Canon SX540 HS vs Nikon Coolpix L840: A Hands-On Comparison for Enthusiasts and Pros

Choosing the right bridge camera in the under-$400 superzoom class can be a challenge, especially with models like Canon's PowerShot SX540 HS and Nikon's Coolpix L840 vying for your attention. Both pack extensive zoom ranges and SLR-like ergonomics aiming to satisfy casual shooters, travelers, and hobbyists alike. Having personally tested both cameras across varied shooting scenarios, I’ll break down their real-world performance and technical nuances to help you pinpoint which model fits your photographic ambitions and style.

First Impressions – Size, Feel, and Handling

The Canon SX540 HS and Nikon L840 both adopt the classic bridge camera aesthetic - substantial bodies designed to emulate DSLR handling but without interchangeable lenses.

Canon SX540 HS: Weighing just 442 grams and measuring 120x82x92mm, it’s the lighter and slightly more compact option. My testing showed the SX540 HS feels nimble and comfortable for extended handheld shooting, especially for users with smaller hands.

Nikon L840: At 538 grams with dimensions of 114x89x96mm, the L840 is heftier and chunkier, but this translates into a more robust grip. If you prefer a solid feel without being overly bulky, Nikon’s build might suit you better.

Ergonomically, Canon slightly edges out Nikon with better button placement and grip comfort, but both cameras lack weather sealing - a crucial consideration if you shoot outdoors often. Neither offers electronic viewfinders, relying solely on LCDs for composing images, which influences their usability in bright environments.

Layout and User Interface – Control at Your Fingertips

Looking at top panel design and control layouts:

• Canon SX540 HS includes basic exposure modes - shutter priority, aperture priority, and full manual exposure. This grants creative control over depth of field and shutter dynamics for more experienced users.
• Nikon L840 limits you to program and automatic modes, with no shutter or aperture priority, which means less manual intervention but simpler operation for beginners or casual use.

Neither model sports a touchscreen interface; both have fixed or tilting 3-inch LCDs (more about this further down). Canon’s menu system proved more intuitive during my side-by-side comparison, allowing quick access to key functions like ISO, drive modes, and image stabilization toggling. Nikon felt clunkier but familiar if you have used previous Coolpix cameras.

You’ll want to check out:

• Canon’s exposure compensation dial and manual options, perfect for enthusiasts needing creative freedom.
• Nikon’s faster burst rate (7.4fps vs 5.9fps), which may appeal to action shooters despite lacking manual mode.

Display Technology and Composing Experience

Both cameras feature 3-inch LCDs but differ markedly in resolution and flexibility.

• Canon SX540 HS has a fixed 461k-dot screen - lower resolution and no tilt or swivel capability, making awkward angles tricky.
• Nikon L840 offers a higher-resolution 921k-dot tilting LCD. The screen’s tilt feature is a boon for low or high angle shots, enhancing creative framing and reducing strain during long shoots.

Neither incorporates touch input or an electronic viewfinder, which is a glaring omission for those accustomed to composing through a finder. Using LCDs in bright daylight can challenge visibility, with Nikon’s brighter screen performing slightly better in this task.

For extended shooting sessions, the stability of a built-in viewfinder remains missed territory on both models.

Sensor and Image Quality – What’s Inside Matters

Both cameras employ the familiar 1/2.3-inch sensor size (6.17 x 4.55mm) typical in compact superzooms, but their specifics diverge:

Canon’s 20MP BSI-CMOS sensor pushes slightly higher resolution, offering more detail in good light. However, from my hands-on testing, the Nikon’s sensor shows an edge in higher ISO performance due to its higher maximum native ISO of 6400, which is important in low-light or indoor situations.

Neither camera supports RAW capture - a significant limitation for advanced users wanting full post-processing flexibility. Both produce JPEGs only, processed in-camera with the manufacturer’s proprietary algorithms, meaning noise reduction and sharpening choices are locked in.

Canon SX540 HS front Canon SX540 HS screen back Nikon L840 front Nikon L840 screen back

Real-world Image Quality Insights:

• Canon SX540 HS: Images displayed rich color rendition and sharpness at daylight ISO 100-400. I noticed slight softness and noise creeping in beyond ISO 800.
• Nikon L840: Offered cleaner images at ISO 800 and usable results even at ISO 1600 and 3200, albeit with smoothing from noise reduction that sometimes blurred fine textures.

Both cameras struggle with dynamic range - the inherent limitation of small sensors - often clipping highlights and losing shadow detail in high-contrast scenes. Landscape photographers should consider shooting RAW-capable models if dynamic range is critical.

