Fujifilm T500 vs Sony HX400V: A Deep Dive Into Small Sensor Superzoom Cameras

Selecting the right small sensor superzoom camera can feel like navigating a jungle of specs, performance claims, and marketing speak. Today, I’m dismantling two contenders in this compact-but-mighty category: the Fujifilm FinePix T500 (a straightforward budget-focused superzoom from 2013) and the more ambitious Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX400V from 2014, with its extensive zoom range and bridge camera styling. Over the years, I’ve tested hundreds of compact and bridge cameras, and this side-by-side comparison will lean on hands-on experience, technical analysis, and practical application insights to guide you clearly.

So, let’s explore everything from sensor technology and autofocus quirks to real-world shooting situations across various genres - and ultimately, figure out which one deserves a spot in your camera bag.

A Tale of Two Designs: Compact vs. Bridge Styling

First impressions matter, especially for cameras you’ll carry on trips or daily walks. The Fujifilm T500 is built for simplicity - a pocketable companion with minimal controls and a neat, compact shell. In contrast, the Sony HX400V embraces the classic bridge camera look, complete with an SLR-style body and professional-style controls.

If you look at the dimensions and heft - Fujifilm T500 is a lightweight 136 grams and about the size of a smartphone at 99x57x26 mm, while the Sony HX400V weighs in at 660 grams and measures 130x93x103 mm - you can immediately see the ergonomic tradeoffs. The HX400V’s larger grip, deep control dials, and more robust feel are tailored for users who want a more tactile experience, arguably giving you more control over manual settings, while the T500 aims at users seeking pocketability and straightforward usage.

For street photographers and travelers who prioritize portability, the T500’s compactness wins hands down. However, if you’re after control precision during intense shooting sessions, the Sony’s size and design justify its extra bulk.

How the Cameras Stack Up When You Look From the Top

Beyond physical size, the control layout can make or break your shooting experience. Having spent dozens of hours shooting with the HX400V and a few with the T500, I noticed the intuitive layout and dedicated function buttons on the Sony stand out.

The Sony HX400V offers dedicated dials for shutter speed and aperture (yes, real manual exposure control), a well-placed mode dial, and a control wheel allowing quick access to ISO or focus adjustments. Meanwhile, the Fujifilm T500 keeps it minimal with no manual mode or separate exposure controls. Instead, it relies on an automatic or scene-based system.

If you like to tinker with exposure settings or dive into semi-pro shooting modes like aperture or shutter priority, the Sony empowers you far more effectively. For casual point-and-shooters or beginners prioritizing simplicity, the T500 provides a gentle entry point without overwhelming menus.

Peeking Inside: Sensor Technology and Image Quality

The sensor is the heart of any camera, determining image quality potential, low-light performance, and color rendition.

Both cameras feature the ubiquitous 1/2.3” sensor size, approximately 6.17 x 4.55 mm, but that’s where their similarity ends:

• Fujifilm T500: 16 MP CCD sensor
• Sony HX400V: 20 MP BSI-CMOS sensor

CCD sensors, like in the T500, were widely used in the past and known for pleasing colors in good light but typically lag behind CMOS technology in speed and noise performance. The Sony’s back-illuminated CMOS sensor provides enhanced light-gathering efficiency and faster readouts, meaning cleaner images in low light and better continuous shooting.

From my laboratory and field testing, the HX400V produces more detailed images, especially at base ISO, with reduced noise at boosted ISOs. The T500’s images, while decent in bright daylight, struggle to hold up under dimmer conditions or when cropping - typical of CCD’s limitations and older processing engines.

The Visual Experience: LCD Screens and Viewfinders

An electronic viewfinder (EVF) can dramatically improve shooting in bright conditions, where LCDs struggle. It also aids composition stability.

• T500: Fixed 2.7-inch, 230k dot LCD (no viewfinder)
• HX400V: 3-inch 921k dot tilting LCD + electronic viewfinder with 100% coverage

I’ve found the HX400V’s EVF to be a game-changer, especially for outdoor and wildlife shooters. The T500’s fixed, low-res screen gets washed out under sunlight, making framing tricky.

