Canon SX740 HS vs Sony HX10V: A Superzoom Showdown Through the Years

When it comes to small sensor superzoom cameras, size, zoom reach, and usability often trump pure image quality - a tradeoff many enthusiasts accept for that grab-and-go versatility. Today, we're diving deep into a hands-on comparison of two very different eras and designs in this category: the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS, a spry 2018 release with a whopping 40x zoom and 4K video chops, versus the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX10V, a bit older (2012), but beloved for its compactness and solid performance.

Having toyed, tested, and scrutinized literally hundreds of superzooms over the years, I can say these two exemplify distinct philosophies: the newer Canon aims for extreme reach and more video flexibility, while the older Sony strikes a balance between portability and speed. But how do they really match up across a variety of photographic disciplines? Let’s find out – and by the way, I’ve peppered this article with images, charts, and hands-on insights across genres and specs, so buckle up.

First Impressions: Size, Handling & Ergonomics

When choosing a superzoom, physical comfort matters more than you might think since you’ll likely be squeezing that long-range lens and holding it extended for bursts of time.

Right off the bat, notice the Canon SX740 HS's slightly bulkier frame - measuring 110 x 64 x 40 mm and weighing 299 grams - versus the slightly leaner Sony HX10V at 105 x 60 x 34 mm and 234 grams. It’s not a massive difference, but I felt the Sony’s lower profile translated into better pocketability and discreetness - particularly handy for street photography or tossing it in a small bag.

Handling-wise, the Canon’s grip feels more contoured and secure. That’s partly because of its thicker hand grip and more modern body contouring, allowing for a firm clasp especially when zoomed in. The Sony’s rounded edges and classic compact styling sometimes made it feel just a bit slippery during extended use – not a dealbreaker but worth noting if you have larger hands or tend to shoot outdoors in less controlled settings.

Control layout also reflects the cameras' age and intent.

The Canon impresses here with a clean, approachable top plate featuring a dedicated mode dial, zoom rocker integrated into the shutter button, and manual exposure controls readily accessible - a boon for more advanced users craving quick tweaks on the fly. The Sony HX10V sticks to a simpler, more dated interface with fewer dedicated controls and a less intuitive mode dial - reflecting the older design mindset focusing on point-and-shoot convenience even with manual options, but less immediately flexible.

So for me, if you prize ergonomics and control ease - especially for manual shooting - the Canon grabs the edge. But the Sony's slimmer physique makes it an appealing companion when discretion and minimal footprint rule.

Sensor Tech and Image Quality: Peering Through the Glass

Both cameras share the same sensor size - the ubiquitous 1/2.3” BSI-CMOS sensor common to superzooms - measuring roughly 6.17x4.55 mm, giving a sensor area of 28.07 mm². This format inherently limits image quality potential compared to larger sensors, but manufacturers squeeze what they can.

Canon levers a 20.3-megapixel resolution on the SX740 HS, nudging past the Sony’s modest 18-megapixel count on the HX10V. Does that lead to visibly sharper output in real life? At base ISO, yes - but only marginally. The Canon’s DIGIC 8 processor executes efficient noise reduction and color science, delivering cleaner files especially above ISO 800. The Sony’s BIONZ engine does a decent job, but noise creeps in earlier beyond ISO 400, and dynamic range feels a tad more limited.

I often shoot test charts and real-world scenarios at varying ISOs for these evaluations, and my takeaway: both cameras strictly excel in good lighting (say daylight or bright indoor scenes), but the Canon handles dimmer lighting more gracefully. Still, the smaller sensor size limits overall dynamic range and low-light performance in both – don’t expect full-frame quality here.

Both cameras have typical small-sensor image windowing artifacts, but Canon’s lens and processor combo produce somewhat crisper edges across the zoom range due to newer lens coatings and updated algorithms.

Bottom line: expect respectable daylight and moderate-light images from both, but the Canon SX740 HS edges ahead on noise management and image clarity. Sony’s HX10V feels a generation behind in sensor optimization, understandable given its 2012 vintage.

The Zoom Factor: How Far Can You Go?

Superzoom is in the name here for a reason, so focal length reigns supreme.

Canon SX740 HS boasts a monstrous 24-960 mm equivalent range - that’s a 40x optical zoom! At the other end, Sony HX10V offers a respectable 24-400 mm equivalent (roughly 16.7x zoom). Both have their pros and cons.

The Canon’s extended reach is fantastic for wildlife photographers on a budget or casual birders aiming to snag distant subjects without lugging telephoto lenses. Keep in mind that beyond approximately 600 mm, even with stabilization, tripod support or a monopod becomes a friend because camera shake and softening creep up noticeably.

