Sony A5100 vs HX400V
The Sony Alpha A5100 and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX400V are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in August 2014 and February 2014. The A5100 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, while the HX400V is a fixed lens compact. The cameras are based on an APS-C (A5100) and a 1/2.3-inch (HX400V) sensor. The A5100 has a resolution of 24 megapixels, whereas the HX400V 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 Sony Alpha A5100 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 Sony A5100 and the Sony HX400V. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.
The A5100 can be obtained in two different colors (black, white), while the HX400V is only available in black.
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 larger (74 percent) than the Sony A5100. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the A5100 nor the HX400V are weather-sealed.
The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the HX400V has a lens built in, whereas the A5100 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 A5100 and their specifications in the Sony E-Mount Lens Catalog.
Concerning battery life, the A5100 gets 400 shots out of its Sony NP-FW50 battery, while the HX400V can take 300 images on a single charge of its Sony NP-BX1 power pack. The power pack in the A5100 can be charged via the USB port, so that it is not always necessary to take the battery charger along when travelling.
The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, you can navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from a broad list of cameras there.
Camera Model |
Camera Width |
Camera Height |
Camera Depth |
Camera Weight |
Battery Life |
Weather Sealing |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price (USD) |
Street Price |
||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Sony A5100 | 110 mm | 63 mm | 36 mm | 283 g | 400 | n | Aug 2014 | 549 | 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. | Sony A3000 | 128 mm | 91 mm | 85 mm | 411 g | 470 | n | Aug 2013 | 329 | ebay.com | |
5. | Sony A5000 | 110 mm | 63 mm | 36 mm | 269 g | 420 | n | Jan 2014 | 449 | ebay.com | |
6. | Sony A6000 | 120 mm | 67 mm | 45 mm | 344 g | 360 | n | Feb 2014 | 599 | ebay.com | |
7. | Sony H300 | 128 mm | 89 mm | 92 mm | 590 g | 350 | n | Feb 2014 | 219 | ebay.com | |
8. | Sony H400 | 130 mm | 95 mm | 122 mm | 628 g | 300 | n | Feb 2014 | 319 | ebay.com | |
9. | Sony HX90V | 102 mm | 58 mm | 36 mm | 245 g | 360 | n | Apr 2015 | 429 | ebay.com | |
10. | Sony HX350 | 130 mm | 93 mm | 103 mm | 652 g | 300 | n | Dec 2016 | 449 | ebay.com | |
11. | Sony NEX-3 | 117 mm | 62 mm | 33 mm | 297 g | 330 | n | May 2010 | 599 | ebay.com | |
12. | Sony NEX-3N | 110 mm | 62 mm | 35 mm | 269 g | 480 | n | Feb 2013 | 499 | ebay.com | |
13. | Sony NEX-5T | 111 mm | 59 mm | 39 mm | 276 g | 330 | n | Aug 2013 | 699 | ebay.com | |
14. | Sony NEX-F3 | 117 mm | 67 mm | 42 mm | 314 g | 470 | n | May 2012 | 599 | ebay.com | |
15. | Sony RX100 | 102 mm | 58 mm | 36 mm | 240 g | 330 | n | Jun 2012 | 649 | ebay.com | |
16. | Sony RX100 II | 102 mm | 58 mm | 38 mm | 281 g | 350 | n | Jun 2013 | 749 | ebay.com | |
17. | Sony RX100 IV | 102 mm | 58 mm | 41 mm | 298 g | 280 | n | Jun 2015 | 999 | ebay.com | |
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders. | |||||||||||
Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The HX400V was launched at a lower price than the A5100, 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.
Sensor comparison
The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its 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 Sony A5100 features an APS-C sensor and the Sony HX400V a 1/2.3-inch sensor. The sensor area in the HX400V is 92 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.5 and 5.6. The sensor in the A5100 has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the HX400V offers a 4:3 aspect.
With 24MP, the A5100 offers a higher resolution than the HX400V (20.2MP), but the A5100 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 3.91μm versus 1.18μm for the HX400V) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the A5100 is a somewhat more recent model (by 6 months) than the HX400V, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels. 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 A5100 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the A5100 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 30 x 20 inches or 76.2 x 50.8 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 24 x 16 inches or 61 x 40.6 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 20 x 13.3 inches or 50.8 x 33.9 cm. The corresponding values for the Sony HX400V are 25.9 x 19.4 inches or 65.8 x 49.4 cm for good quality, 20.7 x 15.6 inches or 52.7 x 39.5 cm for very good quality, and 17.3 x 13 inches or 43.9 x 32.9 cm for excellent quality prints.
The A5100 has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.
