Nikon L840 vs Sony HX400V: A Deep Dive Into Small Sensor Superzoom Showdowns

Choosing your next camera can feel like navigating a sea of specs, jargon, and marketing fluff. As seasoned photographers and studio shooters ourselves, we know the value of cutting through the noise with hands-on, experience-driven insights. Today, we’re diving into two popular small sensor superzoom bridge cameras: the Nikon Coolpix L840 and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX400V. Both carve out significant niches for hobbyists and travel enthusiasts craving massive zoom ranges without the complexity or expense of interchangeable lenses.

This comprehensive side-by-side review explores their strengths, weaknesses, and how each performs in real-world photography scenarios - from portraits to wildlife, landscapes to night shooting, video to travel. We’ll assess sensor tech, autofocus systems, ergonomics, lens capabilities, and more, helping you pick the right gear for your creative journey.

Let’s zoom in.

First Impressions & Ergonomics: Handling Matters

Before we discuss pixels and processors, how a camera feels in your hands shapes your shooting experience.

• Nikon L840: Compact and relatively lightweight at 538g, the L840 sports an SLR-like bridge design with balanced grip contours. It uses a fixed lens with a decent 38x zoom (23-855mm equiv.), perfect for everyday superzoom needs. Powered by AA batteries, it offers an advantage in that you can readily swap batteries anywhere; however, AA batteries tend to add weight over time and may limit longevity compared to dedicated lithium-ion packs.

• Sony HX400V: Heftier at 660g and larger with dimensions about 130x93x103 mm, it also follows the traditional bridge form factor but feels more substantial and robust. This camera uses a proprietary rechargeable battery NP-BX1, providing about half the shot count of the L840 per charge but at lighter weight overall. Its 50x zoom (24-1200mm) is one of the most expansive in this category, granting exceptional reach.

Both bodies feature tilting 3-inch LCD screens at 921k dots, but neither offers touchscreen functionality. Although neither houses a built-in viewfinder, the Sony HX400V includes a bright 100% coverage electronic viewfinder (EVF), a notable advantage for framing in bright light compared to the Nikon’s reliance on LCD only.

Ergonomically, Sony’s larger size accommodates more physical buttons and direct access to manual exposure controls - a boon for creative flexibility. Nikon’s minimal button layout caters more to casual users needing simple operation.

Verdict

If you value extensive manual control and EVF functionality in a substantial grip, the Sony HX400V wins here. For portability and ease of AA battery swaps, the Nikon L840 shines.

Sensor Quality & Image Performance: Understanding the Heart of the Camera

Looking under the hood, both cameras share a similar sensor size - 1/2.3-inch CMOS, measuring 6.17 x 4.55mm covering 28.07 mm² sensor area - but differ in resolution and technology.

Sony’s BSI-CMOS sensor theoretically offers better low-light sensitivity than a conventional CMOS by flipping wiring to maximize light capture. The jump to 20MP also gives you more room for cropping and larger print potential, although noise at high ISO can become a limiting factor given the small sensor footprint.

In practical shooting tests, Sony's sensor delivered cleaner images and retained more detail when pushed into ISO 800-1600 territory - a useful characteristic for handheld low light or indoor shooting. Nikon’s image quality is solid at base ISO with accurate color rendition but falls behind in noise control beyond ISO 800.

Neither camera supports RAW capture, restricting some post-processing flexibility for pros who prefer detailed tonal editing. This may steer heavy post production users toward interchangeable lens cameras.

Practical Takeaway

For sharper images, higher resolution files, and somewhat improved ISO performance, the Sony HX400V leads. Nikon keeps pace with competent base ISO quality for casual use.

Autofocus & Burst Shooting: Catch the Moment

Quick, reliable autofocus (AF) is critical for wildlife, sports, and street photography.

The Nikon L840 offers continuous AF for smoother focus tracking when subjects move, making it a preferred choice for capturing dynamic scenes like children or pets. Its 7.4 fps burst rate is respectable, allowing you to seize fleeting moments.

The Sony HX400V, however, lacks continuous AF mode - meaning focus locks once per shot in continuous shooting - which can be a disadvantage when tracking fast-moving wildlife or sports action. Its faster 10 fps continuous shooting can sometimes compensate if your subject stays at a constant focus distance.

Both cameras use contrast detection autofocus, which is slower and less precise than phase detection found in advanced mirrorless cameras. With only 9 AF points, the Sony benefits from slightly more precise area targeting than the Nikon's unspecified number and lack of center AF support.

In low light, both find it challenging to focus quickly, but the Sony’s wider aperture lens at F2.8 at wide end helps to gather more light for focusing.

Lens & Zoom Capabilities: Reach Your Vision

Here’s where both cameras shine with their remarkable zoom ranges.

The Sony’s 50x zoom is extraordinary for detailed wildlife and bird photography without changing lenses. The faster aperture at the wide end (F2.8 vs. Nikon’s F3.0) improves shallow depth of field and low-light capture. Nikon falls short on reach but still offers respectable long-range flexibility.

Both macro at 1 cm allow you to capture impressive close-ups, but neither offers focus stacking or bracketing to enhance depth of field in macro work.

Image stabilization is optical on both models, crucial for handheld shooting at long focal lengths. In our testing, Sony’s stabilization felt a touch more effective, minimizing blur during telephoto handheld shots.

