Canon SX40 Comparison Review
The Canon PowerShot SX40 HS is a fixed lens compact camera that was revealed to the public in September 2011 and is equipped with a 1/2.3-inch sensor. It offers a resolution of 12 megapixel.
Is the Canon SX40 a good camera? The SX40 has a Camera Elo of 1414. This rating puts the SX40 below average of all superzoom compact cameras. In terms of its sensor size category (small sensor cameras), the SX40 also ranks below average. – Well, the Canon SX40 is more than 9 years old, and there have been many other good digital cameras released since 2011.
| Canon SX40 |
|---|
| Fixed lens compact camera |
| 24-840mm f/2.7-5.8 |
| 12 MP, 1/2.3" Sensor |
| 1080/24p Video |
| ISO 100 - 3 200 |
| Electronic viewfinder (202k dots) |
| 2.7 LCD, 230k dots |
| Swivel screen (not touch-sensitive) |
| 10.3 shutter flaps per second |
| 380 shots per battery charge |
| 123 x 92 x 108 mm, 600 g |
Read on to find out more about the camera's size, sensor, features, reception by expert reviewers, and how it compares to other digital cameras.
Body comparison with a credit card
An illustration of the physical dimensions of the Canon SX40 vis-à-vis a credit card is provided in the side-by-side display below. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.
The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the Canon SX40 alongside a set of comparators. If you want to review a camera pair side-by-side, just select a right-side comparator from among the camera models in the table. Alternatively, you can also move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible comparisons there.
| Camera Model |
Camera Width |
Camera Height |
Camera Depth |
Camera Weight |
Battery Life 1 |
Weather Sealing |
Camera Launch 2 |
Launch Price (USD) |
Street Price |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon SX40 | 4.8 in | 3.6 in | 4.3 in | 21.2 oz | 380 | n | Sep 2011 | 429 |  | |
| Canon SX60 | 5.0 in | 3.7 in | 4.5 in | 22.9 oz | 340 | n | Sep 2014 | 549 | | |
| Canon G1 X | 4.6 in | 3.2 in | 2.6 in | 18.8 oz | 250 | n | Jan 2012 | 799 | | |
| Canon SX50 | 4.8 in | 3.4 in | 4.2 in | 21.0 oz | 315 | n | Sep 2012 | 429 | | |
| Canon T3 | 5.1 in | 3.9 in | 3.1 in | 17.5 oz | 700 | n | Feb 2011 | 449 | | |
| Canon SX30 | 4.8 in | 3.6 in | 4.3 in | 21.2 oz | 370 | n | Sep 2010 | 429 | | |
| Canon SX20 | 4.8 in | 3.5 in | 3.4 in | 21.2 oz | .. | n | Aug 2009 | 399 | | |
| Canon SX10 | 4.8 in | 3.5 in | 3.4 in | 21.2 oz | .. | n | Sep 2008 | 399 | | |
| Panasonic FZ200 | 4.9 in | 3.4 in | 4.3 in | 20.7 oz | 540 | n | Jul 2012 | 599 | | |
| Panasonic FZ150 | 4.9 in | 3.2 in | 3.6 in | 18.6 oz | 410 | n | Aug 2011 | 499 | | |
| Panasonic FZ100 | 4.9 in | 3.2 in | 3.6 in | 19.0 oz | 410 | n | Jul 2010 | 499 | | |
|
Notes: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders. (1) Number of images that can be taken on a full battery charge according to the CIPA-standard; (2) Official announcement. |
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The listed prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The Canon SX40 was launched in the US market at a price of $429. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.
Check Ebay offers
Sensor comparison with a 35mm slide
The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tent to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.
The Canon SX40 features a 1/2.3-inch sensor and has a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 5.6. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the Canon SX40 among the smaller-sensor digicams that favor affordability and compact design.
