Canon SX740 HS vs Casio EX-H30: A Deep Dive into Two Small Sensor Superzooms

When hunting for a compact superzoom camera, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by specs, marketing hype, and dizzying focal length numbers. I’ve spent years wrangling cameras in this niche - field testing, pixel-peeping, and hunting for the sweet spot where versatility meets image quality in a pocket-friendly package. So, let’s take a clear-eyed look at two small sensor superzoom contenders from different eras: the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS (2018) and the somewhat older but intriguing Casio Exilim EX-H30 (2011). Both promise long zoom ranges and compact convenience, but how do they stack up where it really counts - real-world photography?

By the end of this comparison, you should have a solid grasp of which camera suits your style, budget, and photography pursuits. Spoiler alert: they cater to somewhat different audiences despite sharing a category.

First Impressions: Size, Feel, and Handling

Before digging into pixels and autofocus, handling is paramount. After all, a camera you dread carrying or fumbling with isn’t going to help even the best sensor shine.

The Canon SX740 HS feels noticeably chunkier and heavier at 299 grams and dimensions of 110x64x40mm, compared to the much lighter Casio EX-H30 tipping the scales at 201 grams and 105x59x29mm. This extra heft in the Canon translates to a crisper grip and more substantial presence in my hand - something I appreciate during longer shoots or while trekking, but it may be less pocket-friendly. The Casio, meanwhile, is slim and sleek, probably appealing for street or travel photography where discretion and minimalism count.

Both have fixed lenses, so you get no lens swapping, but the Canon’s bulk feels justified with a robust zoom lens packed inside. The Casio is undeniably the lighter travel companion but with fewer physical controls.

Ergonomics wise, I found Canon’s layout more comfortable for quick adjustments, with buttons spread out thoughtfully. We will get back to the control layout later.

Control Layout & Interface: How Easy Is It to Shoot?

A camera’s control scheme is more than a comfort detail - it shapes your responsiveness and creative workflow in unpredictable moments.

The Canon SX740 HS sports a classic superzoom layout: a mode dial, a zoom toggle on the shutter button, and a dedicated exposure compensation button. The tilting 3.0” LCD screen with 922k dots also helps compose tricky angles, though it lacks touchscreen, which some may miss.

The Casio EX-H30, launched seven years earlier, predictably feels a bit dated here. No tilting screen - only a fixed Super Clear TFT 3” panel with a modest 461k dots resolution. Button density is lower, and dial control less intuitive. This means you might miss some quick-access convenience if you’re used to modern cameras.

Overall, Canon offers a more intuitive control experience, helpful for beginners moving beyond smartphone simplicity, while Casio’s minimalism nudges you to rely more on menus.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Arguably the most critical spec for image quality is the sensor. Both charge in the small sensor superzoom category with a 1/2.3 inch sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm, but their sensor tech and resolutions differ greatly.

• Canon SX740 HS: Utilizes a 21 Megapixel BSI-CMOS sensor paired with Canon's DIGIC 8 processor. The back-illuminated design helps improve low-light sensitivity, aiming for better dynamic range and reduced noise - valuable for everyday shooting.
• Casio EX-H30: Houses a 16 Megapixel CCD sensor, alongside the Exilim Engine 5.0 processor from its era.

From my testing experience, BSI-CMOS sensors typically outperform CCDs for noise control and high ISO performance - especially relevant beyond daylight conditions. The Canon’s 21 MP sensor delivers pleasantly sharp images with more detail, particularly noticeable in landscape or close-up photography. In contrast, Casio’s 16 MP CCD yields adequate detail in good light but struggles more as ISO climbs or in shadow recovery.

Dynamic range is also more restricted in the EX-H30, leading to blown highlights and blocked shadows more frequently - a typical CCD tradeoff. The Canon’s sensor feels more future-proof and versatile for diverse photographic styles.

Real World Shooting: Autofocus, Zoom, and Stabilization

The appeal of superzoom compacts often hinges on how well their autofocus and zoom systems perform in the field - and whether image stabilization can tame inevitable handshakes at long focal lengths.

Zoom: Reach vs. Practicality

• Canon SX740 HS: 24-960mm equivalent (40x zoom) with aperture F3.3-6.9
• Casio EX-H30: 24-300mm equivalent (12.5x zoom) with aperture F3.0-5.9

The Sony packs a massive focal length reach - 40x zoom is a real boon for wildlife or sports spectators wanting to fill the frame dramatically without lugging super telephotos. However, with narrower apertures at the tele end (F6.9), users must account for lower light transmission and potential motion blur. This is where image stabilization plays a crucial role.

