[Idan]

What makes the Canon PowerShot SX40 HS
the Best Ultra-zoom Camera?

Versus Nikon P500, Canon SX30 IS (older model), Olympus SP-810UZ and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX100V

Canon SX40 HS is THE ultrazoom camera to buy this year. The SX40 HS replaces the popular SX30IS which is already become quite old when comparing it to the competition. People love ultrazoom cameras because they answer a wide of photographic needs. Being able to get so close to your subject can really help you get some unique shots that others just can't. The Canon SX40 HS certainly addresses some of the "issues" that customers had with their SX30, and it's certainly a worthy upgrade to the older model. It features the same 24-840mm (film equivalent) focal length 35x optical zoom, a brand new ultra-fast Digic 5 image processor, Back-illuminated sensor and an improved 4.5-stops lens-shift image stabilization. The Canon SX40 HS certainly worth the attention of many photographers, both beginners and advanced alike.



I personally know some people who already got a DSLR camera, but they fell in love with the long zoom range that the SX40 offers. I am among of those people. If I needed a ultra-zoom interchangeable lens in the same focal lengths of the SX40, I would have needed to pay thousands of dollars to get it on my Nikon. Of course you have the option to buy the Canon 100-400mm lens and use a 2x extender, but this is an heavy and bulky equipment to carry around, and many people don't want that. To in terms of price and portability, sometimes it's better to purchase a second camera to get those specific long shots that you are after.

Let's go over the specs and compare the SX40 HS versus it's predecessor, the Canon PowerShot SX30 IS and see what all the buzz is about. Let's start.

Sensor
The first change that Canon has made with the new SX super-zoom camera is to replace the CCD sensor with a newly-developed high-sensitive Back-illuminated sensor. Canon did it for a good reason, it wanted to allow photographers the ability to capture high quality shots in low-light (high-ISO), but also to improve the image quality in general. Ultra-zoom compact cameras have a smaller sensor compared to high-end compacts and mirrorless. The reason is that in order for the camera to keep its small size and use a smaller lens, camera manufacturers need to use a smaller sensor. With smaller sensors, small and lightweight lenses can be utilized, making the camera more compact and portable.

With a small sensors comes a few problems. First of all, the photo diodes (light gathering sensors) are very small. Because of that, the sensor is less sensitive to light, and that leads to poor image quality, especially noticeable in higher-ISO (usually ISO400 and above). In order to enhance the sensor sensitivity, Canon has decided to embrace a backside-illuminated sensor that enhanced the light sensitivity of the sensor two times as much compared to non BSI sensor. That's a big improvement, and in almost all cases, it leads to a big improvement in image quality, especially when shooting with high ISO in low-light. It's not a magic formula, but it works pretty good with very satisfactory results.

Canon claims that the noise on the Canon PowerShot SX40 HS has been reduces by seventy five percent compared to the previous model. That's due to the use of the BSI sensor and DIGIC 5 image processor. So it's a combination of improved hardware and software algorithms which allow the PowerShot SX40 HS to beat the SX30 in terms of image quality. As a digital photography blog owner and enthusiast photographer, I read a lot of comments about many cameras. As you can see on my blog, the Canon SX30 IS attracted more comments than any other camera. I've read the positive comments and negative comments, and came to a general conclusion that many people just weren't so happy with the IQ of the PowerShot SX30IS. So with the new hardware improvements, Canon hope to vastly improve upon the previous model.

Just for comparison, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX100V and Nikon Coolpix P500, both utilize a BSI-CMOS sensor, so Canon just couldn't afford to stay behind the competition. The HXV100 and P500, both have proven to provide very good image quality, many thanks to the BSI sensor. I've also heard many comments about the high-ISO performance of the HX100 and P500 in high-ISO, but even if the results weren't excellent, I just wondered how the image quality would have been if Nikon or Sony went with a non-BSI sensor?

So looking at the positive side, the image quality of the Canon PowerShot SX40IS SHOULD improve upon its predecessor by quite a lot.

