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Canon SX270 HS vs Canon SX40 HS

Portability
91
Imaging
36
Features
43
Overall
38
Canon PowerShot SX270 HS front
 
Canon PowerShot SX40 HS front
Portability
64
Imaging
36
Features
50
Overall
41

Canon SX270 HS vs Canon SX40 HS Key Specs

Canon SX270 HS
(Full Review)
  • 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Display
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • 25-500mm (F3.5-6.8) lens
  • 233g - 106 x 63 x 33mm
  • Released March 2013
  • Replaced the Canon SX260 HS
  • Successor is Canon SX280 HS
Canon SX40 HS
(Full Review)
  • 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 2.7" Fully Articulated Screen
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • 24-840mm (F2.7-5.8) lens
  • 600g - 123 x 92 x 108mm
  • Released September 2011
  • Older Model is Canon SX30 IS
  • Refreshed by Canon SX50 HS
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Canon SX270 HS vs Canon SX40 HS Overview

In this article, we will be looking at the Canon SX270 HS vs Canon SX40 HS, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras and both of them are offered by Canon. The sensor resolution of the SX270 HS (12MP) and the SX40 HS (12MP) is relatively close and they use the same exact sensor sizes (1/2.3").

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The SX270 HS was released 19 months later than the SX40 HS which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Canon SX270 HS being a Compact camera and the Canon SX40 HS being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before we go straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a concise synopsis of how the SX270 HS scores against the SX40 HS when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

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Reasons to pick Canon SX270 HS over the Canon SX40 HS

 SX270 HS SX40 HS 
ReleasedMarch 2013September 2011Fresher by 19 months
Screen sizing3"2.7"Bigger screen (+0.3")
Screen resolution461k230kSharper screen (+231k dot)

Reasons to pick Canon SX40 HS over the Canon SX270 HS

 SX40 HS SX270 HS 
Screen typeFully ArticulatedFixed Fully Articulating screen
Selfie screen Easy selfies

Common features in the Canon SX270 HS and Canon SX40 HS

 SX270 HS SX40 HS 
Focus manually More exact focusing
Touch screen Neither offers Touch screen

Canon SX270 HS vs Canon SX40 HS Physical Comparison

In case you're aiming to carry your camera regularly, you need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Canon SX270 HS offers outside measurements of 106mm x 63mm x 33mm (4.2" x 2.5" x 1.3") and a weight of 233 grams (0.51 lbs) whilst the Canon SX40 HS has dimensions of 123mm x 92mm x 108mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 4.3") and a weight of 600 grams (1.32 lbs).

Compare the Canon SX270 HS vs Canon SX40 HS in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are working with at that moment. Below is the front view measurements comparison of the SX270 HS vs the SX40 HS.

Canon SX270 HS vs Canon SX40 HS size comparison

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the SX270 HS and SX40 HS is 91 and 64 respectively.

Canon SX270 HS vs Canon SX40 HS top view buttons comparison

Canon SX270 HS vs Canon SX40 HS Sensor Comparison

Often, it can be tough to visualize the difference in sensor sizing just by viewing technical specs. The graphic here will offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the SX270 HS and SX40 HS.

As you can tell, each of the cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing and the same exact MP therefore you should expect comparable quality of photos though you may want to take the release date of the cameras into account. The younger SX270 HS provides an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.

Canon SX270 HS vs Canon SX40 HS sensor size comparison

Canon SX270 HS vs Canon SX40 HS Screen and ViewFinder

Canon SX270 HS vs Canon SX40 HS Screen and Viewfinder comparison
Photography Glossary

Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Canon SX270 HS Portrait photography details
Canon SX40 HS Portrait photography details
34
manual focus
includes face detect autofocus
can't use external flash
megapixel count low (12 megapixels)
small sensor size (1/2.3")
has no RAW format
41
manual focus
flash sync speed is above average (1/2,000 seconds)
has face detect focus
megapixel count low (12 megapixels)
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
no RAW support
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Street Comparison

Canon SX270 HS as a Street photography camera
Canon SX40 HS as a Street photography camera
61
has image stabilization (Optical)
lighter than average in class (233 grams)
fixed screen
small sensor size (1/2.3")
has no RAW format
49
fully articulated screen
built in image stabilization (Optical)
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
no RAW support
heavier than competitors in class (600 grams)
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Sports Comparison

Canon SX270 HS as a Sports photography camera
Canon SX40 HS as a Sports photography camera
36
excellent zoom range (25-500mm 20.0 x zoom)
has image stabilization (Optical)
includes tracking focus
low frames per second (4.0 fps)
megapixel count low (12 megapixels)
small sensor size (1/2.3")
terrible battery power (210 CIPA)
has no phase detect autofocus
43
great zoom range (24-840mm 35.0 x zoom)
built in image stabilization (Optical)
better than average battery (380 per charge)
megapixel count low (12 megapixels)
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
no phase detect auto focus
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Travel Comparison