The Sony Alpha A5100 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 25600. 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 A5100 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 is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.
Camera Model |
Sensor Class |
Resolution (MP) |
Horiz. Pixels |
Vert. Pixels |
Video Format |
DXO Portrait |
DXO Landscape |
DXO Sports |
DXO Overall |
||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Sony A5100 | APS-C | 24.0 | 6000 | 4000 | 1080/60p | 23.8 | 12.7 | 1347 | 80 | |
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. | Sony A3000 | APS-C | 19.8 | 5456 | 3632 | 1080/60i | 23.7 | 12.8 | 1068 | 78 | |
5. | Sony A5000 | APS-C | 19.8 | 5456 | 3632 | 1080/60i | 23.8 | 13.0 | 1089 | 79 | |
6. | Sony A6000 | APS-C | 24.0 | 6000 | 4000 | 1080/60p | 24.1 | 13.1 | 1347 | 82 | |
7. | Sony H300 | 1/2.3 | 19.9 | 5152 | 3864 | 720/30p | 20.1 | 11.4 | 630 | 45 | |
8. | Sony H400 | 1/2.3 | 19.9 | 5152 | 3864 | 720/30p | 20.1 | 11.4 | 630 | 45 | |
9. | Sony HX90V | 1/2.3 | 18.0 | 4896 | 3672 | 1080/60p | 20.2 | 11.6 | 738 | 47 | |
10. | Sony HX350 | 1/2.3 | 19.9 | 5152 | 3864 | 1080/60p | 20.5 | 11.9 | 896 | 49 | |
11. | Sony NEX-3 | APS-C | 14.0 | 4592 | 3056 | 720/30p | 22.1 | 12.0 | 830 | 68 | |
12. | Sony NEX-3N | APS-C | 16.0 | 4912 | 3264 | 1080/60i | 22.8 | 12.5 | 1067 | 74 | |
13. | Sony NEX-5T | APS-C | 16.0 | 4912 | 3264 | 1080/60p | 23.6 | 13.0 | 1015 | 78 | |
14. | Sony NEX-F3 | APS-C | 16.0 | 4912 | 3264 | 1080/60i | 22.7 | 12.3 | 1114 | 73 | |
15. | Sony RX100 | 1-inch | 20.0 | 5472 | 3648 | 1080/60p | 22.6 | 12.4 | 390 | 66 | |
16. | Sony RX100 II | 1-inch | 20.0 | 5472 | 3648 | 1080/60p | 22.5 | 12.4 | 483 | 67 | |
17. | Sony RX100 IV | 1-inch | 20.0 | 5472 | 3648 | 4K/30p | 22.8 | 12.6 | 591 | 70 | |
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age. |
Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, 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), which can be very helpful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the A5100 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Sony A5100 and Sony HX400V in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar 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. | Sony A5100 | none | n | 3.0 / 922 | tilting | Y | 1/4000s | 6.0/s | Y | 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. | Sony A3000 | 202 | n | 3.0 / 230 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 2.5/s | Y | n | |
5. | Sony A5000 | none | n | 3.0 / 461 | tilting | n | 1/4000s | 3.5/s | Y | n | |
6. | Sony A6000 | 1440 | n | 3.0 / 922 | tilting | n | 1/4000s | 11.0/s | Y | n | |
7. | Sony H300 | none | n | 3.0 / 460 | fixed | n | 1/1500s | 0.8/s | Y | Y | |
8. | Sony H400 | 210 | n | 3.0 / 460 | fixed | n | 1/2000s | 0.7/s | Y | Y | |
9. | Sony HX90V | 638 | n | 3.0 / 921 | tilting | n | 1/2000s | 10.0/s | Y | Y | |
10. | Sony HX350 | 202 | n | 3.0 / 922 | tilting | n | 1/4000s | 10.0/s | Y | Y | |
11. | Sony NEX-3 | optional | n | 3.0 / 920 | tilting | n | 1/4000s | 7.0/s | n | n | |
12. | Sony NEX-3N | optional | n | 3.0 / 460 | tilting | n | 1/4000s | 4.0/s | Y | n | |
13. | Sony NEX-5T | optional | n | 3.0 / 922 | tilting | Y | 1/4000s | 10.0/s | n | n | |
14. | Sony NEX-F3 | optional | n | 3.0 / 920 | tilting | n | 1/4000s | 5.5/s | Y | n | |
15. | Sony RX100 | none | n | 3.0 / 1229 | fixed | n | 1/2000s | 10.0/s | Y | Y | |
16. | Sony RX100 II | optional | n | 3.0 / 1229 | tilting | n | 1/2000s | 10.0/s | Y | Y | |
17. | Sony RX100 IV | 2359 | n | 3.0 / 1228 | tilting | n | 1/2000s | 16.0/s | Y | Y | |
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one. |
One differentiating feature between the two cameras concerns the touch sensitivity of the rear screen. The A5100 has a touchscreen, while the HX400V has a conventional panel. Touch control can be particularly helpful, for example, for setting the focus point.
