Fujifilm F900EXR vs Sony HX400V

A Detailed Comparison of the Fujifilm FinePix F900EXR and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX400V: Small Sensor Superzoom Cameras Explored

In the landscape of small sensor superzoom cameras, the Fujifilm FinePix F900EXR and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX400V represent two compelling options that have attracted considerable interest among photography enthusiasts and professionals seeking versatile bridge cameras without the expense and bulk of interchangeable lens systems. This article provides a rigorous, feature-by-feature comparison informed by extensive hands-on evaluations and technical analysis, designed to guide discerning users in selecting the camera suited to their specific photographic requirements.

Physical Design and Ergonomics: Compact Versus Bridge-Style Handling

At first glance, these two cameras diverge substantially in their physical design philosophies, impacting handling, portability, and user interface.

• Fujifilm F900EXR: This model is a compact, pocketable device with dimensions of 105 x 61 x 36 mm and a weight of 232 grams. Its diminutive size makes it exceptionally portable, suitable for casual commute, street photography, or travel where minimal gear is prioritized. However, its compactness comes at the expense of traditional DSLR-style ergonomics, lacking a viewfinder and relying solely on rear LCD feedback.

• Sony HX400V: Contrastingly, the HX400V is a substantial bridge camera (130 x 93 x 103 mm, 660 grams), designed with a pronounced grip and an SLR-like form factor. This enables more stable handheld operation, especially beneficial when using the long telephoto zoom in challenging light. The increased heft enhances balance for extended shoots but limits spontaneous portability.

Ergonomically, the Sony offers manual focus controls and more pronounced buttons and dials, while the Fujifilm's controls are simpler but less tactile, favoring point-and-shoot convenience. The ergonomic trade-off resolves to the user’s preference for size versus handling sophistication – the Fujifilm excels in compactness; the Sony in traditional camera stability.

Control Layout and User Interface: Managing Exposure and Focus

Examining the top panels reveals significant differences in operational design:

• Fujifilm F900EXR: Features a minimalist control layout geared toward quick adjustments with dedicated modes including manual exposure, aperture and shutter priority, and exposure compensation. Absence of a dedicated manual focus ring means reliance upon motorized focus control through button interfaces, which can impact precision and responsiveness.

• Sony HX400V: Equipped with a more sophisticated control panel including a mode dial with direct access to numerous scene modes, manual focus ring, and a physical zoom lever around the shutter button for intuitive focal length changes. The inclusion of an electronic viewfinder (EVF) complements the control experience, improving framing and exposure assessment in bright conditions where LCD use is challenging.

While both cameras include exposure bracketing and custom white balance options, the Sony offers more versatile exposure feedback mechanisms and better user control granularity, suitable for photographers demanding detailed manual input.

Sensor Specifications and Image Quality Capabilities

Both cameras are equipped with small 1/2.3" to 1/2" type sensors typical of superzoom category cameras, yet with distinct attributes influencing image fidelity.

• Fujifilm F900EXR: Utilizes a 16MP EXR CMOS sensor (6.4 x 4.8 mm sensor dimensions, 30.72 mm² sensor area) with EXR II processing, a proprietary sensor design that attempts to optimize dynamic range and sensitivity by pixel binning in different modes. The sensor includes an antialiasing filter and supports RAW output, a valuable asset for post-processing flexibility.

• Sony HX400V: Features a slightly smaller 20MP BSI-CMOS sensor (6.17 x 4.55 mm, 28.07 mm²), supported by the advanced Bionz X processor. While the sensor lacks RAW support, it benefits from backside illumination for improved light-gathering efficiency and higher maximum native ISO settings (up to ISO 12800).

Image Quality Assessment:

• The Fujifilm’s larger sensor area and RAW support yield better high-ISO noise performance when shooting RAW files, preserving subtle tonal gradations crucial in portrait and landscape photography.

• The Sony’s higher pixel count delivers more detailed resolution at base ISO, advantageous in situations that demand cropping or large print sizes.

• Both cameras are challenged by the physical constraints of small sensors in dynamic range and low-light environments, but the EXR sensor’s specialized modes attempt to extend usable exposure latitude.

In practical terms, photographers who prioritize RAW processing and a balance between resolution and noise control may favor the Fujifilm, whereas those focusing on telephoto reach and pixel density without RAW workflows may lean towards the Sony.

Display and Viewfinding: Composing Images Across Lighting Conditions

• Fujifilm F900EXR: Equipped with a fixed 3-inch TFT LCD panel at 920k-dot resolution. The screen is non-touch and non-articulating, which limits compositional flexibility especially in low angles or overhead shots.

• Sony HX400V: Offers a higher-resolution 3-inch tilting LCD screen with 921k-dot resolution, facilitating versatility in framing from oblique angles. Additionally, the inclusion of a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 100% coverage and eye-level framing enhances shooting stability and visibility in bright sunlight.

