Canon PowerShot SX40 HS Review | 108 Data compared

The Canon PowerShot SX40 HS is a high-end megazoom camera that offers a major upgrade over its predecessor, the SX30 IS, by incorporating a new sensor and an updated image processor. The camera's main strengths lie in its highly flexible 35x ultrawide-angle zoom lens, highly effective image stabilization, and excellent JPEG photo quality for its specific class. Additionally, it features diverse shooting modes designed to accommodate all levels of users, making it a highly versatile choice for photography enthusiasts seeking a long-reach lens. However, the camera falls short when it comes to overall performance and design functionality. Its shooting speed lags noticeably behind competing models from rival brands like Nikon, Sony, and Panasonic. Critics also note a lack of advanced features and point out some potentially irritating design choices, particularly for photographers who want to smoothly utilize manual controls or the camera's electronic viewfinder. Ultimately, while its physical body and lens specs remain identical to the previous model, the improved internal processing provides standout image output despite its slower operational quirks.

The Canon PowerShot SX40 HS, reviewed by ePHOTOzine, is a 12.1-megapixel bridge camera featuring a versatile 35x optical zoom lens (24-840mm equivalent) and effective intelligent image stabilization. Key strengths include rapid 10.3fps continuous shooting via the DIGIC 5 processor, 1080p video recording, excellent 0cm macro capabilities, and a functional 2.7-inch vari-angle LCD screen. Conversely, the review notes some corner softness across the zoom range and limited low-light performance due to aggressive noise processing at high ISO settings. Other downsides mentioned include average autofocus speeds and a relatively small, low-resolution screen compared to competitors, though it remains recommended for its overall value.

The PCMag UK Review of the Canon PowerShot SX40 HS highlights it as a highly capable bridge camera designed with a D-SLR style body, deep hand grip, and a large lens. Its standout pros include an impressive, class-leading 35x optical zoom range and sharp photo quality backed by stellar continuous shooting performance that exceeds two frames per second. This rapid burst speed, combined with its extensive telephoto reach, makes the camera an excellent option for capturing sports and wildlife. Additionally, it features a user-friendly, logically arranged menu system, a fully articulating 2.7-inch LCD screen that swivels to any angle, and an exceptionally fast 0.4-second recycle time alongside a brief half-second shutter lag after its initial startup. PCMag UK Conversely, the review points out several notable cons regarding the camera's design and video capabilities. Its physical build is quite bulky compared to ultra-compact pocket cameras, and its initial startup time is somewhat slow, taking roughly 2.5 seconds to capture the first shot. While it includes an eye-level electronic viewfinder, its small size and low resolution make it difficult to clearly check...

The Canon PowerShot SX40 HS is a highly recommended ultrazoom camera that drastically improves upon its predecessor, the SX30, by swapping out the old CCD sensor for a more advanced CMOS model. This upgrade delivers outstanding image resolution and excellent noise performance across its 100 to 3200 ISO range, resulting in aesthetically pleasing photos even in low-light environments. The camera keeps the intuitive and masterfully designed menu interface of the prior model, while expanding its feature set to include a full suite of manual shooting modes, a customizable self-timer, and 13 distinct scene modes—such as a dedicated Sports option. Its powerful lens features an extreme 35x optical zoom factor, and the camera upgraded its video capabilities to capture 1080p video at 24 frames per second with active autofocus and optical zoom enabled during recording. Despite its high praise, the camera is not without its flaws. The primary pros include its outstanding resolution, superior low-light noise reduction, a comfortable electronic viewfinder, a swiveling rear LCD screen, and full 1080p video capability. Conversely, the major cons center around an unprofessional, low-quality plastic...

