Canon Powershot SX540 IS

Canon PowerShot SX540 Digital Camera w/ 50x Optical Zoom - Wi-Fi & NFC Enabled (Black)

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Specifications​​​​​

  • 20 megapixel 1/2.3” CMOS sensor
  • 50x optical zoom
  • Maximum aperture f/3.4-f/5.6
  • Shutter speed 15 sec. to 1/2000
  • ISO 80-3200
  • Optical image stabilization
  • Manual modes
  • 5.9 fps burst
  • 3” LCD
  • Wi-fi
  • Battery life rated at 205 shots
  • Weighs .97 lbs. (442g)
  • Release Date: 2016-01-05

Canon has spent a lot of resources developing their high-end cameras--and their smaller cameras are starting to suffer for that a bit. The Canon PowerShot SX540 IS is a small update to the SX530, bumping up the megapixels from 16 to 20 and allowing for 60 fps HD video.

The Canon SX540 still embodies a nice 50x optical zoom, packed in a relatively small body. That zoom lens has a pretty average speed, at f/3.4-f/5.6. Advanced features like manual modes are included, though no RAW.

Speed is so-so at 5.9 fps and a maximum shutter speed of 1/2000. Optical image stabilization is also included.

All in all, the Canon SX540 is just average. The zoom range and brightness of the lens, the speed--there's nothing horrible, but nothing too astounding either. The Nikon P610 offers better speed and more zoom, albeit with 16 megapixels. The Olympus SP-100 has a much brighter lens at a better price point. The Canon SX540 doesn't look horribly exciting, though it doesn't appear to be a horrible camera either.