Canon SX740 HS vs Nikon Coolpix L110: The Definitive Small Sensor Superzoom Showdown

Choosing a compact superzoom camera can be a tricky decision, especially when balancing advanced photo capabilities with portability and ease of use. Today, we're diving deep into two popular small sensor superzoom compacts from different eras: the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS and the Nikon Coolpix L110. Through 15+ years of hands-on camera testing and thousands of hours behind the lens, we’ll break down how these two cameras measure up across all the key photography disciplines and technical domains that matter to you. Whether you’re a casual enthusiast looking for a versatile zoom camera or a more serious user exploring travel or macro photography, this side-by-side comparison will equip you to make an informed choice.

Form Factor, Ergonomics & Handling: Compact Yet Different

Right off the bat, the Canon SX740 HS asserts itself as a sleek, pocket-friendly compact with dimensions of 110 x 64 x 40 mm and a light 299g weight. The noticeably smaller and slimmer profile compared to the Nikon L110 (109 x 74 x 78 mm, 406g) makes Canon’s offering easier to carry daily - a big plus for on-the-go or street photographers prioritizing discreetness.

• Canon SX740 HS:

  • Modern, rounded body design with smooth edges.
  • A 3" tilting LCD with 922K dots enhances flexibility for high and low-angle shooting.
  • Controls offer exposure compensation, shutter/aperture priority, and manual modes - excellent for creative control.
  • Optical image stabilization helps handholding sharp shots.

• Nikon L110:

  • Bulkier body with a more traditional point-and-shoot feel, including a larger grip.
  • Fixed 3" LCD screen with 460K dots, which feels dated and less crisp by today’s standards.
  • Limited manual exposure controls - lacks shutter/aperture priority modes.
  • Uses AA batteries, which is convenient but adds bulk and weighs more.

In terms of handling, the Canon’s modern controls, lighter weight, and ergonomic grip speak to a user-centric design aimed at both beginners and enthusiasts who want to grow into manual shooting. The Nikon’s heftier frame is stable but less portable.

Design and Controls: Intuitive vs. Simplified

Looking at the camera tops, the Canon shows dedicated dials and buttons for quick access to key exposure settings, including a PASM dial - something notably absent on the Nikon.

• Canon SX740 HS:

  • PASM mode dial with direct access.
  • Dedicated exposure compensation button.
  • Pop-up flash.
  • Zoom toggle integrated into shutter button.

• Nikon L110:

  • Basic mode dial with scene selection rather than full manual control.
  • No dedicated exposure compensation.
  • Pop-up flash.
  • Zoom rocker around shutter button.

If you enjoy actively controlling your image through aperture or shutter speed selection, Canon’s layout will feel more natural. The Nikon takes a simpler approach, catering to point-and-shoot users who prefer automatic modes.

Sensor & Image Quality: Technology Years Apart

Both cameras pack a 1/2.3” sensor measuring 6.17x4.55 mm, popular in compact superzooms. However, the Canon SX740 HS sports a significantly higher resolution 21MP backside-illuminated CMOS sensor paired with the efficient DIGIC 8 processor. Meanwhile, the Nikon L110 uses an older 12MP CCD sensor with the Expeed C2 processor.

What does this mean in practice?

Real-World Impact

• Resolution: Canon’s higher megapixels yield more detail, especially useful for landscapes and cropping flexibility.

• Sensitivity and Noise: The BSI CMOS design in the Canon dramatically improves low-light performance, pushing usable ISO up to 3200 with manageable noise. Nikon’s older CCD sensor becomes noisy at much lower ISOs, limiting night and indoor photography.

• Dynamic Range: Canon’s sensor offers better dynamic range, preventing blown highlights and crushed shadows more effectively.

• Color and Skin Tones: The Canon accurately renders natural skin tones and vibrant colors with balanced saturation. Nikon’s CCD produces slightly flatter colors and less nuanced gradation.

For photographers intent on image quality, the SX740 HS’ sensor technology is a significant leap forward.

Viewfinder and Displays: Screen Advantages

Neither camera offers an electronic viewfinder, an understandable omission given their compact categories, but the screens make a difference:

• Canon SX740 HS:

  • 3-inch tilting LCD, 922k-dot resolution.
  • Non-touch but with clear menus and customizable buttons.
  • Tilting allows for creative angles and easier selfie framing (camera supports selfie-friendly modes).

• Nikon L110:

  • 3-inch fixed LCD, 460k-dot resolution.
  • Non-touch with simple, large-menu interface.
  • No tilting or swivel function.