Another thing worth mentioning is the sensor's resolution. It doesn't happen everyday that we see a company actually going for a lower megapixel resolution. The Canon PowerShot SX40 HS has a 12.1-megapixel sensor, compared to 14.1MP on the SX30IS. That by itself can help enhance the sensor's light sensitivity and lead to an improvement in image quality. So that's a good thing that Canon has done with the new camera, lowering the resolution by 2MP. Combining this and all that was said above, we should certainly expect to see an improvement in IQ. I think that the 16MP resolution didn't quite help the Sony. It actually reminds me about the difference in high-ISO performance when comparing sample images of both the Sony NEX-7 and NEX-5N. The 5N has a much lower resolution compared to the NEX-7 (16MP vs 23MP), which certainly didn't help the NEX-7 to outperform the 5N. More than that, the NEX-5N actually crushed many cameras in the high-ISO test, including the Canon 5D Mark II (yes, you read it right). So less megapixels in today's technologies in a superzoom camera is a good think, Kodus to Canon for that.


Canon SX40 HS - BSI-CMOS 12.1MP
Canon SX30 IS - CCD 14.1MP
Olympus SP-810UZ - CCD 14MP
Nikon P500 - BSI-CMOS 12MP
Sony HX100V - BSI-CMOS 16.2MP

* I also want to add that according to Canon, the new sensor was built with the same technologies used for Canon EOS DSLR cameras, so that's a good thing (I guess).


Ultra-Zoom Lens
The lens is probably the most important element in any digital camera. A high-resolution sensor without a good glass doesn't go a long way. The Canon PowerShot SX40 HS utilizes a Canon brand glass. So in terms of optical quality, no doubt that the SX40 HS features a high-quality glass. The lens covers a focal length ranging from 24mm to 840mm (film equivalent). That's the same focal length range used on the Canon sX30 IS (24-840mm f/2.7-5., a 35x optical zoom. This long zoom range is very versatile for many type of photography scenes, including sports, landscape, kids, indoors, macro (in macro mode), portrait, etc. In fact, it doesn't offer an ultra-wide angle (smaller than 18 mm), but other than that, it covers most of the amateur/enthusiast photographer's needs. It's an all-around super-zoom lens. The lens retracts using a power driven zoom motor, so when not (or shooting wide angle shots), the size of the lens is quite small. That also helps to keep the camera as compact as possible when traveling. It's not a camera that you can put in your pocket, but certainly portable so you can take it with you to many places.

On of the reason Super-zoom cameras are very popular is that those cameras are the chosen ones for travelers. People on vacation prefer to carry a compact camera, but a camera that can help them capture beautiful moments without being restricted. With a regular compact-zoom Point-and-shoot, you might find yourself a bit annoyed with the fact that you just can't get any closer to your subject (ie. let's say a 25-120 mm lens). It happened to me when I bought the Tamron 55-200 mm for my Canon DSLR. It just feels that the zoom just wasn't enough sometimes. Of course with the Canon PowerShot SX40 HS it's a complete story. We are talking about a 840mm equivalent magnification. That's a HUGE ZOOM, like your own compact telescope that can capture photos! You want understand that until you really try it yourself, going from a 24mm wide angle shot to a super duper 840mm zoom in a two seconds - just WOW!

The Canon PowerShot SX40 HS also features an improves image stabilization with 4.5-stops advantage. However, the camera has a smart feature called 'Intelligent IS'. This feature built-in the camera, allows the camera to decide on the type of image stabilization to use at a given moment. For example, in macro mode, the camera will switch to Macro Hybrid IS which compensate camera shake both vertically and in angular directions (same as with the Canon EF 100mm F2.8L interchangeable lens). Another example, is when you put the camera on a tripod or a steady surface, the camera will automatically shut down the image stabilization mechanism because it's not needed and to prevent image blur due to the tiny movements of the IS motor. There are seven IS modes: Normal IS, dynamic IS, Powered IS, Panning IS, Macro IS, Tripod IS and Dynamic Macro IS. Every mode answered different photographic situations. The photographer doesn't need to do anything, the camera does it for you - that's why it is called 'Intelligent'. There are things that I think that should be left automatic, and this is one of them.

So there you have it, an ultra-zoom wide-angle lens with 35x optical zoom, Intelligent IS with 4.5-stops advantage - pretty cools and USEFUL, isn't it?

If we compare the Canon PowerShot SX40HS vs Olympus 810UZ, Nikon P500 and Sony HX100V, we can see that the Oly has a longer zoom (864mm) and the Nikon P500 has a wider angle lens, but both the Sony and Nikon offers "only" 810mm magnification. Of course the difference in the tele are less of a problem, actually not a problem at all. The Sony HX100V is less wide than the SX40 and SX30, which is more important than the tele-end magnification.

