Canon PowerShot SX40 HS

A recently launched super zoom model, the PowerShot SX40 HSfrom Canon comes with an optical zoom of 35X (from 24 to 840mm). This model is the successor for the SX30IS model and it comes with a CMOS sensor of 12MP, an image processor DIGIC 5, an optical image stabilizer, manual controls, burst shooting at 2.4 FPS and the ability to record Full HD movies. The camera also has an LCD of 2.7 inches and a viewfinder which is electronic.

The SX40 HS looks a bit like a DSLR, something that it has in common with many other bridge cameras with a big zoom. The biggest advantage of this model is the zoom, which is something a normal DSLR user doesn’t have access to. A bit of quality is sacrificed in order to obtain this kind of zoom, but the camera offers instead more versatility, giving you the possibility to go from a close up to a wide angle quickly.

The price of the camera is definitely not small, but you do get quite a bit of value in return. Once you get over the sticker price shock, take another look at the camera. You will probably like what you see.

The battery which comes with it is not a small one, but in exchange for the bulky size you get the ability to take up to 380 shots with a single charge. The total weight of the camera, battery included, reaches 600 grams. Design wise, this model looks about the same as the SX30 IS, its predecessor.

Image Quality

When it comes to image quality, the SX40 HS will probably not impress any DSLR user, but once again, its biggest selling point is the huge zoom. When there isn’t too much light, you can expect a bit of blur to appear in the photo, especially if you’re shooting at maximum zoom and you’re not using a flash or if you’re holding the camera in your hands. You’re probably going to get pictures which are a bit flat from it, without that much contrast, but this can easily be remedied with Photoshop.

If you’re going to use this camera and its high zoom in handheld mode, you should try to have as much light available as possible. If you’re not going handheld with it, then you can try your hand at the upper ISO range. Both ISO 1600 and 3200 are usable, sometimes with the help of processing which kicks in.

Conclusion

This camera’s major problem is that with the same amount of money you can get a cheap DSLR camera, which definitely has a better image quality. Unless you really want the high zoom offered by this camera and you intend to use it at its full capacity, you would do better with a camera which gives you better photos.

If you do want something with a high zoom, the PowerShot SX40 HS can be used for all kinds of things, from taking sports shots to watch wildlife or maybe you can try your hand at becoming a paparazzi.