Canon PowerShot SX40 IS Digital Compact Camera

* 35x ultra wide-angle zoom (equivalent to 24-840mm)
* Optical Image Stabilizer (4.5-stop), USM, VCM, Intelligent IS
* 12.1 MP CCD
* 6.8 cm (2.7in) vari-angle LCD, EVF
* Full HD movies, HDMI
* Smart Auto & Manual Modes
* Manual modes, Low Light and Miniature Effect movie
* Zoom Framing Assist
* Servo AF/AE
* Extensive accessory system



Our opinion:

What a zoom!
In fact, what a focal range: from better-than-normal wideangle (24mm) to the stratospheric 840mm telephoto! This is a huge improvement on its predecessor, both at the wideangle and at the telephoto end. Actually, we can't think of another compact camera that offers such a fantastic zoom range.

Canon's 'Smart Auto' feature is worth mentioning too, as an outstanding feature for recognizing a scene, and dialing in the right programme to take the photo with. Whether you're skiing, beaching, pointing the camera at a sunset or at a backlit person - fear not, your photos will be beautiful. There are also new creative filters, including Fisheye and pinhole camera effects.

The SX40 offers Full HD 1080p movies, a dedicated movie record button, full manual operation and powerful image stabilization. What more could one wish for in a camera?

Highly recommended *****

35x ultra wide-angle zoom with USM
A huge optical zoom including 24mm ultra wide-angle provides an incredible range (24-840mm) to suit everything from sweeping landscapes and indoor scenes to long-range close-ups of wildlife. The Ultrasonic Motor ensures highly accurate, near silent zooming even in movie mode.

Shake-free images with Intelligent IS
A powerful optical Image Stabilizer delivers sharp images in low light or when using the full extent of the zoom. Intelligent IS automatically selects the optimal image stabilisation mode from 7 options, to ensure clear, detailed photos and videos.

HS System with DIGIC 5
A powerful combination of the latest DIGIC 5 image processor and high-sensitivity CMOS sensor, the HS System lets you shoot with low noise and high image quality even in low light - reducing the need for flash or tripod, freezing motion without blur and increasing available flash range

Full HD Movies with HDMI-CEC
Record superb, Full HD (1080p) movies at 24fps with stereo sound. HDMI-CEC connection allows for loss-less viewing on a compatible HDTV and control of playback using the TV remote.

Vari-angle LCD and Viewfinder
A 6.8 cm (2.7 inch) vari-angle PureColor II VA LCD provides excellent visibility and enables easy framing from difficult angles. The Electronic Viewfinder can give steadier aiming.

Smart Auto with Multi-area WB
Smart Auto is truly automatic, allowing the camera to detect from 32 different scenes (21 in movies), ensuring optimum results. Multi-area White Balance captures scenes in their natural colours even when illuminated by multiple types of light.

High-speed Burst HQ
Capture split second action in full 12.1 MP resolution, at up to 10.3 shots/sec. for up to 8 shots, using High-speed Burst HQ mode.

Manual modes
Manual modes let you take full control of the exposure to get the results you want. Easily choose your own settings such as aperture, shutter speed, white balance and ISO.

Zoom Framing Assist
Zoom Framing Assist helps you keep track of a distant subject when shooting with maximum zoom. At the press of a button it quickly zooms out of the scene - so you can relocate the subject - zooming back in the moment it's released.

Range of accessories
An optional Lens Filter Adapter lets you attach 67mm lens filters from Canon's EOS range. A hot-shoe allows use of Canon Speedlite EX flash units to increase flash range and expand your creativity.