For most cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.
| Camera Model |
Sensor Class |
Resolution (MP) |
Horiz. Pixels |
Vert. Pixels |
Video Format |
DXO Portrait |
DXO Landscape |
DXO Sports |
DXO Overall |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon SX40 | 1/2.3 | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 1080/24p | .. | .. | .. | .. | |
| Canon SX60 | 1/2.3 | 14.2 | 4608 | 3072 | 1080/60p | 19.2 | 10.8 | 127 | 39 | |
| Canon G1 X | 1.5-inch | 14.2 | 4352 | 3264 | 1080/24p | 21.7 | 10.8 | 644 | 60 | |
| Canon SX50 | 1/2.3 | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 1080/24p | 20.3 | 11.2 | 179 | 47 | |
| Canon T3 | APS-C | 12.2 | 4272 | 2848 | 720/30p | 21.9 | 11.0 | 755 | 62 | |
| Canon SX30 | 1/2.3 | 14.0 | 4320 | 3240 | 720/30p | .. | .. | .. | .. | |
| Canon SX20 | 1/2.3 | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 720/30p | .. | .. | .. | .. | |
| Canon SX10 | 1/2.3 | 10.0 | 3648 | 2736 | 480/30p | .. | .. | .. | .. | |
| Panasonic FZ200 | 1/2.3 | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 1080/60p | 19.1 | 10.8 | 114 | 37 | |
| Panasonic FZ150 | 1/2.3 | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 1080/60p | 19.4 | 10.9 | 132 | 40 | |
| Panasonic FZ100 | 1/2.3 | 14.0 | 4320 | 3240 | 1080/60i | .. | .. | .. | .. |
Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. The SX40 indeed provides movie recording capabilities. The highest resolution format that the SX40 can use is 1080/24p.
Feature comparison
Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The tables below summarize some of the other core capabilities of the Canon SX40 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.
| Camera Model |
Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots) |
Control Panel (yes/no) |
LCD Size (inch) |
LCD Resolution (000 dots) |
LCD Attach- ment |
Touch Screen (yes/no) |
Mech Shutter Speed |
Shutter Flaps (1/sec) | Built-in Flash (yes/no) |
Built-in Image Stab |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon SX40 | 202 | n | 2.7 | 230 | swivel | n | 1/3200s | 10.3 | Y | Y | |
| Canon SX60 | 922 | n | 3.0 | 922 | swivel | n | 1/2000s | 6.4 | Y | Y | |
| Canon G1 X | optical | n | 3.0 | 922 | Swivel | n | 1/4000s | 1.9 | Y | Y | |
| Canon SX50 | 202 | n | 3.0 | 461 | swivel | n | 1/2000s | 2.2 | Y | Y | |
| Canon T3 | optical | n | 2.7 | 230 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 3.0 | Y | n | |
| Canon SX30 | 202 | n | 2.7 | 230 | swivel | n | 1/3200s | 0.6 | Y | Y | |
| Canon SX20 | 202 | n | 2.5 | 230 | swivel | n | 1/3200s | 0.7 | Y | Y | |
| Canon SX10 | 202 | n | 2.5 | 230 | swivel | n | 1/3200s | 0.7 | Y | Y | |
| Panasonic FZ200 | 1312 | n | 3.0 | 460 | swivel | n | 1/4000s | 12.0 | Y | Y | |
| Panasonic FZ150 | 202 | n | 3.0 | 460 | swivel | n | 1/2000s | 12.0 | Y | Y | |
| Panasonic FZ100 | 202 | n | 3.0 | 460 | swivel | n | 1/2000s | 11.0 | Y | Y |
One convenient feature of the SX40 is the presence of an on-board flash. While this built-in flash is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light to brighten deep shadow areas.
Connection comparison
For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Canon PowerShot SX40 HS and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.
| Camera Model |
Hotshoe Port |
Internal Microphone |
Internal Speaker |
Microphone Port |
Headphone Port |
HDMI Port |
USB Port |
WiFi Support | NFC Support |
Bluetooth Support |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon SX40 | Y | stereo | mono | - | - | YES | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
| Canon SX60 | Y | stereo | mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
| Canon G1 X | Y | stereo | mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
| Canon SX50 | Y | stereo | mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
| Canon T3 | Y | stereo | mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
| Canon SX30 | Y | stereo | mono | - | - | YES | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
| Canon SX20 | Y | stereo | mono | - | - | YES | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
| Canon SX10 | Y | stereo | mono | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
| Panasonic FZ200 | Y | stereo | mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
| Panasonic FZ150 | Y | stereo | - | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
| Panasonic FZ100 | Y | stereo | mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - |
The SX40 has a zoom lens built in (4.3-151mm f/2.7-5.8), which, in full frame equivalent terms, provides a focal length range from 24 to 840mm. The camera is, hence, ready to shoot, while remaining more compact in size than an interchangeable lens camera with an optic that offers similar focal length and aperture specifications.