The Fujifilm’s reliance solely on the rear LCD may hinder usability in outdoor daylight conditions. Meanwhile, Sony’s EVF integration is advantageous for photographers requiring extended outdoor use and telephoto precision.

Lens and Zoom Performance: Reach, Aperture, and Macro Capabilities

Both cameras feature fixed superzoom lenses offering outstanding optical versatility suited to travel, wildlife, and general-purpose photography.

• Fujifilm F900EXR: Sports a 25-500 mm equivalent zoom (20x optical), with an aperture range of f/3.5 to f/5.3. The lens maintains decent brightness at the wide end with moderate light gathering telephoto performance. Macro focusing is possible down to 5 cm.

• Sony HX400V: Offers a significant zoom advantage with a 24-1200 mm equivalent focal length (50x optical), accompanied by a slightly faster aperture at the wide end (f/2.8 to f/6.3). The extensive reach is impressive for distant wildlife or sports subjects. Macro focusing extends to 1 cm, enabling detailed close-ups.

The Sony’s zoom ratio more than doubles that of the Fujifilm, offering substantially more framing flexibility, though image quality at extreme telephoto lengths may degrade due to optical limitations expected in superzoom lenses.

The Fujifilm’s lens, while less extreme, benefits from somewhat better optical stabilisation and more consistent aperture performance across the range.

Autofocus Systems: Tracking, Accuracy, and Responsiveness

Autofocus reliability and speed are critical in action, wildlife, and sports photography.

• Fujifilm F900EXR: Employs a hybrid system combining phase-detection autofocus with contrast-detection elements. It supports single AF, continuous AF, and AF tracking, along with face detection. However, its autofocus points count is unspecified, and there is no animal eye AF.

• Sony HX400V: Utilizes contrast-detection autofocus exclusively but with a dedicated array of 9 AF points and multi-area AF. It supports face detection and AF tracking, although continuous AF (especially in video) is lacking.

In practice, the Fujifilm’s hybrid system provides comparatively better continuous AF tracking and serves moving subjects more reliably. The Sony’s contrast detection is competent for stationary or slowly moving subjects but can struggle under low light or fast action.

For wildlife and sports photographers prioritizing autofocus speed and tracking, the Fujifilm may offer an edge, whereas for casual subjects the Sony is adequate.

Continuous Shooting and Burst Performance

• Fujifilm F900EXR: Provides a maximum burst frame rate of 11 fps, beneficial for capturing fleeting photographic opportunities.

• Sony HX400V: Supports 10 fps continuous shooting, closely matching Fujifilm’s speed.

Both cameras are competent in burst shooting for their category. The Fujifilm’s slightly faster frame rate is marginal but could influence decision-making where capturing rapid action sequences is necessary.

Video Capabilities: Resolutions, Formats, and Audio Integration

• Fujifilm F900EXR: Captures Full HD 1080p video at 60 and 30 fps using MPEG-4 and H.264 encoding. There is no microphone or headphone port, and no advanced stabilization beyond sensor-shift.

• Sony HX400V: Supports 1080p recording at 60p, 60i, and 24p frame rates with AVCHD and MPEG-4 formats. Notably, it includes a microphone input port, allowing external audio device connection, enhancing sound quality for video creators.

While both cameras lack 4K photo capabilities, the Sony’s advanced video codec options and external mic input present it as a more flexible tool for hybrid shooters who require higher-quality video workflows.

Build Quality, Weather Sealing, and Durability

Neither camera offers specific environmental sealing or ruggedized construction such as waterproofing, dustproofing, or shock resistance. Photographers intending outdoor and travel use should consider protective measures or aftermarket housing.

The Sony’s larger, thicker build might better withstand incidental knocks, while the Fujifilm’s compact frame necessitates more careful handling.

Battery Life and Storage

• Fujifilm F900EXR: Rated for approximately 260 shots per charge with the NP-50A battery pack.

• Sony HX400V: Slightly better endurance with about 300 shots rated using an NP-BX1 pack.

Both cameras utilize single battery slots and store images on SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, with the Sony also accepting Memory Stick formats, expanding compatibility.

Connectivity and Extras

• Fujifilm F900EXR: Incorporates built-in wireless connectivity but no Bluetooth or NFC. HDMI output and USB 2.0 interfaces are standard.

• Sony HX400V: Also features built-in wireless connectivity with NFC for streamlined pairing with compatible mobile devices, plus integrated GPS for geotagging. HDMI and USB 2.0 ports complete the interface suite.

Sony’s GPS feature particularly benefits travel and landscape photographers requiring location metadata embedded in images.

Practical Review Across Photography Genres

Fujifilm F900EXR front Fujifilm F900EXR screen back Sony HX400V front Sony HX400V screen back

When empirically testing both cameras across a spectrum of photographic genres, conclusions can be segmented as follows.

Portrait Photography

• Skin tone rendition: Fujifilm’s color science, historically praised for warm, natural hues, holds up well in the F900EXR, especially with RAW processing.

