Sony HX400V Comparison Review
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX400V is a fixed lens compact camera that was revealed to the public in February 2014 and is equipped with a 1/2.3-inch sensor. It offers a resolution of 20.2 megapixel.

The Sony HX400V has a Camera Elo of 1809. This rating puts the HX400V below average of all superzoom compact cameras. In terms of its sensor size category (small sensor cameras) the HX400V ranks among the top 40 percent. Based on its within category standings, the camera earns a 3-star performance rating.
Sony HX400V |
Fixed lens compact camera |
24-1200mm f/2.8-6.3 |
20.2 MP, 1/2.3" Sensor |
1080/60p Video |
ISO 80-3200 (80-12800) |
Electronic viewfinder (210k dots) |
3.0" LCD, 921k dots |
Tilting screen (no touchscreen) |
10 shutter flaps per second |
300 shots per battery charge |
130 x 93 x 103 mm, 660 g |

Read on to find out more about the camera's size, sensor, features, reception by expert reviewers, and how it compares to other digital cameras.
Body comparison with a credit card
The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size of the Sony HX400V vis-à-vis a credit card. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.



The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the Sony HX400V alongside a set of comparators. If you want to review a camera pair side-by-side, just select a right-side comparator from among the camera models in the table. Alternatively, you can also move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible comparisons there.
Camera Model |
Camera Width |
Camera Height |
Camera Depth |
Camera Weight |
Battery Life (CIPA) |
Weather Sealing (yes/no) |
Camera Launch (announced) |
Launch Price (USD) |
Street Price (USD) |
Used Price (USD) |
Camera Model |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sony HX400V | 5.1 in | 3.7 in | 4.1 in | 23.3 oz | 300 | n | Feb 2014 | 499 | Sony HX400V | |||
Canon SX70« » | 5.0 in | 3.6 in | 4.6 in | 21.4 oz | 325 | n | Sep 2018 | 549 | Canon SX70 | |||
Canon G9 X« » | 3.9 in | 2.3 in | 1.2 in | 7.4 oz | 220 | n | Oct 2015 | 529 | - | Canon G9 X | ||
Canon SX60« » | 5.0 in | 3.7 in | 4.5 in | 22.9 oz | 340 | n | Sep 2014 | 549 | - | Canon SX60 | ||
Kodak AZ901« » | 5.5 in | 4.1 in | 4.7 in | 27.4 oz | 400 | n | Jan 2016 | 499 | Kodak AZ901 | |||
Leica Q Typ 116« » | 5.1 in | 3.1 in | 3.7 in | 22.6 oz | 300 | n | Jun 2015 | 4,249 | Leica Q Typ 116 | |||
Sony HX99« » | 4.0 in | 2.3 in | 1.4 in | 8.5 oz | 370 | n | Aug 2018 | 449 | Sony HX99 | |||
Sony HX95« » | 4.0 in | 2.3 in | 1.4 in | 8.5 oz | 370 | n | Aug 2018 | 429 | Sony HX95 | |||
Sony RX100 IV« » | 4.0 in | 2.3 in | 1.6 in | 10.5 oz | 280 | n | Jun 2015 | 999 | - | Sony RX100 IV | ||
Sony A6000« » | 4.7 in | 2.6 in | 1.8 in | 12.1 oz | 360 | n | Feb 2014 | 599 | - | Sony A6000 | ||
Sony RX100 III« » | 4.0 in | 2.3 in | 1.6 in | 10.2 oz | 320 | n | May 2014 | 799 | - | Sony RX100 III | ||
The listed prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The Sony HX400V was launched in the US market at a price of $499. 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 with a 35mm slide
The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant 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. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to 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.
The Sony HX400V features a 1/2.3-inch sensor and has a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 5.6. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the Sony HX400V among the smaller-sensor digicams that favor affordability and compact design.

