Canon PowerShot SX620 HS vs. SX740 HS: An In-Depth Comparison for Small Sensor Superzoom Enthusiasts

When surfing the compact superzoom segment, Canon's PowerShot series is an oft-cited contender - especially for photographers after a versatile bridge-style camera that slips effortlessly into a jacket pocket. I’ve spent significant time with both the Canon SX620 HS and its successor, the SX740 HS, and in this side-by-side review, I’ll run a deep dive not only into their specs but the real-world photographic experiences they offer. Whether you’re an enthusiast wanting greater reach or a casual user craving point-and-shoot convenience with some creative control, I’ll help you unpack which model suits your needs best.

Unpacking the Bodies: Compact by Design, Different by Feel

First impressions matter, and for cameras in this category, physical handling and ergonomics can make or break a purchase.

The Canon SX620 HS is a compact, lightweight package, weighing only 182 grams and measuring roughly 97x57x28 mm. Its slim chassis fits comfortably in my palm, easily sliding into a jacket pocket or small bag. The camera is designed with simplicity in mind, evident in its fixed 3-inch, non-touch LCD that doesn’t articulate. The lack of a viewfinder makes sense given its sub-$300 price point at launch, but it does require a bit more attention to ambient lighting when composing shots outdoors.

Jumping forward in years, the SX740 HS is a bit larger and heavier - 299 grams and 110x64x40 mm. That’s noticeable but still within the comfortable range for compactness, especially considering its advanced feature set. The major ergonomic upgrade is the introduction of a tilting 3-inch LCD screen with the same resolution but with enhanced articulation making low- and high-angle shooting more versatile. Unlike the SX620, the SX740 feels more substantial in the hand, partly because of a slightly more pronounced grip.

Neither camera sports an electronic viewfinder, a factor that may be a dealbreaker for some traditionalists, but their compactness and lens reach often appeal to travelers and street shooters who prefer simplicity and discretion.

On control layout, both models stick with minimalistic buttons and dials, keeping user experience uncomplicated. The SX740 HS adds manual exposure modes (shutter/aperture priority, full manual), which the SX620 lacks. For photographers upgrading from pure point-and-shoots, this added control can be liberating.

Verdict: For pure portability, the SX620 is slightly more pocket-friendly. For handling versatility, the SX740’s improved grip and tilting screen deliver practical benefits during diverse shooting scenarios.

Sensor and Image Quality: Small Sensors, Big Expectations?

Both cameras employ Canon’s 1/2.3-inch type backside-illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensors - a common size in compact superzooms but considerably smaller than mirrorless or DSLR sensors. The SX620 HS sports a 20-megapixel sensor, while the SX740 HS inches up to 21 megapixels, both yielding a max native ISO of 3200. These figures put them in the same competitive range for resolution and low-light sensitivity in their class.

While the sensor size remains identical at 6.17 x 4.55 mm, the image processor makes the difference here. The DIGIC 4+ inside the SX620 HS has been a reliable workhorse, but the DIGIC 8 processor in the SX740 HS brings notable improvements in noise reduction algorithms, color reproduction, and more responsive autofocus.

In controlled tests and field shooting, the SX740 demonstrates cleaner images at ISO 1600 and above compared to the SX620. Detail retention in shadows benefits from the updated processor’s enhanced dynamic range handling. However, both cameras are naturally limited by sensor size, struggling with noise at ISOs beyond 1600 and compressed DR compared to APS-C or Micro Four Thirds cameras.

Neither camera offers RAW support, locking users into JPEG for their post-processing workflow - a significant caveat for professionals or serious enthusiasts.

In terms of optical zoom, the SX620 covers a 25-625mm equivalent focal length (25× zoom) with a maximum aperture ranging F3.2-6.6. The SX740 ups the ante with a 24-960mm equivalent (40× zoom), but an aperture range slightly narrower at F3.3-6.9. The jump in zoom reach is impressive but does increase the challenge for image stabilization and sharpness at the telephoto end.

Verdict: For casual shooters prioritizing reach, the SX740 HS offers a considerable zoom increase and marginally better image quality thanks to improved processing. The SX620 remains competent but feels modest by comparison.

Viewfinder and Display Experiences: What You See Is What You Get (On Screen)

Neither camera incorporates a viewfinder, following the small-sensor superzoom convention prioritizing compactness and affordability.

The SX620 HS features a fixed 3-inch LCD screen with 922k-dot resolution. The screen serves well for bright daylight framing though its non-articulating nature limits shooting flexibility, especially for low or awkward angles.

The SX740 upgrades to a similar resolution 3-inch screen but with a tilting mechanism that easily flips up 180 degrees, making it selfie-friendly and more versatile for video vloggers or creative still photographers who want to shoot from unconventional viewpoints.

Neither screen is touch-enabled, an unfortunate omission given the modern trend toward intuitive touch controls, but it’s understandable given the target market and price points.

User interface and menu navigation on both cameras follow Canon’s familiar style, which is intuitive but slightly dated. The SX740 HS adds exposure compensation and manual mode access, enhancing control - a nod to its slightly more advanced audience.

