Canon SX540 HS Review

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SX540 HS Overview
Specifications
Prices

Basic Specifications
Full model name:	Canon PowerShot SX540 HS
Resolution:	20.30 Megapixels
Sensor size:	1/2.3 inch (6.2mm x 4.6mm)
Lens:	50.00x zoom (24-1,200mm eq.)
Viewfinder:	No / LCD
Native ISO:	80 - 3200
Extended ISO:	80 - 3200
Shutter:	1/2000 - 15 sec
Max Aperture:	3.4
Dimensions:	4.7 x 3.2 x 3.6 in. (120 x 82 x 92 mm)
Weight:	15.6 oz (442 g) includes batteries
Availability:	03/2016
Manufacturer:	Canon
Full specs:	Canon SX540 HS specifications

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20.30 Megapixels	50.00x zoom	1/2.3 inch size sensor

Canon SX540 Review -- First Impressions

by William Brawley
Preview posted: 01/05/2016

Last year's PowerShot SX530 HS saw this affordable long-zoom model gains a sizable increase in zoom range from a 30x to a 50x optical zoom ratio. Now for its 2016 refresh, the Canon PowerShot SX540 HS maintains the versatile 24-1200mm-equivalent 50x optical zoom lens, but gets other technological upgrades by way of a higher-resolution image sensor, a faster image processor, and improvements to video recording features, to name a few.

Though the basic design and external look and feel of the Canon SX540 HS remains wholly unchanged from the previous iteration, apart from the new model badge, that's not necessarily a bad thing. Taking an "if it isn't broke, don't fix it" approach, the body design of the new SX540 HS remains uncomplicated, contoured and comfortable, and all-around easy to operate. Offering basic controls and ease of use, the Canon SX540 HS remains a simple, basic digital camera with a powerful zoom lens with a very versatile focal length range that's suitable for a wide range of subjects, from landscapes to far-off wildlife.

Under the hood, however, we see some notable upgrades compared to the earlier model. A new 20-megapixel CMOS sensor takes over from the 16-megapixel chip of the predecessor. Its physical dimensions, however, remain the same with a 1/2.3-inch chip size. Paired with this updated sensor is the faster, more capable DIGIC 6 image processor. The SX540 HS therefore skips a generation, jumping from the DIGIC 4 to Canon's latest generation image processor.

According to Canon, the new sensor and processor combination should not only offer increased image detail, but also help with image quality in lower light situations. The upgrade to the DIGIC 6 image processor also boosts the video recording frame rate, increasing from 30p to 60p at Full HD (1920 x 1080), which should improve quality when capturing video of fast-paced action and other moving subjects. Videos are recorded in the mobile-friendly MP4 format and include stereo sound thanks to the on-board stereo microphones.

Last year's model reintroduced wireless connectivity to this model line, and this amenity continues this year. As before, the SX540 HS includes both Wi-Fi connectivity and NFC technology. With a one-touch smartphone connectivity button the back of the camera, it's easy to transfer images to your smartphone or tablet using the free companion app (for iOS and Android). Furthermore, the SX540 HS is compatible with the Canon Connect Station CS100 HDTV set-top box for quick, simple sharing, printing and displaying of photos and video, as well as backing up media from the camera to Connect Station's built-in storage.

The Canon SX540 HS features a non-articulated, non-touchscreen, 3.0-inch monitor with a 461K-dot resolution LCD display.

As mentioned earlier, the 50x optical zoom lens remains unchanged from the previous model. Offering a versatile range from a very wide 24mm-equivalent focal length -- perfect for wide vistas and other landscape shots -- to a handy nature- and wildlife-friendly 1200mm-equivalent super telephoto focal length. The variable max aperture also remains the same, going from f/3.4 on the wide end to f/6.5 at full telephoto.

The camera's operability gets minor improvements, though, with an improved Zoom Framing Assist function that utilizes Image Stabilization to automatically help find and frame the subject of your shot -- very handy with these increasingly powerful super-zoom lenses. On a similar note, there is an improved auto-zooming function, which uses the facial recognition system to automatically zoom the lens to the appropriate focal length for your chosen photo type, such as portrait, upper body or whole body photo. The camera also includes a new Story Highlights feature that automatically compiles videos and still images into a small highlight reel all in-camera without needing computer software.