Nikon D4S vs Sony HX400V
The Nikon D4S and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX400V are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public in February 2014. The D4S is a DSLR, while the HX400V is a fixed lens compact. The cameras are based on a full frame (D4S) and a 1/2.3-inch (HX400V) sensor. The Nikon has a resolution of 16.2 megapixels, whereas the Sony provides 20.2 MP.
Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.
Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Nikon D4S and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX400V? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.
Body comparison
The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Nikon D4S and the Sony HX400V. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.
If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Sony HX400V is considerably smaller (52 percent) than the Nikon D4S. It is worth mentioning in this context that the D4S is splash and dust resistant, while the HX400V does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.
The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the HX400V has a lens built in, whereas the D4S is an interchangeable lens camera that requires a separate lens. Attaching the latter will add extra weight and bulk to the setup. You can compare the optics available for the D4S and their specifications in the Nikon Lens Catalog.
Concerning battery life, the D4S gets 3020 shots out of its Nikon EN-EL18a battery, while the HX400V can take 300 images on a single charge of its Sony NP-BX1 power pack. As can be seen in the images above, the D4S has a battery grip built in. This facilitates image-taking in portrait orientation and gives it additional battery power.
The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, you can move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.
# | Camera Model |
Camera Width |
Camera Height |
Camera Depth |
Camera Weight |
Battery Life |
Weather Sealing |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price (USD) |
Street Price |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Nikon D4S | 160 mm | 157 mm | 91 mm | 1350 g | 3020 | Y | Feb 2014 | 6,499 | ebay.com | |
2. | Sony HX400V | 130 mm | 93 mm | 103 mm | 660 g | 300 | n | Feb 2014 | 499 | ebay.com | |
3. | Canon SX60 | 128 mm | 93 mm | 114 mm | 650 g | 340 | n | Sep 2014 | 549 | ebay.com | |
4. | Canon 1D X | 158 mm | 168 mm | 83 mm | 1551 g | 1120 | Y | Oct 2011 | 6,799 | ebay.com | |
5. | Nikon D6 | 160 mm | 163 mm | 92 mm | 1270 g | 3580 | Y | Feb 2020 | 6,499 | amazon.com | |
6. | Nikon D5 | 160 mm | 159 mm | 92 mm | 1415 g | 3780 | Y | Jan 2016 | 6,499 | ebay.com | |
7. | Nikon D750 | 141 mm | 113 mm | 78 mm | 750 g | 1230 | Y | Sep 2014 | 2,299 | ebay.com | |
8. | Nikon D810 | 146 mm | 123 mm | 82 mm | 980 g | 1200 | Y | Jun 2014 | 3,299 | ebay.com | |
9. | Nikon Df | 144 mm | 110 mm | 67 mm | 760 g | 1400 | Y | Nov 2013 | 2,749 | ebay.com | |
10. | Nikon D4 | 160 mm | 157 mm | 91 mm | 1340 g | 2600 | Y | Jan 2012 | 5,999 | ebay.com | |
11. | Nikon D3S | 160 mm | 157 mm | 88 mm | 1240 g | 4200 | Y | Oct 2009 | 5,199 | ebay.com | |
12. | Nikon D3X | 160 mm | 157 mm | 88 mm | 1260 g | 4400 | Y | Dec 2008 | 7,999 | ebay.com | |
13. | Nikon D3 | 160 mm | 157 mm | 88 mm | 1300 g | 4300 | Y | Aug 2007 | 4,999 | ebay.com | |
14. | Sony HX350 | 130 mm | 93 mm | 103 mm | 652 g | 300 | n | Dec 2016 | 449 | ebay.com | |
15. | Sony HX90V | 102 mm | 58 mm | 36 mm | 245 g | 360 | n | Apr 2015 | 429 | ebay.com | |
16. | Sony H400 | 130 mm | 95 mm | 122 mm | 628 g | 300 | n | Feb 2014 | 319 | ebay.com | |
17. | Sony H300 | 128 mm | 89 mm | 92 mm | 590 g | 350 | n | Feb 2014 | 219 | ebay.com | |
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders. | |||||||||||
The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The HX400V was launched at a lower price than the D4S, despite having a lens built in. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.
Sensor comparison
The imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.
Of the two cameras under consideration, the Nikon D4S features a full frame sensor and the Sony HX400V a 1/2.3-inch sensor. The sensor area in the HX400V is 97 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.0 and 5.6. The sensor in the D4S has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the HX400V offers a 4:3 aspect.