• Bokeh characteristics: Given the small sensor and relatively slow lens apertures, both cameras exhibit limited depth-of-field control; Fujifilm is slightly preferable due to its more consistent aperture.

• Eye detection AF: Neither model supports advanced eye autofocus - a growing expectation - though face detection is present and functional on both.

Landscape Photography

• Dynamic range: Fujifilm’s EXR sensor design claims benefits here; in field testing, it shows marginally better preservation of highlight and shadow detail.

• Resolution: Sony’s 20MP sensor theoretically improves detail resolution; however, noise at higher ISOs reduces practical advantage.

• Weather Sealing: Neither offers weather sealing, limiting use under adverse conditions.

Wildlife Photography

• Autofocus: Fujifilm’s hybrid system and faster burst rate facilitate wildlife capture better than Sony's contrast-detection autofocus.

• Telephoto reach: Sony’s extraordinary 1200mm equivalent zoom lens decisively outperforms the Fuji’s 500mm reach, enabling framing of distant animals without additional glass.

• Stabilization: Both have image stabilization, with the Fujifilm providing sensor-shift and Sony employing optical stabilization - real-world performance is similar though Sony’s lens-based system has advantages at extreme telephoto settings.

Sports Photography

• Tracking accuracy: The Fujifilm’s continuous autofocus and superior burst rate support better action sequences.

• Low light: The Fujifilm’s sensor size and processing yield relatively better ISO handling.

• Frame rates: Comparable between both, but the Fuji has a slight edge.

Street Photography

• Discreteness: Fujifilm’s compact size gives it an advantage, being less conspicuous and easier to carry unobtrusively.

• Low light: Slight advantage to Fujifilm owing to ISO performance.

• Portability: Clear preference for Fujifilm.

Macro Photography

• Magnification: Sony can focus as close as 1 cm, offering higher macro potential.

• Focusing precision: Both provide sufficient precision, but Sony’s manual focus ring adds tactile feedback.

• Stabilization: Critical at macro distances; Fujifilm’s sensor-shift system is advantageous.

Night and Astro Photography

• High ISO performance: Fujifilm’s RAW support and ISO extension provide more flexibility.

• Exposure modes: Both cameras feature manual exposure controls, but Fujifilm has longer maximum shutter speeds (8 seconds) compared to Sony (30 seconds), facilitating astrophotography.

Video Capabilities

• Recording specs: Both max out at 1080p, but Sony supports AVCHD and external microphone input, favoring advanced videographers.

• Stabilization: Both offer image stabilization, beneficial for video handheld shooting.

• Audio: Sony’s mic input is a significant advantage.

Travel Photography

• Versatility: Sony’s lens range and GPS tagging provide unmatched utility.

• Battery life: Sony marginally exceeds Fujifilm.

• Size/weight: Fujifilm’s compactness favors long excursions on foot.

Professional Work

• Reliability: Both cameras lack pro-grade weather sealing, limiting professional use in harsh environments.

• File formats: Fujifilm supports RAW, vital for professional processing; Sony does not.

• Workflow integration: Sony’s lack of RAW hinders post-production flexibility, impacting professional workflow.

Final Performance Ratings

Synthesizing numerous measured and observed parameters: image quality, autofocus, handling, versatility, and more, the Fujifilm F900EXR and Sony HX400V yield scores reflecting their diverging strengths.

• Fujifilm scores notably for image quality, autofocus, and compactness.

• Sony excels in zoom reach, video features, and controls.

This genre breakdown reinforces the user-specific nature of camera choice depending on photographic focuses.

Concluding Recommendations: Matching Cameras to Photographic Needs

• Choose the Fujifilm F900EXR if:

  • You prioritize compactness and portability for street, travel, and candid photography.
  • RAW image capture for post-processing flexibility is essential.
  • Your subjects include moderate action types like sports or wildlife favoring autofocus responsiveness.
  • You value a balanced sensor design emphasizing dynamic range and ISO handling.

• Opt for the Sony HX400V if:

  • You require extreme telephoto reach for wildlife or long-distance shooting.
  • Video recording with higher frame rate flexibility and external microphone use is important.
  • You benefit from built-in GPS and extended zoom versatility.
  • You prefer a traditional bridge camera form factor with an electronic viewfinder and articulating screen.

Closing Thoughts

Both the Fujifilm FinePix F900EXR and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX400V represent capable superzoom cameras that leverage their design priorities to serve different photography niches. The older yet sensor-optimized Fujifilm shines in optical and imaging quality within a compact frame, while the Sony provides an unmatched zoom range and richer video features at the cost of bulk and limited RAW workflows.

Photography enthusiasts are encouraged to weigh the importance of sensor performance, manual controls, and portability against telephoto reach and video capabilities as they make a choice grounded in their shooting styles and practical needs.

Image credits: All images used for illustration are proprietary sample shots and comparison visuals from in-house testing suites.