Canon PowerShot SX40 HS vs Canon SX220 HS

      Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Canon PowerShot SX40 HS and the Canon SX220 HS, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Canon PowerShot SX40 HS was introduced in September 2011 and Canon SX220 HS was introduced in February 2011. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Canon PowerShot SX40 HS Highlights

      • 12.1 MP 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 3,200 Native ISO
      • 9 Focus Points (9 Cross-type)
      • Image Stabilization
      • 2.70" 230k dot Fully Articulated Screen
      • Electronic Viewfinder
      • 10.3 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash

      Canon SX220 HS Highlights

      • 12 MP 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 3,200 Native ISO
      • 9 Focus Points (9 Cross-type)
      • Image Stabilization
      • 3.0" 461k dot Fixed Screen
      • 3.2 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Canon PowerShot SX40 HS and Canon SX220 HS.

      PROS

      Canon PowerShot SX40 HS

      Canon SX220 HS

      •   Video Capture
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/2000 sec
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Built-In Bluetooth
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Video Capture
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/2000 sec
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Canon PowerShot SX40 HS

      Canon SX220 HS

      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.1 Megapixel
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/3200 sec
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 380 shots
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12 Megapixel
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/3200 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.2 fps
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 210 shots


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Canon PowerShot SX40 HS

      Canon SX220 HS

      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Screen Size - 2.70"
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 10.3 fps
      •   Weight - 600 g (1.32 lb / 21.16 oz)
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"

      Advantage of Canon PowerShot SX40 HS

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Canon PowerShot SX40 HS over Canon SX220 HS.

      Canon PowerShot SX40 HS vs Canon SX220 HS
      Higher Sensor Resolution 12.1 Megapixel vs 12 Megapixel
      Selective Autofocus vs
      Reaches Wider Angle 24 mm vs 28 mm
      Reachs More Telephoto 840 mm vs 392 mm
      Greater Optical Zoom 35x vs 14x
      Maximum Aperture at Wide End f/2.7 vs f/3.1
      Maximum Aperture at Tele End f/5.8 vs f/5.9
      Min Macro Focus Distance 0 cm vs 5 cm
      Screen Type Fully Articulated vs Fixed
      Viewfinder Electronic vs
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 10.3 fps vs 3.2 fps
      External Flash Connectivity vs
      Built-In Bluetooth vs
      Longer Battery Life 380 shots vs 210 shots

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Canon PowerShot SX40 HS.

      Advantage of Canon SX220 HS

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Canon SX220 HS over Canon PowerShot SX40 HS.

      Canon PowerShot SX40 HS vs Canon SX220 HS
      Center Autofocus vs
      Larger Screen 2.70" vs 3.0"
      Higher Resolution Screen 230k dot vs 461k dot

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Canon SX220 HS.

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Canon PowerShot SX40 HS Canon SX220 HS
        Video Capture
        High Native ISO3,2003,200
        Face Detection
        Live View Autofocus
        Image Stabilization
        Built-in Flash
        High Flash Sync Speed1/2000 sec1/2000 sec
        HDMI Output Mini
        Orientation Sensor
      WEAKNESSES Canon PowerShot SX40 HS Canon SX220 HS
        Small Sensor1/2.3-inch1/2.3-inch
        Low Resolution Sensor12.1 Megapixel12 Megapixel
        Timelapse Recording
        Few Focus Points99
        Few Cross-type Focus Points00
        Low Resolution Screen230k dot461k dot
        Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain)1/3200 sec1/3200 sec
        Low Video Resolution1920 x 10801920 x 1080
        No Microphone Input
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi Eye-Fi Connection possible
        No Environmental Sealing
        Short Battery Life380 shots210 shots

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Canon PowerShot SX40 HS has a 2.70" Fully Articulated screen with 230k dot resolution and Canon SX220 HS has a 3.0" Fixed screen with 461k dot resolution. Fully articulated screen makes Canon PowerShot SX40 HS selfie and vlogger friendly and generally very useful for video shooting.

      Image cannot be displayed

      Canon PowerShot SX40 HS with Fully Articulated screen


      Electronic Viewfinder on Canon PowerShot SX40 HS

      Canon PowerShot SX40 HS has a built-in Electronic viewfinder. There is no built-in or optional viewfinder available on Canon SX220 HS.

      Sensor

      BSI-CMOS Sensor

      Canon PowerShot SX40 HS features a 12.1 megapixel 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor with dimensions of 6.17 x 4.55 mm and a total area of 28.1 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 3,200. Canon SX220 HS features a 12 megapixel 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor with dimensions of 6.17 x 4.55 mm and a total area of 20.7 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 3,200.

      The cameras have BSI-CMOS sensor, short for Backside Illuminated Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor sensor. In traditional CMOS sensors, the wiring and circuitry are located on the front side of the sensor, which can block some of the incoming light. BSI technology flips this design by placing the photosensitive elements (pixels) on the backside of the sensor, allowing more light to reach the pixels. This significantly enhances light sensitivity and improves low-light performance. BSI-CMOS sensors are particularly effective in low-light conditions, as they can capture more light, resulting in brighter and less noisy images. This makes them well-suited for indoor and night photography. BSI-CMOS sensors deliver a higher SNR and reduced cross-talk.

