Canon SX40 12.1 Megapixel Extended Zoom Reviews Roundup
On September 15 2011, Canon announced the PowerShot SX40 HS camrea. It features a 12.1 Megapixels CMOS sensor, and the new DIGIC 5 chip promises a wide variety of updates to camera performance. DIGIC 5 comes with decent ISO response, natural colors and a new multi-target Auto White Balance system as well as all the other usual treats found in Canon's DSLR models.
The flagship PowerShot SuperZoom camera also features a 35x optical zoom lens. You are essentially going from 24mm all the way to 840mm on a single lens. The lens aperture will be starting at F2.7 and going up to 5.8 at the long range of the zoom. On the back panel, there's a 2.7-inch flip-out LCD, a similar feature in the SX30. The SX40 will use Intelligent image stabilization and will be capable of recording 1080 Full HD video via a dedicated movie button. The estimated selling price of the PowerShot SX40 HS Digital camera is $429.99 and is scheduled to be available in late September.
Canon Powershot SX40 IS Sample Photos on Flickr
Canon Powershot SX40 IS Camera Reviews Roundup
| Imaging Resource: "There's always a lot more to the cameras we review than any of us has a chance to explore. So I focus primarily on the basic shooting experience in Program mode. But with this year's models, some of the more advanced features have been irresistible. Handheld Twilight Scene mode is one of them. I'm thrilled to report it has made it onto a Canon after appearing on other brands. It's really a winner for those very dark..." - Apr 03 2012 More » | |
| ePhotoZine: "Whether shooting wide or with the lens fully extended, the SX40 takes wonderfully detailed images with a touch of softness in the corners. Pictures tend to be well exposed with excellent colour reproduction with no signs of purple fringing. The lens has a minimum focusing distance of 0cm! This allows you to get really close to take great, well detailed, macro images. At the lowest settings, ISO 100 and ISO 200, good..." - Jan 19 2012 More » | |
| CNET US: "Overall, photo quality is excellent for this class of camera. Images do get softer and noisier above ISO 200--typical for point-and-shoots--but ISO 400 and 800 are still very usable. Like other "HS" models I've tested this year, the noise and noise reduction are well-balanced so you still get good color and detail up to ISO 800. Colors desaturate some at ISO 1600 and 3200, subjects look very soft, and..." - Dec 09 2011 More » | |
| PhotoReview Australia: "With so many functions unchanged, it's no surprise to find most of the compromises influencing the performance of the PowerShot SX30 IS also affect the performance of the SX40 HS. However, as with the previous model, we feel most snapshooters would be happy with the quality of the photographs we obtained from the review camera. Autofocusing was generally very good, although not quite equal to Panasonic's FZ150,..." - Nov 29 2011 More » | |
| CNET AU: "The SX40 uses the same 12.1-megapixel high-sensitivity (backlit CMOS) sensor that the other HD cameras from Canon are using, such as the 1100 HS. As such, image quality is reasonably consistent between them, apart from the inevitable variations because of the SX40's longer lens. Expect punchy colours on default settings, and good lens sharpness from end-to-end, with only a little distortion visible at its widest rea..." - Nov 18 2011 More » | |
| Digital Camera Review: "Perhaps because of the large zoom range and relatively small maximum aperture the camera's auto focus performance was a little spotty. For example attempting to focus on very close objects - from one to three feet - often caused the camera to hunt back and forth and refuse to lock onto the subject. In our tests it actually focused more slowly than its predecessor the SX30. There are a variety of autofocus modes..." - Nov 17 2011 More » | |
| Photography BLOG: "Since the SX40 HS costs roughly the same as an entry level DSLR plus kit lens you've really got to want the broad paparazzi-style focal range on offer here to even think about parting with your cash. If you've got over that hurdle it does just about everything one would want, apart from the ability to swap lenses - not that most amateurs would want to anyway given that extensive focal range. The most obvious ma..." - Nov 16 2011 More » | |