Canon SX40 HS - 24-840mm IS f2.7-5.8 (lens-shift stabilization) + Intelligent IS and 4.5-stops advantage
Canon SX30 IS - 24-840mm IS f2.7-5.8 (lens-shift stabilization
Olympus SP-810UZ - 24-864mm f2.9-5.7 (sensor-shift stabilization)
Nikon P500 - 23-810mm f3.5-5.7 (sensor-shift stabilization)
Sony HX100V - 27-810mm f2.8-5.6 (lens-shift stabilization)

LCD Display
This is an area where I am quite disappointed with the Canon PowerShot SX40IS. The camera comes with a 2.7-inch 230K-dots Fully articulated LCD display. The articulated LCD display is very useful sometimes, but why Canon opted for a 2.7-inch display? - All the other cameras, the HX100V, Nikon P500 and Oly SP-810UZ, all utilize a 3-inch display. Even the resolution is very low, same as the Oly, but both the Nikon coolpix P500 and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX100 have a 921,000 dots display. For the latest generation camera I expected Canon to comes up with a larger and higher resolution display.



All the ultra-zooms, except the Oly are equipped with an electronic viewfinder (EVF). Maybe Canon has decided to reduce the costs and thought that many people that buy those cameras use the EVF anyway. Whatever the reason is, Canon has disappointed me here. For many photographers, the back display is a very valuable feature for composing there images. It allow the photographers to compose the photo, increase usability and visibility and helps to check out if your image is out of focus. All in all, the back LCD is a very important component that any digital camera has. This what externally separate a digital camera from a film camera. We aren't spoiled, it just seems that the other vendors DO care about it and Canon does not . Don't get me wrong, I don't thing it's a deal breaker, but it a shame that almost all the other cameras have a larger and sharper displays and the SX40HS, which is the latest, doesn't have this kind of display . At least Canon didn't ditched the tilt/swivel display. OK, never mind, let's continue on..

Canon SX40 HS - 2.7" 230K Fully articulated
Canon SX30 IS - 2.7" 230K Full articulated
Olympus SP-810UZ - 3" 230K Fixed
Nikon P500 - 3" 921K Tilting
Sony HX100V - 3" 921K Tilting


Continuous Shooting
Another useful feature on any digital cameras is the continuous shooting mode, which allows photographers to capture sequenced images by pressing the shutter release button once, hold it, and the camera capture sequence images on after the other (until the buffer is full). So why it's important? - It's important mostly for sports and fast actions photographers. In fact, a ultra-zoom lens with a fast burst is a photographer's dream come true (as long as the AF speed is fast too). The Canon PowerShot features a maximum burst speed of 10.3 frames-per-second. Actually 2.4fps in P mode and 10.3 fps in High-Speed burst HQ mode. However, when you read the specifications page on Canon's official website, you can see that their is a start near that line. At the bottom there is a line that say: "Maximum of 8 continuous shots per burst". So what it means, that in practice, the camera capture sequence shots at a 10.3 fps frame-rate, but it is limited to 8 shots per burst. So the 10.2 fps tells us about the speed, but you can't get the camera to capture the whole 10 images at that speed.

This is very important area where the specs doesn't reveal the whole truth. In fact, you should read the manual and see that most cameras (DSLRs too) are limited with the amount of photos they can capture at any given time. The reason is the buffer size and the time it takes to write the data to the memory card - and that's if you are using a fast card, because a slower memory card can reduce the performance of the burst as well. I remember watching a video review about the Nikon D7000 (I think it was on cameralabs.com) where the editor has shown that the D7000 has a fast continuous shooting speed, but it is limited by its buffer capacity. So when you start shooting, the camera stops after a few seconds. He compared the performance of the Nikon D7000 DSLR versus the Canon EOS 60D, and you can clearly see (And hear) that the 60D just kept shooting and shooting and it took it about (if I remember right) 30 seconds until the buffer was full and than it slowed down, capturing photos at a lower burst speed. So next time you go over the specs, don't forget to check the buffer capacity in the manual, just to be sure that you get the whole burst speed thing correctly. That's why it as a star near to it, Canon like other vendors enjoy using high numbers (good for marketing) but in fact it doesn't tell the whole truth. Oh, also check that the maximum burst speed works with the camera's full resolution. Some vendors write 10 fps, but that's in a lower resolution, not the full one.

