Nikon A900 vs Sony HX400V

Nikon Coolpix A900 vs Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX400V: A Definitive Small Sensor Superzoom Showdown

When exploring the small sensor superzoom camera segment, two models that frequently grab attention are Nikon’s Coolpix A900 and Sony’s Cyber-shot DSC-HX400V. Both promise extensive zoom ranges and versatile features wrapped in compact bodies, appealing to enthusiasts and travelers who want “all-in-one” solutions without juggling lenses.

Having spent extensive hours shooting, tweaking, and dissecting each across various photographic scenarios, I feel equipped to deliver an in-depth, practitioner-tested comparison between these two contenders. We’ll cover everything from sensor performance and autofocus finesse to ergonomics and specialized photography disciplines. By the end, you’ll clearly see which camera merits your investment based on your style and shooting needs.

Let’s start with the foundational differences before delving into their real-world performance.

A Matter of Size and Handling: First Impressions of Ergonomics and Build

The first thing you notice when handling the Nikon A900 versus the Sony HX400V is their significantly different form factors and weight - a notable factor if portability is paramount to you.

The Nikon A900 is built for ultra-compact convenience. Its small footprint (113×67×40 mm) and light weight (289g) make it pocketable even with the remarkable 35x zoom lens mounted. For casual outings or travel where carrying minimal gear is a priority, the A900 feels like a reliable pocket cruiser.

In contrast, the Sony HX400V weighs over twice as much at 660g and measures a bulkier 130×93×103 mm. Its SLR-like "bridge" camera design, with a pronounced grip and DSLR-style button layout, immediately communicates a semi-professional attitude. While less pocketable, it fits more securely in hand, appealing to photographers prioritizing control without a full interchangeable lens system.

That weight difference is both a boon and a compromise. For stability during super-telephoto shots, Sony’s heft aids steadiness, whereas Nikon’s slimness is ideal for quick picks or street-style snaps.

In terms of build quality, both cameras use mostly plastic but feel solid enough for routine outdoor use. Neither offers weather sealing, so caution in adverse conditions is advised.

Control Layout and Usability: Which Interface Puts You in the Driver’s Seat?

Adequate physical controls are crucial when shooting dynamic scenes. Here, the Sony HX400V’s camera-like design shines. The pronounced mode dial, dedicated exposure compensation dial, and physical zoom ring provide tactile feedback prized by enthusiasts. The button placement and multiple function keys allow quick access to settings without fumbling through menus.

Meanwhile, Nikon’s A900 maintains the minimalism consistent with compact cameras. It features a simpler button arrangement and no mode dial, relying mostly on a directional pad and menus to navigate exposure modes and creative options. The absence of an electronic viewfinder means you rely solely on the rear LCD screen.

Both share a 3" tilting LCD screen at 921k dots resolution. The screens are bright and detailed enough for composition and reviewing images in most light conditions, but the Sony provides an EVF with 100% coverage, which makes a significant difference in bright outdoor environments. Composing through the EVF gives a more immersive experience and reduces glare problems.

If you prioritize quick manual operation and a DSLR-like feel without the bulk of interchangeable lenses, Sony’s HX400V offers better ergonomics. For users desiring sheer portability without many physical dials, the Nikon A900’s simple interface suffices.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Identical Chips, Different Approaches

Both cameras employ a 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensor measuring 6.17×4.55 mm, with roughly 20 megapixels effective resolution (5184×3888 max resolution). Sensor size and resolution are essentially identical, so baseline image quality potential is similar.

However, Nikon caps its maximum ISO at 3200, while Sony pushes it higher to 12800 - although noise performance at these elevated ISOs is questionable given the small sensor size.

In hands-on testing under controlled lighting, both cameras yield crisp images with good detail at base ISO, though neither camera can compete with larger-sensor alternatives in terms of dynamic range or low light performance. Expectedly, noise becomes visibly intrusive beyond ISO 800.

Skin tones rendered by both cameras are pleasing, with the Nikon A900 favoring a slightly warmer, more natural palette versus the cooler, slightly contrasty output Sony delivers. This subtle difference can influence portrait workflows if minimal post-processing is desired.

As far as RAW support, neither camera offers it, a notable limitation for advanced users who prefer maximizing post-processing latitude. Images come only in JPEG format, implying users must get exposure and white balance right in-camera or risk degraded quality.

Lens and Zoom Range: How Much Reach Do You Need?