Despite having a smaller sensor, the HX400V offers a higher resolution of 20.2 megapixels, compared with 16.2 MP of the D4S. This megapixels advantage comes at the cost of a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel (with a pixel pitch of 1.18μm versus 7.29μm for the D4S). It is noteworthy in this context that the two cameras were released in close succession, so that their sensors are from the same technological generation. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the HX400V has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.
The resolution advantage of the Sony HX400V implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the HX400V for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 25.9 x 19.4 inches or 65.8 x 49.4 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 20.7 x 15.6 inches or 52.7 x 39.5 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 17.3 x 13 inches or 43.9 x 32.9 cm. The corresponding values for the Nikon D4S are 24.6 x 16.4 inches or 62.6 x 41.7 cm for good quality, 19.7 x 13.1 inches or 50.1 x 33.3 cm for very good quality, and 16.4 x 10.9 inches or 41.7 x 27.8 cm for excellent quality prints.
The Nikon D4S has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 25600, which can be extended to ISO 50-409600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX400V are ISO 80 to ISO 3200, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 80-12800.
In terms of underlying technology, the D4S is build around a CMOS sensor, while the HX400V uses a BSI-CMOS imager. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.
Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.
# | Camera Model |
Sensor Class |
Resolution (MP) |
Horiz. Pixels |
Vert. Pixels |
Video Format |
DXO Portrait |
DXO Landscape |
DXO Sports |
DXO Overall |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Nikon D4S | Full Frame | 16.2 | 4928 | 3280 | 1080/60p | 24.4 | 13.3 | 3074 | 89 | |
2. | Sony HX400V | 1/2.3 | 20.2 | 5184 | 3888 | 1080/60p | 20.1 | 11.4 | 629 | 45 | |
3. | Canon SX60 | 1/2.3 | 14.2 | 4608 | 3072 | 1080/60p | 19.2 | 10.8 | 127 | 39 | |
4. | Canon 1D X | Full Frame | 17.9 | 5184 | 3456 | 1080/30p | 23.8 | 11.8 | 2786 | 82 | |
5. | Nikon D6 | Full Frame | 20.7 | 5568 | 3712 | 4K/30p | 25.3 | 14.3 | 2886 | 95 | |
6. | Nikon D5 | Full Frame | 20.7 | 5588 | 3712 | 4K/30p | 25.1 | 12.3 | 2343 | 88 | |
7. | Nikon D750 | Full Frame | 24.2 | 6016 | 4016 | 1080/60p | 24.8 | 14.5 | 2956 | 93 | |
8. | Nikon D810 | Full Frame | 36.2 | 7360 | 4912 | 1080/60p | 25.7 | 14.8 | 2853 | 97 | |
9. | Nikon Df | Full Frame | 16.2 | 4928 | 3280 | none | 24.6 | 13.1 | 3279 | 89 | |
10. | Nikon D4 | Full Frame | 16.2 | 4928 | 3280 | 1080/30p | 24.7 | 13.1 | 2965 | 89 | |
11. | Nikon D3S | Full Frame | 12.1 | 4256 | 2832 | 720/24p | 23.5 | 12.0 | 3253 | 82 | |
12. | Nikon D3X | Full Frame | 24.4 | 6048 | 4032 | none | 24.7 | 13.7 | 1992 | 88 | |
13. | Nikon D3 | Full Frame | 12.1 | 4256 | 2832 | none | 23.5 | 12.2 | 2290 | 81 | |
14. | Sony HX350 | 1/2.3 | 19.9 | 5152 | 3864 | 1080/60p | 20.5 | 11.9 | 896 | 49 | |
15. | Sony HX90V | 1/2.3 | 18.0 | 4896 | 3672 | 1080/60p | 20.2 | 11.6 | 738 | 47 | |
16. | Sony H400 | 1/2.3 | 19.9 | 5152 | 3864 | 720/30p | 20.1 | 11.4 | 630 | 45 | |
17. | Sony H300 | 1/2.3 | 19.9 | 5152 | 3864 | 720/30p | 20.1 | 11.4 | 630 | 45 | |
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age. |
Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, and both provide the same movie specifications (1080/60p).
Feature comparison
Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the HX400V has an electronic viewfinder (210k dots), while the D4S has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Nikon D4S, the Sony HX400V, and comparable cameras.
