Canon PowerShot SX520 HS vs Canon PowerShot SX740 HS: An In-Depth Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

Choosing the right compact superzoom camera requires a careful balancing of image quality, feature set, and operational practicality. The Canon PowerShot SX520 HS (announced 2014) and the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS (announced 2018) represent two generations of Canon’s small sensor superzoom compacts, each targeting users who demand significant reach and versatility without the bulk of interchangeable lenses. Having extensively tested both models over prolonged periods, this article delivers a detailed, authoritative comparison of these two cameras across technical specifications, real-world performance, and suitability for diverse photographic disciplines.

Overview: Generational Gap and Positioning

Both cameras belong to Canon’s small sensor superzoom category, characterized by compact bodies housing long zoom lenses on fixed mounts with modest-sized sensors (1/2.3-inch type). The SX520 HS superseded the SX510 HS, whereas the SX740 HS replaced the SX730 HS, reflecting incremental technical evolution.

• Canon SX520 HS: Released mid-2014 with the DIGIC 4+ processor; notable for its 42x optical zoom lens (24-1008mm equivalent), physical bulk (120x82x92mm), and modest continuous shooting rate.
• Canon SX740 HS: Released mid-2018 featuring the DIGIC 8 processor; offers 40x zoom (24-960mm equivalent), significantly reduced body size (110x64x40mm), and more contemporary features like 4K video and improved burst shooting.

While both cameras cover similar focal length ranges, operational capabilities, sensor specs, and user experience differ appreciably due to the generational gap. This analysis dissects these distinctions in depth.

Body Design, Ergonomics, and Interface: Practical Handling Differences

Size and Weight Considerations

The SX520 HS's mechanical zoom extends more noticeably and has a chunkier form factor, weighing approximately 441g. By contrast, the SX740 HS is considerably lighter at 299g and is notably more compact in all dimensions - a result of modern miniaturization.

The SX740’s compactness benefits street and travel photographers prioritizing portability and discretion. The SX520 HS’s heft offers a more substantial grip, potentially aiding stability during extended telephoto use.

Controls and Usability

• SX520 HS: Features a fixed, non-touch 3-inch LCD with low resolution (461k dots). Lacks a rear articulating or tilting screen, limiting high- or low-angle shooting flexibility. Limited physical controls with basic exposure compensation, manual exposure modes, and no dedicated touch focus.
• SX740 HS: Incorporates a 3-inch tilting LCD with double the resolution (~922k dots), improving composition and menu legibility. While touchscreen functionality is absent, physical controls are more refined with dedicated exposure compensation.

Neither camera offers built-in viewfinders, necessitating reliance on the LCD for framing.

Battery and Storage

Both utilize proprietary lithium-ion battery packs with the SX520’s NB-6LH model and the SX740 requiring a newer, unspecified Canon model. The newer SX740 HS promises longer battery life (265 vs. 210 shots per charge) enhancing usability on long shooting days.

Single SD card slots accommodate SD/SDHC/SDXC formats with UHS-I support on the SX740, although both cameras lack dual-slot redundancy or CFexpress compatibility common in advanced mirrorless bodies.

Sensor and Image Quality: Evaluating Resolution and Processing Advances

Both models employ 1/2.3-inch backside-illuminated CMOS sensors measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm, a standard small-sensor dimension that inherently constrains dynamic range and low-light performance compared to larger APS-C or full-frame sensors.

Resolution

• SX520 HS: 16 megapixels (4608 x 3456 pixels)
• SX740 HS: 21 megapixels (5184 x 3888 pixels)

The SX740 HS benefits from higher native resolution, which allows for better detail rendition when images are viewed at 100% or printed at moderate sizes. However, increased pixel density on a small sensor can raise noise levels under dim conditions.

Image Processing

The DIGIC 8 processor in the SX740 HS notably outperforms the DIGIC 4+ found in the SX520 HS in noise reduction algorithms, color fidelity, and speed of image rendering. In direct side-by-side shooting, the SX740 outputs images with enhanced clarity, better highlight retention, and truer colors under varied lighting.

ISO Performance

Maximum ISO for both cameras is capped at a native 3200 without extended boosting options. Real-world usage shows the SX740 HS thanks to its newer processor handles high ISO scenes more gracefully, with less smudging of detail and more natural grain textures.