Compared to the Canon PowerShot SX30 IS, the SX40 HS is certainly faster in this regard, and faster than the other cameras in its category.

So how the Canon PowerShot SX40 HS compares to the competition:

Canon SX40 HS - 10.3 fps
Canon SX30 IS - 0.6 fps
Olympus SP-810UZ - 0.73 fps
Nikon P500 - 8 fps
Sony HX100V - 10 fps

HD Movies
Canon is among the best when it comes to video recording. The Canon SX30IS featured only 720p movies, the SX40 now features Full HD movie recording at 24 frames per second. Both the Nikon P500 and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX100V allow full HD 1080p movies (Sony in 60i and Nikon in 30p). All ultra-zoom cameras, except the Oly can record videos with stereo sound. A full HD will certainly attract more customers to bu this brand new ultrazoom. It's Christmas soon, and Canon knows that without full HD videos, people might prefer buying a different gift, so it had to be done. In fact, I assume that all future cameras will come with full HD movie recording feature, maybe not the cheapest ones though.

I've read some very good comments about the SX30IS video quality, and it seems people really enjoyed shooting movies with it. The enjoyment factor doubles when we talk about ultra-zoom cameras, where you can zoom very close to your subject and capture some unique videos (just search for "Canon SX30 sample video" or "test movies" on YouTube and you'll what I'm talking about. Just make sure that you aren't watching Sony SX40 videos. The Sony SX40 is s Sony handycam camcorder.

OK, enough talking, let's jump right into a Canon PowerShot SX40 HS 1080p HD video test (sample video).



I must admit that the video quality is EXCELLENT. WOW, I didn't expect it to be that good. By the way, thanks for 3puncte for uploading this great Video test review to YouTube. Make sure that you watch the video in 1080p full hd.

A few remarks about the video quality..

First of all the autofocus is very fast and works pretty damn good (look at the bird flying as the camera tries to focuses on it). Second, the 35x zoom is absolutely breathtaking. Third, the image stabilization has proven to be very effective (see the panning part). You just can't comprehend what is a 35x zoom until you see it live in video. The colors of the video are well saturated and the overall just blows the competition away! Canon certainly manged to comes on top this time - BRAVO!

* By the way, for those of you who are troubled with the rolling shutter phenomenon ("jello effect"), it exists even with DSLR cameras as well, and it just the way it is right now, so don't worry about too much, and don't pan the camera too fast from one side to the other.


What's your Opinion?
AS you can see, the Canon SX40 IS is one of the best, if not THE BEST ultra-zoom camera we have right now. It has its disadvantages but overall I'm very pleased with what I see. If you are saving for a point-and-shoot camera to buy this Christmas, this is one of the most recommended ones.

Order the Canon PowerShot SX40 HS from Amazon here


What do you think about the new model?

[chibchumbiano]

I am currently looking for a new camera and it is very difficult to make a correct choice because of all the options out there. I used to have a Nikon D80 but am tired on changing lenses and no video capability. which one would be better, the Canon SX40 HS vs Sony HX100V vs Nikon P500 or the new Panasonic DMC-FZ150?

[Idan]

chibchumbiano, on 27 September 2011 - 09:29 PM, said:

I am currently looking for a new camera and it is very difficult to make a correct choice because of all the options out there. I used to have a Nikon D80 but am tired on changing lenses and no video capability. which one would be better, the Canon SX40 HS vs Sony HX100V vs Nikon P500 or the new Panasonic DMC-FZ150?

Hi chibchumbiano and welcome to the forum,
First things first. Most interchangeable lens cameras have an advantage of having a large sensor, so you can get a very shallow depth-of-field (background blur) in most cases (depends on the lens of course). That's why many people prefer buying those type of cameras. Others reasons include better dynamic range, lower noise in high-ISO, fast accessibility to popular functions ,etc. If that's not important for you, ultra-zoom cameras are certainly the ones to look at. I've went through many hands-on reviews, read comments and wrote articles about those cameras myself. All in all, I found both the Sony HX100V and Canon SX40 HS to be the best among ultra-zooms, and it's not just my opinion. I've read a lot of positive comments about the HX100V, and it seems that many opted for this camera (although I don't have the sells figures in front of me).

