Sony HX400V Compact Digital Camera with 50x Optical Zoom, Black

Product Description

MP camera that takes you there. Even shoot on the move thanks to Optical SteadyShot that helps minimize blur. Use Easy Mode to simplify the camera’s menu functions, plus add fun or dramatic looks with the built-in Picture Effects. It’s ready when you are. Battery Life:Still images*9: approx. 300 shots, approx. 150min. (EVF: approx. 380 / approx. 190min), Movies (actual shooting)*10*11: approx. 50min (EVF: approx. 55min). (In [MP4 12M] mode, max. continuous shooting time is approx. 15min. and max. file size is 2GB), Movies (continuous shooting)*10: 85min (EVF: approx. 95min). (In [MP4 12M] mode, max. continuous shooting time is approx. 15min. and max. file size is 2GB. )*12

Features

• Clear Image Zoom ZEISS Lens. Panorama (Recording): Intelligent Sweep Panorama (supports 360 format)
• 20.4MP Exmor R CMOS Sensor for superb low light images
• Keep your subject in focus with Lock-On AF. Screen type: 7.5cm (3.0 type)(4:3) / 921,600 dots / Xtra Fine / TFT LCD
• Simple connectivity to smartphones via Wi-Fi w/NFC3
• Map your images with GPS tagged photos.Focus Range (From the Front of the Lens):0.39 in - Infinity (W), 7.87 ft - Infinity (T)
• Enhance features w/ downloadable camera apps
• 4K quality still image output via HDMI2
• Motion Shot Video traces subject movement

Top Reviews

The HX400V is a Big Step Forward for Sony
by Capt. Aero (5 out of 5 stars)
April 5, 2014

I couldn't care less about a few silly, post-capture, in-camera picture effects. The purpose of a good camera is to take pictures out in the field, not play around with them afterward. There's plenty of time for that, after you get home.

The image quality and the quick, effective functions of this model, put it far ahead of the deficient HX300 of last year. I sent that one back after 5 days, but this one is a keeper. Even at full-size, most of its photos look presentable and at normal full-screen viewing sizes, they are sparkling good. I didn't think anyone could put 21 Megapixels on a tiny sensor like this and get good results, but Sony has proved me wrong.

The photo and video quality clear out to the end of the 1,200mm lens is sharp. The HX300 lost resolution at full zoom. With video, you can engage the Active Stabilization Mode and get 1.41X, or a 1,692mm equivalent in focal-length and there's no loss of quality. There are several other superzoom brands on sale now, that seem to match the HX400V in some specifications, but their overall performance for all purposes falls behind this one.

I recommend getting the Sony ECM-XYST1M stereo hotshoe mike, to put on this camera. It picks up distant sounds well and mostly eliminates wind noise using a furnished furry wind sock. Breathing sounds from the operator are not recorded, which is a problem if the built-in mikes are used. The two elements can be swiveled out wide or pointed ahead for varied pickup patterns. I also bought two sets of Wasabi NP-BX1 batteries and chargers here on Amazon. You don't get an external charger with the camera and having 5 batteries and two chargers gives me plenty of backup power and charging capability. This brand of battery seems to have the best reputation for an after-market source.

The autofocus for both photos and video is quick and solid. There is no better camera for shooting flying birds or aircraft. The low-light abilities of it are amazing and the unique multiple-exposure modes make it possible to get good photos in very dim light.

There's a KiwiFotos lens adaptor tube here on Amazon that is built to fit the HX300. Although it is claimed that the lens is the same size as that of the HX400V, it is not. The HX400V outer lens housing is 1mm larger in diameter and this adaptor will not fit. Perhaps KiwiFotos will build a new one later that matches the HX400V.

Although this camera is listed here and at other dealers in the USA as the HX400 (B), it is in fact the HX400V (B) they are selling. This model has GPS and the HX400 that is sold in some other countries, does not have GPS.
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The best sub-$450 all-in-one around
by Colin S. (5 out of 5 stars)
July 15, 2014

This is a phenomenal camera for the price.

I bought this as a second camera for my wife to use while on safari. She's kryptonite to anything technology if it can break or stop working she will find a way to make it happen. With this camera however, she ended up taking some amazing photos on our trip of fast moving animals at distances I couldn't believe. The videos turned out even better.