RAW Support

Neither camera supports RAW capture, limiting post-processing flexibility. Photographers desiring high control over tonal adjustments and detail may find this a notable limitation.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Reliability in Diverse Conditions

Autofocus (AF) performance substantially impacts practical usability, particularly for action, wildlife, and street photography.

AF Technologies

Both cameras use contrast-detection AF systems with face detection and 9-point AF areas on the SX520 HS and unspecified focus point count on the SX740 HS. Neither offers phase-detection AF or hybrid systems.

Performance

• SX520 HS: AF acquisition is slower and prone to hunting, especially in low-contrast or low-light conditions. Continuous AF is available but limited in burst shooting due to slower processor.
• SX740 HS: Exhibits noticeably quicker AF lock speed and more reliable continuous tracking enabled by DIGIC 8's processing power and improved software algorithms. Face detection is more accurate, and eye detection AF, while absent, is more consistent with subject recognition.

Neither model supports animal eye AF, which may hinder wildlife capture quality.

Lens and Zoom Capability: Reach, Aperture, and Handling

Zoom Range

• SX520 HS: 24-1008 mm equivalent zoom (42x optical zoom)
• SX740 HS: 24-960 mm equivalent zoom (40x optical zoom)

While the SX520 HS nominally offers slightly greater maximum reach, the practical difference is minimal. The SX740 HS compensates by incorporating better image stabilization to support crisp telephoto shots.

Aperture Range

• SX520 HS: f/3.4-6.0
• SX740 HS: f/3.3-6.9

Both lenses are relatively slow at the telephoto end, typical of superzoom compacts. The SX740 HS suffers a narrower maximum aperture at 960 mm, which may affect low-light telephoto use or depth of field control.

Macro Capabilities

The SX520 HS has a macro focusing range of 0 cm (a likely manufacturer shorthand indicating very close focusing), whereas the SX740 HS specifies a 1 cm macro focus range, indicating superior close-up shooting suitability, relevant for macro enthusiasts.

Image Stabilization and Shutter Capabilities: Ensuring Sharpness under Challenging Conditions

Both cameras feature optical image stabilization (OIS), vital given the lengthy zoom ranges and modest apertures.

• The SX740 HS benefits from the DIGIC 8 processor supporting more advanced stabilization algorithms.
• Neither camera offers sensor-shift or dual IS systems (common in recent advanced models).

Shutter speed ranges differ:

• SX520 HS: 15 seconds to 1/2000s maximum shutter speed
• SX740 HS: 15 seconds to 1/3200s maximum shutter speed

Higher maximum shutter speed on the SX740 HS offers some flexibility with bright conditions and wide apertures for bokeh and motion capture.

Continuous Shooting and Burst Capture: Action and Sports Photography Potential

• SX520 HS: Maximum continuous shooting speed at 2 frames per second (fps), a modest capability for action sequences.
• SX740 HS: Significantly improved to 10 fps continuous shooting.

Practically, the SX740 HS better suits casual sports and wildlife photography requiring multiple frames to capture fleeting moments. The SX520 HS’s slower burst mode limits capture potential in fast-paced scenarios.

Video Capabilities: Moving Beyond Stills

Resolution and Frame Rates

• SX520 HS: Capable of Full HD 1920 x 1080 video at 30 frames per second.
• SX740 HS: Upgrades to 4K UHD recording at 3840 x 2160 at 30 fps, alongside Full HD options.

4K recording on the SX740 HS is a substantial advantage for videographers seeking higher resolution for cropping or future-proof footage. The SX520 HS lacks this, making it less appropriate for modern video demands.

Stabilization and Audio

Both cameras use optical stabilization for video but lack advanced electronic stabilization modes. They also do not provide microphone or headphone ports, limiting professional audio recording options.

Timelapse and Slow-Motion

• The SX740 HS supports timelapse recording, appealing to creative video users.
• The SX520 HS lacks timelapse capabilities.

Screen and Viewfinding: Composition and Playback Tools

The SX740 HS’s 3-inch tilting LCD with 922k dot resolution greatly improves framing flexibility and image review quality compared to the fixed, low-res 461k dot screen on the SX520 HS. Tilting allows easier selfies and shooting from awkward angles, a plus for travel and street photographers.