| Steve's Digicam: "Image quality is pleasing for a camera with a 1/2.3-inch image sensor. For those of you who follow Canon's SX-series, you may wonder why Canon dropped the megapixel rating on the SX40 compared to the SX30 (12-megaixels vs 14). The reason for this is they wanted to incorporate their new HS system, which uses a faster, more sensitive CMOS image sensor; compared to the CCD unit found in the SX30. This sensor was also a..." - Nov 08 2011 More » | |
| TechRadar: "Bridge cameras are a great way for inexperienced photographers to learn more without having to invest in an expensive system, and they're also fantastic for travel photographers who benefit from the extensive zoom and full manual control. It's a big shame that even though the technology within bridge cameras, along with the image quality, gets better and better we still don't see features such as raw shooting m..." - Nov 08 2011 More » | |
| DPI: "The Canon PowerShot SX40 HS is a highly capable super-zoom with probably more than enough optical zoom (35X!), 12 megapixels of resolution and high-speed still and video shooting capabilities. The camera has a strong feature set: full manual controls along with automatic shooting and scene modes, along with a flexible hinge-mounted 2.7 inch LCD and excellent Full HD movie mode. The features of the PowerShot SX4..." - Nov 04 2011 More » | |
| Trusted Reviews: "Before we discuss the Canon SX40's image quality any further, we should flag up the obvious - while Superzoom cameras may look a bit like DSLRs, they use physically smaller sensors and therefore can't hold a candle to the real deal in terms of overall image quality. If image quality tops your list of priorities, then you should probably be on the lookout for a budget DSLR and forget all about the ear candy of this c..." - Nov 01 2011 More » | |
| Pocket-lint: "What's interesting is the SX30's 14MP sensor has been axed in favour of a slightly lower resolution 12.1MP version. This is a recent trait also shown by the likes of the Panasonic Lumix FZ48 and FZ150 models, whereby ditching resolution that seldom gets used to its full extent, means larger 'pixels' at a sensor level and, again, improved signal quality for a better image. Pair that up with the BSI sensor and it's a..." - Oct 29 2011 More » | |
| Digital Camera Info: "Canon's strategy is clear. Start with the framework of the already-excellent PowerShot SX30 IS ultrazoom, swap the CCD sensor with a CMOS model, and ship it. Simple. The experiment is a resounding success. The Canon PowerShot SX40 HS retains everything we loved about its predecessor, while boosting image quality to levels we've not yet seen from a fixed-lens camera. Supporting this is a rich feature set, versat..." - Oct 01 2011 More » | |
| Camera Labs: "The Sony Cyber-shot HX100V is the other major rival for the Canon SX40 HS, and like the Panasonic FZ150, both cameras are packed with features. Once again the biggest difference concerns the zoom range: 30x (27-810mm) on the HX100V versus 35x (24-840mm) on the Canon, so this time the Sony roughly matches the reach at the telephoto end, but doesn't quite zoom as wide. In terms of the screen, Sony has equipp..." - Sep 16 2011 More » |
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User Review of the camera - Canon Powershot SX40 IS
Great camera for its buck., LUIS D. LAZALA
Beat camera ever had, it has more functionality than I need, very surprise of all it can do with this camera.
Awesome, Praneet
I think this is one of the best models when it comes to a handy, zoom/normal, high quality picture camera. The issue I had with DSLRs was their size/weight, and also the need to keep changing the lenses (zoom versus close ups)- as a result I realised that I was going back to my small point and shoot cameras all the time, and never bothering to put the SLRs in my travel bag!
With the Canon SX40, you get the best of both the worlds (at least the best compromise) - great picture quality, amazing zoom and the convenience of point and shoot. All in a fairly portable package. I have now used it on 3 holidays (including a major safari wildlife trip to Kenya), and have been amazed at the quality of the long distance zoom!! Managed to get really close up pictures of lions and cheetahs, even when they were at a considerable distance!
