Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Review 2026: Still Worth Buying?

The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS first launched back in 2018. Yet here we are in 2026, and this little pocket camera still flies off shelves faster than most new releases. That says something powerful about what Canon built with this model.

Smartphones keep getting better cameras every year. Mirrorless systems dominate the professional space. So why does a compact camera with a tiny sensor still attract so many buyers?

This review takes a fresh look at the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS in 2026. We test it against current standards, not 2018 expectations. We also cover its biggest strengths, honest weaknesses, and the best alternatives if you decide it is not the right fit.

Key Takeaways

• The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS packs a 40x optical zoom lens (24mm to 960mm equivalent) into a body small enough to fit in a jacket pocket. This zoom range remains unmatched by any smartphone or similarly sized compact camera in 2026.
• It records 4K UHD video at 30fps and includes a 180-degree flip-up LCD screen. These features make it a solid pick for travel vloggers and content creators on a budget.
• Image quality is good in daylight but limited in low light. The small 1/2.3-inch sensor produces visible noise at higher ISO settings. This is the camera’s biggest trade-off for its compact size.
• Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth allow quick photo transfers to your smartphone through the Canon Camera Connect app. Sharing on social media takes just a few taps.
• Battery life is modest at around 265 shots per charge. You should carry a spare battery for full-day shooting trips.
• Price and availability remain a challenge in 2026. Canon discontinued this model, which means new units command a premium. Used and refurbished options offer better value for budget-conscious buyers.

Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Overview

Last update on 2026-11-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS is a compact superzoom camera built around a 20.3-megapixel 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor. Canon paired it with the DIGIC 8 image processor, which handles fast autofocus, burst shooting up to 10 frames per second, and 4K video recording.

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

The lens covers an impressive 24mm to 960mm equivalent range with 40x optical zoom. Canon also includes a digital zoom option that pushes reach beyond that, though digital zoom reduces image quality.

The SX740 HS comes in black and silver color options. Both share identical specs and performance. Canon positioned this model as a travel-friendly camera for people who want serious zoom without carrying a large camera system.

Design and Build Quality

Canon designed the SX740 HS with portability as the top priority. The body uses a combination of polycarbonate and metal components that feel solid without adding extra weight. The textured grip on the front gives your fingers something to hold, though it is shallow compared to larger cameras.

All the buttons and dials sit on the top plate and rear panel. The layout is clean and logical. The power button, shutter release, zoom lever, and mode dial are all within easy thumb and finger reach.

The 3.0-inch TFT LCD screen tilts upward to 180 degrees. This design supports face-level selfies and overhead shots. However, the screen does not articulate sideways, which limits some creative angles.

There is no electronic viewfinder on this camera. You compose every shot using the rear screen. Bright sunlight can make the screen hard to read, which is a noticeable drawback for outdoor photography.

40x Optical Zoom Performance

The 40x optical zoom is the headline feature of the SX740 HS. It gives you a focal range from 24mm wide-angle to 960mm telephoto. That is enough reach to photograph birds, distant landmarks, or sports action from the stands.

Canon includes Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) to reduce camera shake at long focal lengths. The stabilization works well for photos, though you will still want a steady hand or a tripod at the extreme end of the zoom range.

The lens aperture ranges from f/3.3 at the wide end to f/6.9 at full zoom. These are not fast aperture values. The lens needs good light to perform at its best, especially at the telephoto end.

Canon also added Zoom Framing Assist, a feature that helps you find and track subjects when zoomed in far. This is genuinely useful. Losing your subject at 960mm is a common frustration, and this tool brings them back into frame quickly.

Top 3 Alternatives for Canon PowerShot SX740 HS

If the SX740 HS is out of stock or does not match your needs, here are three strong alternatives to consider.

Last update on 2026-11-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Sony ZV-1 offers a larger 1-inch sensor with better low-light performance and a bright f/1.8 aperture. It records excellent 4K video and has a flip screen. It trades zoom range for superior image quality. This is a great pick for vloggers and content creators who shoot at closer distances.

Last update on 2026-11-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Panasonic Lumix ZS80D is another travel zoom compact with a 30x optical zoom and a built-in electronic viewfinder. It uses the same 1/2.3-inch sensor size as the SX740 HS. The viewfinder is a real advantage for outdoor shooting in bright conditions.

Last update on 2026-11-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Nikon Coolpix B500 delivers a 40x optical zoom at a much lower price point. It is larger than the SX740 HS and runs on AA batteries. Image quality is comparable. This is a strong budget option if pocket size is not your main concern.

