Canon Cameras US Point and Shoot Digital Camera with 3.0" LCD, Silver (2956C001)

I use this camera every day. On chairlifts, while skiing, hiking, bird-watching and sporting events. Mountains and moons have been used by the local TV Weather people. Cats, the camera seems to take a lot of pictures of cats. (I live with two.) Farms and farmers make the local news. Easy to use.

I am beginning birder, and chose this camera for its long zoom (960 mm 35 mm equivalent) and its compact size. I did not want the expense, weight, and bulk of an interchangeable lens camera, or of a "bridge" camera. Because the SX740's small size and light weight, it's been easy to switch from binoculars to the camera to take pictures. (I "wear" it on my wrist with a strap.) I have had the SX 740 for about two months, and have taken about 30,000 pictures with it. I am very satisfied with the camera, and would buy it again.At long distances in reasonable light, the camera at highest zoom can take images of small birds that are acceptable enough to help me identify them. Images of larger birds at closer distances are great (see photos). I use Program mode, with spot focusing, auto ISO, and servo AF (continuous focus). The SX740 uses the same battery (NB-13L) as my Canon G7X. As a bonus, the battery lasts significantly longer in the SX740 - most times I can go two hours taking lots of pictures without battery change.Having said the above, potential purchasers should understand that this kind of camera has inherent limitations. Overall, pictures taken at high zoom will not be as sharp as those taken with a quality interchangeable lens camera. By strict eBird picture quality criteria, photos I take (usually at high zoom) are in the 1-4/5 star range, average high two's - still generally acceptable for upload to eBird. People should not expect that every high zoom picture will be good. I take multiple continuous pictures by holding the shutter down, and I can usually get at least one good picture that way. The SX740 does not have a viewfinder - the LCD screen, even at the highest brightness setting, can be hard to see in bright daylight. Finding a small bird in the bushes on the screen can also be difficult - the Framing Assist (zoom out) button can be helpful in this situation, but not always.

This camera is awesome. I prefer it over the G7X it takes amazing pictures and battery lasts forever. I got a memory card from CVS for cheap and it’s great. So easy and fast to transfer picture with the app also

Great little cameral to tote around with, and takes descent pics, but unfortunately didn't have it 3 months before the camera stopped working and the lens was stuck in the open /out position. Camera would not turn on/off. Trouble shooted online, trying every suggestion and nothing worked. The good news was I reached out to canon since we had not had the camera one year and they replaced it w/a refurbished one. Hoping the same thing doesn't happen to the next one. After some searching online, I discovered this is a common problem with this camera.

If you are looking for a small pocket camera that does it ALL , 4K + 960mm ( 35 Equivalent ) Zoom.Then your search is positively over and if you want all this has to offer for less than $400 , this camera is for anyone !!It is not only a solidly built camera , but oh that lens . You have to wonder where it all came from !!Once extended to it`s fullest , you truly have to wonder from where.Once into the ‘digital zoom’ you will NEED a tripod , you can`t get clear shots at 960mm with holding the camera.It has all the manual settings you could want and still remains true to it`s ‘point & shoot’ roots.The tilting screen feels solid when flipped and when folded back feels solid as well.The ‘onboard ‘ mic`s are very good within 8 feet or less inside and at arms length while in the field.I find them more than adequate for my needs and I think you will too.No ‘touch - screen’ for me is a plus , this is a camera , not a cell phone !! All functions can easily be accessed via thumb wheel at the back and switching from one screen menu to another via the zoom control. So all and all , I can not understand why the need for a touch screen.The Canon Connect App , makes the camera worth the price of admission !!You can place the camera on a tripod and remote control ALL camera functions including zoom using the app that is available for IOS & Android . The same app allows for transfer to tablet or cell.Sadly if you are wondering where the Bluetooth is , well , it is supposed to be there but I have yet find a way to use it.Still not a deal - breaker considering the remote capabilities of the camera when connected to the app.I find the easiest way to transfer my videos and pictures is to simply remove the card and pop it into a reader or computer. It will show up on your desktop or drive menu and can easily transfer any or all to what ever folder or other drive you wish.So what color ?? For me it was a no - brainer to get the Silver with Tan accents , total class all the way. Think different , not all cameras need to be black !!So how do I rate this point & shoot marvel ? 4.5 Stars , why not 5 ?? because of the 1/2” sensor.Although combined with the Digic 8 processor , it does a fairly good full size sensor likeness .It`s ability for ‘low light’ shooting and movie is evident Canon did something right.All in all a buy now suggestion !I hope I have helped , Gary -- aka Dreamer