Canon PowerShot SX40 HS Ultra Zoom Camera User Review

Name of product: 

Approximate date of purchase: 

My Review 

A "little" marvel with HUGE features. I come from a Nikon D80 with Nikkor 18-200VR lens (great camera with excellent low light capabilities due to VR), but the SX40 is BETTER! Easily transportable with that ultra zoom, and add to it the digital zoom factor, still GOOD quality and you can go anywhere easily, compactly and ever ready. It is really difficult to find any REAL cons. The ultra zoom image stabilization combo does not need a tripod in normal daylight, the camera just somehow freezes everything when shot captured, delivering clear detailed pictures. Not only stills, but video as well. But don't take my word, go out and test drive it, you WILL be amazed. I love it! I can't stop shooting!

Camera "pros" 

Easy to use, excellent auto setting adaption to scenes, good low light performance, amazing lens stability system and excellent quality of video capture, not the least the very slow motion. Flash not required in auto even at very low light conds, neither video light. I come from a Nikon D80!

Camera "cons" 

Very slow shot capture at low light, slow lens (max F8), no manual zoom facility

Is this camera easy to use? 

How is the image quality with the zoom fully extended? 

How is the image quality when using the flash? 

Do you like the camera's style and feel? 

How quickly does the zoom lens move through its range? 

Do you feel like the camera is/was a good value? 

Would you recommend this to a friend? 

Kyle Schurman, Digital Cameras Guide, says: