• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 14.1 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 840.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 840.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Canon SX30 IS advantages over Canon SX40 HS

  • More pixels
    14.1 vs 12.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Higher extended ISO
    6400 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Canon SX40 HS advantages over Canon SX30 IS

  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.3 fps vs 1.3 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Tiltable Screen
    Both provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • RAW file ability
    Neither provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Neither provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

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Review Excerpt

  • Wide, long all-purpose zoom lens performs well; Very good image quality; Articulating LCD; Good grip; Excellent controls.

  • Rear scroll wheel is too sensitive; Low-res LCD; No lens hood included; Slow startup time; Slow cycle time.

The Competition

Compared to Fujifilm HS10

Canon SX30 IS
Fujifilm HS10
  • $440
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $500
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • RAW file ability
Canon SX40 HS
Fujifilm HS10
  • $342
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $500
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • RAW file ability

Compared to Panasonic DMC-FZ100

Canon SX30 IS
Panasonic DMC-FZ100
  • $440
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $500
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • RAW file ability
  • Fast startup
Canon SX40 HS
Panasonic DMC-FZ100
  • $342
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $500
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • RAW file ability
  • Fast startup

Compared to Sony HX100V

Canon SX30 IS
Sony HX100V
  • $440
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Hot shoe
  • Wider angle lens
  • $312
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • Integrated ND filter
Canon SX40 HS
Sony HX100V
  • $342
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Shoots 24p video
  • $312
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • Integrated ND filter

Compared to Panasonic FZ150

Canon SX30 IS
Panasonic FZ150
  • $440
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $498
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • RAW file ability
  • Fast startup
Canon SX40 HS
Panasonic FZ150
  • $342
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Slower slow-motion
  • $498
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • RAW file ability
  • Fast startup

Compared to Sony HX200V

Canon SX30 IS
Sony HX200V
  • $440
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Hot shoe
  • Wider angle lens
  • $349
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Longer stills battery life
Canon SX40 HS
Sony HX200V
  • $342
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Shoots 24p video
  • $349
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Integrated ND filter
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