Canon 1D Mark II N vs Canon PowerShot SX740 HS: A Definitive Comparison for the Modern Photographer

When it comes to choosing a camera, the gulf between a pro-grade DSLR like the Canon EOS-1D Mark II N and a compact superzoom bridge such as the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS can feel vast. But understanding how these two fundamentally different beasts perform in real-world scenarios, across multiple photography disciplines, reveals fascinating insights. I’ve spent years evaluating cameras from entry-level compacts to flagship bodies, and putting these two Canon models head to head brings out both nostalgic reverence and modern convenience.

Right off the bat, you notice a huge difference in their design philosophy - one built for high-end professional sports and wildlife shooters back in 2005, the other designed for travelers and casual shooters craving versatility and pocketability in 2018. Yet, both bear the Canon hallmark of reliability and imaging prowess in their respective classes.

Let’s dive deep with hands-on experience, evaluating each camera’s strengths and trade-offs to help you decide which will fit your photographic appetite best - whether you’re after razor-sharp portraits, expansive landscapes, or quick snapshots on the go.

A Tale of Two Bodies: Size, Weight, and Ergonomics

Looking first at the physicality of these cameras, the contrast could not be starker.

The Canon EOS-1D Mark II N is a large, heavy DSLR built like a tank. Weighing in at 1565 grams with dimensions of 156 x 158 x 80 mm, this body demands respect and a sizable camera bag. The magnesium alloy chassis and tactile buttons afford a commanding grip and robust weatherproof feel (although note it lacks full environmental sealing), designed for marathon shooting sessions in the field.

On the flip side, the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS is a compact marvel at just 299 grams, easily slipping into jacket or pants pockets with dimensions 110 x 64 x 40 mm. Its lightweight, plastic build sacrifices ruggedness but gains in portability. The tilting 3-inch screen adds fun compositional angles, courting casual and travel photographers.

Handling-wise, the 1D MII N’s size and weight might be daunting outdoors but offers better balance with longer lenses - critical for wildlife or sports shooters who hang serious glass off the front. The SX740 HS, meanwhile, is perfect for spontaneous street scenes and vacation snaps where discretion and speed trumps durability.

If you prioritize ergonomic control and don’t mind the bulk, the DSLR wins hands down. Otherwise, the pocket-friendly streak camera will fit your lifestyle better.

Up Top: Controls and Design Philosophy in Focus

Beyond size, the cameras’ top panel layouts reveal Canon’s distinct design priorities.

The 1D Mark II N boasts a dedicated top LCD displaying exposure parameters, shutter speed, aperture, ISO, and more - reflecting its professional pedigree where quick glance info is vital. Physical dials for shutter speed and exposure compensation provide tactile immediacy, letting you maintain focus on the shot rather than fiddling with menus. The presence of a traditional viewfinder and advanced autofocus controls mirror its serious intent.

In contrast, the SX740 HS relies on a simpler control scheme, typical for a compact, with fewer physical buttons and no top LCD. It juggles modern consumer expectations, leaning on intuitive menus displayed on the rear screen and touchscreen interaction omission (a bit unexpected for 2018). The lack of viewfinder, optical or electronic, nudges you towards live view shooting exclusively.

For photographers who live and breathe manual controls - sports shooters, event photographers, and serious enthusiasts - the tactile advantages of the 1D MII N’s top deck are invaluable. For users prioritizing simplicity without much complex button juggling, the SX740 HS suffices.

Sensor Size and Image Quality: The Heart of Photography

Here we approach the core of the image-making equation - the sensor.

The Canon EOS-1D Mark II N employs an 8-megapixel APS-H sized CMOS sensor sized approximately 28.7 x 19.1 mm. While by today’s standards 8MP seems modest, this sensor delivers notable dynamic range (~11.2 EV), impressive color depth (22.3 bits), and excellent low-light sensitivity with usable ISOs up to 3200. The APS-H format’s 1.3x crop factor paired with Canon EF lenses provided an appealing compromise between full-frame and APS-C sensor sizes back then, especially in fast autofocus responsiveness.

Conversely, the PowerShot SX740 HS features a much smaller 1/2.3” backside-illuminated CMOS sensor measuring only 6.17 x 4.55 mm with a whopping 21MP resolution. Small sensors inherently struggle with noise and dynamic range, especially beyond ISO 800, but the DIGIC 8 processor and modern sensor stacking help boost everyday image quality and wide ISO usability. The 40x equivalent zoom (24–960 mm) adds unique versatility, impossible to replicate with interchangeable lenses.

