Name demanding subjects
Name the subjects and situations a phone cannot handle well enough.
Expert reviews. One COR Score.
Canon PowerShot SX40 HS reviews
4.12out of 5
Compare Canon PowerShot SX40 HS reviews, specifications and available UK retailer offers. Check the details for this exact model and follow the original critics’ findings.
Manufacturer code5251B014
The product, explained
About the Canon PowerShot SX40 HS
Canon 5251B014 is listed in the digital cameras category. The recorded specifications include camera type: Bridge camera; megapixel: 12.1 MP; image sensor size: 1/2.3"; maximum video resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels. This entry covers manufacturer code 5251B014. Specifications relate to this exact source record; other editions or packages may differ.
For Canon PowerShot SX40 HS, the recorded details include camera type: Bridge camera; megapixel (approx.): 12.1 MP; sensor type: CMOS. Use these facts to narrow a shortlist, then compare the reviewers’ findings on the features that matter for your use.
- Camera type
- Bridge camera
- Megapixels (approx.)
- 12.1 MP
- Sensor type
- CMOS
- Image sensor size
- 1/2.3"
- Maximum image resolution
- 4000 x 3000 pixels
- Maximum video resolution
- 1920 x 1080 pixels
Make it work for you
Before choosing the Canon PowerShot SX40 HS
Compare complete carry weight
Compare carry weight including lens, battery, card and case.
Read focus and zoom tests
Read autofocus and long-zoom reviews for your intended subjects.
Budget the camera workflow
Check battery, charger, card and backup workflow costs.
Independent perspectives
Expert reviews 9
Independent ratings, converted to the same five-point scale. Each card links to the original review and identifies the available evidence.
Expert Reviews
5.00 / 5Original rating: 5 / 5
Review covers the Canon PowerShot SX40 HS camera with a built-in lens. The product-data source links this original review and model identity to code 5251B014. Other models and editions are excluded; the link does not establish the reviewer’s tested colour or separately supplied accessories.
Read the full review ↗Checked 25 Sep 2026
TechRadar
4.00 / 5Original rating: 4 / 5
Review covers the Canon PowerShot SX40 HS camera with a built-in lens. The product-data source links this original review and model identity to code 5251B014. Other models and editions are excluded; the link does not establish the reviewer’s tested colour or separately supplied accessories.
Read the full review ↗Checked 25 Sep 2026
Trusted Reviews
4.00 / 5Original rating: 4 / 5
Review covers Canon PowerShot SX40 HS. The verified product-data labels bind this public model name to code 5251B014, and the original publisher article independently supplies the editorial score. This is not proof that the supplier supplied this review URL, or that the reviewer tested this colour or included accessories.
Read the full review ↗Checked 27 Sep 2026
Photography Blog
4.00 / 5Original rating: 4 / 5
Review covers Canon PowerShot SX40 HS. The verified product-data labels bind this public model name to code 5251B014, and the original publisher article independently supplies the editorial score. This is not proof that the supplier supplied this review URL, or that the reviewer tested this colour or included accessories.
Read the full review ↗Checked 30 Sep 2026
What Digital Camera
4.50 / 5Original rating: 4.5 / 5
Review covers Canon PowerShot SX40 HS. The verified product-data labels bind this public model name to code 5251B014, and the original publisher article independently supplies the editorial score. This is not proof that the supplier supplied this review URL, or that the reviewer tested this colour or included accessories.
Read the full review ↗Checked 30 Sep 2026
PCMag
4.00 / 5Original rating: 4 / 5
Reviewed camera model: Canon PowerShot SX40 HS. Its built-in lens is part of the camera; separately bundled accessories are not assessed. Colour may differ.
Read the full review ↗Checked 12 Oct 2026
GadgetSpeak
4.60 / 5Publisher rating supplied by Icecat: 92%
PowerShot are the larger of two small Digital Camera ranges offered by Canon. This unit is larger than most and on first glance could be mistaken for a DSLR unit. The main difference is that its lens is not interchangeable....