The Canon SX40 HS looks like an amazing ultra-zoom camera. It certainly needs to be on top of your list. I really like the 4.5-stop Intelligent IS, the new DIGIC 5 processor, the fact that Canon reduces the noise by 75% compared to previous models and the new BSI sensor. What I didn't like is the low-resolution screen. I've seen a video sample taken with the SX40HS and really liked what I saw. If I had to choose between the two, I would probably went with the new Canon SX40. As other photographers, I prefer waiting for some sample images to compare it versus the other cameras, but I have a good feeling that the SX40 won't disappoint. That's my opinion regarding the four cameras you've mentioned, but everyone has its own opinion and own needs. If you can't find any must-have features that you see in one camera and it doesn't exist on the other cameras, I would certainly consider buying the Canon SX40HS, certainly a big improvement over the SX30 IMHO.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. Thanks!

[chibchumbiano]

Thank you for you thorough answer. the Canon SX40 HS does have some advantages over Sony but I was reading different reviews and the new Panasonic Lumix FZ150 since to have the same features as the Canon and some extra ones like 3D image and raw. I was wondering if you have a current review of the Panasonic Lumix FZ150? it would be interesting to see which one would be the winner from the Canon SX40 HS vs Sony HX100V vs Panasonic Lumix FZ150

[chibchumbiano]

and what about the Sony Cyber-shot HX9V vs Canon PowerShot S100 vs Canon PowerShot SX230 HS

[Idan]

chibchumbiano, on 28 September 2011 - 02:27 PM, said:

and what about the Sony Cyber-shot HX9V vs Canon PowerShot S100 vs Canon PowerShot SX230 HS

I can give you a very in-depth answer but I need to know what exactly you are looking for in a camera. What's features are important for you and which are less important. If you can arrange a list of the top priority features, I can compare all of those cameras and give you a MUCH BETTER answer. Thanks

[chibchumbiano]

since i previously owned a Nikon D80 my main priority would be image quality. I travel a lot so the size of my D80 and all my 3 lenses started to get me a little annoyed because it was a lot to carry if you are going to from place to place. Canon PowerShot S100 and the Sony Cyber-shot HX9V have interested me because they are very capable cameras with a lot of features and their size is a lot smaller. I have no problem carrying a bigger camera like the Canon SX40 HS, Sony HX100V, or the Panasonic Lumix FZ150 because i would not have to carry 3 other lenses to achieve the same results. I know that super zoom cameras have lower image quality but i am not a professional photographer so i can deal with it. in terms of a list, I would have to say that these are my priorities.

1. Image Quality
2. video
2. Features
3. size
4. zoom
5. release date (maybe better technology?)

I have read several reviews and those 5 cameras seems to be on the top of the list on all reviews. but which one is better?

[chibchumbiano]

My next big trip is in mid-November to Peru so i still have some time just in case a new or upgraded camera comes out

[Katsat]

I am also interested in the Panasonic DMC-FZ150K which seems to have qualities slightly better than the Canon. In particular, some reviews say it's faster, a little smaller, and, importantly, has a 3" LCD screen with twice the resolution. Its zoom is just 24x, but that's not that important to me. Do you have any opinion on this camera as compared to the Canon? I need to buy a new camera very soon for a new project. Thanks!

[Idan]

Katsat, on 02 October 2011 - 06:21 PM, said:

Do you have any opinion on this camera as compared to the Canon? I need to buy a new camera very soon for a new project. Thanks!

Hi Katsat and welcome to the forum!

From what I've read, the Optical performance is excellent with the FZ150 and certainly Panasonic has grabbed some very positive opinions across professional review websites. Considering the fact that you don't care about the extra magnification that the SX40 HS offers, the FZ150 is certainly a very good alternative. We can see that the Panasonic FZ150 has 23 focus points compared to "just" 9 on the SX40, which might lead to more accurate and faster subject tracking AF. The 3-inch 460K LCD is certainly a nice feature and important one, considering that many of us compose outer photos using the back LCD with such cameras.

In fact, I was quite surprised to see that Canon opted for such a low resolution LCD. We are in 2011, not 2008, and those panels are getting less expensive over the years. certainly a drawback, but not a huge one if I might say. That wouldn't give me a reason to drop the SX40 HS on the spot, not at all.