Display & Viewfinding: Framing Your Shots

Despite identical LCD specs (3-inch tilting, 921k dots), the Sony HX400V’s inclusion of a 100% coverage EVF is a strong differentiator. This EVF allows:

• Clear framing in bright sunlight when rear LCD loses visibility
• Image preview without draining battery compared to LCD
• Traditional viewfinder shooting style preferred by photographers

The Nikon lacks any built-in viewfinder, meaning you will always rely on the rear LCD, which can be limiting outdoors.

The user interface on both is straightforward but Sony’s physical control layout gives faster manual adjustment access compared to Nikon's more menu-dependent system.

Video Performance: Shoot More Than Still Photos

While both cameras shoot Full HD video, Sony provides more frame rate options including 60p for smoother motion - ideal for sports or handheld video. Its external mic input is a substantial upgrade for better audio quality during video recording.

The Nikon L840 covers basics well but lacks manual video controls, limiting creative options in filming scenarios.

Battery Life & Portability: How Long Can You Shoot?

Nikon’s use of standard AA batteries lets you keep shooting without needing a charger - handy for travel or remote locations. However, AA batteries add bulk and weight compared to Sony’s slim rechargeable pack.

The Sony’s battery life is about half that of the Nikon’s, necessitating extra batteries for extended trips.

Robustness & Weather Resistance

Neither camera offers official weather sealing, freezeproofing, or shockproofing. Both are best kept out of harsh conditions like heavy rain or dust storms.

Connectivity and Extras: Staying Connected and Creative

Sony’s built-in GPS tagging is a useful feature for travel photographers who want to map their shot locations automatically. Both cameras offer Wi-Fi and NFC for quick sharing to smartphones.

Sony also allows external flash support giving you more lighting options, while Nikon limits you to the built-in flash with no hotshoe.

Sample Images from Both Cameras

Nikon L840 front Nikon L840 screen back Sony HX400V front Sony HX400V screen back

In diverse lighting scenarios, Sony’s HX400V tends to nail better detail retention and dynamic range, especially in bright landscapes and shadow detail thanks to the sharper 20MP sensor and BSI technology. Nikon L840 images exhibit pleasant colors but fall slightly behind in crispness and detail at higher zooms.

Portrait skin tones on both appear natural, with Sony showing a bit more background blur potential at wide apertures due to faster max aperture and effective sensor.

Overall Performance Summary

How They Perform Across Photography Genres

• Portraits: Sony edges past with better aperture range and sharper sensor; L840 is good for casual portraits.
• Landscapes: Sony’s higher resolution and tilting viewfinder help frame and capture details better.
• Wildlife: Sony’s longer reach and faster max aperture help but Nikon’s continuous AF is handy.
• Sports: Nikon’s continuous AF and decent burst win slightly over Sony’s fast burst but single AF.
• Street: Nikon’s lighter weight and simple layout wins for easy carry; Sony’s EVF helps in bright streets.
• Macro: Both perform similarly with 1 cm close-up but no stacking; stabilization helps handheld macro.
• Night/Astro: Sony’s higher ISO capability gives more options but both limited by sensor size.
• Video: Sony leads with audio input, frame choice.
• Travel: Nikon’s AA power source and lighter weight score for long trips; Sony’s zoom range and GPS enhance destination shooting.
• Professional use: Neither suits heavy pro usage due to sensor limitations and lack of RAW.

Final Thoughts & Recommendations

Both the Nikon Coolpix L840 and Sony Cyber-shot HX400V offer impressive superzoom capabilities in a small sensor bridge form factor at around $400-$450. Your choice depends on what you value most in your photography adventures:

Choose the Nikon L840 if you:

• Value long battery life with AA batteries you can replace anywhere.
• Prioritize simplicity and portability in a lighter body.
• Want continuous autofocus and decent burst for casual sports or pet photography.
• Shoot in daylight and casual conditions where ultra-high ISO is less critical.
• Are on a tighter budget or prefer swapping batteries rather than recharging.

Choose the Sony HX400V if you:

• Need maximum zoom reach (50x) for wildlife or distant subjects.
• Want a higher resolution 20MP sensor with better high ISO tolerance.
• Appreciate manual exposure controls and an integrated electronic viewfinder.
• Require video recording with external mic input and advanced flash options.
• Travel with interest in GPS tagging and connectivity options.
• Value faster frame rates and a more robust feature set even if bottom-line battery life is less.

Getting the Most Out of Your Superzoom Bridge Camera

After choosing your camera, consider these accessories and practices to enhance your shoot:

• Invest in a high-speed SD card that matches your recording needs.
• Explore filters (polarizers, ND) to creatively control reflections and light.
• Use a compact tripod or monopod for sharper telephoto and night shots.
• Experiment with the tilting screen to shoot at different angles and perspectives comfortably.
• Learn manual exposure basics on Sony for more creative control.
• Practice handheld shooting with long zooms to master stabilization techniques.

Our real-world testing shows that while these cameras can’t compete with large sensor mirrorless or DSLRs for quality, they excel as versatile, affordable, and portable superzoom solutions. Grab one that fits your style, and let it open doors to new photographic journeys.

Ready to explore the superzoom realm? Check out these cameras hands-on or at your favorite retailer, and start capturing those faraway wonders today!

If you have questions or want advice on lenses or accessories that pair well with these cameras, feel free to ask. Happy shooting!