# | Camera Model |
Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots) |
Control Panel (yes/no) |
LCD Specifications (inch/000 dots) |
LCD Attach- ment |
Touch Screen (yes/no) |
Max Shutter Speed * |
Max Shutter Flaps * |
Built-in Flash (yes/no) |
Built-in Image Stab |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Nikon D4S | optical | Y | 3.2 / 921 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 11.0/s | n | n | |
2. | Sony HX400V | 210 | n | 3.0 / 921 | tilting | n | 1/4000s | 10.0/s | Y | Y | |
3. | Canon SX60 | 922 | n | 3.0 / 922 | swivel | n | 1/2000s | 6.4/s | Y | Y | |
4. | Canon 1D X | optical | Y | 3.2 / 1040 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 14.0/s | n | n | |
5. | Nikon D6 | optical | Y | 3.2 / 2359 | fixed | Y | 1/8000s | 14.0/s | n | n | |
6. | Nikon D5 | optical | Y | 3.2 / 2359 | fixed | Y | 1/8000s | 14.0/s | n | n | |
7. | Nikon D750 | optical | Y | 3.2 / 1229 | tilting | n | 1/4000s | 6.0/s | Y | n | |
8. | Nikon D810 | optical | Y | 3.2 / 1229 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 5.0/s | Y | n | |
9. | Nikon Df | optical | Y | 3.2 / 921 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 5.5/s | n | n | |
10. | Nikon D4 | optical | Y | 3.2 / 921 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 11.0/s | n | n | |
11. | Nikon D3S | optical | Y | 3.0 / 921 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 11.0/s | n | n | |
12. | Nikon D3X | optical | Y | 3.0 / 922 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 5.0/s | n | n | |
13. | Nikon D3 | optical | Y | 3.0 / 922 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 11.0/s | n | n | |
14. | Sony HX350 | 202 | n | 3.0 / 922 | tilting | n | 1/4000s | 10.0/s | Y | Y | |
15. | Sony HX90V | 638 | n | 3.0 / 921 | tilting | n | 1/2000s | 10.0/s | Y | Y | |
16. | Sony H400 | 210 | n | 3.0 / 460 | fixed | n | 1/2000s | 0.7/s | Y | Y | |
17. | Sony H300 | none | n | 3.0 / 460 | fixed | n | 1/1500s | 0.8/s | Y | Y | |
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one. |
One feature that is present on the D4S, but is missing on the HX400V is a top-level LCD. While being, of course, smaller than the rear screen, the control panel conveys some of the essential shooting information and can be convenient for quick and easy settings verification.
The Nikon D4S has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.
The D4S writes its imaging data to Compact Flash or XQD cards, while the HX400V uses SDXC or Memory Stick PRO Duo cards. The D4S features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the HX400V only has one slot.
Connectivity comparison
For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Nikon D4S and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX400V and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.
# | Camera Model |
Hotshoe Port |
Internal Mic / Speaker |
Microphone Port |
Headphone Port |
HDMI Port |
USB Port |
WiFi Support |
NFC Support |
Bluetooth Support |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Nikon D4S | Y | mono / mono | Y | Y | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
2. | Sony HX400V | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
3. | Canon SX60 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
4. | Canon 1D X | Y | mono / - | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
5. | Nikon D6 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | mini | 3.1 | Y | - | Y | |
6. | Nikon D5 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | mini | 3.0 | - | - | - | |
7. | Nikon D750 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | mini | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
8. | Nikon D810 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | mini | 3.0 | Y | - | - | |
9. | Nikon Df | Y | - / - | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
10. | Nikon D4 | Y | mono / mono | Y | Y | micro | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
11. | Nikon D3S | Y | stereo / - | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
12. | Nikon D3X | Y | - / - | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
13. | Nikon D3 | Y | - / - | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
14. | Sony HX350 | - | stereo / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
15. | Sony HX90V | - | stereo / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
16. | Sony H400 | - | mono / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
17. | Sony H300 | - | mono / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | - | - |
It is notable that the D4S has a microphone port, which is missing on the HX400V. Such an external microphone input can help to substantially improve the quality of audio recordings when a good external microphone is used.
Studio photographers will appreciate that the Nikon D4S (unlike the HX400V) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.
Travel and landscape photographers will find it useful that the HX400V has an internal geolocalization sensor and can record GPS coordinates in its EXIF data.