Key differences:

• FZ150 supports 1080p60/30 AVCHD Progressive movie recording compared to 1080p24 on the SX40HS
  Some people will prefer the 24p over 60p or 30p though, both in terms of (arguably) the cinematic frame rate and file size. But it should result in better image quality but you'll need to check the bitrate to be sure (I didn't check it myself)
• Lens optics - The Fz150 features a 24x optical LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens with Nano Surface coating technology. The camera was proven to be a top performer when it comes to its optical performance. However, I've seen some shots taken with the SX40HS (And videos too), and I really likes what I see so far. Of course to get a better understanding about how the two cameras deffer, we need to wait for some comparison shots. Right now, I can't point to one camera that it's better in the image quality department, just that the FZ150 was proven to provide excellent results, and the for the SX40 HS it's a bit to early to judge.
• Image quality in high ISO - I don't expect both cameras to have excellent performance in high ISO. Dpreview has posted some sample image taken with the FZ150 which are pretty good for a small sensor camera. Panasonic has certainly improved over the pre-production model (v0.2) and version 1.0 results are much more satisfying. Let's remember that the SX40 HS I've compared the image quality of the FZ150 versus Canon G12 and S95 (which have less sophisticated optics), and I can clearly say that the FZ150 image quality i very good for a superzoom camera.
• Size - in terms of size, the differences are in favor of the FZ150 if you are searching for a more compact camera, However, it's not that you can put this camera in the pocket, so it's either pocketable or not, so I can't see this as a real advantage, maybe you will.
• 3D images - the Panasonic can shoot 3D images which is nice for those who use it. I personally don't.

All in all, if you don't have the time or want to wait until new comparison reviews are written, you just can't go wrong choosing the FZ150. It certainly an excellent super-zoom compact camera that WAS ALREADY PROVEN to provide excellent results.

[Katsat]

Idan, on 02 October 2011 - 10:06 PM, said:

All in all, if you don't have the time or want to wait until new comparison reviews are written, you just can't go wrong choosing the FZ150. It certainly an excellent super-zoom compact camera that WAS ALREADY PROVEN to provide excellent results.

Thanks for your thorough answer. I'm still not sure which camera to choose, but it does seem like I can't go wrong with either one. It may come down to how soon I need to get one, and the FZ150 is not quite available right now. I just have to see how soon my project deadline is.

Keep up the great work!

[Idan]

Katsat, on 02 October 2011 - 10:58 PM, said:

Thanks for your thorough answer. I'm still not sure which camera to choose, but it does seem like I can't go wrong with either one. It may come down to how soon I need to get one, and the FZ150 is not quite available right now. I just have to see how soon my project deadline is.

Keep up the great work!

Hey Katsat, did some more research. View this topic.

[Dan]

I would have the same criteria as Shooter except release date is not that important to me. I have been comparing the Panasonic FZ 150, the Cannon SX 40 HS and the Fuji HS 20 EXR. My local camera dealer in Wichita sells both the Fuji and the Cannon and has both in stock. The criticism that I have read about the Fuji is that the auto focus tends to "hunt" when in movie mode. I have read the followup posting that you referred Shooter to comparing the Panasonic and the Cannon, but if you add the Fuji into the mix, then what say you?

Thanks. I feel like I should sign off "confused in Kansas" but will appreciate your update.


Dan

[qing]

Hi all,

I've been using a Powershot SX210 and have actually been quite happy with it. However, it's been dropped just a few times too many and it's focusing is off. Good excuse to look for a new one

Anyway, I was about to hit the PS SX230 (I like the zoom), when the new SX 40 caught my eye. From what I've managed to read on the web, I *think* the sensors are the same?

From my simple web browsing, it seems to me that specs are fairly similar, except for the 35x and the Digic 5 processing. Balanced against that is the fact that the SX230 is much more a pocket camera and half the weight.

I'm getting this for travelling and something that can fit in my pocket has always been my priority, esp when you don't want to attract too much attention with a bulky cam.

But the SX40 does seem like a really sweet camera...

Any comments or sage advice? Thanks!