Supplier-linked review for Canon 5251B014. Check the original for the tested configuration.
Read the full review ↗Excerpt and rating supplied through Icecat · Checked 17 Oct 2026
T3
3.00 / 5Publisher rating supplied by Icecat: 60%
For those photo opportunities when shuffling your feet forward or back in order to get the framing you want simply isn’t an option, the Canon PowerShot SX40 HS delivers the goods with its extremely broad focal range (not to mention tilting LCD screen)
Supplier-linked review for Canon 5251B014. Check the original for the tested configuration.
Read the full review ↗Excerpt and rating supplied through Icecat · Checked 17 Oct 2026
CNET
4.00 / 5Publisher rating supplied by Icecat: 80%
There's much to like about the Canon PowerShot SX40 HS. It's rich in features, with a powerful zoom, a sharp lens and plenty of creative tools. The price is the only stumbling block. At £380 it isn't bad value, but the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ48 boasts s...
Supplier-linked review for Canon 5251B014. Check the original for the tested configuration.
Read the full review ↗Excerpt and rating supplied through Icecat · Checked 17 Oct 2026
More expert reviews
Zoom Academy
Review: Canon PowerShot SX40 HS
By Redactie. Read the publisher’s assessment of this model.
Reviewed camera model: Canon PowerShot SX40 HS. Its built-in lens is part of the camera; separately bundled accessories are not assessed. Colour may differ.
Read the full review ↗Review link · Not included in the COR Score
Photo Review
Canon PowerShot SX40 HS
By Mark. Read the publisher’s assessment of this model.
Reviewed camera model: Canon PowerShot SX40 HS. Its built-in lens is part of the camera; separately bundled accessories are not assessed. Colour may differ.
Read the full review ↗Review link · Not included in the COR Score
Reviewed
Canon PowerShot SX40 HS Digital Camera Review
By Christopher Snow. Read the publisher’s assessment of this model.
Reviewed camera model: Canon PowerShot SX40 HS. Its built-in lens is part of the camera; separately bundled accessories are not assessed. Colour may differ.
Read the full review ↗Review link · Not included in the COR Score
Independent reviews, made comparable
What does the COR Score mean?
One consistent scale makes different publishers’ ratings easier to compare. The original review still tells you why a critic reached that verdict.
Read our scoring methodology →Scale conversion · example
8/ 104.00/ 5
An illustration of conversion, not this product’s rating.
Check the match
Identify the exact model and the version reviewed. Check the manufacturer code, configuration and supplied accessories.
Compare on one scale
Convert usable ratings to five points, count each publisher once and give each critic equal weight.
Require three critics
Show the average to two decimal places after three distinct critics. Otherwise display tbd, keeping individual reviews visible.
Find the best fit by considering the score alongside the critic count, review dates, tested version and the strengths that matter to you. Eligible model-level reviews identify the tested configuration. Reviews of different hardware are shown separately and do not enter this product’s COR Score.
Know exactly what you’re buying
Canon PowerShot SX40 HS specifications
Manufacturer code: 5251B014 · Icecat product 11092375 · Checked 22 Sep 2026. Specifications belong to this exact model.
Key specifications
The main features to compare for this exact model. Missing details are not assumed.
| Camera type | Bridge camera |
|---|---|
| Megapixels (approx.) | 12.1 MP |
| Sensor type | CMOS |
| Image sensor size | 1/2.3" |
| Maximum image resolution | 4000 x 3000 pixels |
| Maximum video resolution | 1920 x 1080 pixels |
| Optical zoom | 35x |
| Image stabilizer | Yes |
More product specifications
Open a section for the details that matter to you.