Image Quality in 2026 Standards

The SX740 HS produces sharp and colorful images in good light. Daylight photos show fine detail, accurate colors, and balanced exposure. Canon’s DIGIC 8 processor does a solid job with automatic white balance and metering.

However, the 1/2.3-inch sensor is the limiting factor. It is much smaller than the 1-inch sensors found in premium compacts. This means less light reaches the sensor, which creates more digital noise at higher ISO values.

At ISO 100 to 400, photos look clean and usable for social media, prints up to 8×10, and web content. Above ISO 800, noise becomes visible. Details start to soften, and colors lose some vibrancy.

By 2026 standards, image quality from this sensor falls behind what premium compacts and even some flagship smartphones deliver. But for its zoom range and price class, the results remain respectable. You should treat this as a daylight-first camera for best results.

4K Video Recording Capabilities

The SX740 HS records 4K UHD video at 3840 x 2160 resolution and 30 frames per second. This was a big deal in 2018 and still produces usable footage today. Colors look natural, and detail is decent in good light.

There is an important catch: 4K recording applies a significant crop to the frame. Your wide-angle view at 24mm becomes noticeably narrower. If you need wide-angle video, you will want to shoot in 1080p Full HD mode instead.

Full HD recording supports 60fps, which allows smooth slow-motion playback. This mode delivers the widest field of view and is often the better choice for general video use.

The camera lacks a microphone input and headphone jack. Audio quality from the built-in microphone is acceptable for casual clips but not for serious content production. Wind noise is also a concern when filming outdoors.

Autofocus System and Speed

Canon equipped the SX740 HS with a contrast-detection autofocus system. It locks focus quickly in bright conditions and handles still subjects with ease. The camera finds focus in roughly 0.1 to 0.3 seconds under good light.

Face detection and tracking work reliably for portraits and selfie mode. The camera identifies faces and adjusts focus and exposure for skin tones. This feature performs well for family snapshots and group photos.

Tracking moving subjects is where the system shows its age. Fast-moving birds, pets, or athletes can challenge the autofocus at long zoom distances. The camera may hunt for focus or lock onto the background instead.

There is no phase-detection autofocus here, which means continuous tracking is less sticky than modern mirrorless cameras. For still and slow-moving subjects, the AF system is perfectly adequate. For action photography, you will need patience and multiple attempts.

Battery Life and Charging

Canon rates the SX740 HS at approximately 265 shots per charge using the NB-13L rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Real-world usage varies based on zoom use, flash activation, and screen brightness.

Heavy zoom use and 4K video recording drain the battery faster. You can expect closer to 200 shots during a busy travel day with a mix of photos and video clips.

The camera charges via USB, which is convenient for travel. You can top off the battery using a portable power bank, a laptop, or a wall adapter. This eliminates the need to carry a separate charger.

Carrying a spare NB-13L battery is strongly recommended. A full day of sightseeing will push the single battery to its limits. Spare batteries are affordable and widely available online.

Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Connectivity

Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connect the SX740 HS to your smartphone or tablet. The Canon Camera Connect app manages the wireless connection and enables remote shooting, photo browsing, and image transfer.

Bluetooth maintains a low-energy constant connection between the camera and your phone. This allows quick wake-up and transfer without manual reconnection each time. It saves a lot of time compared to older Wi-Fi-only systems.

Image transfer speeds are reasonable for sharing photos on social media. Full-resolution files take a few seconds each. Transferring a batch of vacation photos requires some patience, but the process works without frustration.

The camera also supports automatic image transfer to a connected device. You can set it to send every photo as you shoot. This is handy if you want instant backup of your travel shots.

Flip Screen and Selfie Mode

The 180-degree tilt screen flips all the way up for front-facing composition. This makes the SX740 HS a strong option for solo travelers, vloggers, and anyone who enjoys selfies with scenic backgrounds.

The screen resolution is 922,000 dots, which provides a clear and detailed view. Touch functionality is absent on this model. All settings adjustments happen through physical buttons and dials.

When you flip the screen up, the camera automatically activates selfie mode. This turns on face smoothing and adjusts the background blur for a flattering portrait effect. You can customize these settings or turn them off entirely.

The lack of a touchscreen is a drawback in 2026. Most current cameras and all smartphones use touch input. Navigating menus with buttons feels slower. However, the physical controls are responsive and reliable once you learn the layout.

Who Should Buy This Camera in 2026?

The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS fits specific types of users best. Travelers who want powerful zoom in a pocket-sized body will love this camera. It captures distant landmarks, wildlife on safari, and cruise-ship scenery with ease.