The Canon PowerShot SX40 HS is a lightweight, 605-gram DSLR-style superzoom camera that offers an impressive 35x optical zoom range (equivalent to 24–840 mm). Its high-powered reach brings telephoto photography to birders and nature enthusiasts at a fraction of the cost of a traditional DSLR and long-lens setup. The camera features a 12.1 MP CMOS sensor capable of producing detailed images up to 4000x3000 pixels, full 1080p HD video recording, an articulating 2.7-inch screen, and a built-in image stabilisation system. In side-by-side office tests against the Nikon Coolpix P510 and Panasonic FZ150, the Canon performed best, resolving marginally more detail and producing less noise at ISO 800.

The Canon PowerShot SX40 HS is a 12.1-megapixel superzoom camera designed with a bulky, DSLR-like metal body, a deep handgrip, a 2.7-inch articulating LCD screen, and an eye-level electronic viewfinder. It stands out for its massive 35x optical zoom lens (24-840mm equivalent), built-in optical image stabilization, and an impressive 0.4-second shot-to-shot recycle time with excellent continuous shooting at just over two frames per second. In performance testing, it surpassed the baseline for acceptable sharpness by averaging 1,836 lines per picture height and proved capable of recording clean, high-quality 1080p video at 24fps. However, the camera does come with several distinct disadvantages, including its heavy 1.3-pound bulk, a relatively slow 2.5-second start-up time, and an electronic viewfinder that is too small to easily see fine details. Its low-light performance is also limited, as images become overly grainy and noisy at or above ISO 1600, falling short of competitors like the Nikon Coolpix P500 which stays clean up to ISO 3200. Additionally, while its video quality is generally high, users may experience infrequent visual glitches from a rolling shutter effect when panning...

The Canon PowerShot SX40 HS is a mini-DSLR style bridge camera that introduces Canon's fast Digic 5 processor to power its high-sensitivity (HS) system and enable Full HD 1080p video recording. Designed for both beginners and experienced photographers, it features full manual controls (Manual, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Program modes) alongside automatic scene filters. The camera swaps a higher pixel count for a back-illuminated 12.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, which works with the new processor to reduce image noise by up to 75% compared to its predecessor, the SX30. It also boasts high-speed burst capabilities, shooting full-resolution images at an impressive 10.3fps for up to 8 frames, making it highly effective for fast-moving subjects. The standout feature of this camera is its massive 35x optical zoom lens, ranging from a 24mm wide-angle to an 840mm telephoto equivalent, complete with Ultrasonic and Voice Coil Motors for near-silent zooming and focus during video capture. Reviewers highlight several major pros, including this expansive zoom range, low noise levels in final images, high-speed continuous shooting, and crisp Full HD video capabilities. Furthermore, a new intelligent...

The Canon PowerShot SX40 HS is a 12 Megapixel super-zoom camera featuring a massive 35x optical range (24-840mm equivalent) and a high-speed CMOS sensor paired with a DIGIC 5 processor. Key advantages of this model include significantly upgraded performance over its predecessor, offering 1080p HD video at 24fps, fast slow-motion recording options (120fps at VGA and 240fps at QVGA), and a high-speed burst mode capable of capturing 8 frames at 10.3fps. Additionally, it benefits from Intelligent Image Stabilisation that adapts to different shooting scenarios, a built-in flash hotshoe for external Speedlites, a "Zoom Framing Assist" button to prevent losing subjects at telephoto lengths, and a fully articulated, flippable screen. However, the review highlights several prominent drawbacks, noting that the SX40 HS is frequently outclassed by rivals like the Panasonic Lumix FZ150 and Sony Cyber-shot HX100V. Its 2.7-inch screen and electronic viewfinder feel dated, offering noticeably smaller and lower-resolution (230k dots) displays than its competitors. Performance flaws include a less confident autofocus system that struggles with focus tracking at long focal lengths, a plasticky grip body, and a lack of stepped...