[Dan]

I went ahead and bought a SX40 even though no reply to my previous post. Looked long at the Panasonic and the Fuji but decided to buy the Canon. Love it. Amazing. Don't think I will replace my good Canon film camera at least for the time being. This is a great camera.

[Leanne]

Dan, on 26 October 2011 - 06:38 PM, said:

I went ahead and bought a SX40 even though no reply to my previous post. Looked long at the Panasonic and the Fuji but decided to buy the Canon. Love it. Amazing. Don't think I will replace my good Canon film camera at least for the time being. This is a great camera.

I agree with you..I have been using Cannon Camera too..This will allow you to have a snapshot of your journey using your camera, including the exact spot each photo was taken. With the HS system, the camera will handle photos in a more efficient way as to provide better low light imaging. canon powershot sd750

[Liana]

Hi

How are you? Sorry, I don `t speak English very well. But I will do my best!

I need your help! I want to buy a super zoom camera. I know the super zoom cameras have lower image quality, but I'm not a professional photographer.

I have read several reviews, videos, but I am confused between Sony HX100 and the launch of the Canon SX40. As an amateur, I see similarities between the two chambers, but can not choose the ideal for my profile.

In terms of a list, I have to say that these are my priorities in a camera:

1. Super zoom
2. Image Quality
3. Night clear picture (for example, shows)
4. video
5. photo Video

As I am an amateur photographer likely to use the automatic mode the camera.
That is my concern. I can not adjust the ISO image to get a sharp picture. I do not really choose between the HX100 Sony or Canon SX40.
I read that the Canon SX30, AUTO mode is bad. Do you think the new 5 is improved DIGIC the option of Canon SX40?

What is your opinion? If you had to choose between the two, you would probably choose?

Thank you!

[Wolfie665]

Not sure how the Canon is the best camera given the fact that Nikon P500 perfromance is way better and it takes defintely 1st place compared to all other super-zooms, for some reason you have not given any data about performance, which for some users may be important, for example P500 shutter lag is 3 times better, it has 10 fps mode compared to 2.3 fps of Canon (I mean real continuous shooting framerates that are based on the camera's fastest full-resolution JPEG continuous shooting mode, not crappy quality downgraded quality ones, using the fastest media type available (300x CF, SDHC, etc.), AF aquisition is better, and finally it takes 3 second to power on Canon compared to 1.5 seconds for P500.

If you hate missing your shot because you will wait 3 seconds for camera power on definitely Canon is not for faint hearted LOL.

Also P500 EVF is way better the Canon's.

All in all depending on what you want to do I like much more P500 performance which for me will compensate the negligible image quality which is better for Canon.

Surely sometimes based on overal performance is better to have a little less quality picture than not to have any picture at all because you have missed it.

[Wolfie665]

chibchumbiano, on 27 September 2011 - 09:29 PM, said:

I am currently looking for a new camera and it is very difficult to make a correct choice because of all the options out there. I used to have a Nikon D80 but am tired on changing lenses and no video capability. which one would be better, the Canon SX40 HS vs Sony HX100V vs Nikon P500 or the new Panasonic DMC-FZ150?

if you care about body quality and perfromance P500 is no brainer, it is on 1st place for perfromance compared to all of them, for example shutter lag for P500 is 0.01 vs Canon 0.02, AF aquisition P500 is 0.3 vs 0.46 for SX40, 10 fps for P500 against mere 2.3 fps for Canon SX 40 (I mean continuous shooting framerates that based on the camera's fastest full-resolution JPEG continuous shooting mode, not crappy downgraded quality fps), and finally it takes 3 seconds to power on the Canon against 1.5 sec for P500.

It depends how you shoot and what, for example I usually keep my camera off and when I see something power on and take shot, obviously Canon is no good for me because lomg power on time means I will loose my shot. Any sport shooting is out fo question for Canon too.

If you do mostly family shots Canon is better because it has slightly better image quality.

[roxy]

I am needing some help figuring out which camera i should get to replace my sony cyber shot, i am looking between the canon sx 40 hr and the nikon p500.....i am a mother of 3 and i use my camera mainly for pics of the kids at home and family get togethers and sporting events as 1 of my kids is in high school now and he plays a few different sports. I also try now and then to do famil pics too. Can someone suggest what camera they think i should go with cuz i have read so much reviews that im just plain confused as to which one to choose! I am also open to suggestions for other cameras too. Thanks