Review: Canon Powershot SX40 HS

General Information

Canon SX40 introduced in September, at the same time that the compact PowerShot S100. The SX40 is a new generation of camera to feature Canon's DIGIC fast 5. Canon promises that it increases the HS system and now supports video recording Full HD (1080p).

On-board camera has 35x optical zoom, making it the longest zoom of any compact camera from Canon. 35 mm film point of view, 24 mm wide zoom lens that makes an incredible 840 mm - and all this has optical zoom, not digital.

The goal itself is also equipped with ultrasonic motors and Voice Coil, which allows quickly and this is crucial for video recording, near-silent zoom and focus.

New smart technology has been included in the SX40. Able to identify the location shooting and automatically apply the settings most appropriate image stabilization, the camera is equipped with seven different modes (including panning and macro) that are automatically applied.

SH in the "HS system" is synonymous with high sensitivity, which Canon has worked to improve for some time. The SX40 uses a backlit 12.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, which is actually a reduction in the number of pixels in the SX30. With the new DIGIC image processor 5, Canon says the camera is able to deliver up to 75% less noise than the previous model - something we were very eager to test.

5 DIGIC also allows for the quick shot, the SX40, which boasts an impressive 10.3fps shooting up to 8 files at a time when you use a quick burst. These images are saved at full resolution, which is particularly useful when shooting fast moving subjects.

In terms of design, there is little to distinguish this camera from the previous SX30. And 'modeled on a mini DSLR, while the fake lens release button at the bottom of the lens.

Experienced photographers or those who want to eventually expand their knowledge, will appreciate the full manual control offers the SX40. With fully automatic settings, you will find manual, aperture priority, shutter priority (TV) and program mode. The camera also comes with a selection of scene modes and creative filters.

Build quality and handling

Like many of the Bridge of the species, SX40 uses familiar design in miniature DSLR, perfect for keeping the right and the fake lens release button shown above.

The controls are laid out similar to a DSLR with a dial for exposure to the top of the unit that uses the same style as the range of Canon DSLR. Moreover, Av (aperture priority), Tv (shutter priority) and this manual contains icons to configure the standard automatic, scene modes and movie recording.

Unlike DSLR lens is magnified, however, go around the shutter button. The zoom is fast and smooth, and ultrasonic motors are doing a good job to keep him close to silence as well.

Behind the camera, you can find a good selection of buttons arranged in a substantially easier to achieve. Framing Assist button zoom, zoom zoom in a brief scene in which the lens is fully extended it is a useful addition, and will benefit when trying to compose a distant scene. Changing the point of focus can also be done via the button on the back of the camera, even if it is a bit 'disappointing to note that this only works in manual mode (Av, Tv, P and M). Automatic mode, this button is used instead to change the face recognition on and off.

The menu is again something that will be familiar to Canon users. Ideally, the function button in the center of the wheel can be pressed to quickly access commonly used settings, allowing quick adjustments are made on the fly.

As with the SX30, a dedicated movie button recording to the right of the viewfinder, which is useful for capturing fast moving film without changing the mode.

After spending some time trying to understand how the built-flash pop up, we found that it is a simple matter of turning it over by hand, a flash button on the side instead of working to change the flash settings.

The articulation of the screens have proven to be popular additions to Canon DSLR range, such as the EOS 60D, and is something that can also be saved in the SX40. Although the 2.7inch screen feels a little on the small side, that is built is a great asset, especially when it comes to shooting from unusual angles.

The screen has also performed well in full sun, and is generally an impressive feature of the camera. Unfortunately, we can not be said of the electronic viewfinder. Unlike many other cameras can not detect SX40 when you put your eye to the viewfinder, so boring, you must manually enable and disable.

Compose images through the viewfinder is difficult, because the image is small and does not seem particularly strong on the inside. We would only recommend using that if you find you can not live on the LCD screen.

In a good light SX40 does a good job of locking on the subject to focus on, even if the maximum focal length of the camera. It begins with the battle of the low-light conditions, however, some hunting around the target, and sometimes did not find one. But to be honest, there's something to be expected that a camera of this caliber.

Performance

The main changes SX40, SX30 previous model were to improve image quality, and something that Canon has actually worked in the right decisions.

In addition, a new high, of course, is a five DIGIC, Canon claims that reducing noise levels up to 75% over previous models. We were obviously very difficult to test these claims out, and it is fair to say that we were very impressed.

Noise levels are well controlled, even at the end of the sensitivity settings. The images can be used in the range of ISO 1600, is beginning to decline in quality ISO 3200, but even these are considered acceptable.

DIGIC 5 also allows you to shoot very fast, which can shoot up to 10.3fps 8 rows at a time. While it is impressive that the camera can achieve this goal, we only really useful if you have a reasonable idea of ​​where the item will be the frame, especially in the second half, and reaches the edge of the zoom range. This is because when you shoot in this mode, as soon as you press the shutter, the camera starts taking pictures, cut off from the LCD or electronic viewfinder, so you can lose all the action, if the picture is slightly out.

Another new feature allows the processor DIGIC 5 has a new Multi-Area and white balance. This new feature is the ability to detect a variety of light sources, which compensates for differences between incandescent, flash and more realistic colors in the light of day. We tried, we were impressed by the results of the white balance.

