
Canon Powershot SX740 HS Digital Camera (Black) + 64GB Memory + Stabilizing Grip + Software Pack +More (Value Bundle) (Renewed)
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AI Verdict
A renewed 20.3MP camera with 40x optical zoom and 4K video, for casual photographers needing extreme reach in bright conditions.
This camera is a situational fit because its 40x optical zoom and 4K video are compelling for capturing distant subjects, but the small 1/2.3"-Type CMOS sensor and f/3.3 max aperture severely limit its performance in anything but bright light. The lack of a viewfinder and touchscreen also impacts usability for some.
If low-light performance or advanced control is crucial, look for cameras with a 1-inch or larger sensor and a wider maximum aperture.
Regret Score™
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Amazon rating vs actual quality
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Pros
- 40x optical zoom (24-960mm equivalent) captures distant subjects.
- 20.3MP 1/2.3"-Type CMOS sensor delivers detailed images in good light.
- 4K video recording at 30p for high-resolution footage.
- Dual Sensing IS and 5-axis Advanced Dynamic IS reduce camera shake.
- 10-fps continuous shooting with AF lock on for capturing action.
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enable remote control and sharing to mobile devices.
Cons
- Small 1/2.3"-Type CMOS sensor produces grainy images in low light.
- Fixed f/3.3-6.9 max aperture limits light gathering, especially at telephoto.
- No optical viewfinder, relying solely on the 3.0" LCD screen.
- 3.0" LCD screen is not touch-sensitive, limiting interaction.
- 4K video recording applies a crop factor, narrowing the field of view.
- No external microphone input, impacting audio quality for video.
- No raw image file support, reducing post-processing flexibility.
Dimension Scores
The 1/2.3"-Type CMOS sensor produces detailed images in bright light but struggles with noise and grain in low light.
Autofocus is snappy at wide angles but can hunt at the telephoto end or in low light, despite 10fps shooting with AF lock.
It offers 4K video, but with a crop factor and no external mic input, limiting its utility for serious videography.
Weighing approximately 299g and measuring 110.1 x 63.8 x 39.9 mm, it is highly compact for a 40x zoom camera.
Best For
- Capturing distant wildlife or sports events in daylight.
- Travel photography where a compact camera with extensive zoom is preferred.
- Casual vlogging with the 180° tilt screen in well-lit environments.
- Family photos and videos in bright outdoor settings.
Not Recommended For
- Professional photography requiring large sensors or interchangeable lenses.
- Low-light photography or videography (e.g., concerts, night scenes).
- Action photography demanding fast, continuous autofocus tracking.
- Users who require a viewfinder or touchscreen for composition.
Watch Out For
- Low-light images are grainy and lack detail due to the 1/2.3" sensor.
- 4K video footage is cropped, making wide-angle shots narrower than expected.
- Autofocus can "hunt" and struggle to lock on subjects, especially at the telephoto end or in dim conditions.
- The 3.0" LCD screen lacks touch functionality and can suffer from glare in bright sunlight.
- As a renewed product, there's a risk of receiving a unit with cosmetic imperfections or reduced battery health, despite Amazon's "like new" claim.
Full Specifications
| Brand | Canon |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Optical Zoom | 40 x |
| Maximum Aperture | 3.3 f |
| Image Stabilization | Dual |
| Compatible Mountings | Canon EF, Canon EF-S |
| Maximum Focal Length | 960 Millimeters |
| Metering Description | Center Weighted |
| Supported File Format | JPEG, MP4 |
| Photo Sensor Technology | 1/2.3"-Type CMOS |
What Buyers Say
Many users highlight the camera's extreme 40x optical zoom as its primary draw, allowing them to capture distant subjects that phones cannot. However, this reach comes at the cost of image quality in anything but bright daylight, with low-light photos often appearing grainy. The lack of a viewfinder and touchscreen are frequently mentioned as usability drawbacks, especially when composing shots in bright conditions.
“I bought this for the zoom, and yeah, it zooms like crazy, but don't even think about using it indoors or at night, everything just looks like a blurry mess and the screen is impossible to see outside.”
Common Praise
- 40x optical zoom captures subjects from extreme distances.
- Compact size (approx. 299g) makes it easy to carry for travel.
- 180° tilt screen is useful for selfies and vlogging.
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth simplify photo sharing.
- 4K video recording is available for high-resolution clips.
Common Complaints
- Images are grainy and noisy in low-light conditions.
- No optical viewfinder, making composition difficult in bright sun.
- LCD screen is not touch-sensitive, requiring button navigation.
- 4K video has a noticeable crop, reducing the field of view.
- Autofocus can struggle and "hunt" when fully zoomed in or in dim light.
- No external microphone input for improved audio quality.
- No raw file support limits post-processing options.
Ownership Tips
- Battery life is decent for photos (265 shots) but drains quickly with 4K video.
- The "stabilizing grip" in the bundle might be generic and not specifically designed for this camera, potentially feeling flimsy.
- The "software pack" often contains trialware or basic editing tools that most users already have or prefer alternatives.
- USB charging is convenient for travel, but a dedicated charger is faster.
- The camera's menu system is similar to Canon's DSLRs, which can be a pro or con depending on user familiarity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this camera good for low light?
No, the 1/2.3"-Type CMOS sensor and f/3.3 max aperture struggle in dim conditions, producing grainy images.
Does it have a viewfinder?
No, the camera relies solely on its 3.0" LCD screen for framing shots.
Can I attach an external microphone?
No, this camera does not have an external microphone jack.
What does "Renewed" mean for this bundle?
"Renewed" typically means it's a pre-owned product inspected and tested to work and look like new by Amazon-qualified suppliers, but it's not brand new.
How long does the battery last?
The NB-13L battery is rated for approximately 265 shots, or up to 370 shots in Eco mode.
Does the 4K video have any limitations?
Yes, 4K video recording on this camera applies a crop factor, making the field of view narrower.
Buying Guide
When looking at compact cameras with huge zoom, you're trading sensor size for reach. This means while you can get incredibly close to distant subjects, the image quality, especially in dimmer environments, won't match cameras with larger sensors. Also, "renewed" means it's not factory new, so check the return policy carefully.
Sensor Size (1/2.3"-Type CMOS)
This is a small sensor, similar to what's in many smartphones. It's why the camera can be so compact and have such a long zoom, but it struggles to capture light, leading to noisy photos in anything but bright conditions.
Optical Zoom (40x / 24-960mm)
This number tells you how much magnification the lens provides. 40x is a massive amount, letting you see and photograph things very far away, like using a powerful telescope. The 24-960mm equivalent shows the actual focal length range.
Max Aperture (f/3.3)
This indicates how wide the lens can open to let in light. f/3.3 is relatively narrow, especially compared to cameras with larger sensors. A smaller number (like f/1.8) means more light, which is better for low light and creating blurry backgrounds.
4K Video (with crop)
This means the camera can record very high-resolution video. However, "with crop" means that when you record in 4K, the camera uses only a central portion of the sensor, effectively zooming in more than you might expect and making your wide-angle shots less wide.
Alternatives
If you need better low-light performance and don't require extreme zoom, look for cameras with a 1-inch sensor and a wider maximum aperture. If a viewfinder and touchscreen are essential, search for those specific features.