Parents and grandparents who attend school events, sports games, and recitals benefit from the long zoom range. You can photograph the stage from the back row and still get usable close-up shots.

Casual photographers who find smartphones limiting for zoom will appreciate the step up. The 40x optical zoom far exceeds any phone camera’s digital zoom capabilities.

This camera is not ideal for low-light shooters, professional content creators, or anyone who needs fast continuous autofocus for sports and wildlife action. Those users should consider cameras with larger sensors and phase-detection AF systems.

Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Pricing and Availability

Canon officially discontinued the SX740 HS. New units are hard to find at retail price in 2026. When available, new bundles on Amazon often sell for $400 to $950 or more depending on included accessories.

Refurbished and used options offer better value. You can find well-maintained units in the $250 to $350 range through trusted resellers. Always check the shutter count and physical condition before purchasing a used camera.

Canon released the PowerShot SX740 HS Lite variant in some markets. It shares most of the same features in a slightly updated body. Availability varies by region, and stock remains limited.

If you find a new SX740 HS at a reasonable price, it represents solid value. But paying a steep premium over the original retail price is hard to justify given the alternatives available in 2026.

Pros and Cons Summary

The biggest strengths of the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS include its incredible 40x zoom range, truly pocket-friendly size, 4K video recording, flip-up selfie screen, and reliable Wi-Fi plus Bluetooth connectivity. These features combine into a travel camera that still has no direct replacement from Canon.

The main weaknesses are equally clear. The small 1/2.3-inch sensor limits low-light performance. There is no electronic viewfinder for bright outdoor shooting. Battery life is modest at best. The autofocus system struggles with fast-moving subjects. The 4K video crop reduces the wide-angle field of view.

The discontinued status creates supply challenges. Prices fluctuate and stock comes and goes. This makes buying decisions harder than they were when the camera was in active production.

Overall, the SX740 HS remains a capable and enjoyable camera for its intended purpose. It does one thing extremely well: puts massive zoom into a tiny body. If that matches your priority, it delivers.

Final Verdict: Canon PowerShot SX740 HS in 2026

Last update on 2026-11-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS still earns a recommendation in 2026 for the right buyer. Its 40x optical zoom in a pocketable body remains unique. No other camera this small offers this much reach with optical-quality results.

Accept its limitations upfront. Low-light photography will test your patience. Video creators need external audio solutions. The battery requires backup. If you understand these trade-offs and value zoom range above all else, this camera delivers exactly what it promises.

For travelers, nature enthusiasts, and casual photographers who want more reach than a smartphone provides, the SX740 HS is a smart and satisfying purchase. Find it at a fair price, and you will enjoy it for years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS still worth buying in 2026?

Yes, the SX740 HS is still worth buying if you need a powerful zoom camera in a compact body. Its 40x optical zoom remains unmatched at this size. Daylight image quality is good, and 4K video adds extra value. Just be aware of the small sensor’s low-light limitations and the current supply challenges due to discontinuation.

Does the Canon SX740 HS shoot in RAW format?

No, the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS does not support RAW image capture. It saves photos in JPEG format only. This limits post-processing flexibility compared to cameras that offer RAW files. For casual use and social media sharing, JPEG output is perfectly fine.

How far can the Canon SX740 HS zoom?

The 40x optical zoom provides a focal length range equivalent to 24mm to 960mm. This lets you photograph subjects hundreds of feet away with usable detail. Canon also offers digital zoom that extends reach beyond 960mm, but image quality degrades significantly with digital zoom enabled.

Can I use the Canon SX740 HS for YouTube videos?

You can use the SX740 HS for basic YouTube content. It shoots 4K video and has a flip-up screen for self-recording. However, it lacks a microphone input, which means you cannot attach an external mic for better audio. Serious YouTubers may prefer the Sony ZV-1 or similar cameras with dedicated audio inputs.

What memory card does the Canon SX740 HS use?

The Canon SX740 HS accepts SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards including UHS-I compatible cards. For 4K video recording, use a card rated at UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) or higher to prevent recording interruptions. A 64GB or 128GB card provides plenty of storage for a typical trip.

Is the Canon SX740 HS good for bird photography?

The SX740 HS is a popular choice for casual bird photography thanks to its 960mm equivalent reach. You can photograph birds at feeders, in parks, and at shorelines with impressive detail. The Zoom Framing Assist feature helps locate birds in the frame. Fast-flying birds may challenge the autofocus system, so stationary or slow-moving birds give the best results.