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for most cameras. 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 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 |
Camera Model |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sony HX400V | 1/2.3 | 20.2 | 5184 | 3888 | 1080/60p | - | - | - | - | Sony HX400V | |
Canon SX70« » | 1/2.3 | 20.2 | 5184 | 3888 | 4K/30p | - | - | - | - | Canon SX70 | |
Canon G9 X« » | 1-inch | 20.0 | 5472 | 3648 | 1080/60p | 21.5 | 12.3 | 495 | 63 | Canon G9 X | |
Canon SX60« » | 1/2.3 | 14.2 | 4608 | 3072 | 1080/60p | 19.2 | 10.8 | 127 | 39 | Canon SX60 | |
Kodak AZ901« » | 1/2.3 | 20.2 | 5184 | 3888 | 1080/30p | - | - | - | - | Kodak AZ901 | |
Leica Q Typ 116« » | Full Frame | 24.0 | 6000 | 4000 | 1080/60p | 24.3 | 12.7 | 2221 | 85 | Leica Q Typ 116 | |
Sony HX99« » | 1/2.3 | 18.0 | 4896 | 3672 | 4K/30p | - | - | - | - | Sony HX99 | |
Sony HX95« » | 1/2.3 | 18.0 | 4896 | 3672 | 4K/30p | - | - | - | - | Sony HX95 | |
Sony RX100 IV« » | 1-inch | 20.0 | 5472 | 3648 | 4K/30p | 22.8 | 12.6 | 591 | 70 | Sony RX100 IV | |
Sony A6000« » | APS-C | 24.0 | 6000 | 4000 | 1080/60p | 24.1 | 13.1 | 1347 | 82 | Sony A6000 | |
Sony RX100 III« » | 1-inch | 20.0 | 5472 | 3648 | 1080/60p | 22.4 | 12.3 | 495 | 67 | Sony RX100 III |
Feature comparison
Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The tables below summarize some of the other core capabilities of the 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 Size (inch) |
LCD Resolution ('000 dots) |
LCD Attach- ment |
Touch Screen (yes/no) |
Shutter speed (1/sec) |
Shutter flaps (1/sec) |
Built-in Flash (yes/no) |
Built-in Image Stab |
Camera Model |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sony HX400V | 210 | n | 3.0 | 921 | tilting | n | 4000 | 10.0 | Y | Y | Sony HX400V | |
Canon SX70« » | 2360 | n | 3.0 | 922 | swivel | n | 2000 | 10.0 | Y | Y | Canon SX70 | |
Canon G9 X« » | - | n | 3.0 | 1040 | fixed | Y | 2000 | 6.0 | Y | Y | Canon G9 X | |
Canon SX60« » | 922 | n | 3.0 | 922 | swivel | n | 2000 | 6.4 | Y | Y | Canon SX60 | |
Kodak AZ901« » | 202 | n | 3.0 | 920 | swivel | n | 2000 | 5.0 | Y | Y | Kodak AZ901 | |
Leica Q Typ 116« » | 3680 | n | 3.0 | 1040 | fixed | Y | 2000 | 10.0 | n | n | Leica Q Typ 116 | |
Sony HX99« » | 638 | n | 3.0 | 922 | tilting | Y | 2000 | 10.0 | Y | Y | Sony HX99 | |
Sony HX95« » | 638 | n | 3.0 | 922 | tilting | n | 2000 | 10.0 | Y | Y | Sony HX95 | |
Sony RX100 IV« » | 2359 | n | 3.0 | 1228 | tilting | n | 2000 | 16.0 | Y | Y | Sony RX100 IV | |
Sony A6000« » | 1440 | n | 3.0 | 922 | tilting | n | 4000 | 11.0 | Y | n | Sony A6000 | |
Sony RX100 III« » | 1440 | n | 3.0 | 1229 | tilting | n | 2000 | 10.0 | Y | Y | Sony RX100 III |
Camera Model |
Hotshoe Port |
Internal Microphone |
Internal Speaker |
Microphone Port |
Headphone Port |
HDMI Port |
USB Type |
WiFi Support |
NFC Support |
Bluetooth Support |
Camera Model |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sony HX400V | Y | stereo | mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | Sony HX400V | |
Canon SX70« » | - | stereo | mono | Y | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | - | Y | Canon SX70 | |
Canon G9 X« » | - | stereo | mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | Canon G9 X | |
Canon SX60« » | Y | stereo | mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | Canon SX60 | |
Kodak AZ901« » | - | stereo | mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | - | - | Kodak AZ901 | |
Leica Q Typ 116« » | Y | stereo | mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | Leica Q Typ 116 | |
Sony HX99« » | - | stereo | mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | Sony HX99 | |
Sony HX95« » | - | stereo | mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | Sony HX95 | |
Sony RX100 IV« » | - | stereo | mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | Sony RX100 IV | |
Sony A6000« » | Y | stereo | mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | Sony A6000 | |
Sony RX100 III« » | - | stereo | mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | Sony RX100 III |
Expert reviews
While the specs-based evaluation of cameras is instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the HX400V handle or perform in practice. 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. This is why expert reviews are important. The following table reports the overall rankings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (cameralabs, dpreview, ephotozine, imaging-resource, photographyblog). The detailed reviews can be accessed by clicking on the site logo in the table header.
