Sony Cyber-shot DSC HX400V Review | 108 Data compared

The ePHOTOzine review of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX400V highlights a capable bridge camera featuring a 20.4-megapixel sensor and a 50x optical zoom Carl Zeiss lens. Key strengths include effective image stabilisation, 10fps continuous shooting, manual controls, and integrated Wi-Fi/NFC/GPS connectivity. Conversely, the assessment notes critical drawbacks, specifically the lack of RAW format support and the small 1/2.3-inch sensor that produces noise at high ISOs. Additionally, reviewers cited a lower-resolution viewfinder, limited 300-shot battery life, and a plastic build quality. YouTube ·

The Sony HX400V is a robust bridge camera designed for photographers who need a massive focal range without carrying multiple lenses. Its standout feature is the 50x optical zoom (24-1200mm equivalent) Zeiss Vario Sonnar T* lens, which boasts a bright f/2.8 maximum aperture at the wide end. Internally, it features a 20.4MP back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor and the powerful Bionz X processor, which improves focusing speed and low-light performance compared to its predecessor. The camera also includes modern conveniences like built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for remote control and easy image sharing. While the camera offers high-end performance for its class, it has some notable limitations. A major drawback for advanced users is that it cannot shoot in RAW format, limiting post-processing flexibility. Additionally, while the 3-inch screen tilts for better viewing angles, it lacks touchscreen functionality. On the positive side, reviewers praised the bright and clear electronic viewfinder (EVF), which is often a weak point in bridge cameras, and the inclusion of manual control modes alongside creative digital filters.

However, the review details several prominent cons, most notably the outdated 201k dot electronic viewfinder, which is described as coarse, sluggish, and lagging behind up-to-date panels. The camera is also bulkier and heavier (660g) than many of its direct competitors, lacks an interactive touchscreen, and completely omits a RAW recording mode, leaving users with only JPEG compression. Lastly, while its upgraded movie mode offers beneficial manual focus peaking, full PASM exposure controls, and smooth "Intelligent Active" stabilisation during 1080p recording, it suffers from the loss of a previously loved feature: the inability to shoot still photos while simultaneously recording video.

Sony HX400V Review Summary The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX400V is a bridge camera designed to balance the portability of a compact device with the design and control of an SLR. It is highly praised for its exceptionally comfortable, contoured handgrip and a dual-purpose lens ring that allows for steady, two-handed operation. Its standout technical feature is a massive 50x optical zoom lens (24-1200mm equivalent) that provides sharp video details and highly effective optical stabilisation when shooting handheld at full extension. Additionally, the camera is packed with modern convenience features, including a tilting LCD screen for easy waist-height shooting, built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for seamless remote control, and integrated GPS for automated photo mapping. Despite these impressive features, the camera falls short in overall performance and image quality due to its small 1/2.3-inch, 20-megapixel sensor. The combination of high resolution on a tiny sensor and a narrow f/2.8-6.3 variable aperture results in substantial image noise, even at a low ISO 80 setting. Telephoto shots taken in anything other than direct sunlight suffer from a "syrupy" loss of detail as heavy noise reduction...

The Amateur Photographer review of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX400 highlights it as a capable bridge camera for travel, featuring a versatile 50x optical zoom lens with excellent image stabilization and a comfortable, lightweight design. Key strengths include clear displays for framing distant subjects, though image quality in low light suffers from aggressive noise reduction that softens fine details. While suitable for documenting journeys, the camera's resolution falls short for users requiring high-level image clarity or large prints.

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX400V is a budget-friendly, SLR-styled ultrazoom bridge camera that balances extensive reach with an advanced feature set for consumer photographers. Built around a 20.4-megapixel 1/2.3-inch backside-illuminated CMOS sensor and the speedy BIONZ X processor, it delivers a notable 10 frames-per-second continuous shooting speed and an impressive sensitivity range up to ISO 12,800. Its defining hardware feature is a Carl Zeiss 50x optical zoom lens (24-1200mm equivalent) backed by an enhanced Optical SteadyShot Intelligent Active stabilization system for steady shooting. The camera appeals to creative shooters by providing full manual controls, dual custom modes, Full HD video recording at 60p and cinematic 24p, and multi-interface hot shoe expansion options. Modern connectivity features like built-in Wi-Fi, NFC, and a built-in GPS receiver for automatic image geotagging further enhance its utility. However, the camera makes several performance compromises to keep its retail price around $500. On the pros side, it offers an incredible 50x optical zoom range, exceptional Optical SteadyShot stabilization, fast 10fps bursts, a sharp 920k-dot tilting LCD, built-in GPS, and advanced cinema video modes. On the cons side,...