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Before any big purchase (big-being subjective) I’d like to say I do my due diligence with research. For example before purchasing my Shark Flexstyle I watched countless TikTok videos comparing the Dyson Air-wrap, learning which one held a curl more and weighed out the advantages and disadvantages of each. I also calculated the cost per use (using girl math of course), and after many months decided it was time to take the plunge. It’s honestly been one of the best purchases this year along with my oura ring (I did a deep dive on the Oura ring and why I love it so much here). I feel like the Canon G7X really rose to fame during Covid. It was the camera that every one was using, yet for whatever reason I decided to purchase a Sony ZV1 and quite naively started a Youtube Channel expecting to be the next Molly Mae (except at the time I hadn’t even heard of Molly and the most prominent Youtuber was probably Ryans world. IYKYK).
I actually compared the Canon G7X and the Sony ZV1 in another article (and video) that I wrote here back in 2021. The funny thing is that I thought I was so old starting a YouTube Channel back then and yet here I am over 4 years later starting again. So in full transparency I loved the Sony ZV1 at the time, but after the novelty wore off it just sat in my office draw gaining dust. It wasn’t until February hit and I received my first brand deal that I decided it was time to pick up the camera again and “hit record”.
Somehow I stumbled upon the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 on TikTok and was instantly obsessed with the gimbal technology. I convinced myself that this camera was well worth the investment and would change the way I created content. It was easy to use, had ravishing reviews on reddit, and was sold out almost everywhere (which is always a good sign). So I rushed over to the one Best Buy they had it in stock at (37 miles away) tapped my Amex (because is swiping even a thing anymore?), and was off to create. I focused on short form content like TikTok and Instagram, and quickly realized that real and raw content performed SO much better than curated content. It was more authentic and quite frankly more me.
With that said I did purchase a yearly subscription of Capcut pro just incase I want to dive back into longer form videos, I used to edit back on Final Cut Pro back when I filmed on my Sony. To offset some of the cost of the DJI, I sold my Sony ZV1 on Ebay (convinced that I would never need it again) for a ridiculously low price and was off to the races creating. I quickly realized that although this camera was a breeze to use, it had some faults like not being able to stabilize when filming from my POV. Now I’m sure there’s a better way to film this, but a part of me missed holding a “normal” digital camera and filming which is why ultimately 10 months later I became fixated on buying a camera.
I did consider buying the latest Sony ZV1F as it’s almost half the price of the Canon and I had some-what muscle memory of using the camera, but then TikTok convinced me that the Canon Powershot SX740 took AMAZING photographs. Once I decided I was going to splurge on a Canon, and convinced myself that I would find one despite being sold out (almost) everywhere, it was time to compare models. So let’s jump into the nitty gritty:
Canon PowerShot Camera Comparison: SX740 vs G7X vs PowerShot V1
When it comes to choosing the best Canon compact camera for travel, vlogging, and everyday life, the conversation often comes down to three popular options: the Canon PowerShot SX740, Canon G7 X, and Canon PowerShot V1. Each camera has its own strengths, drawbacks, and ideal user — and after a lot of research (does Tiktok and Youtube videos count?), I realized the “best” camera isn’t about specs alone, but about how you personally plan on using it. A part of my decision was rooted in the fact that I already had the DJI Osmo Pocket 3, which I wanted to supplement with, so I really wanted to focus on a camera that would excel in photography but also be great for days that I wanted a more traditional “vlog”.
Canon PowerShot SX740: Best Compact Camera for Travel & Zoom
The Canon PowerShot SX740 is ideal for anyone looking for a travel-friendly compact camera with powerful zoom. Its standout feature is the 40x optical zoom, making it perfect for landscapes, family events, sports games, and travel photography where you don’t want to carry interchangeable lenses. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and incredibly versatile — a true all-in-one camera. The trade-off is that it has a smaller sensor than the G7 X, so low-light performance and background blur aren’t as strong. It’s also not marketed as a dedicated vlogging camera, but for everyday content creation, lifestyle blogging, and documenting real life, it’s incredibly reliable and intuitive.
Canon G7 X: Best Camera for Vlogging & Low Light
The Canon G7 X (Mark II or Mark III) has long been considered one of the best cameras for vloggers and content creators. With its 1-inch sensor, fast lens, and excellent low-light performance, it delivers sharp images and flattering video — especially indoors. It’s compact enough for daily use and polished enough for professional-looking content. However, the limited zoom range can feel restrictive, especially for travel or outdoor shooting. If your focus is mostly video, YouTube, or sit-down content, it’s a strong contender — but it may not offer the flexibility some lifestyle creators need.
Canon PowerShot V1: Modern Camera for Social Media Creators
The Canon PowerShot V1 feels like Canon’s answer to the modern, social-first creator. Designed with video in mind, it features a flip screen, simplified controls, and an easy learning curve — making it appealing for TikTok, Instagram Reels, and short-form content. While it’s intuitive and fun to use, it doesn’t offer the extensive zoom of the SX740 or quite match the G7 X’s low-light image depth. It’s best suited for creators who prioritize video and simplicity over versatility.
Why I Chose the PowerShot SX740
After comparing all three, I chose the Canon PowerShot SX740 because it aligns with how I actually live and create. I wanted the best compact travel camera that could handle family life, vlog content, travel, and everyday moments — all without extra lenses or complicated settings. The zoom gives me freedom, the portability keeps it realistic, and the simplicity means I actually use it. For me the SX740 feels like the perfect balance between the three.
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