The Canon’s sharper, tilting screen provides more framing flexibility and user comfort - essential if you are into vlogging or shooting from awkward perspectives. The Nikon screen feels dated compared to contemporary standards.

Canon SX740 HS front Canon SX740 HS screen back Nikon L110 front Nikon L110 screen back

Photography Disciplines Explored

Let’s break down how these two cameras perform across various photographic genres.

Portraits

• Canon SX740 HS:

  • Eye detection autofocus with face-priority ensures subjects are sharp.
  • The 40x zoom can isolate subjects with shallow depth of field at wide apertures (F3.3 at wide-angle).
  • Skin tones rendered warmly with pleasing bokeh in the longer zoom range.

• Nikon L110:

  • No face or eye detection autofocus.
  • Lens max aperture F3.5 - 5.4 limits bokeh and subject separation abilities.
  • Colors and tones are flatter; less definition on skin smoothness.

Verdict: Canon’s superior AF and sensor elevate portraits to a more professional level, ideal for users aiming for expressive people photography.

Landscapes

• Canon SX740 HS:

  • Wide 24 mm equivalent field of view covers broad vistas.
  • High resolution and dynamic range capture fine details and tonal gradations.
  • No weather sealing limits harsh environment use.
  • Optical stabilization helps handheld shots.

• Nikon L110:

  • 28 mm wide field slightly less expansive.
  • Lower resolution and narrower dynamic range restrict sharpness and tonal depth.
  • No weather sealing.
  • Sensor-shift stabilization works effectively, but optical in-camera.

Verdict: Canon leads with better image quality and angle of view, great for enthusiasts capturing nature and cityscapes, but both lack environmental protection for rugged outdoors.

Wildlife

• Canon SX740 HS:

  • Impressive 40x optical zoom (24-960mm equivalent) lets you get close from afar.
  • 10 fps continuous shooting with AF tracking aids capturing fast action.
  • Contrast-detection AF with face tracking but no animal eye detection.

• Nikon L110:

  • 15x zoom (28-420mm equivalent) offers less reach.
  • 13 fps burst but no AF tracking during continuous shooting.
  • Autofocus limited to single point, no tracking.

Verdict: Canon’s extended reach and AF tracking make it a much better companion for wildlife photographers, particularly for casual bird or animal shooting.

Sports

• Canon SX740 HS:

  • 10fps burst with continuous autofocus supports shooting motion sequences.
  • Contrast-detection AF is slower than advanced phase-detection systems but reasonable for casual sports.
  • Max shutter speed 1/3200 sec useful for freezing fast motion.

• Nikon L110:

  • 13fps burst but limited AF; single AF only.
  • Max shutter speed 1/2000 sec.
  • Slow autofocus undermines action capture.

Verdict: Canon again offers marginally better sports potential but neither camera competes with advanced dedicated sports cameras. Good enough for school events or casual play.

Street Photography

• Canon SX740 HS:

  • Compact size and quiet operation suitable for candid shots.
  • Tilting screen for discreet low or high angle framing.
  • Fast startup and snappy AF.

• Nikon L110:

  • Bulkier camera less discreet.
  • Fixed screen limits framing creativity.
  • Slower AF makes catching candid moments harder.

Verdict: Canon is the clear choice for street photography in terms of stealth and responsiveness.

Macro Photography

• Both cameras offer a macro focusing distance of 1 cm, enabling close-up shots of small subjects.

• Canon SX740 HS:

  • Optical stabilization aids handholding macro.
  • 40x zoom can sometimes be used creatively for close framing.

• Nikon L110:

  • Sensor-shift stabilization helps, but lower resolution limits detail capture.

Verdict: Canon provides sharper results and better image quality in macro shoots.

Night and Astro Photography

• Canon SX740 HS:

  • Higher max ISO (3200) with cleaner output lets you shoot stars and night scenes handheld or on tripod.
  • Long shutter speed up to 15 sec suitable for light trails.

• Nikon L110:

  • Max native ISO 1600 with more noise.
  • Max shutter speed 8 sec less flexible for deep sky.

Verdict: Canon is better suited for night and astro photography, but small sensor limitations remain.

Video Capabilities

Canon supports 4K video recording at a smooth 30 fps - a huge bonus for vloggers and videographers seeking sharp, high-resolution footage. Nikon only offers 720p HD, which feels outdated and limits professional use.

While neither camera offers external audio mic inputs, Canon’s video stabilization and 4K support give it a clear edge for mixed photo-video workflows.