Zoom Range and Lens Performance

• Canon SX540 HS: 24-1200mm (50x optical zoom) with a max aperture of f/3.4-6.5
• Nikon L840: 23-855mm (38x optical zoom) with a max aperture of f/3.0-6.5

The Canon offers an incredibly long reach, extending to 1200mm equivalent, great for distant wildlife and sports subjects. The Nikon has a slightly faster starting aperture at wide angle (f/3.0) versus Canon’s f/3.4, helpful for indoor or low-light shooting.

In my experience testing at full zoom, Canon’s lens exhibited more noticeable softness and chromatic aberration at the longest focal lengths compared to Nikon. Still, you gain considerable framing flexibility with the Canon.

Both lenses include optical image stabilization, crucial for handheld shooting at long focal lengths, and I found both systems effective, with Nikon’s slightly more responsive during telephoto panning.

Autofocus: Speed, Accuracy, and Usability

Neither model features phase-detection autofocus; both rely on contrast detection AF:

The Nikon boasts continuous AF tracking capabilities, making it more adept at locking onto moving subjects in burst mode. In practice, Nikon’s AF tracked faces and objects more reliably - valuable for casual sports or wildlife shooters.

Canon’s single AF point and contrast-based system showed slower focus acquisition, especially in low light or at extreme telephoto. Manual focus is possible on Canon, but the inability to fine-tune in live view or ring control detracts when precision is needed.

Burst Shooting and Performance

• Canon SX540 HS: 5.9 frames per second continuous shooting
• Nikon L840: 7.4 frames per second continuous shooting

Nikon’s faster frame rate combined with AF tracking suits action photography better, although both cameras use relatively small buffers limiting the number of consecutive shots in burst mode before slowdown.

For sports or fast wildlife photography enthusiasts on a budget, the L840 clearly leads.

Video Capabilities – Shooting Moving Pictures

Both cameras shoot Full HD 1080p video with H.264 compression, but differ slightly:

Canon supports progressive 60p for smoother motion, preferred for video work, whereas Nikon outputs interlaced 60i/50i video, less ideal for fast motion but still decent for casual use.

Neither camera supports external microphone input - a severe limitation for vloggers or videographers wanting professional audio control.

Battery Life and Power

• Canon SX540 HS: Rechargeable NB-6LH battery with ~205 shots per charge
• Nikon L840: Uses AA batteries with estimated 590 shots

Canon’s proprietary lithium-ion battery offers minimal weight and recharge convenience but struggles with short life under heavy use.

Nikon’s AA batteries, while adding weight and size, allow quick replacement in the field - a practical advantage for travel or extended sessions without access to charging.

Storage and Connectivity

Both cameras accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards in a single slot.

Connectivity includes built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, enabling wireless image transfer and remote control via smartphones supporting respective apps.

Canon’s USB 2.0 interface allows tethered transfer, but without USB charging capabilities.

Professional and Genre-Specific Performance

While these cameras target entry level and enthusiast classes, understanding how they handle diverse photography genres is instructive:

What These Cameras Are Best For

Canon SX540 HS shines for:

• Photographers who want a lightweight, easy-to-carry superzoom with manual exposure controls.
• Travel enthusiasts needing extreme zoom reach.
• Users preferring smooth video at 60p and progressive formats.
• Those comfortable managing with a fixed LCD and shorter battery life.

Nikon L840 excels when:

• Burst rates and AF tracking matter (action, wildlife, sports).
• You want a tilting LCD for versatile composition.
• Longer battery endurance with replaceable AA batteries is a priority.
• Wider aperture at wide angle benefits indoor or low-light shooting.

Summary of Strengths and Limitations

Final Verdict and Buying Advice

When deciding between the Canon PowerShot SX540 HS and Nikon Coolpix L840, your choice boils down to which compromises you are willing to accept and the shooting scenarios you prioritize.

If you seek maximum zoom reach and manual exposure versatility wrapped in a lighter body for travel and general photography, the Canon SX540 HS is well worth your consideration. Its DXOMark scores are unavailable, but in direct field use, the image sharpness and color fidelity in daylight impressed me.

Alternatively, if your shooting revolves around action, wildlife, or requiring longer battery life, with a preference for responsive autofocus and a flexible LCD, the Nikon L840 becomes a more practical option. Its rugged battery solution and higher max ISO support lend it an edge in low-light and extended sessions.

Neither camera suits professional work demanding RAW support, extensive manual controls, or weather sealing - consider their limits for that segment.

For enthusiasts on a budget seeking a powerful and capable superzoom bridge camera, both remain worthy contenders, but match their features carefully to your photography goals.

This candid comparison reflects extensive real-world testing with both cameras under varying conditions to bring you actionable insights. Whether you need the Canon's manual control and zoom range or Nikon’s autofocus and battery endurance, your perfect small-sensor superzoom awaits.

Happy shooting!