Audio & listening1 detail
| Built-in microphone | Yes |
|---|
Display5 details
| Display | LCD |
|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.86 cm (2.7") |
| Display resolution (numeric) | 230000 pixels |
| Viewfinder screen size | 0.2" |
| On Screen Display (OSD) languages | Arabic, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Czech, Danish, German, Dutch, English, Spanish, Finnish, French, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Swedish, Thai, Turkish, Ukrainian |
Processor, memory & storage6 details
| Motion JPEG frame rate | 24 fps |
|---|---|
| Compatible memory cards | SD, SDHC, SDXC |
| Histogram | Yes |
| Image processor | DIGIC 5 |
| Frame | Yes |
| Video memory capacity | 4GB |
Camera, image & video38 details
| Still image resolution(s) | 480 x 480,640 x 360,640 x 424,640 x 480,1200 x 1200,1600 x 1064,1600 x 1200,1920 x 1080,2112 x 2112,2816 x 1584,2816 x 1880,2816 x 2112,2992 x 2992,4000 x 2240,4000 x 2664 |
|---|---|
| Total megapixels | 12.8 MP |
| Digital zoom | 4x |
| Focal length range | 4.3 - 150.5 mm |
| Minimum focal length (35mm film equiv) | 24 mm |
| Maximum focal length (35mm film equiv) | 840 mm |
| Minimum aperture number | 2.7 |
| Maximum aperture number | 5.8 |
| Lens structure (elements/groups) | 13/10 |
| Combined zoom | 140x |
| Lens type | Wide-angle |
| Focus | TTL |
| Auto focusing (AF) modes | Continuous Auto Focus, Single Auto Focus |
| Auto Focus (AF) object detection | Face |
| Auto Focus (AF) lock | Yes |
| Auto Focus (AF) assist beam | Yes |
| ISO sensitivity (min) | 100 |
| ISO sensitivity (max) | 3200 |
| ISO sensitivity | 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, Auto |
| Light exposure modes | Aperture priority AE, Manual, Shutter priority AE |
| Light exposure control | Program AE |
| Light exposure correction | ± 2EV (1/3EV step) |
| Auto Exposure (AE) lock | Yes |
| Fastest camera shutter speed | 1/3200 s |
| Slowest camera shutter speed | 15 s |
| Flash modes | Auto, Flash off, Flash on, Manual, Red-eye reduction, Slow synchronization |
| Flash exposure lock | Yes |
| Video recording | Yes |
| Video resolutions | 320 x 240,640 x 480,1280 x 720 |
| Video formats supported | H.264, MOV |
| White balance | Auto, Cloudy, Daylight, Fluorescent, Tungsten |
| Camera playback | Movie, Single image |
| Playback zoom (max) | 10x |
| Image editing | Resizing, Rotating |
| Camera file system | DPOF 1.1, Exif 2.3 |
| Video capability | Yes |
| Camera shutter speed | 1 - 1/3200; 15 - 1/3200 s |
| Focal length (35mm film equivalent) | 24 - 840 mm |
Connections & wireless2 details
| USB version | 2.0 |
|---|---|
| HDMI ports | 1 |
Power & battery6 details
| Flash recharging time | 10 s |
|---|---|
| Battery technology | Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) |
| Battery life (CIPA standard) | 380 shots |
| Battery type | NB-10L |
| Weight (including battery) | 600 g |
| Power source type | Battery |
Controls & features2 details
| Orientation sensor | Yes |
|---|---|
| Operating temperature (T-T) | 0 - 40 °C |
Design & dimensions5 details
| Custom colour | Yes |
|---|---|
| Product colour | Black |
| Width | 122.9 mm |
| Depth | 107.7 mm |
| Height | 92.4 mm |
Software & compatibility2 details
| Supported aspect ratios | 3:2, 4:3, 16:9 |
|---|---|
| Compatible operating systems | Windows 7 / 7 SP1 / Vista SP2 / XP SP3 Mac OS X v10.5 – 10.6 |
Further product details16 details
| Number of aspheric elements | 1 |
|---|---|
| Light metering | Centre-weighted, Spot |
| Flash range (wide) | 0.5 - 7 m |
| Flash range (tele) | 1.3 - 3 m |
| HD type | Full HD |
| Analog signal format system | NTSC, PAL |
| Field of view | 100% |
| Viewfinder type | Electronic |
| PictBridge | Yes |
| Scene modes | Beach, Fireworks, Night, Portrait, Self-portrait, Snow, Landscape |
| Photo effects | Black&White, Neutral, Positive film, Sepia, Skin tones, Vivid |
| Self-timer delay | 2,10 s |
| Multi burst mode | Yes |
| Operating relative humidity (H-H) | 10 - 90% |
| Built-in flash | Yes |
| Digital SLR | No |
Specifications describe the supplied product data, not measured review results. Battery life, range and performance figures are source claims and can vary with use.