Build Quality, Weather Resistance & Durability

Neither the Canon SX740 HS nor the Nikon L110 boasts environmental sealing, dustproofing, or waterproofing. Both are conventional compact cameras intended primarily for everyday scenarios rather than extreme weather or adventure use.

Regarding build, Canon’s newer model uses lightweight plastics but offers a solid feel relative to its compact size. Nikon L110’s larger, heavier body feels robust but somewhat outdated in ergonomics and materials.

Autofocus System: Modern vs. Legacy

The Canon’s autofocus benefits from face detection and AF tracking, enabling better focus reliability in portraits, wildlife, and moving subjects. Nikon’s system is more basic, requiring careful targeting and often leading to focus hunting.

Lens and Zoom: Reach and Versatility

• Canon SX740 HS

  • 24-960 mm equivalent zoom (40x optical).
  • Aperture range F3.3-6.9.
  • Large zoom range suitable for a broad variety of subjects - from wide-angle landscapes to distant wildlife.

• Nikon L110

  • 28-420 mm equivalent zoom (15x optical).
  • Aperture range F3.5-5.4.
  • More limited reach, better for everyday snapshots without extreme telephoto.

Canon’s major advantage is its telephoto reach, highly desirable for travel and wildlife photography, balanced against a variable maximum aperture.

Battery Life and Storage

• Canon SX740 HS:

  • Rechargeable battery pack offers approximately 265 shots per charge.
  • Uses SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I) cards.
  • USB 2.0 charging (not USB-C).

• Nikon L110:

  • Runs on 4x AA batteries, a big plus for easy replacement in remote locations but bulkier.
  • Supports SD/SDHC, plus has internal memory.
  • Lacks USB charging - requires separate charger.

Canon’s rechargeable lithium-ion gives better performance for extended outings but less convenience if no power is nearby. Nikon’s AA system offers flexibility at the cost of added weight.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Connectivity is another area separating these two.

• Canon SX740 HS:

  • Built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC for easy image transfer and remote control.
  • HDMI output.
  • USB 2.0 data transfer.

• Nikon L110:

  • No wireless connections.
  • HDMI output.
  • USB 2.0 connection.

Wireless features make Canon far better for users who want instant sharing or remote shooting via apps.

Who Should Choose Which? Targeted Recommendations

• Canon PowerShot SX740 HS:

  • You want a truly travel-friendly camera with a long zoom range.
  • You value modern sensor technology with better image quality and higher resolution.
  • You want manual exposure controls and advanced autofocus for portraits, wildlife, and sports.
  • You shoot video and want 4K support with stabilized footage.
  • You need Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
  • Ideal for active travelers, vloggers, street shooters, and hobbyists seeking a feature-rich compact.

• Nikon Coolpix L110:

  • You prioritize straightforward operation with no steep learning curve.
  • You prefer easy-to-find battery replacements (AA) for remote shooting.
  • You want a budget-friendly superzoom without manual controls.
  • You mainly shoot static subjects in good light, casual snapshots.
  • You don’t require video beyond basic HD or wireless connectivity.
  • Suitable for absolute beginners or users who only want a simple point-and-shoot.

Price-to-Performance: Value Breakdown

• Canon SX740 HS currently retails around $400.
• Nikon L110, an older model, can be found used or refurbished near $280, but new units might be scarce.

For roughly $120 more, Canon provides a significantly more versatile tool: superior photo quality, video in 4K, sophisticated autofocus, and wireless features. Nikon’s L110 presents an affordable entry point but at the cost of dated technology and fewer creative possibilities.

Summary: Our Final Thoughts on the Canon SX740 HS vs Nikon L110

Both cameras fill entry-level to enthusiast niches in small sensor superzooms but belong to different technological generations. The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS is clearly the more advanced, versatile, and future-proof choice, especially if you plan to explore various photography genres, embrace video, or travel light.

The Nikon Coolpix L110 holds up as a budget-friendly superzoom aimed at casual photographers who want “point, shoot, and share” simplicity without complexity - but its outdated sensor, limited controls, and lack of wireless features hold it back from serious creative use.

For photographers ready to get serious about image quality, control, and flexibility in a compact body, we highly recommend the Canon SX740 HS. Its blend of features encourages growth while delivering solid performance across portraits, landscapes, wildlife, and video.

Explore more, try these cameras hands-on, and find the right accessories to unlock your photography journey!

Canon SX740 HS front Canon SX740 HS screen back Nikon L110 front Nikon L110 screen back