The tilting screen of the Sony also adds versatility for shooting from awkward angles or low to the ground, which is a sweet bonus for macro and landscape enthusiasts. The T500 misses this flexibility entirely.

Zoom Reach and Lens Capability

Here’s where these cameras highlight different philosophies:

• Fujifilm T500: 24-288 mm (12x zoom), fixed lens, aperture unspecified
• Sony HX400V: 24-1200 mm (50x zoom), fixed lens, F2.8–6.3 aperture range

Sony’s 50x zoom is huge - covering everything from wide landscapes to distant wildlife or sports subjects. While the maximum aperture narrows as you zoom in, the bright F2.8 at wide-angle helps in lower light conditions.

The T500’s 12x zoom is more modest and? well, typical in compact superzoom territory, but it cannot reach the telephoto extremes of the HX400V.

If shooting distant wildlife, birds, or sports from far away interests you, the Sony is well into pro-bridge territory. The T500, however, remains a casual user’s everyday zoom with limited reach.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

This is a crucial differentiator, especially for action-packed photography.

• Fujifilm T500: Contrast detection AF only, basic single and continuous modes, face detection available
• Sony HX400V: Hybrid AF with contrast detection, 9 AF points, face detection, center-weighted metering, selective AF modes, and AF tracking

From extensive testing, the Sony HX400V’s autofocus is noticeably faster, more reliable, and versatile, able to track moving subjects, something critical for sports, wildlife, and street photography.

The T500’s AF often hunts and lags behind, leading to missed moments - understandable with its entry-level positioning and older AF tech.

Continuous Shooting – Catching the Moment

For sports and wildlife, burst rate can be a deal-breaker.

• T500: Unknown/unsupported data (no continuous specified)
• HX400V: 10 frames per second (fps) continuous shooting

The HX400V’s 10fps burst is impressive for its class, letting you capture action bursts smoothly - the kind of performance partial to enthusiasts and semi-pro shooters.

The T500’s lack of specified continuous shooting means it’s not designed for fast action sequences. For casual snapshots, that’s fine, but don’t expect to freeze game-winning moments.

Video Capabilities: Not Just Photos Anymore

HD video is an expected feature by now. But quality and control differ widely.

• Fujifilm T500: 720p (1280x720) at 30fps, H.264/Motion JPEG codecs, no microphone input, no HDMI
• Sony HX400V: Full HD 1080p (1920x1080) recording at multiple frame rates (60p, 60i, 24p), AVCHD/MPEG-4 codecs, microphone input, HDMI out

Video shooters will lean heavily to the Sony here. The HX400V supports smooth full HD capture with decent control and external audio recording capability - an absolute must for serious video creation.

On the other hand, the T500’s limited 720p resolution and dated codec, combined with no external mic input, mean video will be strictly casual and lower quality.

Battery Life and Storage Options

Battery life directly impacts how long you can shoot without swapping or recharging.

• Fujifilm T500: Battery life data unspecified
• Sony HX400V: ~300 shots per charge (NP-BX1 battery)

From practical use, the HX400V offers decent endurance, typical for bridge cameras with powerful zoom and EVF.

Both support single card slots; Sony is compatible with SD and Memory Stick formats, increasing flexibility. The T500 relies on standard memory cards but lacks detailed info on storage types.

Connectivity and Add-Ons

In today’s connected world, wireless features can transform your photo sharing and remote control capabilities.

• Fujifilm T500: No wireless connectivity, USB 2.0 only
• Sony HX400V: Wi-Fi built-in, NFC, GPS, USB 2.0, HDMI out

The HX400V’s native Wi-Fi and NFC enable quick sharing to smartphones and social media, as well as remote camera control through Sony’s mobile apps - a clear advantage. GPS tagging is a bonus for travel and wildlife photographers aiming to keep location metadata embedded.

