An important note is that the digital camera lens is also ultra wide-angle, making it an excellent travel digital camera to do sweeping landscapes on your next trip.  This type of digital camera is a common choice for those heading to an African safari. . Another key advantage of the SX40 is the electronic viewfinder because it means that you can escape the glare of bright sunlight and put the camera up to your eye. 

• 12.1 megapixel CMOS sensor
• 35x optical zoom (35mm equivalent of 24-840mm; F2.7-F5.8)
• 2.7-inch vari-angle LCD
• DIGIC 5 image processor
• Improved Smart AUTO (32 predefined shooting situations)
• HS SYSTEM
• Full 1080p HD video capture
• High-speed Burst HQ
• Intelligent IS
• Zoom framing assist button
• HDMI out
• 10 frames per second

The SX40 HS as a High-speed Burst HQ mode that snaps up to 8 frames.  Its HS SYSTEM allows for more clarity in low light situations.  The CMOS sensor also translates to full HD 1080p video recording.  Intelligent IS (Image Stability) selects from six modes to make sure your shots are blur-free, even when you’re at the camera’s full 35x optical zoom (35mm equivalent of 24-840mm).  There is also a Zoom Framing Assist button to help stabilize the camera while tracking moving objects in “extreme telephoto settings.”

Another nice feature on this new model is the 2.7-inch vari-angle LCD viewing screen, which will help taking self-portraits as well as high and low angle shots.  While the camera has a host of manual settings, novices and newbies will enjoy the improved Smart AUTO settings, where in the camera selects the optimum shooting mode from one of 32 predefined shooting conditions and situations.