The EX-H30’s more modest 12.5x zoom feels less ambitious but also steadier at longer zoom due to the wider aperture range. For casual users happy with moderate telephoto, it can be less intimidating.

Autofocus Systems: Speed and Accuracy

The Canon benefits from a contrast-detection autofocus system with face detection and tracking, capable of continuous AF at 10 fps continuous shooting. The EX-H30 relies solely on contrast detection without face detect or continuous AF support; its AF is slower and less reliable in low contrast or moving subjects.

During wildlife and sports tests, I found the Canon’s autofocus far snappier and consistent at locking focus - especially useful tracking birds or kids on the run. The Casio’s slower reactions can cause missed shots or focus hunting, frustrating during fast action.

Stabilization

Both cameras feature image stabilization but differ in implementation:

• Canon: Optical image stabilization better mitigates handshake, beneficial for long zoom and video.
• Casio: Sensor-shift stabilization provides support but generally less effective at telephoto zoom lengths.

In my handheld trial shots at full zoom, Canon produced noticeably steadier images, reducing blur risks.

Screens and Viewfinders: Composition and Usability

Neither camera offers EVF (electronic viewfinder), which is not unusual in compact superzooms, yet it impacts usability, especially under bright sunlight.

The Canon’s 3” tilting LCD with 922k-dot resolution is bright and makes composing from high or low angles simpler - great for street or macro shots. The Casio offers a fixed 3” Super Clear TFT LCD at 461k dots, which is modest in resolution and sometimes frustrating outdoors due to reflections.

No touchscreens on either, which feels a bit archaic for 2018 Canon and very dated for 2011 Casio. This means slower navigation and focus point selection, another point leaning towards Canon’s design for better ergonomics.

Versatility Across Photography Disciplines: Which Camera Suits Your Passion?

Let’s break down how these cameras perform across genres - with real-world insights rather than spec sheets alone.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones and Bokeh

Portraits benefit from crisp focus on eyes, flattering skin tones, and the ability to blur distracting backgrounds with pleasing bokeh.

The Canon SX740 HS, with its face detection AF and higher sensor resolution, yields more natural skin tones and handles skin texture with grace. Despite a modest maximum aperture (F3.3 at wide), its longer zoom lets you isolate subjects effectively. The lack of raw capture is a shame but the JPEG engine is competent in everyday portrait shooting.

The Casio EX-H30’s AF lacks face detect, leading to less reliable eye focus. Its CCD sensor renders pleasant colors but is prone to less dynamic range, sometimes flattening nuanced skin tones. Bokeh is limited by the narrower zoom range and wider aperture, resulting in less subject-background separation.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Detail

Landscape demands rich detail and a wide dynamic range to capture shadows and highlights coherently.

Canon’s higher resolution and BSI-CMOS sensor deliver crisp landscapes with balanced exposure and textured detail, especially with its multiple aspect ratio options. However, no weather sealing restricts use in harsh conditions.

Casio’s dynamic range lags behind; shadows can block up in dense areas, and highlights blow more easily. Lower resolution slightly limits large print appeal.

Neither camera has weather sealing or dustproofing, so I recommend caution photographing in inclement weather.

Wildlife and Sports Photography: Autofocus and Speed

High-speed autofocus and burst modes are kings here. Canon impresses with 10 fps continuous shooting paired with continuous AF and tracking, crucial for capturing fleeting moments in wildlife or sports. Its extended zoom also allows closer framing from a distance.

Casio EX-H30’s AF is slower and continuous shooting not specified; effectively meaning you’ll get only single shots. This dramatically reduces hit rate on action sequences.

Street Photography: Discreteness and Portability

Casio’s small, light body and modest zoom make it a low-profile companion for candid street shooting. The fixed LCD might limit angle flexibility, but the compact size promotes stealth.

Canon, while still pocketable, is bulkier and less subtle but offers more robust controls and zoom options for creative framing.

Macro Photography: Focusing Distance and Precision

Both can focus down to approximately 1 cm, enabling impressive macro capabilities. Canon’s faster AF and tilting screen assist in composing tight close-ups more easily.

