10 Best Canon Powershots 2025 in the United States

The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS is a compact point-and-shoot camera suited for travelers and everyday photographers who want a simple yet capable device. Its standout feature is the powerful 40x optical zoom with optical image stabilization, letting you capture distant subjects clearly without blur. The 20.3-megapixel CMOS sensor delivers sharp images in good light, though the small 1/2.3-inch sensor means low-light photos might not be as detailed or clean as larger-sensor cameras.

For video, it shoots 4K clips and offers 4K time-lapse, which is impressive for this camera class, making it a good choice if you want crisp video quality. The 3-inch tilting LCD screen helps with framing shots from tricky angles. Connectivity options like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth allow easy sharing and remote control via your smartphone. Battery life is decent for casual use but may need recharging during extended shooting sessions.

While it lacks weather resistance and is not the best under very low light, its fast autofocus, continuous shooting at 10 frames per second, and various shooting modes provide flexibility for creative photography. This camera balances zoom power, image quality, and video capability in a small, easy-to-carry package, making it ideal for users who want more than a smartphone camera but without complexity.

The Canon PowerShot G7X Mark III stands out with its 20.1-megapixel 1.0” stacked CMOS sensor and DIGIC 8 image processor, delivering high-quality images and fast performance. The 4.2x optical zoom lens (24-100mm) with an f/1.8-2.8 aperture range and optical image stabilization makes it versatile for various shooting conditions, from wide landscapes to close-up portraits. It’s particularly strong in video recording, offering 4K 30P and Full HD 120P capabilities, and can even be used as a high-quality webcam using Canon’s software or HDMI output, which is a great feature for content creators and streamers.

The camera is compact and lightweight at 0.82 pounds, making it easy to carry around for both photography and videography enthusiasts. The 3-inch tilting LCD touchscreen is user-friendly and provides good flexibility for shooting from different angles. Connectivity options like Wi-Fi and NFC allow for easy sharing and remote control.

On the downside, the autofocus relies on contrast detection technology, which is less advanced compared to phase detection systems. This might result in slower focusing, especially in low-light conditions. Also, the battery life may not be sufficient for long shoots without carrying spares as it relies on a single lithium-ion battery. Additionally, the camera lacks a viewfinder, which some traditional photographers might miss. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Canon PowerShot G7X Mark III is a capable and versatile camera suitable for both novice and professional users, especially those who prioritize video quality and compactness.

The Canon PowerShot V1 is a compact, hybrid camera designed especially for vloggers and content creators who want good photo and video quality in one device. It has a 23.9-megapixel full-frame sensor, which is quite large for a PowerShot and means you can expect clear, detailed images and smooth video. The built-in zoom lens covers a useful range from ultra-wide 16mm to 50mm (35mm equivalent), letting you capture wide scenes or get closer without changing lenses. This zoom range is decent but not very long, so it’s best for everyday shooting rather than distant subjects.

One standout feature is its strong video capabilities: it shoots 4K video, includes Canon Log 3 for rich color and dynamic range, and has a cooling fan to avoid overheating during longer recording sessions. This makes it especially appealing for serious video users and live streamers. The camera also offers both optical and digital image stabilization, which helps keep photos and videos steady, reducing blurriness from hand shake.

In terms of connectivity, it supports Wi-Fi, making it simple to transfer files or stream live without cables. The battery life is reasonable for a compact camera, powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery included in the package. Some downsides are the limited optical zoom range and the fact that it uses one nonstandard battery, which may not be as easy to replace on the go compared to common AA batteries. Also, while the camera has various manual controls for exposure and focus, beginners might need some time to get familiar with all the settings. This camera is well suited for vloggers and content creators who want high-quality photos and advanced video features in a portable package. If you prioritize long zoom or simple point-and-shoot use, you might find other models more suitable. But for sharp images, professional video options, and good stabilization, the Canon PowerShot V1 is a strong choice.