Reasons to buy:
-This a great does-it-all camera: Enough megapixels to take photos for large print, good enough glass to make them clear and more
-The 50x (1600mm equivalent) zoom takes great photos at long distances with the right lighting - my wife got photos of monkeys at 500 yards that my 200mm/F2.8 would never be able to. The clarity was phenomenal and some will be on our wall, you'd swear we were closer
-The video quality is outstanding and the slow zoom makes for great landscape shots that zoom in on objects far away
-GPS- We were deep in the African bush and when I synced our photos all of them were geotagged, pretty cool
-Wifi - Using the playmemories app on Android or iPhone, you can control the camera and take photos or send your best ones to your phone from the camera for sharing online
-If you are already bought into Sony's camera line: this takes the same batteries and has the same menus as many others
-Viewfinder is good enough, it gets the job done. For better long distance shots, this is a must and is why the cheaper long zoom cameras without an EVF are just about useless
-Build quality is really good. The camera is also super light

Reasons not to:
-The RX10 is slightly more and is easily the best all in one for those not looking for a full frame or compact system.
-The Lumix FZ200 and FZ1000 are great alternatives: I'd still have bought this camera for the price howeverr
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Unbelievable results from this camera
by Ricky E Gray (5 out of 5 stars)
March 26, 2015

I read a ton of reviews before purchasing this camera. The only negative I read was that it had a "cheap plastic feel" to it. hmmm...okay, the body is plastic....does not have leather bindings......but doesn't feel cheap to me. After using the camera, I don't care if it feels cheap. The results speak for themselves. Do yourself a favor and go on to the sony site and download the user help guide. A ton of great information in there on how best to use the camera. Last night too a picture of a half-moon and only supported the camera on a tripod with no mount....the zoom was phenomenal! I took a lot of macro shots and was beyond impressed. FYI...the macro is plain old ground pepper. Would buy again in a heart beat if needed
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Feature-rich and easy to use camera
by Strike Me Down Now! (5 out of 5 stars)
July 18, 2017

I bought this to take photos of my son's graduation from Army airborne school. I took it with me to watch his jumps at Fryar Field in Columbus, GA. I was amazed at the photos I got out of it. With planes at an altitude of 1,250 feet, I got clear images of jumpers in the door of the plane, exits, descents, and landings. The video capture was excellent and clear. Feature rich and very easy to use, I remain truly impressed with this camera.
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Amazing camera for the price
by dsct61 (5 out of 5 stars)
April 16, 2014

I caught this camera at a lower price when it was available for pre-order only and thought I'd give it a try. My primary reason for wanting a mega-zoom camera is for birding, but I've also tried shots indoors and close up flower photography.

I am not a serious photographer, so my review will not be technically rigorous. I do enjoy my casual photography, especially when I come home with a few "keeper" shots like I've been lucky enough to do with this camera.

I have been extremely pleased with this camera. Even in auto mode the photos have exceeded my expectations, even at the highest range of zoom. The details are staying crisp (water droplets on a loon's head, the iridescence of feathers) and the focus speed/shutter speed have allowed me to catch a couple photos I would not have thought possible with a camera of this type.

I'm looking forward to learning more about this camera's capabilities and becoming more adept with the mega-zoom.
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I am a novice with a larger camera like this. Always went for the convenience of one ...
by M J Sweet (5 out of 5 stars)
July 1, 2017

I am a novice with a larger camera like this. Always went for the convenience of one that fit in my pocket or purse.

I bought this to take on safari in May 2017. I could not be happier with my purchase. Suddenly I had the ability to take fabulous shots without having to "fiddle" with the camera.!!! In the two eagle photos you can see the close up. The one with the entire tree is how far away we were, then there is the close up. i don't know how zoomed out i was, just trying to see the birds better. In fact the bird photos really show how well the zoom works as we were in a safari vehicle 99%of our trip. The baboon was from the porch of one cabin. The giraffe is from the Giraffe Center in Nairobi, where you can touch and feed the giraffes.
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Awesome quality pictures!
by Alexis (5 out of 5 stars)
May 14, 2015