Sony’s shorter telephoto limit hampers long-distance shooting but often results in sharper images throughout its range, with less optical distortion or chromatic aberration at the longer 400 mm end.

If I were prioritizing wildlife or distant landscapes and could tolerate a bit more bulk and occasional image softness at the limits, Canon's zoom wins. For day-to-day travel or street shooters who rarely need super-long reach, Sony's zoom is just fine – and often sharper at its max focal length.

Autofocus Systems and Speed: Tracking Your Subject

In fast-moving scenarios like sports, wildlife, or street photography, autofocus speed and accuracy can make or break a shot.

The Canon SX740 HS uses contrast-detection autofocus with face detection and continuous AF tracking, and offers up to 10 frames per second continuous shooting. The Sony HX10V, also contrast-detection, supports single AF and continuous AF tracking but only 10 fps shooting without continuous AF.

Despite similar technical specs on paper, I noticed Canon’s system felt more responsive and reliable in tracking faces and moving subjects - likely thanks to the newer DIGIC 8 processor optimizing AF algorithms and motion prediction. The SX740 HS’s face detection responded better in dimmer light and managed subject reacquisition fairly well after temporary occlusions.

The Sony’s autofocus felt noticeably slower and sometimes “hunted” in low-contrast scenes, struggling to maintain focus in fast action. Also, its continuous AF mode felt less robust compared to the Canon.

For wildlife or sports shooters working with unpredictable subjects, I’d trust the Canon to stay locked in more often.

Displays and Viewfinders: Framing Your Shot

Neither model sports an electronic viewfinder, which is standard fare in this class, but the rear LCD is critical.

Both cameras have a 3-inch screen with 922k-dot resolution, yet the Canon SX740 HS features a tilting screen - a boon for shooting low or high angles and selfies (the camera is “selfie friendly”). The Sony HX10V sticks with a fixed XtraFine TruBlack TFT LCD, which has gorgeous color and daylight visibility but lacks articulation.

In daylight, both screens performed adequately, but the Canon’s tilting mechanism provides more compositional flexibility - something I missed when switching back to the Sony. Neither offers touchscreen operation, so menu navigation is via buttons - fairly standard.

If vlogging or creative angles are in your workflow, Canon’s display is the clear winner here.

Image Stabilization: Keeping Shots Sharp

Both cameras incorporate optical image stabilization (OIS), necessary to counteract camera shake especially at long zooms.

While exact stabilization tech details are sparse, I found the Canon SX740 HS’s system more effective at smoothing visible shake in handheld shots beyond 400 mm focal lengths. Shots at 960 mm were surprisingly usable with steady hands or light bracing - impressive for small sensor superzooms.

Sony's HX10V optical stabilization works well at moderate zoom but struggles to fully compensate at 400 mm telephoto, showing slight blur creep under handheld conditions.

For travel or wildlife shooters relying on these cameras sans tripod, Canon's OIS offers tangible advantage.

Battery Life and Storage: How Long Can You Shoot?

A critical factor for any traveler or enthusiast.

Sony’s HX10V slightly edges the Canon with approximately 320 shots per battery charge versus the Canon’s 265 shots - not an enormous difference, but you’ll notice on longer outings. Both cameras use proprietary battery packs, but the Canon’s pack is newer and more energy efficient despite the shorter life.

Storage-wise, Canon supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards (UHS-I compatible), while Sony accepts SD/SDHC/SDXC plus Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo formats. Canon having broader UHS-I support is a plus for faster write times and flexibility.

Video Capabilities: 4K Dreams vs. Full HD Realities

This is where the generation gap becomes crystal clear.

Canon SX740 HS shoots 4K UHD (3840x2160) at 30 fps using MPEG-4/H.264 codec with AAC audio. The ability to record crisp 4K handheld, coupled with 3-axis digital IS enhancement in video mode (though not true gimbal-level stabilization), makes it a surprisingly competent travel vlogger tool. It lacks mic/headphone jacks, which is a bummer, but for casual video work, this camera punches above its weight.

Sony HX10V maxes out at 1080p at 60 fps - solid for 2012 standards but obsolete now. It offers AVCHD and MPEG-4 formats, but no 4K. Again, no mic input limits professional use.

If video is important, the Canon clearly wins the day with higher resolution and modern codecs.

Lens and Macro Performance: Close-Ups and Beyond

Sony HX10V claims a macro minimum focusing distance of 5 cm, while Canon boasts 1 cm - a noticeable difference for close-up enthusiasts.

I tested both on a variety of macro subjects: the Canon can get you extraordinarily close for a small sensor camera, delivering good magnification and crisp detail thanks partly to better stabilization and the tilting screen aiding composition. The Sony’s 5 cm close focus still works for flower or detail shots, but less dramatically.

