Customer reviews from usa.canon.com
Canon - PowerShot SX40 HS Black 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 Black 12.1-Megapixel Digital Camera - Black
Customer Rating
3
not for macro
on June 10, 2012
Posted by: nature enthusiast
Bought camera with a very specific purpose--that of getting good wildlife shots, especially of smaller insects. I agree with Muncie Birder and Fl guy that this camera is very difficult to get to focus on smaller things. Also the images have a very grainy appearance and are not crisp and clear, making cropping almost impossible. This is worse with low light and when using zoom. I expected much better, especially given the price and advertised 12.1 MP.
Pros: good battery life, durable, Lightweight/Portable
Cons: Poor image quality, Poor Low-Light Performance, Complicated controls/menu
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Written by a customer while visiting usa.canon.com
Customer Rating
4
on December 6, 2012
Posted by: Anonymous
I've had several Canon cameras and have never been disappointed and look forward to some great photos and movies with my NEW Power Shot SX 40..BUT I am diappointed that it does not have a user manual except for the on line version making it cumbersome to easily find help topics on specific camera "how to" questions I may have..
Pros: good battery life, Good Low-Light Performance, Nice features/settings, excellent image quality, durable, Bright LCD, easy to use
Cons: Heavy/Bulky, Complicated controls/menu
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting usa.canon.com
Customer Rating
4
Excellent Camera
on June 23, 2014
Posted by: Crimson782
I have been using this camera for 2 years now. I find that it is very easy to use. There are a lot of amazing settings on this camera, and they are easy to figure out. This camera does not come with a paper instruction manual, but it does come with one to load onto your PC. I did just that and read it, and had no trouble figuring out all of the settings. I truly wish I could download a photo with this review. I have done numerous photo shoots for my family, and now have other's asking me if I do it professionally. My latest subject was my 6 month old baby. I took over 300 photos, and only 3 were blury...not bad considering my subject doesn't stop moving! Colors are vibrant, images are clear. The auto focus does not take that long unless your subject continues to move (then set to sports mode or HQ setting). Hold down the button half way, and it quickly adjusts. I absolutely love this camera!
Pros: Superior build quality, Super-sharp images, vibrant colors, great picture settings
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting usa.canon.com
Customer Rating
5
Great Camera!
on February 21, 2012
Posted by: Moose
from Ohio
I love my new camera - the zoom is amazing! Still getting used to using such a long zoom, but I'm getting it. And the pictures are great. The buttons are all easy to use and pretty much self explanatory. The battery life is MUCH better than I expected, and charging is quick too. My only "dislike" is that I keep pressing the top 2 buttons on the back with my thumb. The grip is not as deep as my last camera, and I don't know if I really need to use my thumb more to hold the camera - and in doing so I hit the buttons accidentally. Other than that, I am VERY happy with this camera.
Pros: great zoom., great battery life., quick charge., lots of creative options
Cons: needs deeper grip.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting usa.canon.com
Customer Rating
5
Novice Photophile
on August 24, 2012
Posted by: Anonymous
from Texas
This camera is wonderful. I am not intimidated by it at all and it is so easy to use. It is quite easy to be overwhelmed by photographic equipment, but not with this camera. My first experience with it has been successful and I have created some lovely pics. It was a great purchase. Thanks, Canon!
Pros: excellent image quality, easy to use
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
SX40 HS very nice Digital Camera
on January 2, 2012
Posted by: headybass289
from Creve Coeur, ILL
I love this camera it is working great so far. Takes really good pictures that are really clear!!! i love it!
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting usa.canon.com
Customer Rating
3
A step down...
on October 24, 2012
Posted by: Nells
from New England
I have been using Canon's "super zooms" for a long time now. I was not happy about the switch to a battery pack, but so far, the supplied battery has been great. Holds a charge for a very long time (NOTE I use the viewfinder most of the time). But NO PRINTED MANUAL! (sigh...)
I have always found these cameras to have easy to use controls. I also LOVE the LCD screen... you can keep it stowed away, or position it many ways when you do need it.
There is one major problem with the SX40 - blurred photos. I do nothing different with this camera than with my older ones, and I have had many ruined photos because for some reason the camera can't focus fast enough. I tend to wonder if as the zooms get longer, the lenses get slower. I take a lot of train photos, and some of my best shots have been ruined, and I have, at times, wanted to throw the stupid thing right at the train and watch it get crushed...
As much as I like Canon cameras, this one has been a major dissapointment. The photos that DO come out in focus are indeed good. But there is still a low-light issue. These cameras seem to dislike low light, and unless you have some advanced skills to overcome it, you get less that great photos.
Also, the viewfinder is WAY too small. It is very hard to see through. Another bad change.
So, I hate to say it, but for the first time, I have to give a rather negative review of a Canon camera.
Pros: good battery life, durable, Simple controls/menu, easy to use, super zoom!!
Cons: Poor Low-Light Performance, viewfinder is too small, too many blurred photos for no appearant reason
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Written by a customer while visiting usa.canon.com