Customer reviews from usa.canon.com
Canon - PowerShot SX40 HS 12.1-Megapixel Digital Camera - Black
Average customer rating
4.7
(125 Reviews)
Rating breakdown 125 reviews
5 Stars
97
4 Stars
19
3 Stars
8
2 Stars
1
1 Star
0
90%of customers recommend this product.
(
111 out of
123)
Customer Reviews for Canon - PowerShot SX40 HS 12.1-Megapixel Digital Camera - Black
Customer Rating
5
I took these photos?!
on May 28, 2012
Posted by: NP Blues
from California
I just used my camera at a blues festival. It is the first time I've really used this camera. It was amazing. I got shots from far away that look as if I was up close. I took photos with a monopod in the dark and just about all the shots came out great. I used auto features and also programmed it. I was leary of the viewfinder being digital instead of optical, but it is FABULOUS. All the info you need is right there and you can see everything very clearly. Some of the photos were so great, I couldn't believe I took them. LOVE THIS CAMERA
Pros: good battery life, Good Low-Light Performance, excellent image quality, easy to use, viewfinder
Cons: camera strap is annoying
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting usa.canon.com
Customer Rating
5
What an adventure !
on May 21, 2012
Posted by: dumroc59
from Lakewood, CA
I think like some others this camera is going to be great once I master all of the functions. The basics give insight of the basics but ready the manual after that is so much to remember. I have always wanted this type of camera so i am determined. And the pictures that i have taken (at night) came out great !
Pros: Good Low-Light Performance, durable, Lightweight/Portable, confusing to operate at first
Cons: Complicated controls/menu
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting usa.canon.com
Customer Rating
3
No Hard Copy Manual
on May 21, 2012
Posted by: MJK
I recently purchased the PowerShot SX40 HS and have used it a few times. The pictures I've taken have been fine and the zoom is terrific. Low lighting pictures are not as good as I expected and the LCD is not as bright as other cameras in this price range. My biggest complaint is there is no Hard Copy Manual. The camera has a great deal of versatility if you can find out how to make the adjustments. This means, referring to the manual. Either have a computer handy to look at the disk or print out the 4" x 6" manual. I contacted support and I can't even purchase a manual. I was told that Canon is being environmentally responsible. I am a long time user of Canon products: Cameras, Camcorders, etc.,but I think their saving a few dollars by excluding the Manual is idiotic and will consider other options in future purchases.
Pros: great zoom
Cons: Complicated controls/menu, no hard copy manual
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Written by a customer while visiting usa.canon.com
Customer Rating
5
Powershot SX40-HS
on May 13, 2012
Posted by: Anonymous
from Oak Ridge, TN
This camera is an excellent solution for folks who do not want to be a "pack horse to glass." Its wide range of focus, from 0 inches in macro to 840 optical zoom, provides a flexibility of use that would require several lenses on a DSLR. Given the camera's small size, the resolution is not as good as that which we find in a DSLR; however, the resolution is significantly better than earlier versions of this line of cameras. (Resolution to ISO 400 is quite acceptable. Noise begins to be noticeable at ISO 800.) It has a variety of special functions and a flexibility of settings that , in my opinion, surpass similar cameras of other brands. If I were to recommend improvements, I recommend continuing improving the image resolution--even if the size/weight of the camera must increase, and I would recommend shortening, or eliminating altogether, the shutter lag when using the built-in flash or an external flash..
I use the camera as an everyday tool, from snapshots to serious photography. (I also have a Canon 7D and 40D and a variety of lenses.) I have used it in landscape photography, shooting family and friends, and for nature photography. Last night, 12 May 2012, I used the camera to shoot moths in the local arboretum until late at night, using only the camera--hand-held--and built-in flash.
This is a great little camera. Menus are intuitive, and it has a good feel and balance in the hand.
I recommend it for your consideration.
Pros: great flexibility., intuitive menus., good balance and feel in your hand., very good resolution.
Cons: shutter lag when using flash.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting usa.canon.com
Customer Rating
3
Can't Give a Good Review
on May 4, 2012
Posted by: Tedskins
from Gatesville, Texas
I'd like to review this product but it does not come with a manual and the "getting Started" guide does just that...gets you started. It does not explain a 10th of the settings and controls/functions on the camera. I am no camera pro, and I can't figure half this stuff out. I think I'll love the camera once I learn how to use it properly.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Written by a customer while visiting usa.canon.com
Customer Rating
4
A fun superzoom
on May 1, 2012
Posted by: JohnG
from Escanaba, MI
I bought this camera to supplement by Canon G12, which I like very much. The G12 has a metal body, more manual control dials, better LCD viewfinder and more sophisticated exposure options (including High Dynamic Range, built-in neutral density filter, and more ISO settings). BUT the SX40 adds incredible zoom power, backed up by excellent image stabilization. Build seems solid and camera is easy to hold. The SX 40 is a bit more comfortable for my larger fingers, bigger but not heavy. Macro work requires figuring out some annoying items, like the tendency for the minimum focus range to go up fast as you increase focal length. However, this camera IS capable of very nice macro shots once you learn a thing or two. Cool moon shots also possible. Autofocus is decent but not fast. The ability to add external filters (like a circular polarizer, with Canon adapter) and larger external flash units is a big plus! I don't care about video, but I'm told this camera is good for that.
Pros: 35 power superzoom, image stabilization, many creative options, accepts filters/flash, contrast control option, frame assist
Cons: small sensor, autofocus can be slow, viewfinders not sharp, no printed manual
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting usa.canon.com
Customer Rating
5
Love this camera
on April 21, 2012
Posted by: Susan
Purchased this camera a few weeks ago and I am loving it. I still have to learn some of the bells and whistles, but you can still take great pictures on AUTO. The zoom is awesome. I am a novice photographer at best, but this camera is exactly what I was looking for beyond my smaller point and shoot...which I still like very much. The only thing I wish Canon provided was some sort of in-person training class. Not a fan of reading manuals.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting usa.canon.com
Customer Rating
5
A great intermediate camera with a ton of features
on April 15, 2012
Posted by: Campjeep
from Canal Winchester, Ohio
This is one of my favorite cameras, It feels good holding it in your hands. It is a worthy upgrade from a SX10 SX30 SX110 And it takes a picture as good as my S100 - G11 coming from a point and shoot world never using raw,I am sure a advanced user could get a better picture from S100 - G11 but I am getting good quality photos without a lot of hassle using auto & P mode with the SX40.
Very good image quality, good auto white balance, user-friendly design make the SX40 difficult to exceed in a single-lens camera unless you go to the canon G1X.. I was also very pleased with its image stabilization.
The SX40 isn't perfect, but no camera is. The most improvement is lower noise even at 200iso and up in my test, with all my cameras except the S100, that said my canon G1X is the best here but it has that huge sensor in it.
The SX40 isn't perfect, but no camera is. The most improvement is lower noise even at 200iso and up in my test, with all my cameras except the S100, that said my canon G1X is the best here but it has that huge sensor in it.
I am using a 8gb extreme pro sandisk card, I know it is a little over kill here. Note if taking alot of movies get a spare card just in case... The canon speedlite 270EX works great with this cameras hot shoe, I would highly recommend getting one when you can afford it...
I mostly take pictures of bear in the Smokey Mountians (CADES COVE) and love chaseing the grand kids around taking their pictures.
Pros: great vacation camera
Cons: no camera is perfect
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting usa.canon.com