Would recommend this or related models to all people who either don't like to carry heavy camera packages, or don't want to spend stupid money for an SLR.
so disappointed, ksj2012
I researched this camera a lot before purchasing it. It had so many good reviews. But ... I get better pictures with my cell phone. I have read all the forums about how to fix clarity, but nothing works. And frankly, one should be able to expect to get good pictures using auto focus for this price. No luck. I have passed the time for returning it, so am stuck with this camera now. I would warn anyone before buying it to USE it first - - don't buy online. I have had a lot of cameras and am reasonably experienced, so this is not due to user error.
digital camera review, Adel
It was good and packed carefully. However, shipment deliver just driped the box next to mail box and that makes it easy to be stolen I thought somebody might nock the door.
great product, Michael Gray
came upon this by accident. was not looking for a camera at the time. have an old contax slr. liked it,but this is so much easier to use. zoom is fantastic for the size of camera. pictures are great.
Top Notch Bridge Camera, Gregory A Hill
A little bit of history to start. My first camera was a Minolta ST101 with a number of fixed focal length lenses. Used for many years and then I went to a Cannon EOS. I was thrilled when lens technology produced a 28-200 mm zoom. It worked for 90%+ of what I wanted to do but it was big and heavy.
Enter the digital camera. My first was a 2 mpxl Canon Elph. It took good pictures but not what I was used to. It fit in my pocket though and convenience was a factor. I went through several digital cameras as technology developed and my current unit (soon to be back-up) is a Panasonic ZS8. It takes very good pictures and fits in my pocket. The EOS was sold on Ebay
Now, I miss my SLRs viewfinder and all the settings I could adjust to tweak the image. I do not miss hauling around a bag full of lenses and accessories not to mention exposed film. Enter the bridge camera now come of age.
I did hours of research on various camera review sites and on Amazon. I narrowed my choices to a Fuji HS30 EXR, a Canon SX40HS and a Panasonic FZ60. On paper I had a difficult time as to which was the best one and ultimately ordered the Canon based open many prior very good experiences with Canon. I also would have a good idea how to negotiate the camera settings pretty well.
It’s a great camera. I took pictures in the back yard of birds and squirrels, macros of flowers, kids at play and some landscapes with difficult lighting. I took it on a weekend trip and took some night shots and beach shots and purposely pushed its limits. I found it a bit slow to focus, especially at the long end and further still with lower light conditions. I did not like using the motorized long lens and the viewfinder; it was somehow clumsy.
I sent it back and got the Fuji HS30 EXR. First thing I noticed was that focusing is quick and accurate. I really like how the manual zoom feature works. It’s a little thing but the size and grip feel better in my hand.
The professional reviews made issues of the dots in the viewfinder and the LCD but I did not find those to be issues. The menu in the Canon is easier to negotiate, maybe because I’ve been there before. I find the Fuji lens to be plenty long enough but Cannon is clearly longer. The Canon is better at exposure in difficult lighting but I am used to bracketing under those conditions. Time will tell but the Canon’s face recognition appears to be better but I will more likely use my Panasonic ZS8 when taking people pictures anyway.
When I made the purchase, I was trying to capture the best of a good pocket camera and an SLR and hence my interest in a bridge camera. Either of these cameras would have done the job but I think my heritage with a manual zoom has helped make my final decision the Fuji.
Crystal clear images, N. Sundarajan
Easy to use, great Canon camera! The pictures are crystal clear even when shot moving! I love the pop out screen option and the fact that this is made in Japan! The zoom is amazing! Love it!
read the directions, Meech
After I read the instructions and learned all the features of the camera, I loved it! At first I was dissapointed I thought I had wasted money as the pictures were blurry. Once I figured out how to adjust the setting correctly, it has been totally worth it!
Great photos, Jardel A. G. Ferreira
Excelent brigde camera, lot os manual customizations and features. Canon and Nikon are the most famous good brands for photo's equipament.