Here’s one of the biggest points of divergence:

• Nikon Coolpix A900: 24–840 mm (35x zoom), aperture F3.4–6.9
• Sony HX400V: 24–1200 mm (50x zoom), aperture F2.8–6.3

The Nikon’s zoom covers an excellent wide-to-telephoto range, tailing off in aperture on the telephoto end. The Sony expands this coverage significantly, especially into ultra-telephoto territory, appealing to wildlife and sports shooters needing serious reach.

That extra zoom also means Sony’s lens is physically larger and heavier, correlating with the increased camera weight. It maintains a relatively bright aperture at the wide end (F2.8), better than Nikon’s F3.4, meaning it admits more light for wide-angle shots - beneficial in lower light conditions.

Both lenses focus down to an impressive 1 cm macro distance, facilitating close-up shots.

Autofocus System: Did They Bring Their A-Game?

Both cameras use contrast-detection autofocus systems optimized for compact sensor devices, with slight variations:

• Nikon A900: Supports AF single, AF continuous, AF tracking, face detection, and multiple AF area modes but does not have phase detection or animal eye AF.
• Sony HX400V: Offers AF single and AF tracking with face detection across 9 focus points.

In real-world shooting, Sony’s AF tends to be snappier and more consistent on moving subjects, benefiting from its "Bionz X" processor optimization. Continuous AF tracking on action shots like a running dog or cycling event felt more reliable on the HX400V, while Nikon’s system sometimes struggled to maintain focus under challenging conditions.

Nevertheless, both cameras lack phase detection AF, limiting their responsiveness compared to modern mirrorless cameras with hybrid AF modules.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Speeds: Capturing the Action

Sony’s HX400V leads with a continuous shooting speed of 10 fps, compared to Nikon’s 7 fps maximum. Both cameras cap their fastest shutter speed at 1/4000s with no electronic shutter offered.

For sports or wildlife photography, the HX400V’s faster burst rate may provide an edge in capturing split-second sequences. Nikon’s 7 fps is respectable but not class-leading.

Both cameras allow shutter priority, aperture priority, and full manual exposure modes, giving experienced users creative control.

Video Capabilities: Beyond Stills

Video recording is another critical area.

• Nikon A900: Offers 4K video at 30p and 25p, along with Full HD 1080p at up to 60 frames per second, encoded in MPEG-4 H.264.
• Sony HX400V: Tops out at 1080p Full HD at 60i/p, 24p, with AVCHD and MPEG-4 formats.

While neither camera targets professional video shooters, the Nikon’s 4K capability - albeit limited - provides an advantage for higher resolution video production or extracting detailed still frames from footage.

Sony includes a microphone input, useful for external mics and better audio capture, while Nikon lacks any audio jacks, restricting audio quality and creative options.

Neither offers in-body stabilization beyond the optical stabilizer in the lens. Both yield usable footage with steady hands or tripods but aren’t substitutes for dedicated video cameras.

Specialized Photography Use Cases

1. Portrait Photography:
   Both cameras provide face detection autofocus and decent skin tone reproduction straight out of the box. Nikon’s warmer color rendition complements portrait work nicely, though its maximum aperture (F3.4 wide, F6.9 telephoto) limits depth-of-field control compared to Sony’s slightly brighter wide end F2.8.

   Neither yields significant bokeh at telephoto distances due to sensor size constraints, but Nikon’s zoom range affords flexible framing.

2. Landscape Photography:
   With the same sensor size and megapixel count, resolution is comparable. Neither camera offers RAW, so dynamic range is restricted. The Sony’s broader aspect ratio support (1:1, 3:2, 16:9 in addition to 4:3) provides composition versatility.

   Lack of weather sealing is notable; both hesitate in harsh environments. But optical performance on wide-angle landscapes is solid for dedicated JPG shooters.

3. Wildlife Photography:
   Sony’s longer focal reach (up to 1200 mm) and faster burst shooting lend clear advantages for distant or fast wildlife. Nikon’s 840 mm max zoom is still useful, but for real reach and capturing fleeting moments, HX400V is preferred.

4. Sports Photography:
   HX400V’s 10 fps burst and superior AF tracking help capture athletes in motion. Nikon’s slower 7 fps and AF system are adequate for slower action but less suited to fast-paced sports.

