting Optimizer in high-contrast scenes.

Sources: cameralabs.com, cameralabs.com, digitalcameraworld.com, tomsguide.com, photographyblog.com, techradar.com, asia.canon

SX740 HS battery, USB charging and memory cards

The SX740 HS runs on Canon's NB-13L lithium-ion pack (3.6V, 1250 mAh), rated at 265 shots per charge on the CIPA standard, or 370 in Eco mode. TechRadar expects most people to get well past the official figure. Spares are easy to find, and Apotelyt says third-party NB-13L packs can cost up to 70 percent less than Canon's own.

The standard model charges its battery inside the camera over USB, from a laptop or a power bank, which helps on trips. The 2024 SX740 HS Lite looks identical but cannot charge over USB and ships with a battery charger instead. Sources disagree on whether a charger comes with the standard model, so ask the seller what is in the box.

It takes one SD, SDHC or SDXC card, UHS-I compatible. Plan for 4K: Photography Blog's 20-second 4K sample clip was 292 MB, about 14.6 MB per second, while a fine JPEG is about 6 MB.

To move files, pair the camera with your phone over Bluetooth once; after that it connects over Wi-Fi when you open Canon's Camera Connect app, which also works as a remote control. There is no NFC, and one vlogger found wireless transfers slow enough to prefer a card reader.

Buying for travel? Check whether the listing says Lite: only the standard SX740 HS charges over USB.

Sources: asia.canon, apotelyt.com, techradar.com, digitalcameraworld.com, photographyblog.com, cameralabs.com, imaging-resource.com

Is the Canon SX740 HS good for vlogging and video?

For casual clips and travel video, yes; for serious vlogging, less so. The SX740 HS was the first PowerShot with 4K, recording 4K at 30p and Full HD up to 60p with a 30-minute limit per clip, and Canon adds 4K time-lapse movies and 4K frame grab. Photography Blog says the stabilized zoom can capture excellent 4K footage.

The catch is the crop. In 4K the camera uses a 1:1, 8 MP area from the middle of the sensor, which narrows the horizontal view by about 1.35x according to Camera Labs, so arm's-length selfies and group shots get tight. Full HD uses the full sensor width, so switch to 1080p for wide shots and self-filming.

The screen tilts up 180 degrees for framing yourself but is not a touchscreen. TechRadar saw rolling shutter skew when the camera or the subject moves, and video reviewers note there is no microphone input and that indoor low-light footage drops off significantly. If video is the main job, Digital Camera World points to the Canon PowerShot V1 instead.

Sources: photographyblog.com, digitalcameraworld.com, asia.canon, cameralabs.com, techradar.com, youtube.com, youtube.com

How to get the SX740 HS look straight from the camera

PowerShot ELPH

There is no RAW, so the look is set the moment you press the shutter. On the default Auto picture style, TechRadar says, the camera gives nicely saturated blues in skies and greens in foliage; Tom's Guide adds that the Vivid setting pushes color further and Neutral tones it down. Noise reduction cannot be switched off, so expect some smoothing in every file.

For more character there are 11 My Colors modes and scene effects including grainy black and white, soft focus, fish-eye, toy camera and miniature. Self-portrait mode on the mode dial lets you set background blur and skin smoothing for a phone-style selfie. Hybrid Auto records a short clip before each photo and stitches a daily montage: 2 seconds per clip according to Photography Blog, up to 4 according to Canon.

The pop-up flash reaches about 4 m, and Photography Blog saw obvious vignetting in a wide-angle flash shot at 1.5 m, so a direct-flash party look works only within a few steps. For flash technique, see our Y2K digicam look guide, and for Canon's older and smaller ELPH pocket cameras, see the Canon PowerShot ELPH guide.

Sources: techradar.com, tomsguide.com, photographyblog.com, asia.canon

What to check before buying an SX740 HS

New stock is scarce, so many buyers end up with a used copy. These checks come from the faults owners report.