Too heavy, Erik Bergethon
This may be a great camera, but we never used it. It is too heavy and hard to hold for certain people. It looks like it would take good pictures, but we returned it un-used because of the weight of the camera. All those features were overwhelming for the mid-level amateur photographer. The first reaction was just "it's overwhelming!"
Two important issues for me with this camera, Marilyn Burton
First of all, I am a professional photographer and I usually use a Nikon D300S and a Nikon D600, but I like a smaller camera to carry around as an everyday camera. There are only 2 criteria that must be met on my "everyday camera". This one failed both. It must take good sunsets because even my professional cameras are not set up for that and I don't want to make all of the changes to my settings for one type of photo when I could just use another less expensive camera for that. It must have both a good optical and digital zoom.
1) I usually buy a Panasonic Lumix for my everyday camera, and it takes fantastic sunsets if you put it on the "Sunset" setting, but I thought I would try the Canon because it had a better zoom. The person I spoke with on the phone from Canon said that this camera did not need a Sunset setting because it automatically sensed when a sunset was being photographed and made the proper adjustments. I don't agree. Either it is not sensing it, or it isn't making the proper adjustments. I can't see a difference between the images from my Panasonic when it is not set on "Sunset" and this camera. There is a huge difference with my Panasonic when it is set on "Sunset" and this camera.
2) I wanted a really good Optical Zoom and it had to also have a Digital Zoom available. I use the Optical Zoom for most photos but I use the Digital Zoom for identification of bird species and for some other photos (such as photos of the moon). But the Digital Zoom is not available in the 3:2 aspect ratio setting. 3:2 is the ratio you need for printing 4x6 photos. Any of the other ratios require you to go into a photo editor and crop the image to a 3:2 ratio before printing your 4x6's. Otherwise, the photo processing place will automatically crop it for you and it may not be cropped where it should be. I had one place cut off the ears of a bear when it should have cropped off the bottom of the photo instead.
So the only thing I like about this camera is the optical zoom being at 35x. To me, that's not enough to make it worth the price I paid for it.
New to Photography, Love this!, CamilleElise
I wanted to upgrade my camera.
I had a point and shoot. I had my iPhone camera. And then I started going to a place where I could shoot wildlife regularly, and it just wasn't cutting it.
So I decided to upgrade. But not making a lot, I had to do so on a budget. The reviews for this were good, and so I took a gamble.
Turns out the camera is great! I have gotten some amazing shots, even using the scene settings. I'm still learning the manual ones. You can also manually set shutter speed, ISO, aperture. I'm not there yet, but I am trying to learn.
The zoom on this camera is great! I got some close up pictures that show the ridges on the moon! I have gotten pictures of hummingbirds with their wings visible while in flight. I've been able to catch a hummingbird blinking, an owl in flight, a falcon in flight. I also love the feature of holding down the shutter and taking multiple pictures. Really helps with my action shots! If you're new to the hobby and want a good camera to get started, this is it!
The only con I have is that if you have too many pictures on the memory card, you have to buy a USB device to transfer images directly from the memory card. You can't do it from the camera. But that's when you have like 4000-5000 pictures on the camera.
Increible, Juan M. Hidalgo
Las fotos que he logrado gracias a esta camara no tienen precio. Sinceramente una calidad increíble.
100% recomendable, buen precio y buena calidad por lo menos para el uso "domestico", viajes, vacaciones...
Great African Safari Pictures, ohioengineer
I bought this camera to use on an African safari and it performed like a champ. I have received numerous compliments on my pictures and I am just an amatuer photographer.
PROS:
- Easy to use. With animals in the bush country you often have just seconds to get your shot. With this camera I never missed an opportunity.
- Takes great pictures. It focuses quickly and adjusts for light automatically and quickly. I took pictures while standing in the noonday equitorial sun while my subject was in the deep shade and the camera knew exactly what to do.
