Canon Powershot SX740 HS
Canon has launched the PowerShot SX740 HS compact camera. It has a 20.3 MP CMOS sensor and a 40x optical zoom. In 35mm terms this will give you 24-960mm. This is massive zoom in a small package.
The PowerShot SX740 uses DIGIC 8 image processor. So it helps in shooting 10fps with AF lock on. However without it it can shoot at a respectable 7.4frames per second which is good for wildlife where the subject is often fast moving. Earlier this was in the domain of professional SLRs.
The DIGIC 8 image processor also helps in improved Auto Lighting Optimizer which helps in minimizing the blown-out areas in an image as well as in maintaining colour and details in the bright areas. When the Auto Lighting Optimizer is set at high, the transitions between colours will be smoothened and it can help in situations like early morning sunrise and evening sunset photos.
There is a zoom framing assistant which makes it easier to track subjects while using long end of the focal length by quickly zooming out and then back once a button is pressed after locating the subject.
For vloggers there is a tiltable LCD screen at the rear which can tilt 180° so that one can see his/her framing. The SX740 can record 4K video and 4K timelapse recording. This is the first time that 4K video capability has come to the PowerShot series. Unfortuantely the video recording is only limited to 39.97 fps in UHD mode. There is no 25fps for PAL countries or 23.98 fps for NTSC countries.
The ISO sensitivity is from 100-800. The extended ISO is upto 3200.
There is a built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth which helps in connecting the camera to compatible mobile devices by using the Canon Camera Connect app.
The PowerShot SX740 fits in the hand with 10.9 cm x 6.3 cm x 4.1 cm size. It weighs 275gms. So one can easily carry it in treks.
The PowerShot SX740 HS will be available for purchase in late August for $399.99
However, till now the specs wise the Nikon Coolpix P1000 with its massive 24-3000 mm zoom remains the leader in terms of specs. We hope Canon will be working hard to beat the benchmark set by the Nikon P1000. However a word of caution. These extreme zooms ie 960mm or more than that requires a decent tripod and good technique. Else the images will have various levels of shake in it.
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