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Canon PowerShot SX540 HS
52
SCORE
Canon · Bridge · 20 MP · 1/2.3” · Full HD video

Canon PowerShot SX540 HS

General 52Optics 51Video Performance 56Features and Benefits 51Storage and Battery 13
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KEY FACTS
BrandCanon
ModelPowerShot SX540 HS
Released2016
Announcement date05/01/2016
Camera typeBridge
What We Like
Not yet summarised.
Worth Knowing
−You can't shoot RAW files
−Slow autofocus
−Low-resolution screen
−No touchscreen
−No 4K video

General 52

Brand
Canon
Model
PowerShot SX540 HS
Released
ⓘ
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
2016
Announcement date
ⓘ
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
05/01/2016
Camera type
Bridge
Camera size
120 x 82 x 92 mm
Camera weight
442 g

Optics 51

Megapixels
ⓘ
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
20 MP050
Image resolution
ⓘ
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
5184 x 3888
Sensor type
ⓘ
The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality.
CMOS
Sensor size
ⓘ
The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture.
6.17 x 4.55
Sensor format
ⓘ
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
1/2.3”
Continuous shooting
ⓘ
The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode.
5.9 fps045
Lens mount
ⓘ
The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras.
Fixed
Image processor
ⓘ
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
Digic 6
Aspect ratio
ⓘ
The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3.
4:3
Min ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
8030200
Max ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise.
32003003280000
Min ISO (expanded)
ⓘ
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
8030200
Max ISO (expanded)
ⓘ
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
32003003280000
Minimum shutter speed
ⓘ
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
1544080
Max shutter speed
ⓘ
The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries.
200080032000
Autofocus points
ⓘ
Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings.
00300
In-body stabilisation
ⓘ
In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake.
Yes
Viewfinder type
ⓘ
The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens.
None
Viewfinder dots
N/A
Read our notes on optics

The Canon PowerShot SX540 HS receives a score of 52/100 in our evaluation. Announced on January 5, 2016, this bridge camera was released with a launch price of $8531. Measuring 120 x 82 x 92mm and weighing 442g (0.97lbs), the camera’s specifications are quite standard for its time.

Considering today’s market, the PowerShot SX540 HS may not be the most competitive option available. However, its performance and features still offer value for those looking for a reliable camera in this category.

Canon PowerShot SX540 HS Overview and Optics

The optics of the Canon PowerShot SX540 HS receive a score of 51/100. This camera features a 20-megapixel sensor with a shooting speed of 5.9 and a DIGIC 6 processor. The sensor is a 1/2.3″ CMOS type, which holds a DXOMARK score of 47. Although these specifications are not groundbreaking, they offer solid performance for casual photography enthusiasts.

The PowerShot SX540 HS uses a fixed lens mount, meaning the lens cannot be changed. However, the camera does include image stabilization, which helps to reduce camera shake and produce clearer images. The aspect ratio for this model is 4:3, which is standard for most digital cameras.

Considering the current market, the optics of the Canon PowerShot SX540 HS may not be the most advanced, but they provide reliable performance for everyday use. The combination of a decent sensor, fixed lens mount, and image stabilization make this camera a suitable choice for those looking for an affordable and easy-to-use option.

Canon PowerShot SX540 HS Video Performance 56

Video
ⓘ
Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video.
Yes
Max video resolution
ⓘ
The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video.
Full HD
Max video format
ⓘ
Video resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video.
1920 x 1080
Max video frame rate
ⓘ
How many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect.
60 fps
Timelapse built in
ⓘ
A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video.
No
Video file format
ⓘ
Different cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files.
MPEG-4, MOV
Read our notes on canon powershot sx540 hs video performance

The Canon PowerShot SX540 HS receives a video score of 56 out of 100. This camera offers Full HD video resolution with maximum dimensions of 1920 x 1080 pixels, providing crisp and clear footage. It also supports a maximum video frame rate of 60fps, ensuring smooth motion in recorded videos.

However, the SX540 HS lacks time-lapse functionality, which is a popular feature among photographers and videographers. In comparison to other cameras in the market, the video capabilities of the SX540 HS may appear limited, as many competitors now offer 4K resolution and advanced video features.

Despite its limitations, the Canon PowerShot SX540 HS still delivers good video quality for casual users. Those who prioritize video performance may need to explore other options with higher video capabilities.

Canon PowerShot SX540 HS Features and Benefits 51

Builtin flash
ⓘ
A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it.
Yes
External flash
ⓘ
External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera.
No
GPS
ⓘ
GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs.
No
Weather sealing
ⓘ
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
No
Screen type
TFT LCD
Touch screen
ⓘ
Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons.
No
Screen size
3"
Screen dots
ⓘ
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
4610001150001500000
Flip screen
ⓘ
A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles.
No
Live view
ⓘ
Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens.
Yes
Wi-Fi
ⓘ
Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly.
Yes
Bluetooth
ⓘ
Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices.
Yes
Read our notes on canon powershot sx540 hs features and benefits

The Canon PowerShot SX540 HS scores 51 in features. The camera has a 3-inch touchscreen with a resolution of 461,000 dots, providing clear and crisp visuals for users.

While the camera lacks GPS functionality, it compensates with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. These features enable seamless sharing of images and remote control of the camera through compatible devices.

The Canon PowerShot SX540 HS offers a decent set of features that cater to various users’ needs. Its Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities make it a competitive choice in today’s market. However, the absence of GPS might be a concern for some users who require location tagging for their photos.

Canon PowerShot SX540 HS Storage and Battery 13

Memory card
SD / SDHC / SDXC
Dual memory card slots
No
Battery type
NB-6LH
Battery life
ⓘ
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
205 shots1505000
USB charging
No
Read our notes on canon powershot sx540 hs storage and battery

The Canon PowerShot SX540 HS receives a storage and battery score of 13/100. This camera has a single memory card slot, supporting SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards for storage. The battery life lasts for 205 shots, using an NB-6LH battery. Unfortunately, the camera does not offer USB charging capabilities.

In comparison to other cameras in the market, the storage options are standard, but the battery life falls short. Many competitors offer longer battery life and USB charging, providing more convenience for users. Despite its impressive features in other areas, the Canon PowerShot SX540 HS may require additional battery investments for extended use.