Expert reviews
While the specs-based evaluation of cameras is instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it says nothing about, for example, the handling, responsiveness, and overall imaging quality of the SX40 in practical situations. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased. This is where reviews by experts come in. The adjacent table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (cameralabs, dpreview, ephotozine, imaging-resource, photographyblog).
| Camera Model |
camera labs |
dp review |
ephoto zine |
imaging resource |
photography blog |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price (USD) |
Street Price |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon SX40 | + | .. | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | Sep 2011 | 429 | |
|
| Canon SX60 | + + | 75/100 | 4/5 | .. | 4.5/5 | Sep 2014 | 549 | |
|
| Canon G1 X | + | 76/100 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Jan 2012 | 799 | |
|
| Canon SX50 | + + | 72/100 | 4.5/5 | .. | 4.5/5 | Sep 2012 | 429 | |
|
| Canon T3 | 80/100 | 69/100 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Feb 2011 | 449 | |
|
| Canon SX30 | + + | .. | 3.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | Sep 2010 | 429 | |
|
| Canon SX20 | + + | 73/100 | .. | 4/5 | 4/5 | Aug 2009 | 399 | |
|
| Canon SX10 | + + | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | Sep 2008 | 399 | |
|
| Panasonic FZ200 | + + | 80/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jul 2012 | 599 | |
|
| Panasonic FZ150 | + + | 76/100 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | Aug 2011 | 499 | |
|
| Panasonic FZ100 | + | .. | 4.5/5 | .. | 4.5/5 | Jul 2010 | 499 | |
|
| Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available. | |||||||||
The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.
Canon SX40 FAQ
Below are some additional questions and answers concerning some particular features of the SX40.
What technology is the imaging sensor in the SX40 based on?
The camera features a BSI-CMOS (Backside Illuminated Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensor.
What is the ISO sensitivity range of the SX40?
The camera has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 3200.
Does the Canon SX40 feature an autofocus assist light?
Yes, the camera has a lamp built-in that can illuminate the subject and improve autofocus in low-light settings.
Which battery does the SX40 use?
The camera gets its power from the NB-10L (here at amazon), which is a rechargeable Lithium-Ion power pack.
Camera to camera comparisons
In case you are interested in seeing how this camera compares to another one, just make your choice using the following search menu. An an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.
| Camera Model | Canon SX40 | |
| Camera Type | Fixed lens compact camera | |
| Camera Lens | 24-840mm f/2.7-5.8 | |
| Launch Date | September 2011 | |
| Launch Price | USD 429 | |
| Sensor Specs | ||
| Sensor Technology | BSI-CMOS | |
| Sensor Format | 1/2.3" Sensor | |
| Sensor Size | 6.17 x 4.55 mm | |
| Sensor Area | 28 mm2 | |
| Sensor Diagonal | 7.7 mm | |
| Crop Factor | 5.6x | |
| Sensor Resolution | 12 Megapixels | |
| Image Resolution | 4 000 x 3 000 pixels | |
| Pixel Pitch | 1.53 μm | |
| Pixel Density | 42.74 MP/cm2 | |
| Moiré control | no AA filter | |
| Movie Capability | 1080/24p Video | |
| ISO Setting | 100 - 3 200 ISO | |
| Screen Specs | ||
| Viewfinder Type | Electronic viewfinder | |
| Viewfinder Field of View | 100% | |
| Viewfinder Resolution | 202k dots | |
| LCD Framing | Live View | |
| LCD Size | 230k dots | |
| LCD Attachment | Swivel screen | |
| Shooting Specs | ||
| Focus System | Contrast-detect AF | |
| Manual Focusing Aid | no Peaking Feature | |
| Maximum Shutter Speed | 1/3200s | |
| Continuous Shooting | 10.3 shutter flaps/s | |
| Silent Shooting | no E-Shutter | |
| Time Lapse Photography | no Intervalometer | |
| Fill Flash | Build-in Flash | |
| Storage Medium | SDXC cards | |
| Second Storage Option | Single card slot | |
| UHS card support | no | |
| Connectivity Specs | ||
| External Flash | Hotshoe | |
| USB Connector | USB 2.0 | |
| HDMI Port | YES HDMI | |
| Wifi Support | no Wifi | |
| Body Specs | ||
| Battery Type | NB-10L power pack | |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 380 shots per charge | |
| Body Dimensions |
123 x 92 x 108 mm (4.8 x 3.6 x 4.3 in) |
|
| Camera Weight | 600 g (21.2 oz) |
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