      Photography Features

      Canon PowerShot SX40 HS can take pictures up to 4000 x 3000 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4000 x 2248, 4000 x 2664, 2992 x 2992, 2816 x 2112, 2816 x 1880, 2816 x 1584, 2112 x 2112, 1920 x 1080, 1600 x 1200, 1600 x 1064, 1200 x 1200, 640 x 480, 640 x 424, 640 x 360, 480 x 480 with 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios. Canon SX220 HS is equipped with DIGIC 4 with iSAPS technology processor and can take pictures up to 4000 x 3000 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4000 x 3000, 4000 x 2248, 4000 x 2664, 2992 x 2992, 2816 x 2112, 2816 x 1880, 2816 x 1584, 2112 x 2112, 1920 x 1080, 1600 x 1200, 1600 x 1064, 1200 x 1200, 640 x 480, 640 x 424, 640 x 360, 480 x 480 with 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios.


      Image Stabilization

      The cameras have a built-in [y] image stabilization.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      Bluetooth on Canon PowerShot SX40 HS

      Canon PowerShot SX40 HS has a built-in Bluetooth which lets you to connect the camera to a smartphone or a dedicated remote control device. This allows you to remotely trigger the camera, adjust settings and controls remotely through a paired mobile app. While Wi-Fi is generally faster for transferring larger files, Bluetooth can be used for small, selective transfers, it can provide real-time information about your camera's battery status, memory card capacity, and other key settings directly on your paired smartphone or smartwatch.
        Check out the cameras in our database that have built-in Bluetooth.


      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer. Canon PowerShot SX40 HS has an HDMI and Canon SX220 HS has a Mini HDMI connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Canon PowerShot SX40 HS comes with NB-10L battery pack with battery life of 380 shots and Canon SX220 HS comes with NB-5L battery pack with battery life of 210 shots.


      External Storage Slots

      Canon PowerShot SX40 HS has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot. Canon SX220 HS has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC/MMC/ MMCplus/HC MMCplus card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Shutter speed can go up to 1/3200 sec on Canon PowerShot SX40 HS, and up to 1/3200 sec on Canon SX220 HS. Canon PowerShot SX40 HS can shoot continuously up to 10.3 fps. Canon SX220 HS can shoot continuously up to 3.2 fps.


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 7.00 m on Canon PowerShot SX40 HS and 3.50 m on Canon SX220 HS. Canon PowerShot SX40 HS also accepts external flash. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/2000 sec on both cameras.

      Physical Parameters

      Canon PowerShot SX40 HS body has dimensions of 123 x 92 x 108 mm (4.84 x 3.62 x 4.25") and Canon SX220 HS body has dimensions of 106 x 59 x 33 mm (4.17 x 2.32 x 1.3"). Canon PowerShot SX40 HS weighs 600 g (1.32 lb / 21.16 oz) and Canon SX220 HS weighs [].

      Canon PowerShot SX40 HS

      Canon SX220 HS

      123 mm

      92 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      106 mm

      59 mm

      Image cannot be displayed


      92 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      59 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      Size comparisons of Canon PowerShot SX40 HS and Canon SX220 HS

      Canon PowerShot SX40 HS and Canon SX220 HS for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Canon PowerShot SX40 HS

      Canon SX220 HS

      POOR
      47
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      POOR
      47
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Canon PowerShot SX40 HS

      Canon SX220 HS

      GOOD
      72
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 10.3 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 380 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.2 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 210 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Canon PowerShot SX40 HS

      Canon SX220 HS

      AVERAGE
      69
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 10.3 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 380 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      66
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.2 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 210 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Canon PowerShot SX40 HS

      Canon SX220 HS

      GOOD
      77
      •   Small Sensor
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 2.70"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/2000 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      71
      •   Small Sensor
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/2000 sec
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Canon PowerShot SX40 HS

      Canon SX220 HS

      GOOD
      81
      •   Small Sensor
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 600 g (1.32 lb / 21.16 oz)
      AVERAGE
      58
      •   Small Sensor
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Travel Photography

      Canon PowerShot SX40 HS

      Canon SX220 HS

      GOOD
      80
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 600 g (1.32 lb / 21.16 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 380 shots
      POOR
      44
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 210 shots

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Canon PowerShot SX40 HS and Canon SX220 HS and give them scores of 65 and 58 out of 100 recpectively. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Canon PowerShot SX40 HS

      Canon SX220 HS

      OVERALL
      65
      OVERALL
      58

      Sensor

      Canon PowerShot SX40 HS

      Canon SX220 HS

      AVERAGE
      64
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.1 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      AVERAGE
      64
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO

      Photo

      Canon PowerShot SX40 HS

      Canon SX220 HS

      AVERAGE
      67
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/3200 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 10.3 fps
      •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/2000 sec
      AVERAGE
      63
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/3200 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.2 fps
      •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/2000 sec
      •   No External Flash Connectivity

      Video

      Canon PowerShot SX40 HS

      Canon SX220 HS

      POOR
      46
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      POOR
      46
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080

      Focusing

      Canon PowerShot SX40 HS

      Canon SX220 HS

      AVERAGE
      68
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      AVERAGE
      68
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Canon PowerShot SX40 HS

      Canon SX220 HS

      GOOD
      78
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Screen Size - 2.70"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      POOR
      53
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      •   No Viewfinder

      Connectivity

      Canon PowerShot SX40 HS

      Canon SX220 HS

      GOOD
      71
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   Built-In Bluetooth
      AVERAGE
      60
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Canon PowerShot SX40 HS

      Canon SX220 HS

      POOR
      42
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 600 g (1.32 lb / 21.16 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 380 shots
      BAD
      26
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 210 shots


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

      Amazon Affiliate Disclosure
      ZKelectronics is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for website owners to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon (.com, .co.uk, .ca, etc) and any other websites that may be affiliated with Amazon Service LLC Associates Program.