Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Review: Still Worth Buying?

The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS proves a seven-year-old camera can still outperform modern smartphones—at least in one crucial category. With 40x optical zoom crammed into a body just 39.9mm deep, this pocket superzoom sells better in 2025 than many newer alternatives, despite a small sensor and no USB charging on the Lite Edition currently sold in Ireland.

20.3MP · 40x zoom · 4K UHD · DIGIC 8

Is the PowerShot SX740 HS worth buying?

The appeal of the SX740 HS / Lite is simple: it offers huge zoom in a genuinely pocketable body, and it does so reliably Digital Camera World. With the 40x optical zoom you can take and capture some truly spectacular images with this camera that certainly could not be taken with an iPhone or any other smartphone YouTube Review. The camera remains one of the most popular compact cameras in 2025, outselling newer rivals Digital Camera World.

Value for money

At €549.99 in Ireland, the Lite Edition offers the same core experience as the original but without USB charging capability Canon Ireland. While this price competes with budget mirrorless options, the unique value lies in the 40x zoom in a pocket form factor—no other camera at this size offers this range.

Alternatives

The main alternative is sticking with a smartphone. Modern iPhones offer convenience, instant sharing, and increasingly capable computational photography. However, even the iPhone 16 cannot match 40x optical zoom Digital Camera World. For those specifically needing superzoom in a pocket camera, the SX740 HS remains largely unchallenged.

“Small but mighty, this point-and-shoot camera boasts incredibly responsive shutter release and 10 fps continuous shooting.”

— Canon Ireland official product page Canon Ireland

Is the Canon SX740 HS discontinued?

No evidence of discontinuation exists. The camera remains actively sold on the Canon Ireland site as the Lite Edition Canon Ireland. Canon reintroduced the SX740 HS as the Lite Edition in 2024, removing USB charging but keeping all other features identical Digital Camera World.

Current availability

The Lite Edition is available directly from Canon Ireland for €549.99 with free delivery Canon Ireland. The camera also ranks among the top-selling compacts globally—specifically, it was the third best-selling compact in Japan, ahead of newer Canon models like the IXY 650 Digital Camera World.

Lite Edition status

The main difference between the original SX740 HS and the Lite Edition is the removal of USB charging Canon Ireland. This means users must rely on the included battery charger instead of charging via a power bank or laptop. Otherwise, the cameras are functionally identical Digital Camera World.

Why does the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS still sell well?

The SX740 HS fills a specific niche that smartphones cannot: genuine optical zoom in a pocket-sized body Digital Camera World. While smartphone cameras have improved dramatically, they rely on digital zoom and computational tricks that cannot match the real magnification of a 40x optical lens.

Superzoom advantages

The 40x optical zoom translates to a 24–960mm equivalent focal range Digital Camera World. This reach enables shots that are simply impossible on any smartphone:

• Wildlife photography from a distance
• Concerts and events without crowding
• Architecture details on tall buildings
• Moon and astronomical subjects

4K video appeal

The SX740 HS records 4K UHD video with a stereo microphone Canon Ireland. Video reviewers note the camera produces better stabilization and depth compared to iPhone footage for vlogging purposes YouTube Comparison. The flip-up screen assists with framing when recording yourself.

“With the 40x optical zoom you can take and capture some truly spectacular images with this camera that certainly could not be taken with an iPhone or any other smartphone.”

— YouTube reviewer, hands-on test YouTube Review

Compact design benefits

Weighing just 299g with battery included, the SX740 HS slides into any pocket Canon Ireland. This portability means users are more likely to carry it everywhere, increasing the chance of capturing spontaneous moments. The camera’s quick startup and dependable autofocus make it reliable for everyday use Digital Camera World.

Is a Canon PowerShot better than an iPhone?

The answer depends entirely on what you prioritize. For zoom reach and optical quality, the SX740 HS beats any iPhone. For convenience, low-light performance, and social media integration, iPhones win YouTube Comparison.

Zoom capabilities

No iPhone matches the SX740 HS for optical zoom. The 40x optical zoom delivers real magnification without the quality loss that accompanies smartphone digital zoom Digital Camera World. The camera also offers 80x zoom via ZoomPlus digital extension Canon Ireland, though quality degrades at these extreme ranges.

Image quality comparison

The SX740 HS produces good images in daylight with well-controlled noise up to ISO 800 YouTube Review. However, the 1/2.3-inch sensor shows its limitations in low light, producing visible noise at higher ISO settings Digital Camera World. The f/3.3 aperture is not great for low light or shallow depth of field YouTube Comparison.

iPhones compensate with computational photography—Night mode, Smart HDR, and Deep Fusion produce usable images in conditions where the SX740 HS struggles. However, the YouTube comparison notes that iPhone footage appears flat and may need color grading for a professional look YouTube Comparison.

Portability vs versatility

In direct comparison tests, the SX740 HS provides better stabilization and depth for vlogging compared to the iPhone XR YouTube Comparison. However, iPhone users appreciate the convenience of quick candid social media shots without carrying an additional device Lemon8 User Post.

The iPhone’s flip-screen awareness also gives it an edge for rear-camera vlogging, as users can see themselves more easily YouTube Comparison. The SX740 flip screen works better for traditional front-facing video rather than seeing yourself while recording.

“In SX740 HS vs iPhone XR comparison, Canon better for stabilization and depth in vlogging; iPhone easier for rear view/social media.”

— YouTube comparison channel YouTube Comparison

Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Review

Launched in July 2018, the SX740 HS introduced 4K video to Canon’s compact superzoom line Digital Camera World. The camera earned praise for its combination of pocketability and extreme zoom range—a formula that continues to resonate seven years later.

Key specs overview

At the heart of the SX740 HS is a 20.3-megapixel 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor paired with the DIGIC 8 image processor Canon Ireland. This combination enables 10 fps continuous shooting and 4K video recording at 30fps Canon Ireland. The 5-axis image stabilization helps keep shots steady at full zoom.

User experiences

Reviews consistently highlight the camera’s ease of use and reliability. The pop-up flash activates automatically in low light, and the quick startup means you won’t miss shots while waiting for the camera to initialize Digital Camera World. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity allow for quick image transfers to smartphones Canon Ireland.

The main complaints center on the small sensor’s limitations in challenging lighting and the lack of advanced features like RAW shooting and a viewfinder Digital Camera World. Power users wanting full manual control may feel constrained by the camera’s automated approach.

Performance highlights

The 40x zoom remains the standout feature. Whether photographing wildlife at distance, capturing architectural details, or documenting travel adventures, the zoom range provides creative possibilities unavailable on smartphones Digital Camera World. Video stabilization proves effective, and the flip-up screen works well for vlogging and selfies YouTube Review.

Quick Answers

While the SX740 HS impresses with 40x zoom, the Canon G7X Mark II review highlights a strong alternative for vloggers seeking advanced compact features.