The A5100 has an articulated LCD that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in snapping selfies. In contrast, the HX400V does not have a selfie-screen.Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the A5100 and the HX400V write their files to SDXC or Memory Stick PRO Duo cards. The A5100 supports UHS-I cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s), while the HX400V cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD cards.
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 Sony Alpha A5100 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. | Sony A5100 | - | stereo / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
2. | Sony HX400V | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
3. | Canon SX60 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
4. | Sony A3000 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
5. | Sony A5000 | - | stereo / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
6. | Sony A6000 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
7. | Sony H300 | - | mono / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
8. | Sony H400 | - | mono / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
9. | Sony HX90V | - | stereo / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
10. | Sony HX350 | - | stereo / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
11. | Sony NEX-3 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
12. | Sony NEX-3N | - | stereo / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
13. | Sony NEX-5T | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
14. | Sony NEX-F3 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
15. | Sony RX100 | - | stereo / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
16. | Sony RX100 II | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
17. | Sony RX100 IV | - | stereo / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | Y | - |
It is notable that the HX400V has a hotshoe, which makes it possible to easily attach optional accessories, such as an external flash gun. The A5100 does not feature such an accessory-socket.
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 A5100 and the HX400V have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. Neither of the two has a direct successor, so they represent the end of the respective camera lines from Sony. Further information on the features and operation of the A5100 and HX400V can be found, respectively, in the Sony A5100 Manual (free pdf) or the online Sony HX400V Manual.
Review summary
So how do things add up? Is the Sony A5100 better than the Sony HX400V or vice versa? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.
Advantages of the Sony Alpha A5100:
- More detail: Offers more megapixels (24 vs 20.2MP) with a 11% higher linear resolution.
- Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
- Better image quality: Features a larger and more technologically advanced imaging sensor.
- Richer colors: The sensor size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
- More dynamic range: Larger sensor captures a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
- Better low-light sensitivity: Larger sensor produces good images even in poorly lit environments.
- Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
- Fewer buttons to press: Is equipped with a touch-sensitive rear screen to facilitate handling.
- More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
- More flexible: Accepts interchangeable lenses, so that lens characteristics can be altered.
- More compact: Is smaller (110x63mm vs 130x93mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
- Longer lasting: Can take more shots (400 versus 300) on a single battery charge.
- Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
- Faster buffer clearing: Has an SD card interface that supports the UHS-I standard.
- More modern: Is somewhat more recent (announced 6 months after the HX400V).
Reasons to prefer the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX400V:
- Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
- Easier framing: Has an electronic viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
- Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (10 vs 6 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
- Ready to shoot: Has an integrated lens, whereas the A5100 necessitates an extra lens.
- Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
- Better lighting: Features a hotshoe and can thus hold and trigger an external flash gun.
- Easier geotagging: Features an internal GPS sensor to log localization data.
- More affordable: Was introduced at a lower price, despite coming with a built-in lens.
- More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in February 2014).
If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the A5100 is the clear winner of the match-up (15 : 9 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 wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports 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 Sony A5100 and the Sony HX400V place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens 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 A5100 and the HX400V in practical situations. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.
Expert reviews
This is why expert reviews are important. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear 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. | Sony A5100 | 4.5/5 | + | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | Aug 2014 | 549 | 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. | Sony A3000 | 3/5 | + | .. | .. | 4/5 | 4/5 | Aug 2013 | 329 | ebay.com | |
5. | Sony A5000 | 3/5 | + | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jan 2014 | 449 | ebay.com | |
6. | Sony A6000 | 5/5 | + | 4.5/5 | 80/100 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | Feb 2014 | 599 | ebay.com | |
7. | Sony H300 | .. | + | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | Feb 2014 | 219 | ebay.com | |
8. | Sony H400 | .. | o | .. | .. | 3.5/5 | 3.5/5 | Feb 2014 | 319 | ebay.com | |
9. | Sony HX90V | 4/5 | + + | .. | .. | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Apr 2015 | 429 | ebay.com | |
10. | Sony HX350 | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | 4/5 | Dec 2016 | 449 | ebay.com | |
11. | Sony NEX-3 | .. | .. | .. | 70/100 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | May 2010 | 599 | ebay.com | |
12. | Sony NEX-3N | 3/5 | .. | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Feb 2013 | 499 | ebay.com | |
13. | Sony NEX-5T | .. | .. | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Aug 2013 | 699 | ebay.com | |
14. | Sony NEX-F3 | 4/5 | .. | .. | 74/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | May 2012 | 599 | ebay.com | |
15. | Sony RX100 | 5/5 | + + | .. | 78/100 | 4/5 | 5/5 | Jun 2012 | 649 | ebay.com | |
16. | Sony RX100 II | 5/5 | + + | .. | 79/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jun 2013 | 749 | ebay.com | |
17. | Sony RX100 IV | 4.5/5 | + + | .. | 85/100 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Jun 2015 | 999 | 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. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.