5. Street Photography:
   Nikon’s smaller size and discretion make it easier to carry all day and less conspicuous on the street. Sony’s bulk stands out more but offers increased control and reach. Both have quiet operation, but Nikon’s lack of viewfinder makes shooting in bright light a challenge.

6. Macro Photography:
   Both cameras achieve impressive macro focusing distance (1cm), good enough to coax compelling close-ups of flora and small objects. Stabilization helps, but better stabilization in the lens and camera body would be welcome.

7. Night and Astro Photography:
   With small sensors and limited high ISO performance, neither camera is ideal for astrophotography. Nikon’s max ISO 3200 and Sony’s boosted 12800 offer flexibility, but noise and limited exposure options hamper results. Neither includes bulb mode or advanced long exposure controls.

8. Video Creators:
   Nikon’s 4K gives creators an edge, while Sony’s microphone port offers better sound capture. Both lack headphone jacks or advanced codecs.

9. Travel Photography:
   Nikon’s pocketable size and light weight suit travelers focused on convenience. Sony’s heavier form factor is less travel-friendly but rewarding for those needing extensive telephoto reach.

10. Professional Use:
    Neither camera targets professional workflows. Lack of RAW hampers post-production flexibility, and no weather sealing limits reliability. Both can serve as travel or backup cameras but not main professional tools.

Battery Life and Storage: Staying Powered and Ready

Both cameras share modest battery endurance rated at about 300 shots per charge, typical for small sensor compacts. Battery types differ: Nikon uses the EN-EL12, Sony the NP-BX1, both proprietary.

Neither camera supports dual storage slots. The Sony’s wider compatibility with SD and Memory Stick formats offers versatility but may be obsolete for some. Both accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, standard in the industry.

Connectivity and Extras: Modern Features Under the Hood

• Wireless Connectivity: Both cameras offer built-in WiFi and NFC for easy image transfer and remote control. Nikon also includes Bluetooth for steady connection.

• GPS: Sony’s HX400V has built-in GPS, a useful geographic stamping feature for travel photographers. Nikon lacks GPS.

• Flash: Nikon’s built-in flash covers approx. 6m, Sony’s up to 8.5m. Sony supports external flash units, broadening creative flash possibilities beyond the compact’s basic pop-up unit.

• Self-timer and Timelapse: Nikon supports advanced time-lapse video recording, while Sony lacks this feature.

Image Samples and Real-World Comparison

Both cameras produce sharp, detailed images under good lighting, with Sony’s longer zoom providing significant compositional freedom at the telephoto end.

Here’s a gallery illustrating their capabilities in various scenarios, including portraits, landscapes, and telephoto wildlife shots:

Nikon A900 front Nikon A900 screen back Sony HX400V front Sony HX400V screen back

Performance Ratings and Genre-Specific Analysis

Aggregating hands-on data and technical benchmarks, here is a synthesized overview scoring their general and specialized photographic traits:

Our Verdict: Which Small Sensor Superzoom Fits Your Needs?

Choose the Nikon Coolpix A900 if:

• You want a pocketable, lightweight camera that still offers substantial zoom flexibility.
• You prioritize 4K video capabilities and timelapse functions.
• You prefer a warmer JPEG output straight from camera, suitable for travel and casual portraiture.
• You desire simpler controls and are comfortable without an EVF.
• Battery life and compactness outweigh telephoto reach or burst rates.

Choose the Sony Cyber-shot HX400V if:

• You need the longest reach possible (up to 1200 mm) for wildlife, sports, or distant subjects.
• You value responsive autofocus and faster continuous shooting speed.
• You want DSLR-style handling, tactile controls, and an EVF for outdoor shooting.
• You require GPS geotagging and external flash support for creative lighting.
• You shoot primarily Full HD video and want microphone input options.

Final Thoughts

Neither camera is a “game changer” in the era of advanced mirrorless systems or smartphones with powerful zooms, but they each carve out niches for photographers wanting one-device versatility without the learning curve or expense of interchangeable lenses.

Understanding your photographic priorities - be it portability, telephoto reach, video features, or creative control - will guide you to the better fit. My testing shows Nikon’s A900 as the daily carry champion for thinkers putting convenience first, while Sony’s HX400V demands respect from shooters needing reach and manual mastery.

Both deserve consideration among small sensor superzooms, and I recommend hands-on trials if possible. But when buying sight unseen, use this thorough breakdown to make a confident choice.

Happy shooting!