The Canon PowerShot SX40 HS is a highly versatile super-zoom digital camera featuring a 12-megapixel CMOS sensor, an extensive 35x optical zoom lens (24–840mm equivalent), and a side-hinged, fully articulating 2.7-inch LCD screen. It delivers fast startup times under 1.5 seconds, solid overall performance, and an excellent Full HD 1080p movie mode that supports optical zooming, continuous autofocus, and sound level adjustments while recording. Image quality is a major strength, producing detailed photos with well-controlled noise from ISO 100 to 400, and remaining usable up to ISO 1600. Users will appreciate the inclusion of full manual controls, customizable menus, a physical flash hotshoe, and a dedicated High Speed Burst HQ mode capable of shooting full-resolution images at 10 frames per second. Despite its versatility, the camera has several notable drawbacks. The autofocus speeds are only average, lagging behind some of its main competitors, especially in low-light scenarios. The built-in scroll wheel lacks tactile clicks, making precise exposure adjustments difficult without looking directly at the screen. Furthermore, enthusiast photographers may be disappointed by the complete absence of a RAW image setting...

The Canon PowerShot SX40 HS is a versatile 35x optical zoom bridge camera, featuring a 12.1-megapixel backlit CMOS sensor and a Digic 5 processor that offers effective image stabilisation and Full HD 1080p video recording. Key pros highlighted in the Trusted Reviews evaluation include superior low-light performance and faster operation compared to its predecessor. Conversely, the review notes cons such as a low-resolution 2.7-inch LCD screen and a disappointing, low-resolution electronic viewfinder. Additionally, the camera lacks RAW shooting capabilities and an in-camera histogram, which limits its appeal for advanced enthusiasts, according to the review.

The Canon PowerShot SX40 HS bridges the gap between its predecessor and a new era with a 12.1-megapixel back-lit CMOS sensor and Digic 5 processor, significantly improving image quality and high-ISO noise performance. Its standout features include a 35x optical zoom lens (24-840mm equivalent) paired with a highly effective six-mode intelligent optical image stabilizer, ensuring sharp, steady shots at extreme telephoto ranges. YouTube · Conversely, the camera suffers from outdated design choices, specifically a low-resolution 2.7-inch screen and a subpar electronic viewfinder. Performance is hindered by slow autofocus and, while a 10.3fps burst mode exists, it is crippled by restrictions such as locked focus and limited file formatting options, with standard continuous shooting falling to a mere 2.4fps.

The Expert Reviews evaluation highlights the Canon PowerShot SX40 HS as a top-tier bridge camera that delivers immaculate image quality at the expense of overall operating speed. On the pros side, its standout feature is a 12-megapixel backside-illuminated CMOS sensor that offers astoundingly low noise levels even at ISO 1600, outclassing its main competitors in low-light environments. It features an expansive 35x optical zoom (24–840mm equivalent), a useful zoom-back assist button to track lost subjects, and exceptionally steady optical image stabilisation. Video quality is superb, capturing 1080p AVC footage with uncompressed stereo audio and quiet autofocus motors. However, the camera suffers from significant cons regarding processing performance and control flexibility. A major drawback is its slow shot-to-shot time, averaging 2.8 seconds—nearly four times slower than rivals like the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150. Furthermore, its rapid 10.3fps burst mode is restricted to a scene preset that strips away manual exposure control. The camera also completely lacks the ability to shoot in RAW format, features a disappointingly small 2.7-inch screen with a low 230,000-dot resolution, and provides sluggish autofocus response times when panning...

The Canon PowerShot SX40 HS bridges the gap to modern imaging with a 12-megapixel High Sensitivity (HS) CMOS sensor and DiG!C 5 processor, offering improved low-light performance and 1080p video over its predecessor. Key pros include enhanced image stabilization, better noise control, and a lower price point while retaining the versatile 35x optical zoom lens. Conversely, the camera features an older, lower-resolution 2.7-inch vari-angle LCD screen and an unchanged exterior design, with autofocusing speeds that are considered only average compared to competitors. Furthermore, the lack of RAW image format support limits post-processing capabilities for advanced users, and it misses out on a full operational overhaul, according to the review.