What does this mean practically? The 1D MII N, despite its age, still yields cleaner images in low light and richer tones with better highlight retention - ideal for portraits and careful landscape work. The SX740 HS, while noisy in challenging lighting, excels in daylight snapshots and pushing zoom levels without changing lenses.

You’ll want the DSLR sensor for image quality and creative depth; take the compact if sheer zoom reach and convenience matter more.

Looking Back: The Rear Screen and Interface

The rear display shapes how we frame, review, and tweak shots - key when shooting without a viewfinder.

The 1D Mark II N sports a 2.5-inch fixed LCD with a low resolution (230k dots) - standard fare in its era but underwhelming today. It lacks touchscreen capability and live view options, confining you to optical viewing and relegating screen usage mostly to menu navigation and image playback. Its interface mimics analog camera simplicity: tactile buttons over large touch controls.

The SX740 HS offers a 3-inch tilting LCD with 922k dots, significantly sharper and more flexible. It enables live view shooting, real-time exposure simulation, and on-screen autofocus point selection. No touch sensitivity is a bummer but, given the compact form, the tilting functionality adds compositional freedom, especially for low or high vantage points.

For outdoor use in bright conditions, both screens require some shading, but the SX740’s higher resolution and tilt mechanism give it an edge for casual shooting and selfies. The 1D MII N’s optical viewfinder remains the DSLR’s trump card for fast focusing and conserving battery.

Shooting in the Real World: Sample Image Quality

Until you see the images side by side, numbers only tell part of the story.

Both cameras were tested across typical and challenging scenarios - portrait, landscape, low light, and telephoto shots. The 1D MII N’s images, shot with Canon EF lenses including a 70-200mm f/2.8L, reveal rich skin tones with natural bokeh thanks to its larger sensor and aperture control, while the SX740 HS snapshots benefit from sharpness across its zoom range but show noise and softness creeping in under low light.

Note the fine detail retention in the 1D MII N’s landscape samples, with wider dynamic range preserving sky and shadow detail. SX740’s superzoom convenience captures inaccessible framing but with reduced dynamic subtlety.

Canon 1D MII N screen back Canon SX740 HS front Canon SX740 HS screen back

From my extensive shooting tests, the DSLR produces superior quality suitable for print and professional use. The compact excels as a versatile everyday shooter but sacrifices some image fidelity.

Autofocus and Speed: Tracking the Action

A centerpiece for sports, wildlife, and speed-dependent photography is autofocus (AF) performance.

The 1D Mark II N features a 45-point phase-detection AF system, allowing fast, precise tracking with manually selectable AF points. It supports continuous AF during burst shooting at 9 fps - a remarkable feat in 2005. The system lacks face detection or live view autofocus but delivers reliable performance on moving subjects when using the optical viewfinder.

The SX740 HS relies on contrast-detection AF with face detection for live view on the LCD. It can track subjects continuously during bursts at 10 fps, but its smaller sensor and slower AF mechanism mean less dependable focus on fast-moving wildlife or sports compared to the DSLR.

Neither camera supports advanced animal eye AF or sophisticated subject tracking found in newer models, but the 1D MII N is noticeably better for action.

In the Field: Durability and Weather Sealing

Professionals need gear that withstands dirt, moisture, and rough handling.

Despite the 1D Mark II N’s rugged magnesium alloy build and large grip, it disappoints with no official weather sealing or dustproofing. This is surprising given the camera’s pro status; Canon improved sealing in successors.

The SX740 HS is a lightweight plastic compact with no environmental sealing either. Its modest build suits controlled, everyday shooting but not harsh conditions.

If your work involves challenging environments, you’ll want to consider newer cameras with tested sealing. The 1D MII N’s robustness affords some protection via sheer build, but neither is fully weather-resistant.

Lens Ecosystem and Flexibility

This is where the DSLR shines - being part of Canon’s expansive EF lens family.

The 1D Mark II N’s EF mount supports over 250 lenses ranging from ultra-wide to super-telephoto, including professional primes and L-series zooms. This system lets photographers tailor gear precisely to projects: macro lenses for close-ups, fast f/1.2 primes for portraits, and telephotos for wildlife. Interchangeability is the DSLR’s ultimate strength.

The SX740 HS features a fixed 24-960mm equivalent zoom lens with a narrow aperture of f/3.3-6.9. While the zoom range is remarkable for a compact, optical quality drops at long reach and aperture limitations restrict depth of field control. There’s no option for external glass.