  1. 1

    Standard or Lite?

    The 2024 SX740 HS Lite is identical except that it cannot charge over USB. Neither is a bad camera, but know which one the price is for.

  2. 2

    Cycle the power and the zoom

    Turn the camera on and off several times and run the zoom all the way out and back. A Lens error message, a barrel that stops partway or grinding noises point to the most reported fault.

  3. 3

    Watch the lens cover

    The built-in cover should open and close fully every time. One CDW reviewer had a cover that stuck open after a few months, on their second SX740 HS.

  4. 4

    Shoot across the zoom range

    Take a few frames at 24mm, mid zoom and 960mm and look at them at 100 percent. One CDW buyer found one zoom range very blurry on their copy, something their SX730 HS did not do.

  5. 5

    Check the screen brightness

    Owners on iFixit describe a screen that stays almost black unless lit by a flashlight. The answer there points to the backlight, its power feed or the flex cable, all repairs that mean opening the camera.

  6. 6

    Confirm the battery and charger

    The camera uses the NB-13L. Sources disagree on whether a charger is in the box, so have the seller list everything included.

Sources: digitalcameraworld.com, discovercameras.com, cdw.com, ifixit.com, apotelyt.com

Known Canon SX740 HS problems and fixes

No recall or Canon service notice turned up for the SX740 HS. These come from owner reports and reviews, so they show what can go wrong, not how often.

Lens error, or a lens stuck out and a camera that won't turn on

Raised in 1 opinion

How you notice
A Lens error message at startup or shutdown, a barrel that stops partway, grinding or clicking, or a camera that freezes with the lens out and then will not power on. A Canon Camera Geek reader reports the last one after almost a year of use, with a charged battery.
Fix
The Discover Cameras guide suggests a fully charged battery, removing the SD card, taking the battery out for at least a minute, and gently clearing dust or sand around the barrel without forcing it. If the error comes back, it is a hardware repair; Canon Camera Geek points owners to an authorized Canon repair.
Typical cost
No published US price found. Canon Camera Geek says a repair is likely cheaper than buying a pre-owned replacement.

Sources: discovercameras.com, canoncamerageek.com

Lens cover sticks open

Raised in 1 opinion

How you notice
The built-in lens cover stops closing on its own. A CDW reviewer says it started after a few months, on a second copy of the camera, and now closes it by hand.
Fix
No confirmed fix. On a used camera, check that the cover opens and closes fully at every power cycle.
Typical cost
Unknown; no published price.

Sources: cdw.com

Rear screen goes almost black

Raised in 2 opinions

How you notice
The camera turns on and the lens extends, but the screen is so dark that the image only shows under a flashlight or in sun. One of two iFixit owners says it began right after a drop.
Fix
An iFixit answer blames the backlight: its power feed on the main board, the flex cable to the screen, or the screen itself. Diagnosing it means opening the camera, and the answer suggests checking Canon's warranty terms first if the camera is still covered.
Typical cost
Unknown; no published price.

Sources: ifixit.com

Soft photos at long zoom

Raised in 1 opinion

How you notice
Pictures look smeared or noticeably softer at the long end. TechRadar notes visible noise reduction and over-sharpening at longer focal lengths, Digital Camera World says shots are noticeably softer zoomed right in, and a few CDW buyers complain of soft or blurry photos.
Fix
Usually technique, not a fault: add light, brace the camera, stay off digital zoom and back off from 960mm. If one zoom range is blurry in good light while the rest are sharp, compare with another camera, as one CDW buyer did with an SX730 HS.
Typical cost
Nothing, if it is technique.

Sources: techradar.com, digitalcameraworld.com, cdw.com

Shutter lag in Auto and a slow start

Raised in 1 opinion

How you notice
Digital Camera World noticed a short delay between pressing the shutter and the capture in Auto mode, even with a fast SD card. Photography Blog says the long lens takes a couple of seconds to start up, though Digital Camera World found it powers up fast.
Fix
Not a fault. Leave the camera on between shots, or use burst mode for moving subjects.
Typical cost
Nothing; it is how the camera behaves.

Sources: digitalcameraworld.com, photographyblog.com

Photos taken with a Canon PowerShot SX740 HS

These photos of classic cars were taken with an SX740 HS by a Wikimedia Commons contributor on Long Island and in Queens, New York, in 2019.

What a Canon PowerShot SX740 HS costs today

The SX740 HS launched at $399.99 in 2018. Canon Rumors reported in May 2025 that Canon had officially discontinued it, and Digital Camera World wrote in its August 27, 2026 update that it is in extremely short supply almost everywhere and often sells above its $549.99 list price, at around $699.

  • Walmart (shown in Digital Camera World's price widget)

    New, Silver, listed with a 64GB card

    $639.99

    See listing

  • Typical street price (Digital Camera World, August 2026)

    New, 'Around $699' even from reputable retailers

    $699

    See listing

  • Canon list price (RRP, per Digital Camera World)

    New, Black or silver body

    $549.99

    See listing

  • Launch price, August 2018 (Imaging Resource)

    New, Canon's suggested price at launch, the same as the SX730 HS

    $399.99

    See listing

Prices checked on November 2, 2026. They move every week, so treat them as a range, not a quote. Prices move fast on a discontinued camera. MPB, KEH, B&H, Adorama and Best Buy block automated checks, so their current listings could not be confirmed and are not shown here. Check them directly.

Video reviews worth your time

  • Canon PowerShot SX740 HS review | Many Photo and Video Samples

    Gary Jahman Tech & Life, 2022

    The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS offers solid build quality, portable handling, and strong battery life, but its overall photo and video quality is underwhelming compared to modern smartphones and higher-end cameras.

    • 0:19 Summary of camera features displayed on screen.
    • 0:53 Close-up tour of camera body and ports.
    • 2:22 Side-by-side comparison of unedited vs edited photos.
    • 3:10 Photo comparison between Canon SX740 HS and smartphone.

  • Canon PowerShot SX740 HS - Complete Review! (New for 2018)

    Kevin Breeze, 2018

    The reviewer considers the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS a versatile and affordable compact camera with impressive 4K video recording and zoom capabilities.

    • 0:24 First look at the silver camera body design
    • 1:10 Unboxing accessories including battery pack and charger
    • 2:28 Demonstration of menu settings on the screen
    • 3:06 Video sample testing 40x optical zoom at a park

  • Canon PowerShot SX740 HS - Still Worth Buying? (Review)

    Camera Review Pro, 2019

    The reviewer considers the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS a worthwhile purchase due to its competitive price point and 4K video recording capability.

    • 1:36 Demonstrating the 3-inch flip-up LCD screen
    • 3:57 Showing available video recording resolution modes
    • 5:58 Extending the 40x optical zoom lens
    • 11:48 Showing the side micro USB and micro HDMI ports

  • Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Camera Review & Vlogging Test 2025 - canon g7x alternative 📸

    Giovanna Farmer, 2025

    The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS is a compact, feature-packed camera with excellent zoom and built-in flash, though low-light video performance and wireless transfer speed fall short.

    • 00:07 Introduction to the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS
    • 01:54 Showing camera protective case and strap accessories
    • 04:09 Demonstrating SD card reader import process
    • 06:02 Testing built-in flash with a sample photo

  • Canon PowerShot SX740 HS (Everything You Need To Know)

    Random Teq, 2024

    The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS offers impressive zoom range and convenient features like built-in timelapse, but its small sensor, lack of RAW support, and poor low-light performance hold it back.

    • 00:04 Overview of the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS compact camera.
    • 01:18 Demonstration of the 40x optical zoom capabilities.
    • 02:07 Testing the zoom framing assist feature.
    • 03:40 Demonstrating image stabilization settings in camera.

Questions people ask about the SX740 HS

Is the Canon SX740 HS worth buying?