Canon SX270 HS as a Travel photography camera
Canon SX40 HS as a Travel photography camera
61
lighter than average in class (233g)
flash built-in
fairly wide (25mm)
great reach (500mm)
doesn't have Timelapse function
terrible battery power (210 shots)
megapixel count low (12 megapixels)
doesn't contain selfie friendly display
sluggish max aperture (f3.5)
55
better than average battery (380 CIPA)
has built in flash
selfie friendly screen
decently wide (24mm)
great reach (840mm)
does not have Time Lapse mode
heavier than competitors in class (600 grams)
megapixel count low (12 megapixels)
sluggish max aperture (f2.7)
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Landscape Comparison

Canon SX270 HS Landscape photography features
Canon SX40 HS Landscape photography features
41
manual focus
fairly wide (25mm)
good sized screen (3 inches)
has image stabilization (Optical)
fixed lens (fixed lens mount)
sluggish max aperture (f3.5)
megapixel count low (12 megapixels)
small sensor size (1/2.3")
has no RAW format
terrible battery power (210 CIPA)
doesn't have Timelapse function
38
manual focus
decently wide (24mm)
built in image stabilization (Optical)
better than average battery (380 per charge)
fixed lens (fixed lens mount)
sluggish max aperture (f2.7)
small screen (2.7 inch)
megapixel count low (12MP)
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
no RAW support
does not have Time Lapse mode
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Vlogging Comparison

Vlogging with Canon SX270 HS
Vlogging with Canon SX40 HS
34
fairly wide (25mm)
has image stabilization (Optical)
includes face detect autofocus
video resolution high (1920 x 1080 pixels)
lighter than average in class (233g)
sluggish max aperture (f3.5)
doesn't contain selfie friendly display
doesn't have microphone port
57
decently wide (24mm)
selfie friendly screen
built in image stabilization (Optical)
has face detect focus
video resolution high (1920 x 1080 pixels)
sluggish max aperture (f2.7)
does not have mic port
heavier than competitors in class (600 grams)
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Canon SX270 HS vs Canon SX40 HS Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Canon SX270 HS and Canon SX40 HS
 Canon PowerShot SX270 HSCanon PowerShot SX40 HS
General Information
Brand Name Canon Canon
Model type Canon PowerShot SX270 HS Canon PowerShot SX40 HS
Category Small Sensor Superzoom Small Sensor Superzoom
Released 2013-03-21 2011-09-15
Body design Compact SLR-like (bridge)
Sensor Information
Processor Digic 6 -
Sensor type BSI-CMOS BSI-CMOS
Sensor size 1/2.3" 1/2.3"
Sensor dimensions 6.17 x 4.55mm 6.17 x 4.55mm
Sensor surface area 28.1mm² 28.1mm²
Sensor resolution 12MP 12MP
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9
Full resolution 4000 x 3000 4000 x 3000
Max native ISO 6400 3200
Lowest native ISO 100 100
RAW format
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Touch to focus
Autofocus continuous
Autofocus single
Tracking autofocus
Selective autofocus
Autofocus center weighted
Multi area autofocus
Autofocus live view
Face detect autofocus
Contract detect autofocus
Phase detect autofocus
Total focus points - 9
Cross type focus points - -
Lens
Lens mount type fixed lens fixed lens
Lens zoom range 25-500mm (20.0x) 24-840mm (35.0x)
Max aperture f/3.5-6.8 f/2.7-5.8
Macro focusing distance 5cm 0cm
Focal length multiplier 5.8 5.8
Screen
Display type Fixed Type Fully Articulated
Display diagonal 3 inch 2.7 inch
Display resolution 461 thousand dot 230 thousand dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch friendly
Display technology - PureColor II VA TFT LCD
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type None Electronic
Features
Slowest shutter speed 15 secs 15 secs
Maximum shutter speed 1/3200 secs 1/3200 secs
Continuous shooting speed 4.0fps 10.0fps
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manually set exposure
Exposure compensation Yes Yes
Change white balance
Image stabilization
Built-in flash
Flash distance 3.50 m 7.00 m
Flash options Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Fill-in
External flash
Auto exposure bracketing
WB bracketing
Maximum flash sync - 1/2000 secs
Exposure
Multisegment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF area
Center weighted
Video features
Video resolutions 1920 x 1080 (60, 30 fps), 1280 x 720 (30 fps) 640 x 480 (30, 120 fps), 320 x 240 (240 fps) 1920 x 1080 (24fps), 1280 x 720 (30 fps) 640 x 480 (30, 120 fps), 320 x 240 (30, 240 fps)
Max video resolution 1920x1080 1920x1080
Video file format MPEG-4, H.264 MPEG-4, H.264
Mic jack
Headphone jack
Connectivity
Wireless None Eye-Fi Connected
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None None
Physical
Environmental seal
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight 233 gr (0.51 lbs) 600 gr (1.32 lbs)
Dimensions 106 x 63 x 33mm (4.2" x 2.5" x 1.3") 123 x 92 x 108mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 4.3")
DXO scores
DXO All around rating not tested not tested
DXO Color Depth rating not tested not tested
DXO Dynamic range rating not tested not tested
DXO Low light rating not tested not tested
Other
Battery life 210 shots 380 shots
Style of battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery ID NB-6L NB-10L
Self timer Yes (2 or 10 sec, Custom) Yes (2 or 10 sec, Custom)
Time lapse shooting
Type of storage SD/SDHC/SDXC SD/SDHC/SDXC
Storage slots 1 1
Retail pricing $284 $330