Capture High-Quality Shots with the Best Features of the Canon PowerShot SX540 HS Camera

Looking for a high-performance camera that can help you shoot stunning photographs? Look no further than the Canon PowerShot SX540 HS. This camera comes equipped with an impressive array of features that allow you to capture high-quality, vivid shots with ease. From its powerful zoom lens to its user-friendly interface, the Canon PowerShot SX540 HS is the perfect camera for anyone who wants to take their photography skills to the next level.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Canon PowerShot SX540 HS article cover photo

Key Features

Jan 05 2016

Announced

20 megapixels

Resolution

BrandCanon
Sensor Type1/2.3'
SensorBSI-CMOS
Weight442g
MSRP$399USD

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Overview of the PowerShot SX540 HS

In today's world, where social media platforms are growing increasingly popular, having a good camera can make all the difference when it comes to capturing moments and memories. The Canon PowerShot SX540 HS is a top-notch camera that is trusted by photographers the world over. This device is equipped with an impressive array of features that make it perfect for capturing high-quality shots, whether you're a professional photographer or just starting out. One of the key features of the Canon PowerShot SX540 HS is its powerful zoom lens. The device boasts a 50x optical zoom lens that can easily capture detailed shots from a distance. This feature is especially useful for wildlife and nature photography, where you may need to capture a shot from far away. The camera also comes with a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to use, even for beginners. The device features a 3-inch display screen, which allows you to review your shots immediately after taking them. Additionally, the camera comes with a built-in Wi-Fi and NFC that enable easy sharing and transfers with other devices. If you're in the market for a high-performance camera that can help you take your photography skills to the next level, the Canon PowerShot SX540 HS is an excellent choice. With its impressive features and capabilities, this camera is perfect for capturing high-quality shots in any setting.

Canon PowerShot SX540 HS Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Canon PowerShot SX540 HS camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!

Pros

50x optical zoom
20.3 megapixel CMOS sensor
Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity
Full HD video recording
Image stabilization
Easy-to-use interface
Compact size and lightweight

Cons

Low light performance could be better
Fixed LCD screen
Limited manual controls
No viewfinder
Mediocre battery life
Limited raw image format support
Noise at higher ISO settings

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Canon PowerShot SX540 HS

Weather sealed
Dimensions120 x 82 x 92mm
Weight442g
Thickness92mm
Weight
Min
Avg
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Max
Thickness
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Weather Sealing

The Canon PowerShot SX540 HS is not sealed against water and dust, so it's important to be careful when using it in such conditions. If you often shoot in environments with water or dust, it's recommended to check out another camera with weather sealing.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderNone
Screen TypeFixed Type
Screen Resolution461k dots
Body typeSLR-like (bridge)

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a fixed type 3.00" screen, with a display resolution of 461k dots. This makes the Canon PowerShot SX540 HS not as suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you cannot view yourself while shooting selfies easily. Unfortunately, the camera does not have a touch screen, which may make it less user-friendly.

Viewfinder

Canon PowerShot SX540 HS does not include a viewfinder. The lack of a viewfinder on the PowerShot SX540 HS camera may make it less suitable for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Canon PowerShot SX540 HS has a 20MP sized BSI-CMOS sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 20 pixels. Canon PowerShot SX540 HS has a native ISO range of 80 - 3200 which can be boosted to null - null.

Key Features

Jan 05 2016

Announced

80 - 3200

ISO Range

Sensor1/2.3'
Extended ISOnull - null
Max resolution5184 x 3888 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

not tested

Color Depth

not tested

Dynamic Range

not tested

Low Light ISO

not tested

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Canon PowerShot SX540 HS camera has excellent color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also excellent, allowing it to retain high amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is excellent, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the PowerShot SX540 HS is excellent

Crop Factor

Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.

Size comparison

Medium FormatFull FrameAPS-C (Sony, Nikon)

Crop factor calculator

Crop factor

1x

Full frame equivalent

24mm

This camera: 1/2.3'

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

StorageSD/SDHC/SDXC
Battery Life205 shots
Battery ModelNB-6LH
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Canon PowerShot SX540 HS supports SD/SDHC/SDXC with 1 slots for storage. This may suffice for everyday use. However, for professional applications such as wedding photography, it is not recommended as a memory card malfunction could lead to the loss of all footage.

Battery

The Canon PowerShot SX540 HS uses the NB-6LH model of battery pack. This is rated for 205 shots shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.

Photography Features

Flash

The Canon PowerShot SX540 HS has built in flash which is great for event photography and in low light situations. However it lacks an external flash shoe, which limits you to using the built-in flash.

Shutter

The Canon PowerShot SX540 HS boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/2000s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.

With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.

Autofocus

The Canon PowerShot SX540 HS includes contrast detection autofocus (AF), with null number of focus points.

While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.

Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.

On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.

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FAQ

What is the sensor size of the Canon PowerShot SX540 HS?

The Canon PowerShot SX540 HS features a BSI-CMOS sensor

Is the Canon PowerShot SX540 HS weather sealed?

No the PowerShot SX540 HS does not have weather sealing.

When was the Canon PowerShot SX540 HS announced?

The Canon PowerShot SX540 HS was announced on Jan 05 2016

Does the Canon PowerShot SX540 HS have in-body image stabilization?

Yes the PowerShot SX540 HS does have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.

What is the ISO range of the Canon PowerShot SX540 HS?

The PowerShot SX540 HS has a native ISO range of 80-3200, which can be expanded to ISO null-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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