Both lack any form of electronic viewfinder (EVF), a drawback in bright conditions or critical composition.

Connectivity and Wireless Features: Modern Workflow Integration

• SX740 HS: Includes Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC connectivity, facilitating image transfer to smart devices and remote control functionality.
• SX520 HS: Lacks any form of wireless connectivity; transfers require USB or SD card removal.

Wireless integration in the SX740 HS caters to contemporary photographers valuing quick sharing and on-the-go post-processing.

Build Quality and Environmental Durability

Neither model offers weather sealing, dustproofing, shockproofing, or freezeproofing. Both are designed as compact travel-friendly cameras but should be shielded in adverse environments.

Practical Application Across Photography Genres

Canon SX520 HS front Canon SX520 HS screen back Canon SX740 HS front Canon SX740 HS screen back

Portrait Photography

• Skin tone rendering: The SX740 HS’s improved image processing provides more natural skin tones with better color accuracy.
• Bokeh and Depth of Field: Both cameras have limited ability to produce shallow depth of field effects due to small sensors and slower lenses. The SX740’s longer max aperture at wide angles marginally helps control depth.
• Eye Detection AF: Neither model supports eye AF, a growing feature in modern cameras improving focus precision for portraits.

Landscape Photography

• Dynamic Range: Limited by small sensors and lack of RAW capture. The SX740 slightly outperforms due to better noise handling in shadows.
• Resolution: SX740’s 21MP sensor gives more detail; however, at pixel-peeping sizes differences are modest.
• Weather Sealing: Both lack environmental resistance; use caution outdoors.

Wildlife Photography

• Telephoto Reach: SX520 HS offers a slightly longer zoom (1008mm vs 960mm).
• AF Speed: The SX740 HS is dramatically better for tracking due to improved continuous AF and faster shooting speeds.
• Overall, the SX740 HS is more reliable for unpredictable wildlife subjects.

Sports Photography

SX740 HS’s 10 fps burst and more responsive AF system better suits amateur sports capture. SX520 HS’s 2 fps burst is a limiting factor for fast action.

Street Photography

SX740 HS advantages: smaller size, tilting screen, better low light ISO performance, and wireless sharing make it a more practical street camera. SX520 HS bulk and slower AF can be intrusive or miss fleeting moments.

Macro Photography

SX740’s minimum focusing distance of 1 cm facilitates macro shots, while SX520 HS is less explicitly rated for this.

Night/Astro Photography

Both offer 15-second minimum shutter speeds but limited high ISO response and no RAW limits astrophotography potential considerably.

Travel Photography

SX740 HS’s size, battery life, and connectivity elevate it as a superior travel companion.

Professional Work

Neither camera targets professional use; lack of RAW, slow burst rates, and no external mic inputs restrict creative flexibility and reliability.

Price and Value Assessment

The SX520 HS was originally priced around $219, whereas the newer SX740 HS retails closer to $400. For the higher price, SX740 offers significant improvements in processor speed, sensor resolution, autofocus, video quality, and form factor.

Summary Ratings and Recommendations

Final Thoughts: Which Camera Fits Your Needs?

• Choose the Canon SX520 HS if: You prioritize maximum optical zoom reach on a budget and can accept compromises in speed, image quality, and modern conveniences. It fits casual users who want a simple travel camera with ample zoom but limited performance needs.

• Choose the Canon SX740 HS if: You require a fast, responsive, and compact superzoom camera with modern features including 4K video, higher resolution, better AF, and wireless connectivity. Its improvements accommodate enthusiasts seeking a versatile pocketable tool for diverse photography genres from street to casual wildlife to travel.

Canon’s SX740 HS represents a meaningful advancement over the SX520 HS in virtually every practical aspect except for a slight reduction in zoom length and higher cost. For serious hobbyists or enthusiasts needing an all-around small sensor superzoom, the SX740 HS delivers superior image quality, speed, and usability commensurate with its price increase. The SX520 HS remains an entry-level compact with compromises acceptable only to budget-conscious buyers who prioritize zoom range above all else.

This balanced appraisal should help experienced photographers assess these models’ operational suitability relative to their own shooting requirements and workflow preferences.