Additionally, the Canon's longer zoom and wider aperture range at shorter focal lengths (max f/3.3-6.9 vs Sony’s f/3.3-5.9) facilitates creative depth-of-field control albeit still limited by sensor size.

Weather Resistance and Durability: Should You Take Them Out in the Wild?

Neither camera offers environmental sealing or ruggedized build. Neither are waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, crushproof, or freezeproof.

Both assume careful handling or protective cases for outdoor adventures. For professional outdoor work or rugged wildlife shooting, I’d recommend moving into more robust cameras.

Connectivity and Extras: Modern Conveniences vs. Vintage Limitations

Canon SX740 HS features built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC, enabling seamless image transfer to phones and social sharing in 2018 style. USB 2.0 and HDMI ports complement these, plus geo-tagging by connection to phones (no built-in GPS though).

Sony HX10V includes built-in GPS - handy for travel journaling - and Eye-Fi Connected wireless transfer (a now-defunct standard that depended on separate SD cards). No Bluetooth or NFC. USB 2.0 and HDMI present as well.

For connectivity convenience, Canon clearly modernized the experience.

Price and Value: The Bottom Line

The Canon SX740 HS launched around $400 (street price often lower now), while the Sony HX10V commands about $615 - surprising considering it's older and less capable in many areas.

Sony’s higher price reflects perhaps its initial premium positioning and enduring popularity among collectors, but value-conscious buyers would lean toward the Canon for newer tech, 4K video, and longer zoom at a more accessible price.

Real-World Genre Performance: Which Camera Excels Where?

Canon SX740 HS front Canon SX740 HS screen back Sony HX10V front Sony HX10V screen back

Having dissected specifications and usage, here is a practical genre-by-genre quick-hit summary based on field tests and image samples compared:

• Portraits: Canon’s face detection and sharper sensor edges produce more natural skin tones and pleasing bokeh (limited by sensor size, of course). Sony's softer focus and slower AF reduce appeal here.

• Landscapes: Both do fine in daylight; Canon edges out for resolution and dynamic range (image post-processing helps here). Neither has weather sealing.

• Wildlife: Canon’s 40x zoom and faster AF tracking dominate; Sony’s 16.7x zoom leaves some distance limits.

• Sports: Canon wins with 10 fps continuous AF and burst shooting; Sony slower and less accurate.

• Street: Sony’s smaller size gives stealth advantage; Canon bulkier but more manual controls help artistic shots.

• Macro: Canon’s 1 cm minimum focus beats Sony’s 5 cm for tight close-ups.

• Night/Astro: Both struggle beyond ISO 800; Canon has slight noise advantage.

• Video: Canon’s 4K versus Sony’s 1080p; huge win for Canon.

• Travel: Canon’s feature set and zoom favored; Sony’s size and GPS appeal to some.

• Professional: Neither fully professional; Canon's manual controls and connectivity better for workflows.

So, Which To Buy? Recommendations Based on Use Case and Budget

For the photography enthusiast who wants modern features, extreme zoom, hybrid video abilities, and isn’t too fussed about pocket size:
Go for the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS. Its balance of zoom range, sensor tweaks, tilting screen, and 4K video make it an all-around capable compact superzoom to carry every day or on trips. It delivers better autofocus and low-light handling – very helpful for dynamic shooting situations.

For the budget-conscious traveler or street shooter prioritizing compactness and GPS logging (and who favors a simpler interface and maybe a slightly smaller footprint):
Consider the Sony HX10V if you find it at a good price. It’s reliable, with a design that still holds up, despite limited zoom reach and dated video capabilities.

If wildlife or sports photography is your primary interest:
Canon’s SX740 HS is clearly more suitable thanks to better autofocus tracking, longer zoom, and faster continuous shooting.

If close-up/macro photography intrigues you, and you want versatility in framing:
Canon is superior thanks to closer macro focusing and a tilting screen.

Final Thoughts

Navigating superzoom cameras means accepting compromises, especially with tiny sensors. The Canon SX740 HS emerges as the more refined, contemporary choice - with features, autofocus performance, and sensor quality that reflect almost a decade of evolution over the older Sony HX10V. However, the Sony retains appeal for its smaller size, GPS, and charm as a solid compact zoom.

Having lived with both cameras extensively, I’d advise you focus on your shooting priorities: is maximum zoom range and video your thing, or do you prefer something lighter with GPS tagging? Budget may also tip the scales since the Sony’s price can sometimes seem unjustified relative to features.

No matter which you lean toward, both offer approachable entry points to the exciting variety superzoom photography offers - bridging casual and enthusiast users alike. Happy shooting!

Note: Specifications and prices are subject to change; always check latest details before purchasing.