Night and Astrophotography: High ISO and Exposure Options

Canon’s BSI-CMOS sensor and DIGIC 8 processor provide superior high ISO noise control, allowing usable images in low light up to ISO 3200. This is valuable when shooting indoors, at dusk, or even basic night sky scenes.

Casio’s CCD sensor and older processor generate more noise at high ISO with less usable detail.

Neither camera supports raw; this limits exposure flexibility post-shooting.

Video Capabilities: Resolution and Stabilization

Canon SX740 HS records 4K UHD at 30p with H.264 compression. Optical IS and decent autofocus performance make it a capable vlogging or travel video tool.

Casio supports only HD 720p, quite outdated by modern standards, with no mic or headphone jacks - not ideal for serious video work.

Travel Photography: Battery and Versatility

Canon’s battery life rates at 265 shots, reasonable but nothing to write home about. Its extensive zoom range covers many scenarios without changing lenses, a plus for travelers.

Casio does not specify battery life clearly but uses NP-130 battery, with likely shorter endurance given older tech.

Connectivity-wise, Canon has Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC for easy sharing and remote control. Casio lacks wireless, requiring physical USB transfers.

Professional Work: Reliability and Workflow

Neither camera supports raw capture, a dealbreaker for dedicated professionals seeking maximum post-processing control. No weather sealing limits ruggedness.

File formats are JPEG only, with moderate resolution. The Canon's better image quality and connectivity give it some edge in casual professional or backup scenarios, but neither camera fits into a professional imaging pipeline fully.

Build Quality and Durability: How Tough Are They?

Both cameras lack environmental sealing - no waterproofing, shockproof, or freezeproof capabilities. The Canon's modern polycarbonate body feels sturdier in hand, while the Casio feels lighter but flimsier.

Connectivity, Storage, and Power Solutions

• Canon SX740 HS: Equipped with built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, and HDMI. Supports UHS-I SD cards with one slot.
• Casio EX-H30: No wireless connectivity, HDMI, or USB ports beyond standard USB 2.0. Only one storage slot, format unspecified.

Input/output flexibility is a major plus for Canon, streamlining workflow and sharing options.

Price and Value Analysis

At launch, the Canon SX740 HS retailed for around $400, while the Casio EX-H30 was nearly $710. Given the Canon’s later market debut and more advanced technology, it represents better value by today’s standards if you can still find it.

The Casio, despite being pricier, feels dated in features and performance, and contemporary alternatives at its price point easily outclass it.

Summary of Strengths and Weaknesses

Final Thoughts: Who Should Buy Which?

Both cameras have their charms - but they answer different user needs.

Choose Canon SX740 HS if you:

• Want a versatile all-rounder with incredible zoom reach and decent image quality.
• Need better autofocus for wildlife, sports, or fast-moving subjects.
• Value 4K video and modern connectivity options.
• Don’t mind a slightly bigger size for better handling and controls.
• Shoot portraits, landscapes, or low light scenarios more frequently.
• Plan to travel with a camera that covers many bases reasonably well.

Choose Casio EX-H30 if you:

• Prioritize a lightweight, pocketable design for casual street or travel shoots.
• Can find a bargain or already own one and want a simple point-and-shoot.
• Shoot mostly in bright daylight and don’t need advanced autofocus or high-res video.
• Appreciate a classic, vintage superzoom experience without modern bells and whistles.

Canon SX740 HS front Canon SX740 HS screen back Casio EX H30 screen back

Wrapping Up

After extensive hands-on testing, the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS emerges as the clear winner by most practical measures, thanks to its powerful zoom, modern sensor, better autofocus, and rich feature set - all packaged in a compact body that balances portability with comfort.

The Casio EX-H30 carries the spirit of a nimble superzoom with surprisingly close macro focus and modest zoom. However, age and technical constraints hamper its versatility in today’s photographic landscape.

If superzoom compactness with reasonable image quality and versatility is your goal - especially for wildlife, travel, or family snapshots - the Canon SX740 HS is your friend. But if pure portability and simplicity with moderate zoom satisfy your needs, the Casio remains an interesting relic from the early 2010s.

Thanks for joining me on this detailed comparison journey. Remember: the “best” camera is always the one you’ll take out shooting regularly - so weigh these strengths against your favorite shooting styles and budget, and choose accordingly. Happy clicking!