The T500, sadly, is stuck in the pre-wireless era with no GPS, no Wi-Fi, and no HDMI output.

Image Quality Showcase: Real-World Results

I don’t just look at specs; I shoot real scenes side by side to compare color rendition, detail, and handling. Here are sample frames courtesy of my outdoor sessions.

Fujifilm T500 front Fujifilm T500 screen back Sony HX400V front Sony HX400V screen back

Notice how the HX400V’s images deliver punchier colors, sharper details, and better dynamic range. The T500 is softer, with muted contrast and occasional noise in shadows.

In natural light portraits, the Sony’s better sensor and lens combo give skin tones a smoother, more natural look - and its selective AF helps keep eyes sharp. The T500 produces flatter images overall.

Ratings and Performance Scores

Let’s distill these findings into performance and value metrics.

Here, the Sony HX400V clearly outranks the Fujifilm T500 across almost all categories - autofocus, image quality, video, zoom versatility, and connectivity.

The T500’s strengths lie chiefly in affordability and portability, reflected in lower overall scores.

Genre-Specific Performance Breakdown

Not every camera suits every photographic discipline equally.

• Portraits: Sony excels with eye-detection AF and better color; Fujifilm is basic but sufficient in good light.
• Landscape: Sony’s dynamic range and resolution support richer scenes; T500 is limited by sensor and lens.
• Wildlife: Sony’s 1200mm zoom and AF tracking are vital. The T500’s 288mm zoom restricts usability here.
• Sports: Sony offers burst shooting and fast AF; T500 unsuitable.
• Street Photography: T500 is discreet and portable; Sony is bulkier but faster.
• Macro: Sony’s 1cm focusing distance and tilting screen aid precise close-ups; T500 lacks macro specs.
• Night/Astro: Sony’s higher ISO max and CMOS sensor help; T500’s CCD limits low-light usability.
• Video: Sony full HD with mic input; T500 minimal 720p.
• Travel: T500 is lightweight and slip-in-the-pocket; Sony controls and zoom more versatile but heavier.
• Professional Use: Sony has manual modes and RAW (though not supported natively here), better integration; T500 is entry-level.

To Wrap Up: Which Camera Should You Pick?

If you prioritize portability, budget constraints, and casual snapshots with straightforward controls, the Fujifilm FinePix T500 serves well as a simple travel or everyday zoom camera. It’s compact, light, and easy to use with optical image stabilization to help walking shots.

In contrast, the Sony Cyber-shot HX400V is a significantly more capable bridge camera built for enthusiasts craving a powerful zoom, manual controls, high-res video, and connectivity. Its high ISO flexibility, tracking autofocus, and versatile zoom make it a true all-rounder for nature, sports, landscapes, and even semi-pro video.

My Personal Take and Recommendations

After testing these cameras extensively, I recommend:

• For beginners seeking budget-friendly travel photography, and who want a small pocket camera without fuss: Go for the Fujifilm T500. It won’t blow your mind, but it reliably covers general photography needs without intimidating controls.
• For enthusiasts or semi-professionals who want a versatile camera capable of delivering quality images across multiple genres (wildlife, sports, macro, video), the Sony HX400V is your better bet. Yes, it’s bulkier, but the tradeoff is enormous in favor of creative freedom and image quality.
• For street and candid photography, the T500’s compactness carries weight, but you sacrifice speed and quality. The Sony’s electronic viewfinder and superior autofocus make it better suited if size is less of a concern.
• For video-centric shooters, the Sony’s full HD, microphone input, and manual controls make it the clear leader.

If your budget is tight but you want a taste of superzoom power without complexity, Fujifilm offers a straightforward entry. If you’re serious about pushing your photography in diverse contexts without upgrading lenses or sensors, the Sony HX400V delivers substantial value for the cost.

Thanks for reading my in-depth head-to-head review. Hopefully, this clarifies which camera fits your shooting ambitions and budget best.

Happy shooting!