Other camera comparisons
Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make your choice using the following search menu. 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 SX700 vs Sony A5100
- Canon T7 vs Sony HX400V
- Fujifilm X-T3 vs Sony A5100
- Kodak S-1 vs Sony HX400V
- Leica X Typ 113 vs Sony A5100
- Nikon 1 V2 vs Sony A5100
- Nikon D3100 vs Sony A5100
- Nikon D40 vs Sony HX400V
- Nikon D5100 vs Sony HX400V
- Olympus E-PL1 vs Sony HX400V
- Olympus E-PL8 vs Sony HX400V
- Panasonic G1 vs Sony A5100
Specifications: Sony A5100 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 | Sony A5100 | Sony HX400V |
---|---|---|
Camera Type | Mirrorless system camera | Fixed lens compact camera |
Camera Lens | Sony E mount lenses | 24-1200mm f/2.8-6.3 |
Launch Date | August 2014 | February 2014 |
Launch Price | USD 549 | USD 499 |
Sensor Specs | Sony A5100 | Sony HX400V |
Sensor Technology | CMOS | BSI-CMOS |
Sensor Format | APS-C Sensor | 1/2.3" Sensor |
Sensor Size | 23.5 x 15.6 mm | 6.17 x 4.55 mm |
Sensor Area | 366.6 mm2 | 28.0735 mm2 |
Sensor Diagonal | 28.2 mm | 7.7 mm |
Crop Factor | 1.5x | 5.6x |
Sensor Resolution | 24 Megapixels | 20.2 Megapixels |
Image Resolution | 6000 x 4000 pixels | 5184 x 3888 pixels |
Pixel Pitch | 3.91 μm | 1.18 μm |
Pixel Density | 6.55 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 | no Enhancement | 80 - 12,800 ISO |
Image Processor | BIONZ X | BIONZ X |
DXO Sensor Quality (score) | 80 | .. |
DXO Color Depth (bits) | 23.8 | .. |
DXO Dynamic Range (EV) | 12.7 | .. |
DXO Low Light (ISO) | 1347 | .. |
Screen Specs | Sony A5100 | Sony HX400V |
Viewfinder Type | no viewfinder | Electronic viewfinder |
Viewfinder Field of View | 100% | |
Viewfinder Resolution | 210k dots | |
LCD Framing | Live View | Live View |
Rear LCD Size | 3.0inch | 3.0inch |
LCD Resolution | 922k dots | 921k dots |
LCD Attachment | Tilting screen | Tilting screen |
Touch Input | Touchscreen | no Touchscreen |
Shooting Specs | Sony A5100 | Sony HX400V |
Focus System | On-Sensor Phase-detect | Contrast-detect AF |
Manual Focusing Aid | Focus Peaking | no Peaking Feature |
Continuous Shooting | 6 shutter flaps/s | 10 shutter flaps/s |
Fill Flash | Built-in Flash | Built-in Flash |
Storage Medium | MS or SDXC cards | MS or SDXC cards |
Single or Dual Card Slots | Single card slot | Single card slot |
UHS card support | UHS-I | no |
Connectivity Specs | Sony A5100 | Sony HX400V |
External Flash | no Hotshoe | Hotshoe |
USB Connector | USB 2.0 | USB 2.0 |
HDMI Port | micro HDMI | micro HDMI |
Wifi Support | Wifi built-in | Wifi built-in |
Near-Field Communication | NFC built-in | NFC built-in |
Geotagging | no internal GPS | GPS built-in |
Body Specs | Sony A5100 | Sony HX400V |
Battery Type | Sony NP-FW50 | Sony NP-BX1 |
Battery Life (CIPA) | 400 shots per charge | 300 shots per charge |
In-Camera Charging | USB charging | no USB charging |
Body Dimensions |
110 x 63 x 36 mm (4.3 x 2.5 x 1.4 in) |
130 x 93 x 103 mm (5.1 x 3.7 x 4.1 in) |
Camera Weight | 283 g (10.0 oz) | 660 g (23.3 oz) |
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