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issues with Canon Powershot SX40 HS batteries and zoom

Started Jan 14, 2018 | Questions
donnawfromnh New Member • Posts: 1
issues with Canon Powershot SX40 HS batteries and zoom

I am wondering if my camera is in need of replacement as I have owned it for about  7 years.  A few years ago it started squeaking when I would use the zoom, which is extremely annoying, especially when it scares away the subject I am photographing.  I did hear from another woman who owned the same camera and said that the same happened with hers and she ended up buying another camera.  My second question is regarding  the rechargeable batteries.  The initial batteries that came with the camera lasted for several years (I think about five), and I recently replenished my batteries again because the ones I had were not holding a charge.  The new batteries I purchased are also not holding a charge, so I am wondering if it is an issue with the camera and not the batteries.

Thank you!

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Canon PowerShot SX40 HS
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User4286416121 Senior Member • Posts: 1,221
Re: issues with Canon Powershot SX40 HS batteries and zoom

Welcome to the forum!  The lens may be sticking.  This may be causing a drain. Someone with more experience will chime in to tell how to discover  this. Love the sx40 and 50s and wishing for new one.

HRC2016 Veteran Member • Posts: 6,874
Re: issues with Canon Powershot SX40 HS batteries and zoom

Wow, an SX40 that's still working? That's great.  It sounds like there might be two issues here.

I had several of this line up, starting with S2IS. Great camera (for a short period of time). I wish Canon would come up with something smaller, evf but a decent zoom.

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DonA2
DonA2 Veteran Member • Posts: 3,720
Re: issues with Canon Powershot SX40 HS batteries and zoom

Sounds like that SX40 is due for an upgrade.  I now use the SX50 and still use the SX40 for back-up.  Tried the 60 but sold it as the Canon referb cost about 1/2.  If you check with Canon they may still have some available.  The 40's IQ is about equal to the 50 with slightly less zoom range and not as good ergonomically.

My SX40 has never given me a bit of trouble and the battery is the same for the SX50.  With 2 batteries I can swap out easily and both still take a full charge.  Some non-proprietary batteries may offer a shorter life.  Canon's seem to be good but also very expensive.  If you can get a SX50 I would highly recommend it.

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User4286416121 Senior Member • Posts: 1,221
Re: issues with Canon Powershot SX40 HS batteries and zoom

Agreed! My sx40 backs up the 50s. In case one fails on trips or just to lend out to others. Or a kayaking error.  Still all working including the eight batteries I rotate. (mix of Canon and 3rd party.  Mixed chargers too, for car use)

Wish the sx "70" would come out. Better evf, af, better manual focus, and of course bird vision.

Hope your lens issue can be solved

YehudaKatz Senior Member • Posts: 2,512
I too own SX40 and love it a lot. Never failed at me.

I wish I could get a refurb or used SX50...

Yehuda

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(unknown member) Senior Member • Posts: 2,265
Re: issues with Canon Powershot SX40 HS batteries and zoom

User4286416121 wrote:

Wish the sx "70" would come out. Better evf, af, better manual focus, and of course bird vision.

I have had a SX40, Panasonic FZ72 and currently have a G3X.

I wonder until they get PDAF on all their sensors and a greater variety of focusing zones Canon will ever get a Birds in Flight camera. The FZ72 had a dedicated focus zone button on the top and you could get a large square that covered a lot of the sky but excluded the telephone cable and was so much faster focusing than any of my Canons.

Sometimes I am tempted to ditch the G3X because operationally a FZ82 would be so much more effective as long as light is good but then the former is so capable in a wider but vague indefinable way so it is difficult. That is the problem with Canon in that you can get to like the cameras and end up with a bunch of them but never really have a clue why.

I hope Canon are looking at the fond reminiscences on the SX50 and produces a camera that manages to upgrade the whizz bang techno must have specifications and not downgrade the image quality in compensation not that the SX60 has much technical flair.

Recently the SX60 has been looking a very clumsy overpriced anachronism but they are dumping them now at present in the UK but still costing more than the FZ82.

DonA2
DonA2 Veteran Member • Posts: 3,720
Re: issues with Canon Powershot SX40 HS batteries and zoom

Having had, or have the SX40/ 50/ 60 I only wish for a 60 with a new shorter (40 to 50x) zoom and a bit brighter lens on the SX60 body.  Oh, and throw in the new  Digic 7 engine.  I doubt that will happen as Canon seem bent on pushing the super-zoomers into the  G series with very limited zoom range and over the top  price.  Other than those 2  negatives I do like the G1Xlll. Perhaps an upgraded G5 would be a better fit.  Dreamer!

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DrHook59
DrHook59 Contributing Member • Posts: 852
Re: issues with Canon Powershot SX40 HS batteries and zoom

I lost my SX40 last summer to a lens issue after a happy six years or so. The shop told me that there were no longer any parts available and it would be cheaper to find a second-hand one than repair my own. I thoroughly enjoyed the camera during its lifetime and took some nice pictures with it, including many macro shots with a Raynox 150. One of the last photos I took is the one below. I'd like a similarly sixed SX with a 1" sensor and PDAF next time round.....(if only). 400mm was a good far end for me, so happy to keep that, although an additional control dial would be nice. Not keen on the SX60, read some not-so-glowing reports.

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