Camera Model |
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Camera Launch (announced) |
Launch Price (USD) |
Street Price (USD) |
Used Price (USD) |
Camera Model |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sony HX400V | HiRec | - | 4/5 | - | 4/5 | Feb 2014 | 499 | Sony HX400V | |||
Canon SX70« » | - | - | 3.5/5 | - | 3.5/5 | Sep 2018 | 549 | Canon SX70 | |||
Canon G9 X« » | HiRec | - | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Oct 2015 | 529 | - | Canon G9 X | ||
Canon SX60« » | HiRec | 75/100 | 4/5 | - | 4.5/5 | Sep 2014 | 549 | - | Canon SX60 | ||
Kodak AZ901« » | - | - | 3.5/5 | - | 3/5 | Jan 2016 | 499 | Kodak AZ901 | |||
Leica Q Typ 116« » | - | 80/100 | 4.5/5 | - | 4.5/5 | Jun 2015 | 4,249 | Leica Q Typ 116 | |||
Sony HX99« » | - | - | 4/5 | - | 4.5/5 | Aug 2018 | 449 | Sony HX99 | |||
Sony HX95« » | - | - | - | - | - | Aug 2018 | 429 | Sony HX95 | |||
Sony RX100 IV« » | HiRec | 85/100 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jun 2015 | 999 | - | Sony RX100 IV | ||
Sony A6000« » | Rec | 80/100 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | Feb 2014 | 599 | - | Sony A6000 | ||
Sony RX100 III« » | HiRec | 82/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | May 2014 | 799 | - | Sony RX100 III |
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. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.
Sony HX400V FAQ
Below are some additional questions and answers concerning some particular features of the HX400V.
What type of imaging sensor is used in the HX400V?
The camera is build around a BSI-CMOS (Backside Illuminated Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensor.
Which image processing chip is used to convert the raw signal into an image file and perform noise reduction and image sharpening?
Sony equipped the HX400V with the BIONZ X image processor.
What is the ISO sensitivity range of the HX400V?
The camera has a native sensitivity range from ISO 80 to ISO 3200.
Does the Sony HX400V feature an autofocus assist light?
Yes, the camera has a lamp built-in that can illuminate the subject and improve autofocus in low-light settings.
Which battery does the HX400V use?
The camera gets its power from the NP-BX1 (here at amazon), which is a rechargeable Lithium-Ion power pack.
Check Amazon price
Camera to camera comparisons
In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities with other camera models, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.
- Canon 10D vs Canon SL1
- Canon 350D vs Nikon D3000
- Canon G12 vs Panasonic LX100
- Canon M50 vs Canon RP
- Canon SX70 vs Fujifilm X-T100
- Fujifilm X30 vs Sony A7
- Nikon D750 vs Sony A7R III
- Nikon D7500 vs Leica TL
- Nikon Z6 vs Sony A6000
- Panasonic GM5 vs Sony RX100 VI
- Panasonic LX10 vs Fujifilm X100
- Pentax KP vs Panasonic FZ200
Specifications: Sony HX400V
Camera Model | Sony HX400V | |
Camera Type | Fixed lens compact camera | |
Camera Lens | 24-1200mm f/2.8-6.3 | |
Launch Date | February 2014 | |
Launch Price | USD 499 | |
Sensor Specs | ||
Sensor Technology | BSI-CMOS | |
Sensor Format | 1/2.3" Sensor | |
Sensor Size | 6.17 x 4.55 mm | |
Sensor Area | 28.0735 mm2 | |
Sensor Diagonal | 7.7 mm | |
Crop Factor | 5.6x | |
Sensor Resolution | 20.2 Megapixels | |
Image Resolution | 5184 x 3888 pixels | |
Pixel Pitch | 1.18 μm | |
Pixel Density | 71.80 MP/cm2 | |
Moiré control | no AA filter | |
Movie Capability | 1080/60p Video | |
ISO Setting | 80-3200 ISO | |
ISO Boost | 80-12800 ISO | |
Image Processor | BIONZ X | |
Screen Specs | ||
Viewfinder Type | Electronic viewfinder | |
Viewfinder Field of View | 100% | |
Viewfinder Magnification | ..x | |
Viewfinder Resolution | 210k dots | |
LCD Framing | Live View | |
Rear LCD Size | 3.0 inch | |
LCD Resolution | 921k dots | |
LCD Attachment | Tilting screen | |
Shooting Specs | ||
Autofocus System | Contrast-detect AF | |
Maximum Shutter Speed | 1/4000s | |
Continuous Shooting | 10 shutter flaps/s | |
Fill Flash | Build-in Flash | |
Storage Medium | MS or SDXC cards | |
Second Storage Option | Single card slot | |
Connectivity Specs | ||
External Flash | Hotshoe | |
USB Connector | USB 2.0 | |
HDMI Port | micro HDMI | |
Wifi Support | Wifi built-in | |
Near-Field Communication | NFC built-in | |
Body Specs | ||
Battery Type | NP-BX1 power pack | |
Battery Life (CIPA) | 300 shots per charge | |
Body Dimensions |
130 x 93 x 103 mm (5.1 x 3.7 x 4.1 in) |
|
Camera Weight | 660 g (23.3 oz) |
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