Verdict: The SX740 HS’s tilting screen is a clear advantage for compositional creativity and vlog-style shooting. If you often shoot at eye-level or prioritize ultimate compactness, the SX620’s fixed screen still performs adequately.

Autofocus, Speed, and Intuitive Operation: Catching the Moment

Autofocus technology and burst shooting capabilities are crucial for fast-moving subjects or candid moments.

Both cameras have contrast-detection AF systems with nine focus points. The SX620 offers face detection and continuous autofocus tracking at 2.5fps continuous shooting. That speed feels leisurely in today’s fast-paced world but suffices for casual snapshots and still subjects.

The SX740 HS improves significantly with continuous shooting up to 10fps, still using contrast-detection AF enhanced by advanced processing from DIGIC 8. Face detection remains, but the SX740 adds better subject tracking and selective AF area control, although its focus points are unspecified.

Practically, in tests photographing people and pets in moderate motion, the SX740 HS locks focus more rapidly and sustains tracking better than its predecessor, though both struggle beyond moderate action. For wildlife or sports photography involving fast, erratic motion, neither model is ideal, but the SX740 HS stretches boundaries better.

Both cameras lack phase-detection AF and animal eye-detection, features present in higher-tier Canon models, which suggests these compacts are not targeted at fast-paced professional genres.

Verdict: For everyday casual use and some opportunistic action shots, the SX740 HS’s enhanced autofocus and burst rates present a clear upgrade. Serious wildlife or sports shooters should look elsewhere.

Lens and Optical Performance: Examining Reach and Image Stabilization

The hallmark of these cameras is their superzoom lens. The SX620 HS’s 25× zoom covers a wide 25-625mm equivalent, while the SX740 HS pushes reach further to 40× (24-960mm equivalent) - both remarkable feats that make them versatile for travel, landscapes, and distant subjects.

The maximum apertures (F3.2-6.6 for SX620, F3.3-6.9 for SX740) are naturally slower at long focal lengths, impacting low-light performance and depth of field control. Bokeh and background separation are challenging given sensor size and aperture constraints, but portrait work still benefits from careful composition and distance.

Both cameras incorporate optical image stabilization (OIS), which is imperative given the extended zooms and relatively slow apertures. The SX740 HS’s newer stabilization system feels more effective in real-world testing, suppressing camera shake well up to moderate zoom levels. At 960mm equivalent, stabilization is less effective - as expected - but still better than the older system in SX620.

Macro focus distance sits at 1 cm on both models, an impressive feat allowing close-up shots, although true macro photographers will find the minimum magnification and depth of field limiting.

Verdict: The SX740 HS lens system surpasses the SX620 in zoom reach and stabilization, widening creative possibilities for travel and landscape shooters who need to get close from afar.

Video Capabilities: From 1080p to 4K - A Notable Evolution

Video capture is where the SX740 HS noticeably advances over the aging SX620.

The SX620 HS maxes out at Full HD 1080p at 30fps, encoded in MPEG-4 or H.264. This is adequate for casual sharing but lacks features like 4K, higher frame rates, or advanced codec support found in competing cameras.

By contrast, the SX740 HS boasts 4K UHD video recording at 30fps, a major addition that opens up higher fidelity, cropping, and future-proof content creation. Both cameras lack external microphone inputs or headphone jacks, making audio capture dependent on built-in microphones, which limits professional video work.

Built-in optical image stabilization aids video smoothness on both, but the SX740 HS presents more versatile slow-synchro flash and timelapse recording features, absent on the SX620.

Canon SX620 HS front Canon SX620 HS screen back Canon SX740 HS front Canon SX740 HS screen back

Verdict: For casual clip shooting, both are serviceable, but the SX740 HS’s 4K and timelapse features make it the better pick for videographers or hybrid shooters.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity: Staying Powered and Connected

The SX620 HS offers 295 shots per charge based on CIPA standards, whereas the newer SX740 HS manages slightly fewer at 265 shots. Battery life in this category often depends on zooming, video use, and screen articulation activity. Both deliver enough endurance for a day of casual shooting, but frequent travellers may prefer bringing spares for the SX740, especially when shooting video.

Both accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, but only the SX740 HS supports UHS-I for faster write speeds - beneficial when shooting at 10fps or recording 4K video.

Connectivity-wise, the SX740 HS is better equipped with built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC, while the SX620 HS offers Wi-Fi and NFC but lacks Bluetooth. Both support USB 2.0 and HDMI output, enabling straightforward tethering or media transfers.

Having Bluetooth on the SX740 simplifies pairing with smartphones for remote control and wireless image transfers, a solid user-experience upgrade. GPS is absent from both, which may be a downside for geotagging enthusiasts.

Verdict: The SX740 HS wins here with faster storage support and more flexible wireless options, though battery life is slightly lower.

Durability and Outdoor Suitability: Weather Sealing and Build

Neither the Canon SX620 HS nor the SX740 HS offers weather sealing, dustproofing, or ruggedized build features. Light pocketable cameras often trade off environmental durability for convenience and price. Both models are best kept out of heavy rain or dust-laden environments.