Yes, if you want a 40x optical zoom that fits in a pocket and you mostly shoot in daylight. Digital Camera World calls it an excellent everyday carry and an ideal travel camera, but says a larger-sensor camera delivers significantly better image quality. At around $699 street in August 2026, compare it with a used 1-inch compact before you pay.

Sources: digitalcameraworld.com

Is the SX740 HS discontinued?

Yes. Canon Rumors reported on May 13, 2025 that Canon had officially discontinued it and that remaining stock would be the last. CDW's listing gives an earlier date, September 28, 2023, so sources disagree on timing. A near-identical SX740 HS Lite from 2024, which cannot charge over USB, effectively replaced it in the UK according to Digital Camera World.

Sources: canonrumors.com, cdw.com, digitalcameraworld.com

Is the Canon SX740 HS a professional camera?

No. Photography Blog says it is aimed mainly at the family market and lists what keeps enthusiasts away: no electronic viewfinder, no RAW, no touchscreen and no way to move the focus point. It is a travel and everyday zoom camera.

Sources: photographyblog.com

What is better than the Canon SX740 HS?

It depends on what you want more of. Camera Labs points to the Panasonic Lumix ZS70 (TZ90), which trades the 40x lens for 30x but adds a touchscreen, RAW and a built-in viewfinder. TechRadar suggests the Nikon Coolpix A1000 and, for better image quality with far less zoom, the 1-inch Panasonic ZS100 (TZ100). For video, Digital Camera World points to the Canon PowerShot V1.

Sources: cameralabs.com, techradar.com, digitalcameraworld.com

Why is my Canon PowerShot SX740 HS blurry?

Usually it is the long end of the lens, low light or digital zoom rather than a fault. Digital Camera World says shots are noticeably softer when zoomed right in, Tom's Guide suggests a mini-tripod or other support at full zoom, and Camera Labs says noise reduction softens detail as ISO rises. If one zoom range is blurry in good light while the rest look sharp, the copy itself may be the problem.

Sources: digitalcameraworld.com, tomsguide.com, cameralabs.com, cdw.com

My Canon PowerShot SX740 HS won't turn on. What can I do?

Start with a fully charged battery, take out the SD card, and remove the battery for at least a minute before trying again, as the Discover Cameras guide suggests. Do not force a lens that is stuck out. If it stays dead or shows a lens error, it needs a repair: Canon Camera Geek points owners to an authorized Canon repair, which it says is likely cheaper than buying a pre-owned one.

Sources: discovercameras.com, canoncamerageek.com

Does the Canon SX740 HS shoot RAW?

No, it records JPEGs only, as Photography Blog, Digital Camera World and TechRadar all point out. Color and noise reduction are baked in when you take the picture, so editing is limited to the JPEG.

Sources: photographyblog.com, techradar.com

Why is the Canon SX740 HS so expensive now?

Supply. Canon Rumors says production has ended, and Digital Camera World wrote in August 2026 that the camera is in extremely short supply almost everywhere and often sells above its $549.99 list price, at around $699. That is well over the $399.99 it cost at launch in 2018.

Sources: canonrumors.com, digitalcameraworld.com, imaging-resource.com

What people compare it with

  • Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II

    A 1-inch sensor gives better low light and background blur, but the zoom range is limited. The lifestyle blogger who bought the SX740 HS weighed the two and picked zoom.

  • Panasonic Lumix ZS70 (TZ90)

    Camera Labs' main rival: a shorter 30x (24-720mm) zoom, but a touchscreen, RAW and a built-in viewfinder.

  • Nikon Coolpix A1000

    TechRadar's pick if you want more control: a 35x zoom with 4K and a flip-up screen, plus RAW, a touchscreen and an electronic viewfinder, though it costs a little more.

  • Canon PowerShot SX730 HS

    The predecessor with the same lens, sensor and body, minus 4K and the faster bursts. Camera Labs and TechRadar both called it the cheaper choice if you don't need 4K.

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