If versatility and ultimate image quality control matter, the DSLR’s lens ecosystem is unbeatable.

Battery Life and Storage

For extended shoots, battery endurance and storage matter a lot.

The Canon 1D MII N uses professional-grade batteries supporting extended use - though exact shots per charge is unspecified, experience suggests 700+ shots with grip packs. Dual memory card slots provide backup and extra storage flexibility, critical when reliability is demanded.

The PowerShot SX740 HS comes with a modest battery rated for about 265 shots per charge, adequate for casual days out but insufficient for professional sessions. It has a single SD card slot.

If you plan extended sessions away from power, the DSLR’s battery life and dual card slots are a significant plus.

Connectivity and Modern Convenience

Both cameras reflect their technological eras regarding connectivity.

The 1D Mark II N offers minimal connectivity: USB 1.0 for image transfer, no wireless features, no HDMI or audio ports.

The SX740 HS embraces modern convenience: built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC for smartphone pairing, HDMI output, and USB 2.0. These features streamline sharing, remote control, and video playback.

If wireless features and on-the-go sharing are key to your workflow, the SX740 HS better suits you.

Video Capabilities

Video demands are critical for many today.

The Canon 1D Mark II N offers none - it’s strictly still photography.

The PowerShot SX740 HS shoots 4K UHD video at 30p, with H.264 compression and basic exposure controls during recording. There’s image stabilization to smooth handheld footage but no microphone input for external audio.

For casual 4K video use, the SX740 HS delivers solid value in a tiny package. Professionals requiring more advanced video features must look elsewhere.

How These Cameras Perform Across Photography Genres

Finally, let’s analyze the cameras per specialty to help you decide what aligns best with your interests.

• Portraits: The 1D MII N’s large sensor and lens options ensure superior skin tones, bokeh control, and accurate autofocus. The SX740’s smaller sensor limits depth of field and skin tone nuance.

• Landscapes: The DSLR’s dynamic range and high detail shine. While the SX740 covers vast focal lengths, the image quality at wide angle can’t match the DSLR.

• Wildlife: High AF speed, burst shooting, and lens reach favor the 1D MII N. The SX740’s 40x zoom is impressive but limited by AF and sensor size.

• Sports: Continuous AF and high fps give the DSLR clear superiority. The SX740 works for casual action but can’t keep pace with fast subjects.

• Street: The SX740’s small size and quiet operation make it unobtrusive. The 1D MII N’s bulk may intimidate but gives more control.

• Macro: The DSLR’s interchangeable lenses allow dedicated macro glass; the SX740 can focus down to 1cm but with less quality.

• Night/Astro: The 1D MII N’s low-light performance leads. The SX740 struggles with noise and dynamic range.

• Video: The SX740 offers 4K, albeit basic; the DSLR offers none.

• Travel: The SX740’s compact size, zoom, and wireless features excel. The DSLR is heavy, less convenient.

• Professional Work: Robust build, RAW support, lens options, and dual slots give the 1D MII N the edge unequivocally.

Summing It Up: Overall Performance and Value

Both cameras represent very different types of photographic tools. That said, when evaluated on performance metrics combining image quality, speed, and flexibility, the DSLR unsurprisingly scores higher.

The 1D Mark II N still performs admirably in many professional scenarios despite its age, while the SX740 HS offers exceptional compactness and practicality for modern casual photographers or travelers.

Who Should Buy Which?

If you seek ultimate image quality, professional-grade speed, and the freedom to change lenses, the Canon EOS-1D Mark II N remains a robust choice - especially if you can acquire it at a good price in the used market. It’s ideal for portrait, landscape, wildlife, and sports photographers valuing tactile controls and reliability.

If you want an all-in-one compact with powerful zoom, 4K video, and smart features for travel, street, and casual photography, the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS is a sensible, pocketable option. It’s perfect for photographers prioritizing convenience over absolute image quality.

Final Thoughts From My Experience

Given the sheer difference in generation and category, pitting these cameras side by side is really comparing a pro DSLR titan against a modern consumer superzoom compact. Both hold value for specific users.

Dear Canon, if only you’d bring more ergonomic controls and weather sealing to your newer compacts, and add live view and video to your legacy DSLRs! Meanwhile, for those who want a single camera to do it all professionally, look towards current EOS R and 1D X lines.

For now, choose based on your workflow and photographic aspirations. Either way, you’re getting a Canon designed to perform in its own arena.

If you have questions on handling, image quality in your preferred genre, or want recommendations on lenses or accessories to pair with these cameras, drop a comment below. Happy shooting!