I now have two months tested this camera extensively while shooting nearly 1,200 photos and rotated about 20 videos.
So the camera in my opinion, only two real flaws. The most serious is this to me, that this camera saves images only in JPG format and not in addition RAW format. The second deficiency is for me, at the same time a sun visor and a filter can not be used.
In the case of the missing RAW format Canon wanted to probably not bring too much into trouble his small SLR.
For the second case, I have found a solution that I can live well. This is also the main reason why I have left me with this review so much time. I wanted to see if this solution works. In combination with the Canon FA-DC67A filter adapter, 67mm, for PowerShot SX30 IS and the Hoya HD UV I could detect impairments in image quality 67mm filter on any of my homemade recording. I've now got the impression that not only saves me this combination a sun visor, but I also rewarded with a better contrast of the images.
Addendum: Meanwhile, I screw occasionally Leinox Lens Hood / Hood / Lens Hood Lens Hood 67mm Universal for Canon Nikon Olympus Pentax Sony Sigma Panasonic lenses with 67mm filter thread on the UV filters when shooting at the telephoto end. This diaphragm is unfortunately used only from about 35mm, because earlier in the corners of shots (3: 2 format) shadows can be seen. For this improves the contrast of the shots again minimal. Thanks to the rotatable ring on the thread of the orifice, allows the height of the thread change, and then fits perfectly on the SX40.
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Quality of pictures:
(All statements relate to the viewing of images on a 24 inch 16: 9 monitor)
Thanks to the image stabilizer succeed shots at full zoom to about 70-80 feet away easily from the hand. In light conditions, allowing the settings of up to ISO 800, I even get shots up to about 135 meters from his hand. For safety reasons should each of these motifs but 2-3 shots are taken, because at full zoom, the image can already move fast time.
Up to ISO 800 (in good light to ISO 1600), the image noise is very good to acceptable. Subtleties are well resolved. The colors are very natural. Ugly pixelated images do not occur.
With the high-speed mode I became not warm, because the camera is not focused on here. The approximately 3 times as slow AF counterpart like it because a lot better, and works especially well.
Distortion and edge blurring fall very moderate in both wide-angle and zoom when shooting.
As it is partly very difficult with the lens to locate the selected scene later, it is recommended (thanks to the quick in and out of the lens), from a lower focal length from the subject to be back in.
The speed of autofocus like.
The zoom also works in macro mode.
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Quality 1080p24 Files
With fast camera pans, there is slight jerkiness when the AF Frame Size is set to 'small', once the AF Frame Size is 'normal' to, these are less common. The recordings then reach almost the quality of the JVC GZ-HM650BEU Full HD camcorder (SD / SDHC / SDXC card slot, 8GB internal memory, 40x optical zoom, 6.9 cm (2.7 inch) display), especially Therefore, because the Canon is convincing thanks to their weight even at full zoom. The sound I like the Canon possibly even a tad better (see the sample video).
Addendum: The above statement is not true for video recording in low light, in particular, this also does not apply to indoor shots. Here you get when shooting video with the small sensor of the Canon quite quickly reach the limits of the camera.
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Handling:
The camera fits comfortably in your hand, and has especially also enough weight so shots at full zoom (photo and video) at all can succeed only.
The menus are also constructed Canon typically very simple and understandable.
The reading of the manual (PDF) is still mandatory.
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The two highlights from my point of view
+ The two programs storable (C1, C2). I use these two programs almost exclusively.
Here I am still experimenting a bit on. Generally, I'm able to make fascinated by the way not only in front of a hike 2 programs together. For example, one for zoom shots and one for macro shots. The camera stores, amongst others, the Zoom value (retracted, fully extended, somewhere in between), the size of Spotmeßfeldes (small or large), the program (for example, time or Shutter priority), exposure metering (spot, etc.), and also the setting the programmable key.
+ The programmable key
Here you can manage different functions. I find it particularly interesting to prove this key with AEL (AE lock for the next shot) or AFL (focus lock for the next shot).
The camera settings for this key memorizes separately for the two programs (C1, C2) and for the remaining programs.
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Useful accessories (besides adapter and UV filter):
+ A second battery is a must here. Not because the performance of the battery is so bad, but because it's so much fun to take pictures with the camera that here the enthusiastic photographer and not the battery can become a problem case (as it happened, at least to me). The replica SPECIAL PRICE - Lookit high performance brand Battery Pack NB-10L Canon PowerShot SX40 HS not deliver the same performance as the original. But about 4/5 capacity with currently about 1/5 of the price I find a very good relation.
+ The matching lens cap for the UV filter is Kaiser Lens Cover "Snap-On", with lens cap fuse ø 67 mm. Simply the cord of the original lens cap (the threading is a very good exercise patience) instead of using the supplied string.
+ A camera bag is also mandatory here. The Mantona Sportsbag SLR Camera Case (sporty compact bag) for bridge cameras and Micro SLR suitable for pretty well. Only the front compartment could be a bit more spacious for my taste.
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Conclusion:
For a camera in this price range and with this focal length range, the SX40 HS is making very good shots. Unfortunately, there is no possibility of the RAW format. Hard to imagine what would provide this camera for pictures, if they could save images in this format, and also had a slightly larger sensor. Maybe someone reads yes Canon with, and met me this dream with the SX 50 HS.
The camera receives from me the thickest recommendation of all time, and indeed for all those who can resign RAW format.
Should you have any questions about specific points of my review, so I answer that like in the comments.
Should I even noticed this something negative or positive, so I'll mention this here.
