Canon

Canon PowerShot SX740 HS

Ranked #9 in Point-and-Shoot Cameras

291 LP on the category ladder what's LP?

No positive coverage and considered outdated relative to current options.

Consolidated from 21 cited sources across 18 outlets

Where the cited sources landed, as we read them

11 positive sources
6 neutral sources
2 unconvinced sources
1 negative source

See the sources

Flagged as a product to avoid

2 of 6 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick.

Cheap zoom camera but suffers from poor low-light performance and slow autofocus.
Flagged 29 July 2026

Cheap zoom camera but suffers from poor low-light performance and slow autofocus.
Flagged 29 July 2026
Implied obsolescence through comparison to newer models; no positive mentions.
Flagged 7 August 2026

Why the boards include products to avoid

Check price

We may earn a commission if you buy through this link.

Pros & cons

✓ 40× optical zoom
✓ Solid battery life
✓ Decent image quality for price
✓ 30-x zoom lens for versatile shooting
✓ Compact and lightweight design

✗ Outdated compared to newer models
✗ Poor low-light performance
✗ Slow autofocus

The sources behind this ranking

We searched the web and YouTube for what has been published about this product, then read the articles, video transcripts and comments we found.

11 positive sources

Thenewcamera Article

Canon’s firmware updates for PowerShot G7 X Mark III and SX740 HS prove that great cameras only get better with age. The NB-15L support actually extends their lifespan, and the latest updates making them more stable. If you’re eyeing a restock or just dusting off your kit, now’s the time—grab the downloads and hit record.

Read W

Worth Doing Poorly Worth Doing Poorly · 466 subscribers · Apr 2026

And 40x is just an extraordinary range to get and that you have it with a small but still 4K sensor is really good for my uses. So I'll just I guess go through some of the features here. Um You've of course got the retracting lens there. You have pretty good ergonomics, nice grip up front. Comes in silver or black. This of course is a silver one. Good controls on the buttons.

Watch T TikTok Article

#cannonsx740hs #camerasettings #digitalcameras #digicam #wowjayduuh Canon SX740 HS camera settings for vloggers. Step-by-step Canon SX740 HS camera settings to get crisp vlogs and photos — exact settings I finally settled on. #cannonsx740hs #camerasettings #digicam #wowjayduuh.

Read B

BudgetBuys BudgetBuys · 232 subscribers · May 2026

And honestly, if you've been wondering whether compact travel cameras still make sense in a smartphone-dominated world, this camera makes a very strong case for itself. The first thing that instantly stands out is that massive 40x optical zoom lens. The SX740HS gives you a 24 mm to 960 mm equivalent focal range, which is honestly huge for a camera this small.

Watch D

Digital Camera World Article · Mar 2026

After playing with a lot of compacts, the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Lite is back on my radar – and I'm reminded what a great little carrying companion it really is.

Read V

Value Vault Value Vault · 228 subscribers · May 2026

If you're looking for a compact camera with 40x optical zoom, 4K video, and easy portability, the Canon PowersShot SX740HS delivers a versatile and convenient shooting experience.

Watch L

Lens & Shutter Andrew · reviewer · Dec 2025

Yes, the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS is still worth buying if you specifically want long optical reach in the smallest practical Canon body and the price is sensible.

Read V

View Verse View Verse · 220 subscribers · Apr 2026

Overall, the Canon PowerShot SX740HS combines powerful zoom reach, strong image quality, and compact portability into one versatile camera, making it an excellent choice for travel photography, everyday moments, and distant subject capture.

Watch D

Digital Camera World Article · Jul 2026

Canon's pocket‑sized superzoom has remained a favorite

Read L

Lupita Lupita · 30 subscribers · Jul 2026

This is not a professional camera, but for its price, features, and quality, it's a great option for casual users who want better photos than what a phone can deliver.

Watch B

BezReviews BezReviews · 14 subscribers · Jul 2026

The Canon PowerShot SX740HS bundle offers a powerful 40x optical zoom and a capable 20.3MP sensor making it a strong choice for those who prioritize reach in a compact form factor. The included accessories like the SD card and protective case add clear value ensuring you are ready to shoot.

Watch

6 neutral sources

Norwich Cameras Article · May 2026

Image quality is pleasing in bright conditions, but the small sensor, JPEG-only recording, limited high-ISO performance, missing touchscreen and absent viewfinder restrict its appeal for demanding photography. Buy the SX740 for exceptional zoom reach in a small body, not as a universal image-quality upgrade over a premium smartphone or larger-sensor camera.

Read R

rphy samstill rphy samstill · 8.7K subscribers · Aug 2026

Honestly, I really like the design. It looks clean, premium, and very travel-friendly. But the main reason this camera is special is not only the design. It is the massive zoom range. >> The Canon SX740HS is a small enough to carry inside a compact bag. And its weight approximately 299 g with a battery and memory card.

Watch S

Switchback Travel Chris Carter · reviewer · Jan 2026

All told, this compact point-and-shoot produces fantastic photos at wider focal lengths, delivers incredible zoom, and is a versatile model for capturing stellar footage with a minimal weight penalty.

Read T

Tech doc Tech doc · 530 subscribers · Mar 2026

That said, it's not perfect. While the sensor and zoom are great for the price, low-light performance doesn't match what you'd get from larger sensors in mirrorless or DSLR cameras.

Watch D

Digital Camera World Article · Oct 2022

Buy it if: ✅ You want a lot of zoom: From 24-960mm, this covers all the zoom ranges you need.

Read G

GadgetsFind GadgetsFind · 267 subscribers · Apr 2026

People love the zoom and portability, but image quality won't beat modern smartphones in low light or detail-heavy scenes. Its main advantage is still that extreme zoom range in a pocket-sized body. Overall, this is a travel zoom specialist. Perfect if your priority is reaching far subjects, keeping things simple, and having a lightweight camera you can carry anywhere.

Watch

2 unconvinced sources

Camera Decision Article

Currently, Canon SX740 HS has an Overall Score of 44/100 which is based on our evaluation of 69 different technical parameters. Our scores are dynamically updated whenever a new camera is added to our database or when we change our ranking algorithm and the maximum score is always 100.

Read I

Independent Travel Cats Article · Aug 2018

It is an aging small-sensor superzoom that a modern smartphone matches in most conditions, so if you want real zoom reach in a compact body, the ZS99 above is the better buy and it is still in production.

Read

1 negative source

108 Data compared Article

Canon PowerShot SX740 HS has a higher sensor resolution than the average camera (20.3 MP vs 16.2 MP) . The average camera has a sensor resolution of 16.2 MP.

Read

1 stance not read source

Digital Camera World Article · Dec 2025

If you've been researching compact cameras, you've almost certainly come across the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS / Lite . First launched in July 2018, it remains a staple recommendation – even now, seven years later, it's still one of the most popular compact cameras on the market.

Read