- 35x power lens is great. I took fantastic close-ups of animals that I could barely see with my naked eye. At full extension, the lens is hard to hold steady but sitting the camera on a beanbag solves this.
- Also takes great videos. I had never used a video camera before, but with just the push of a button this camera records action.
- Good image stabilization. I took a number of pictures as our 4x4 sped down very bumpy roads and most of them turned out sharp.
- Robust. The African heat, dust and terrible roads never bothered this camera.
CONS:
- No camera bag. I couldn't find a decent bag to fit this camera. I ended up carrying it in my backpack and this worked fine.
- Shutter speed can be a little slow, especially if you are trying to capture moving objects. However, using the "sport" setting allows you to click off pictures fairly quickly.
BOTTOM LINE:
Overall a great camera and one I would highly recommend.
Totally awesome camera, Glenn S.
Totally awesome camera especially for the money! This camera fixed the problems with the SX30. It performs in all aspects as you'd expect a Canon to perform. I won't go into a super technical review since those are out there. To have a 35x zoom in a camera like this is jaw dropping. I've had just about every Canon all in one since the S1IS. Back when 10x and maybe 20x was a big deal. The digital zoom is great. Video quality is great. Love the Digic processor. Blows away all other imagers from Sony and Nikon in my opinion. The camera leaves behind the AA power of old and now has a Canon battery. I do wish it still used AA batteries but I can understand the need for a special battery as power requirements increase.This camera is totally awesome and I'm looking forward to getting the SX50!
review of Canon SX40 HS digital camerar with 35x zoom, Karen Collins
I am an amature photography who loves to take photos of nature. I teach science, so I use some of my photos in the classroom. The most important aspect of any camera, in my opinion, is its ability to produce clear, sharply detailed images. I am not attracted by all the special effects and bells and whistles-----if the camera can't make a good photo, I don't want it. For quite a few years I have been using a couple of Fuji cameras and have been very happy with the results. Lately I have wanted a camera with a long zoom but could not afford to go to a DSLR. I tried one of the Fuji long zoom cameras but was not happy with the results (the photos were soft). Then I began to research the Canon SX40 HS and after months of consideration, and when the price became right, purchased the camera. It arrived in just a few days and after charging the included battery(it does not take long to charge the battery), I began taking photos. I was extremely happy from the beginning and after a month of taking photos I am still extremely happy. The photos, even at long zoom, are really clear and sharp. I am also pleased with the overall construction and weight of the camera. It feels well-made, not cheap and plasticky. And, yes, even though it isn't the most important thing to me, I have played with some of the special functions and they are pretty neat. I have not tried out the video yet.
There are a few things to consider. It is important, really important, to take the time to read the instruction manual which is on a CD included with the camera, because you need to know how to change the settings and what the camera is capable of. If the camera doesn't do what you want it to, its your fault for not reading the instructions. Second, unless you are really steady-handed (which I am not) you will need a tripod for the long zoom. I used a tripod and took photos of the moon with full zoom and they turned out great----the detail of the craters was fantastic. You might want to get a different neck strap, the one that comes with the camera is kind of stiff and not user friendly.
I think the camera is great and anyone taking the time to learn how to operate it correctly should have excellent results
Unbelievable!, LChris 2007
I use this camera as a step up from my first choice. I prevents any possible shortcoming. as simple or advancedas you wish. its pwrfect.
Excellent camera for the money, michael j. condon
I've had this camera for onlly one month and am still learning how to use it, but I'm increasingly impressed with its capabilities..
Battery lasts long and easy to recharge, mi_v "`"
Compared to the older model I owned which needed AA batteries, this is beyond comparison! I am very happy to own it.
Canon SX40, KATHLEEN BROWN
I have had several digital SLR cameras thru the years and the reason I was willing to pay the higher prices was versatility that the separate lens provided. This Canon, altho not an SLR with changeable lenses, provides as much versatility without the bother of toting add'l lenses and switching them at often awkward times.
Further the price you offered was better than I could find at your competitors.