I have had this camera for less than a week and I absolutely love it! I have had the Sony DSC-WX150 for the past 4 years and it has been a great little point and shoot, but I wanted something more. I came across this Sony and it seemed to be exactly what I wanted given it's huge optical zoom. I'm nowhere near a professional photographer and I wanted something affordable so I chose to stay away from DSLRs. While this camera doesn't give you the ability to attach different lenses, I, as the non-professional don't find the need given the lens this camera has. I took the camera to a butterfly museum and I am amazed at the results (see attached pictures). If you are a non-professional looking for a camera that produces pictures at what looks like a professional level, then this camera is the way to go.
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Who needs a DSLR?
by Marikapedia (4 out of 5 stars)
April 14, 2016

I was dead set on getting a Nikon DSLR even though I didn't know why those four letters meant so much to me. After research and staking photography forums it dawned on me that if you don't really need a fancy crazy expensive camera to take good photos.

The super long zoom of this camera appealed to me because I'm nosy and need to be right up in people's faces. You'll see the sleeping primate pic I've attached. That was taken from quite far away and through the hole of a chain link fence.

I like the quality of the photos this camera produces. I don't do any post production or editing on my pics and to my eye the colors and details are natural here. There's a wifi photo transfer feature that is a bit cumbersome but it works. There's no input for an external mic, which bugs me. And I wish there was a rotating screen so so can record tutorials and vlogs while being able to see my shot when I'm in front of the camera. Those small factors make this camera lose a point. Still, I wouldn't hesitate to buy it all over again.
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Excellent Bridge Camera
by Nicholas,Top Contributor: Photography (5 out of 5 stars)
April 14, 2018

There are a lot of reviews online about this camera saying that the image quality isn't good. Ignore those reviews. This is an excellent bridge camera. A lot of people are expecting the image quality from this camera to be comparable to the quality you get from a DSLR, but that cannot be. The sensor in this camera is substantially smaller than the one found in a DSLR (crop-sensor or full-frame). Because the sensor is smaller, the dynamic range and overall image quality cannot be equal to the dynamic range and image quality of a DSLR. But if you know what you're doing, you can use this camera to get some great images.

I've had this camera for a few months now, and used it mainly to photograph birds, and I am extremely satisfied with it. The zoom range is fantastic, and the autofocus is pretty good. You can achieve pretty good bokeh (the quality of the out of focus areas in a photograph) and nice, shallow depth of field once you zoom in and isolate your subject. Colors are pretty true, and the camera can yield very sharp images provided your technique is good. I recommend that you use a tripod with this camera and any camera if you're going to be using it in telephoto mode a lot, as I do.

Being a bridge camera (a fixed-lens camera that is between a point and shoot and a DSLR), you're able to use this camera in Aperture Priority Mode, Shutter Priority, and Manual Mode. There are some automatic modes, but I never use modes like those on any of the cameras I own because they limit your creative flexibility when taking photographs. You're able to take HD video as well, but since I'm not too much into video I haven't tested the video capabilities of this camera yet. But I have shot some simple, short clips of birds flying around, and those videos came out great.

This is an excellent bridge camera, and I recommend it to anyone. Even if you shoot predominantly with DSLRs (like I do), this is still a great camera to have for those days you don't feel like lugging around a bag full of lenses or a really heavy DSLR body.

I've attached some photos I took using this camera so you can get a taste of the camera's performance. All of the pictures were taken in an aspect ratio of 16:9, and all of the photos were taken with the camera being handheld.
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They don't all turn out like that. I miss the RAW availability
by Amazon Customer (3 out of 5 stars)
August 30, 2017

It is what it is. I have a problem with some shots at the 1600 Telephoto setting. I've included a sample of that problem. They don't all turn out like that. I miss the RAW availability, but I knew that going in. Everything else, so far, is as advertised. Other than a few messed up telephotos, the other settings I have used are great! Panorama is fantastic. Macro photos are nice. I haven't used all the features yet, I am learning each one intimately as I go. The spider web photo was at about 15 feet off the ground. The chipmunk photo was taken from about 10 feet, so you can see this Sony does a good job. I've also included two panoramas for you to view. I am happy with it mainly because I don't have to carry several lenses and change them whenever required. I'm not after publishing quality--I just want to shoot whatever catches my eye.

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