It 'a little' disappointing that all the advanced features SX40 is, you still can not shoot in RAW, but it is not surprising.

There is some evidence of chromatic aberration in high contrast areas, but this is only really shows a very tight control and should not be a big problem, and ordinary users.

The dosage is good for SX40, with the exposure system is effective in most situations, including high contrast scenes. At times the camera tends to err on the side of under-exposure, but exposure compensation is easily accessible with the possibility of using the + / - 2EV in 1 / 3 EV available. A histogram can be displayed on the LCD, which is useful to keep an eye on the lights and shadows.

Colours are reproduced well, out alive, but usually not too punchy. A selection of scene modes are available, along with some art filters. Although we are not too impressed with them that are proposed, the Toy Camera, fisheye and miniature modes be fun.

Image quality and precision

As part of the image quality tests the Canon PowerShot SX40 HS, we turned our table for resolution.

If you view our crops in the central section of the graphic resolution of 100% (or actual pixels), you will see, for example ISO 100 Canon PowerShot SX40 HS is able to solve up to about 22 (line widths per x100 high of the image) in its highest quality JPEG files.

Study of the map image taken at each sensitivity setting reveals scores following resolution in line widths per picture height x100:

ISO 100, score: 22

ISO 200, score: 22

ISO 400, score: 22

ISO 800, score: 20

ISO 1600, score: 20 (see the fuISO 3200, score: 10 (see the full imagNoise and dynaThese graphs were produced using the data generated by the analyzer DXO.

We designed a table under carefully controlled conditions and the resulting images were analyzed using the DXO software.

Noise

A high signal to noise ratio (SNR) indicates image quality cleaner and better.

JPEG images from Canon PowerShot SX40 HS shows good signal to noise throughout the sensitivity range of results that beat the Sony Cyber-shot HX100V, Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ48 and the Canon PowerShot SX30 IS.

For a full explanation of what our medium-resolution pictures and how to read, you can click here to read the entire article.

Dynamic Range

This table indicates that the JPEG files in the Canon PowerShot SX40 SH are an improvement over the Canon SX30 IS and PowerShot just get an edge over the Sony Cyber-shot HX100V a sensitivity of 800 ISO. This shows that the Canon PowerShot SX40 is capible to capture more detail in shadow and light in low light conditions, the HX100V Sony, Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ48 and the Canon PowerShot SX30 IS.

For more information on how to interpret our test data, see our full explanation of our testing of noise and dynamic range.


The colors are directly represented in the well-SX40, without being too busy.


Shot in thumbnail mode, SX40 effectively blurs the top and bottom of the frame to create an effect of tilt-shift lens, and works best when shot from above.


Hi-speed recording is able to take 10.3fps up to 8 images, so you can follow the action.


The macro mode works well to lock the focus on similar topics.


One of the newest filters on SX40 is the pinhole, the creation of this "retro" look to the images.


The fisheye digital filter can be fun to play, with the possibility of changing the minimum distortion level greatly exaggerated, as in this case.


The sky is well represented in this photo, does not blow glow in the corner where the sun is.


You can use Select to choose the color mode to emphasize a specific color within a scene, such as yellow-green chose this type of attack.


Use the camera mode foliage helps to enhance the colors of the leaves.


25 mm wide-angle lens can capture the entire scene, as this tree ...


... But even zoom in close, thanks to the 35x optical zoom camera on board, these sheets are from the same tree in the figure above. Up to 35x zoom, the camera focuses on a very crisp, clear picture.
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Another example of this camera captures incredible. Far away, in the center of the photo, you can almost make St. Paul's Cathedral in London.


In this photo, taken with the 35x zoom, you can clearly see the architecture of the tower of St. Paul, making it an ideal camera for holidays and travel photos.


The sensitivity and noise

Full ISO image, see the coupe (100%) below.

ISO 100


ISO 200


ISO 400


ISO 800


ISO 1600


ISO 3200


Opinion

Bridge cameras are a great way for less experienced photographers to learn more about the system without investing in expensive, and are also a fantastic trip for photographers who will benefit from a wide zoom and full manual control.

It's a shame that even if the technology in bridge cameras with improved picture quality and better than we still do not see features like RAW shooting is often an entry.

That said, the SX40 has a camera, which is pretty anyone can pick up and start shooting immediately with little effort. Holiday visitors are looking for something that is a bit 'of everything, this one is definitely worth a look.

We liked

The zoom range is amazing, really useful for recording a wide range of subjects and settings, while the screen is articulating its own when shooting from above or from below. The addition of the DIGIC 5 has done wonders for the camera, which significantly reduces noise levels and to activate the high-definition video for the first time.

We kept

EVF is a real disappointment, and should be used only rarely. We would like to see him with a camera filming the first option, and the Art Filters could do a modern version.

Final Verdict

For those looking to start a photography is fantastic, no low-cost option that will help you learn more about the manual controls and shooting options. Note that while you can pick up a digital SLR entry-level Canon EOS 1100D as for the same price, giving a better overall image quality, you get incredible zoom range in a small, lightweight body part Do not is a more expensive system.