Build your shortlist
Compare other digital cameras
More products in this category. Compare their exact features, original reviews and available offers alongside the Canon PowerShot SX40 HS.
| Product | Brand | Shown model | COR Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canon EOS 6D Mark II — body only reviews → | Canon | 1897C027 | 3.94/59 critic reviews |
| Canon EOS-1D X Mark III — body only reviews → | Canon | 3829C011 | 4.67/53 critic reviews |
| Nikon D5600 — body only — Black reviews → | Nikon | VBA500AEBlack | 4.00/510 critic reviews |
| Nikon D780 — body only reviews → | Nikon | VBA560AE | 4.52/59 critic reviews |
Your questions, answered
Canon PowerShot SX40 HS FAQs
How many expert reviews are available for Canon PowerShot SX40 HS?
This page currently includes 9 scored critic reviews. Each publisher counts once. Follow the review cards for the original verdict and the version that was tested.
What is the COR Score for Canon PowerShot SX40 HS?
The current COR Score is 4.12 out of 5, calculated from 9 distinct critics. Ratings are converted to a five-point scale and given equal weight; affiliate offers do not affect this calculation.
Which exact version does this page cover?
This page identifies Canon PowerShot SX40 HS using manufacturer code 5251B014. Check that code, configuration and supplied accessories against the retailer listing. Related-version reviews are labelled separately and do not contribute to this version’s score.
What is the listed camera type for Canon PowerShot SX40 HS?
The source specification records camera type as Bridge camera. This is a specification, not an independent performance measurement. Check the exact model and the original critic reviews for real-world results.
What is the listed megapixel (approx.) for Canon PowerShot SX40 HS?
The source specification records megapixel (approx.) as 12.1 MP. This is a specification, not an independent performance measurement. Check the exact model and the original critic reviews for real-world results.
Where can I compare prices for Canon PowerShot SX40 HS?
Use the retailer-offer section on this page for available matched offers. If no offer is shown, we do not currently have a verified price. Confirm model, stock, delivery and the final total at the retailer; coverage does not include every seller.
Are more megapixels always better?
No. Lens, sensor, processing and technique all affect images. Choose around the subjects and conditions you photograph.
Should I buy a compact or interchangeable-lens camera?
Choose a compact for simplicity and portability, or a system camera if lenses and controls support your goals. Compare total kit, not body alone.
Do I need a fast memory card?
Check the camera manual for the recording modes you use. Burst and high-bitrate video can need particular card performance.
How should I use the specifications alongside reviews?
Use the recorded features to check compatibility and make a shortlist. Read the original reviews for measured performance, everyday use and the tested configuration.
Understand your options
Digital camera buying guides
Explore one topic in depth before making your shortlist.
Start with the complete buying guide →Camera sensor sizes explained without the hypeLarger sensors can gather more light at the same framing and equivalent depth of field, but they also tend to require larger lenses. The finished photograph depends on the complete camera, exposure and…How much camera zoom do you actually need?Choose focal-length range from subjects and working distance, then balance it against lens brightness, size and image quality.Camera autofocus and subject tracking explainedMatch autofocus to subjects, lens and burst needs instead of comparing focus-point counts.Compact camera video features that matterJudge video through crop, autofocus, stabilisation, audio, heat and recording duration rather than resolution label alone.