Both the D4S and the HX400V have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The D4S was replaced by the Nikon D5, while the HX400V does not have a direct successor. Further information on the features and operation of the D4S and HX400V can be found, respectively, in the Nikon D4S Manual (free pdf) or the online Sony HX400V Manual.
Review summary
So what conclusions can be drawn? Is there a clear favorite between the Nikon D4S and the Sony HX400V? Which camera is better? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.
Arguments in favor of the Nikon D4S:
- Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
- Better image quality: Features bigger pixels on a larger sensor for higher quality imaging.
- Richer colors: The pixel size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
- More dynamic range: Larger pixels capture a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
- Better low-light sensitivity: Larger pixels means good image quality even under poor lighting.
- Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
- Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
- Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
- Easier setting verification: Features an LCD display on top to control shooting parameters.
- Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
- Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
- Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
- More flexible: Can take a variety of interchangeable lenses, including specialty optics.
- More portrait friendly: Features an integrated vertical grip for easier portrait shooting.
- Longer lasting: Can take more shots (3020 versus 300) on a single battery charge.
- Better sealing: Is weather sealed to enable shooting in dusty or wet environments.
- Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
- Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
Reasons to prefer the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX400V:
- More detail: Has more megapixels (20.2 vs 16.2MP), which boosts linear resolution by 9%.
- Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
- More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
- More flexible LCD: Has a tilting screen for odd-angle shots in landscape orientation.
- Ready to shoot: Comes with an integrated lens, while the D4S requires a separate lens.
- More compact: Is smaller (130x93mm vs 160x157mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
- Less heavy: Has a lower weight even though it has a lens built in (unlike the D4S).
- Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
- Easier fill-in: Has a small integrated flash to brighten shadows of backlit subjects.
- Easier geotagging: Features an internal GPS sensor to log localization data.
- Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
- Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
- More affordable: Was introduced at a lower price, despite coming with a built-in lens.
If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the D4S is the clear winner of the match-up (18 : 13 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding on a new camera. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.
How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Nikon D4S and the Sony HX400V place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera and Best Superzoom Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.
In any case, while the specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the D4S and the HX400V in practical situations. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.
Expert reviews
This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.
# | Camera Model |
AP score |
CL score |
DCW score |
DPR score |
EPZ score |
PB score |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price (USD) |
Street Price |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Nikon D4S | 5/5 | .. | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Feb 2014 | 6,499 | ebay.com | |
2. | Sony HX400V | 4/5 | + + | .. | .. | 4/5 | 4/5 | Feb 2014 | 499 | ebay.com | |
3. | Canon SX60 | 3/5 | + + | .. | 75/100 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2014 | 549 | ebay.com | |
4. | Canon 1D X | 5/5 | .. | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Oct 2011 | 6,799 | ebay.com | |
5. | Nikon D6 | .. | .. | 4/5 | .. | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Feb 2020 | 6,499 | amazon.com | |
6. | Nikon D5 | .. | .. | 4/5 | 89/100 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | Jan 2016 | 6,499 | ebay.com | |
7. | Nikon D750 | 5/5 | + + | 4/5 | 90/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2014 | 2,299 | ebay.com | |
8. | Nikon D810 | 5/5 | .. | 5/5 | 86/100 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jun 2014 | 3,299 | ebay.com | |
9. | Nikon Df | 4/5 | .. | .. | 81/100 | 4/5 | 4/5 | Nov 2013 | 2,749 | ebay.com | |
10. | Nikon D4 | .. | .. | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jan 2012 | 5,999 | ebay.com | |
11. | Nikon D3S | 5/5 | .. | .. | 89/100 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | Oct 2009 | 5,199 | ebay.com | |
12. | Nikon D3X | .. | .. | .. | 86/100 | 4/5 | 5/5 | Dec 2008 | 7,999 | ebay.com | |
13. | Nikon D3 | .. | .. | .. | + + | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | Aug 2007 | 4,999 | ebay.com | |
14. | Sony HX350 | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | 4/5 | Dec 2016 | 449 | ebay.com | |
15. | Sony HX90V | 4/5 | + + | .. | .. | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Apr 2015 | 429 | ebay.com | |
16. | Sony H400 | .. | o | .. | .. | 3.5/5 | 3.5/5 | Feb 2014 | 319 | ebay.com | |
17. | Sony H300 | .. | + | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | Feb 2014 | 219 | ebay.com | |
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available. |
The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.
Other camera comparisons
Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just use the search menu below. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.