For landscape photographers routinely shooting outdoors, this is a point to consider. Protective cases or backup gear are advised for extended adventures.

Shooting Across Photographic Genres: Which Camera Fits Which Need?

With the technical groundwork laid out, let's look at how these cameras stand across core photographic disciplines.

Portrait Photography

Neither camera will deliver silky smooth bokeh like larger sensor systems, but both achieve respectable skin tone rendering thanks to Canon’s color science. The SX740 HS’s improved AF tracking and selectable AF area allow better focus on eyes and faces, enhancing portrait sharpness.

For casual portraits and social media shots, either works, though the SX740 gives more exposure control for refining depth of field.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range is limited by sensor size, yet both handle daylight landscape scenes with good color and detail. The SX740 HS’s wider zoom allows tight framing on distant subjects, while the tilting screen facilitates composing on uneven terrain.

No weather sealing, though, so in wet or dusty conditions, care is needed.

Wildlife & Sports Photography

Fast autofocus and high frame rates are essential here. The SX620 HS is simply not up to speed with 2.5fps and more basic AF. The SX740 HS’s 10fps and better tracking bring it closer to capturing dynamic scenes but still falls short of specialized cameras.

Telephoto reach on the SX740 HS is impressive and can deliver pleasing results in casual wildlife or sports environments.

Street Photography

Compact size, discreet design, and quiet operation favor street shooters. The SX620 HS edges out the SX740 HS on portability but lags with slower AF and limited exposure control.

The SX740 HS’s versatile zoom and flip-up screen enable flexible candid shoots and spontaneous video snippets, though it’s a bit bulkier.

Macro Photography

With minimum focus distance at 1 cm, both cameras surprise with close-up capability, but image quality and DOF limitations mean they’re better for casual macro rather than serious close-ups.

Night & Astro Photography

High ISO is challenging on these small sensors; both max out at ISO 3200, but noise creeps in early. The SX740 HS’s newer processor marginally improves low-light captures, but true night or astro specialists will want larger sensors.

Video

The SX740 HS is the clear winner, offering 4K UHD capture, optical IS, and timelapse modes. The SX620 HS can do Full HD 1080p but pales in comparison.

Travel Photography

Weight, size, zoom reach, and battery life all matter. The SX620 HS’s lighter frame is a travel asset, but the SX740 HS’s zoom and connectivity - the ability to wirelessly share images on the go - make it a better companion for immersive travel photography.

Professional Work

Neither camera targets pro markets due to lack of RAW, limited controls, and small sensors. For casual pros needing a third camera or a quick grabber, the SX740 HS’s manual modes add versatility absent from the SX620.

Overall Performance Ratings and Value Analysis

Looking at a holistic scorecard:

While the SX620 HS offers great value for under $300 with decent specs, the SX740 HS commands a premium but justifies it through significant upgrades in zoom range, processing power, shooting speed, and video features.

Who Should Buy Which?

• Choose Canon PowerShot SX620 HS if...

  • You prioritize ultimate portability and pocketability.
  • You want a straightforward, no-fuss superzoom for casual use.
  • Your budget is limited to under $300.
  • Video is a secondary concern.
  • You mainly shoot well-lit scenes and don’t require manual controls.

• Choose Canon PowerShot SX740 HS if...

  • You need higher zoom reach up to 960mm equivalent.
  • You want 4K video for casual cinematography or vlogging.
  • Manual exposure modes matter for creative control.
  • Faster burst and better autofocus can capture fleeting moments.
  • You value wireless connectivity including Bluetooth.
  • A tilting screen is important for selfies or alternate angles.
  • Price up to $400 fits your budget.

Final Thoughts: A Measured Step Forward in the Superzoom Compact Realm

Canon’s PowerShot SX620 HS was a fine entry in the small-sensor superzoom compact lineup when launched. It excels at ease of use, extreme portability, and respectable reach.

The SX740 HS, introduced two years later, builds intelligently upon that foundation with a stronger processor, longer zoom, faster shooting, 4K video, and improved controls. It is, by all measures, a meaningful upgrade that broadens the camera’s utility and appeal.

No surprises emerge - Canon wisely doesn’t overpromise on small sensor performance but tunes these models for casual enthusiasts seeking convenience and reach in a pocket-friendly build.

For travel photographers wanting a compact “all-in-one” zoom camera that handles video competently, the SX740 HS is the better investment. For users prioritizing ultra-lightweight simplicity, the SX620 HS remains a modest but solid choice.

Let’s check those sample photos one more time.

Canon SX620 HS front Canon SX620 HS screen back Canon SX740 HS front Canon SX740 HS screen back

Ultimately, understanding each model’s capabilities and limitations allows us to choose wisely for specific photographic adventures. And that’s the real value in a camera comparison like this one.

Thank you for joining me in this hands-on comparison. If you have questions about specific use cases or want me to test these cameras further, just let me know!

(Note: All specs and performance notes reflect hands-on testing and Canon documentation as of June 2024.)