Canon PowerShot SX40 HS Digital Camera Review
Canon PowerShot SX40 HS Review : Loaded with abundant features
As the world is shifting to highly portable products, the newly introduced Canon PowerShot SX40 HS might not get that much attention. However, the features and high-rez images can easily lure camera lovers to thinking for it. Canon has never failed to deliver great quality cameras to people and this one is just an example as an ultrazoom compact camera. Almost similar size as the entry level DSLR, this new model, Canon PowerShot SX40 HS digital camera comes at very low price and offers more convenience which is received from its single built-in lens.
PowerShot SX40 HS Features :
Unlike many other compact models, the SX40 features implausible and effective zoom which goes up to 35x which means from 24mm to a whopping 840mm. Considering the other extensive features, it gives an impressive 1080p video quality and a variety of high speed shooting modes which could be accessed in both while clicking the actions and slowing down the speed. The major factor which makes the Canon PowerShot SX40 a big hit is its newly added DIGIC 5 chip which was also used in the latest Canon EOS 1D X priced at $6800. The EOS holds the chip under its hood featuring state-of-the-art speed as well as image quality. Due to the incorporation of DIGIC 5 chip, users get to enjoy a high speed shooting experience with a capture mode of 8 frames/second from SX40.
The camera does not provide high speed performance as compared to other high end cameras, but it adds more power and features as compared to what it had had in its line. Focusing on the camera resolution, users will get great experience in clicking and shooting through its 12.1 megapixel sensor. An improved 2.7 inches adjustable LCD is the new addition from Canon for this coming year with full 1080p HD video is the other impressive feature integrated with stereo audio capture. An upgraded Image Stabilization system is another addition to this camera which makes it more interesting. A range of manual mode has been added to the SX40 which enables the users to click controlled and advanced photographers. However, one flaw is its lack of RAW image capturing option which no doubt will disappoint users to a certain extent.
Canon SX40 HS Design :
This new model Canon PowerShot SX40 HS is very much similar to the previous model SX30 if we consider the exterior design. In fact, they both share same sizes, weight and construction. Due to the polycarbonate body, the camera gives a feeling of solidity, but is not alike the machined feel which are present in specialty cameras such as Lumix LX5 or more expensive DSLR cameras.
On the other hand, the Polycarbonate body enables hobbyists to manage heavy uses. The pop-up flash is smooth and firmly sits back to its position while pressing it down. Its rear articulating LCD is also very smoothly build and doesn’t give any cheap camera like feel. While shooting, the camera fits in hands properly, with a little flaw is the extension of its telephoto lens which extends from the body of SX40. Overall design isn’t allows the users to consider it a pocket-friendly camera due to its heaviness and larger body.
Its rear LCD is perfectly engineered and fits well to the design, offering a 2.7 inches display for viewing and is integrated with an adjustable brightness mode. The display can be easily flipped around for viewing from different angles and the best is users can use it in a more traditional way. In fact, if it is not in use then users can even replace it against the SX40 so that no scratches are occurred. All you have to do is to press the display button or replace the CD which automatically turns the display on to electronic viewfinder. The electronic viewfinder (EVF) is very responsive and informative which enables the users to see the data, menus or captures through the LCD.
The best part which cannot be overlooked is its Zoom Framing Assist feature. It helps the photographer to quickly zoom in without pressing the button and doing it while the subject is already lost. Just hit the Frame Assist button which will temporarily zoom away the subject and you can locate your subject and zoom back in. things become much easier with the help of this feature.
Canon Powershot SX40 HS Performance :
With responsive controls as well as high quality displays, the SX40 becomes a very influential camera adding more power due to the incorporation of DIGIC 5. High Speed HQ mode is the other great feature which enables the SX40 to offer powerful experience through its high speed shooting. You can activate this feature by turning the mode dial to SCN and set HQ from rear menus. The manufacturer has advertised this camera as useful for photographers who do wildlife photography. Well, the zoom range is more than enough with 840mm which is similar to the ultra-high end DSLRs with 600mm lens. One disappointment which wild life photographers will face is the camera’s unsatisfied feature while doesn’t allow users to click the perfect picture of a movie subject for example flying bird or running animal. It is simply difficult to get a perfect image through motion capture.
On the other hand, if you click the standing subject, you will probably get the best shot you have ever had. For motion capture, one thing you can do is turning the mode dial of your camera to Sports and you will experience a great image with high speed shutter speed which is set at 1/400th.
Other features :
The Canon PowerShot SX40 in simple words is ergonomic and its controls are not the best but are also not the cheap. The camera offers a good mix of common DSLR controls such as the mode dial located on the top of the camera as well as easy point-and-shoot controls giving 4-way rear rocker to offer common settings. Canon kept its menu system similar to those common cameras to give easy access to the users without any complications. The zoom control, shutter button, zoom ring on the lens, and many other features make the SX40 a high-end camera.
Users of SX30 will find this camera much more convenient as the controls are very much identical. Placing both the models together would be difficult to find out which one is SX40, only the label or brand sticker signifies the difference. Just like SX30, this new model provides a dedicated video recording button which is a basic requirement for comfortable video capturing. Besides, a zoom out button is required to capture the image or video easily.
Price and manual :
The most shocking part is that this high-quality SX40 from Canon comes alone without any real printed manual. Though, buyers will get a kit along with a quick start guide printed in English and Spanish languages, but there is really no guide book to solve the problems whenever required. So, this $400 camera forces you to go online and browse all the information and print the 220 pages manual by yourself. Fortunately, you will get all the information easily online without searching for it longer. In fact, while traveling if you forgot to carry your CD, just browse online and access the manual.
Pros :
- A wonderful 35x optical zoom
- Highly powerful stabilization
- Loaded with a wide range of features
Cons :
- AF is not that impressive
- Absence of RAW
- The camera is quite heavy to handle, point and shoot
The Canon PowerShot SX40 offers enormous features out of which many features face detection as well as switchable aspect ratios. A range of auto focus modes are also available in this camera which allows the users to set the mode the way he requires to capture the right situation. Only the image stabilization system itself offers six different modes which are no doubt enough for many people. However, the default mode is more than enough to capture good quality pictures. This comparatively inexpensive SX40 has capability to capture all types of photos right from landscapes to sports, but the only problem is its auto-focus which brings difficulty in finding the subjects after zooming in. Altogether, with DIGIC 5 processor and its sharp lens, the camera gives extremely well output.
Click Here To Read : Canon PowerShot D10 Review
Srinivas Reddy
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