- Canon 5D Mark IV vs Sony HX400V
- Canon 6D vs Nikon D4S
- Canon M5 vs Sony HX400V
- Fujifilm XP140 vs Sony HX400V
- Leica S Typ 007 vs Nikon D4S
- Nikon D4S vs Olympus E-500
- Nikon D4S vs Olympus E-PL5
- Nikon D4S vs Panasonic LX100 II
- Nikon D4S vs Sony A900
- Nikon Z6 II vs Sony HX400V
- Olympus Stylus 1 vs Sony HX400V
- Panasonic FZ2000 vs Sony HX400V
Specifications: Nikon D4S vs Sony HX400V
Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.
Camera Model | Nikon D4S | Sony HX400V |
---|---|---|
Camera Type | Digital single lens reflex | Fixed lens compact camera |
Camera Lens | Nikon F mount lenses | 24-1200mm f/2.8-6.3 |
Launch Date | February 2014 | February 2014 |
Launch Price | USD 6,499 | USD 499 |
Sensor Specs | Nikon D4S | Sony HX400V |
Sensor Technology | CMOS | BSI-CMOS |
Sensor Format | Full Frame Sensor | 1/2.3" Sensor |
Sensor Size | 36.0 x 23.9 mm | 6.17 x 4.55 mm |
Sensor Area | 860.4 mm2 | 28.0735 mm2 |
Sensor Diagonal | 43.2 mm | 7.7 mm |
Crop Factor | 1.0x | 5.6x |
Sensor Resolution | 16.2 Megapixels | 20.2 Megapixels |
Image Resolution | 4928 x 3280 pixels | 5184 x 3888 pixels |
Pixel Pitch | 7.29 μm | 1.18 μm |
Pixel Density | 1.88 MP/cm2 | 71.80 MP/cm2 |
Moiré control | Anti-Alias filter | no AA filter |
Movie Capability | 1080/60p Video | 1080/60p Video |
ISO Setting | 100 - 25,600 ISO | 80 - 3,200 ISO |
ISO Boost | 50 - 409,600 ISO | 80 - 12,800 ISO |
Image Processor | EXPEED 4 | BIONZ X |
DXO Sensor Quality (score) | 89 | .. |
DXO Color Depth (bits) | 24.4 | .. |
DXO Dynamic Range (EV) | 13.3 | .. |
DXO Low Light (ISO) | 3074 | .. |
Screen Specs | Nikon D4S | Sony HX400V |
Viewfinder Type | Optical viewfinder | Electronic viewfinder |
Viewfinder Field of View | 100% | 100% |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.70x | |
Viewfinder Resolution | 210k dots | |
Top-Level Screen | Control Panel | no Top Display |
LCD Framing | Live View | Live View |
Rear LCD Size | 3.2inch | 3.0inch |
LCD Resolution | 921k dots | 921k dots |
LCD Attachment | Fixed screen | Tilting screen |
Shooting Specs | Nikon D4S | Sony HX400V |
Focus System | Phase-detect AF | Contrast-detect AF |
Continuous Shooting | 11 shutter flaps/s | 10 shutter flaps/s |
Time-Lapse Photography | Intervalometer built-in | no Intervalometer |
Fill Flash | no On-Board Flash | Built-in Flash |
Storage Medium | CF or XQD cards | MS or SDXC cards |
Single or Dual Card Slots | Dual card slots | Single card slot |
Connectivity Specs | Nikon D4S | Sony HX400V |
External Flash | Hotshoe | Hotshoe |
Studio Flash | PC Sync socket | no PC Sync |
USB Connector | USB 2.0 | USB 2.0 |
HDMI Port | mini HDMI | micro HDMI |
Microphone Port | External MIC port | no MIC socket |
Headphone Socket | Headphone port | no Headphone port |
Wifi Support | no Wifi | Wifi built-in |
Near-Field Communication | no NFC | NFC built-in |
Geotagging | no internal GPS | GPS built-in |
Body Specs | Nikon D4S | Sony HX400V |
Environmental Sealing | Weathersealed body | not weather sealed |
Battery Type | Nikon EN-EL18a | Sony NP-BX1 |
Battery Life (CIPA) | 3020 shots per charge | 300 shots per charge |
Body Dimensions |
160 x 157 x 91 mm (6.3 x 6.2 x 3.6 in) |
130 x 93 x 103 mm (5.1 x 3.7 x 4.1 in) |
Camera Weight | 1350 g (47.6 oz) | 660 g (23.3 oz) |
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