Nikon Coolpix S9700 vs Sony Cyber-shot HX400V: A Deep Dive into Compact Superzoom Photography

When it comes to compact superzoom cameras that promise versatility and convenience, the Nikon Coolpix S9700 and Sony Cyber-shot HX400V have been standout options since their 2014 launches. Both target photography enthusiasts who crave significant zoom reach and pocketable form factors without resorting to interchangeable lenses. But what exactly differentiates them? And how do they perform across the diverse realms of photography - from landscapes and portraits to wildlife and video?

I’ve spent substantial hands-on time with both cameras, testing their technical capabilities and real-world usability across multiple genres. This comprehensive comparison covers everything from sensor technology and autofocus systems to ergonomics and value, helping you decide which model matches your needs best.

Design and Handling: Compact vs Bridge-Style Ergonomics

Right out of the gate, these two cameras showcase distinct design philosophies. The Nikon S9700 is a slim, compact-style superzoom, designed for easier travel portability. It measures a neat 110 x 64 x 35 mm and weighs just 232g -  lighter and more pocket-friendly than you might expect for a 30x zoom.

In contrast, the Sony HX400V adopts a larger, bridge-style body at 130 x 93 x 103 mm and packing 660g on the scales. Its heft and SLR-like ergonomics provide a more reassuring grip, especially for extended shooting sessions or when using the extreme 50x zoom. The prominent handgrip and mode dials make operation feel closer to a DSLR or mirrorless experience.

While neither camera sports fully customizable controls, Sony’s dedicated dials and buttons offer quicker access to shooting modes and settings for users who want more tactile feedback. Nikon’s design keeps things simpler with fewer physical controls, which might appeal to those who prioritize minimalism and compactness.

For travel photographers or street shooters craving discretion, the Nikon’s low profile is a boon. Yet wildlife and sports shooters benefiting from a steadier hold in longer telephoto ranges lean toward Sony’s ergonomics despite the bulk.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Keystone of Performance

Both cameras utilize a 1/2.3-inch BSI CMOS sensor measuring approximately 6.17 x 4.55 mm with a sensor area around 28.07 mm². The Nikon packs 16 megapixels compared to Sony’s 20 megapixels - a modest but notable resolution advantage favoring the HX400V.

Despite similar sensor sizes, higher resolution alone doesn't guarantee better image quality. In my tests, Sony’s Bionz X image processor complements the sensor to deliver cleaner images with better detail retention, particularly notable in daylight landscapes and texture-rich subjects.

Both cameras apply an anti-aliasing filter to reduce moiré, which slightly softens fine detail under critical scrutiny. However, Sony edges ahead in dynamic range, preserving more highlight and shadow detail on challenging scenes - a key benefit for landscape and outdoor shooters.

Maximum native ISO for Nikon caps at 6400, with Sony doubling that to ISO 12800. Sony’s advantage in high-ISO performance becomes apparent in low-light conditions where image noise is more finely controlled, providing sharper, more usable shots without excessive grain.

I should note effective RAW output is absent from both bodies, limiting post-processing latitude - raw shooters will look elsewhere. JPEG processing is good but not class-leading, so bear this in mind for professional workflows.

Autofocus and Burst Rate: Tracking Action with Precision

For dynamic photography - sports, wildlife, even street photography - a camera’s autofocus (AF) system and burst capabilities can make or break your experience.

The Nikon S9700 incorporates a contrast-detection AF system with 99 focus points and supports face detection. While fairly comprehensive for a compact, it lacks phase-detection AF and doesn’t support continuous AF tracking during burst shooting. Continuous AF doesn’t exist, which means subjects in motion can easily escape focus.

Conversely, Sony’s HX400V employs contrast-detection AF as well but with fewer (9) focus points. However, it adds AF tracking capabilities and live view AF, enhancing subject lock during continuous shooting.

When it comes to burst shooting, Sony pulls ahead, offering up to 10 frames per second (fps) versus Nikon’s 7 fps. This difference might seem minor but translates into smoother capture of action sequences - whether a playing child, a bird in flight, or a soccer match.

So if your photography frequently involves occasional fast-moving subjects, Sony’s AF and shooting speed provide a tangible advantage.

LCD Screen and Viewfinder: Composing Your Shot

Both cameras feature a 3-inch LCD with a resolution of roughly 921k dots. The Nikon’s screen is a fixed TFT LCD with an anti-reflection coating, which helps in bright sunlight but cannot tilt or articulate. For straightforward point-and-shoot styles or quick framing, this is adequate.

The Sony HX400V steps this up with a tilting LCD, enabling easier low-angle or overhead shots - handy for creative framing or street photography without awkward postures. It also features an electronic viewfinder (EVF), missing on the Nikon, which comes with several benefits:

• A 100% coverage EVF gives you a precise preview, unaffected by sunlight glare.
• The EVF’s refresh rate and resolution aren’t class-leading but still markedly improve composing in bright conditions or when you need to steady the camera.

For photographers transitioning from SLRs or mirrorless systems, Sony’s EVF plus tilting screen combination makes composing shots feel more natural and versatile -  especially when working outdoors.

Lens and Zoom: Reach, Aperture, and Versatility

Superzoom appeal hinges largely on focal length and optical quality. The Nikon S9700 offers a 25-750mm equivalent zoom - 30x optical range. Maximum aperture spans from f/3.7 at wide angle to f/6.4 by telephoto, reflecting the compromises necessary for maintaining compact size.

Sony ups the ante with a 24–1200mm (50x) zoom, doubling Nikon’s reach at the far end. Aperture ranges from f/2.8 to f/6.3, slightly brighter at wide angle. The longer telephoto reach fulfills many wildlife and sports needs where distance is critical, though diffraction and atmospheric effects make extreme telephoto shots challenging in practice.

Both lenses provide 1cm macro focus, letting users capture close-ups with commendable detail - great for flowers or insects. Optical image stabilization is standard on both, crucial given the extended focal lengths and typical hand-holding conditions.

The Nikon’s shorter zoom gives it a slight edge in distortion control and edge sharpness at wide angles, but overall lens quality is very good on both. Sony’s longer zoom adds versatility but requires more user skill or tripod stabilization at maximum reach.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing: Ready for Adventure?

Neither camera offers formal weather sealing. Both are plastic-bodied rather than weather-resistant magnesium alloy, which means cautious handling in wet or dusty environments is advised.

The Nikon’s compact build feels solid for its size but is more susceptible to flex under strong pressure. Sony’s bulkier body feels more robust, but neither is built for rugged pro use.

For casual travel, street, or family photography, they should stand up well enough with reasonable care. Serious outdoor adventurers wanting reliable all-weather durability will need to look elsewhere.

Battery Life and Storage: How Long Can You Shoot?

Battery life is identical by manufacturer estimates at 300 shots per charge - typical for compact superzooms given their size constraints.

Sony uses the NP-BX1 battery, standard in many Cyber-shot models, while Nikon packs the smaller EN-EL12. Both use proprietary batteries, so having spares on hand is advisable for day-long shoots.

Storage wise, Nikon supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, while Sony expands compatibility to include Memory Stick Duo and Pro Duo cards alongside SD variants - useful if you already own Sony’s memory cards.

Connectivity and Extras: Modern Conveniences or Not?

Sony’s HX400V includes built-in GPS and NFC, broadening its appeal for travel and geo-tagging enthusiasts. Nikon also offers built-in GPS but lacks NFC and Bluetooth.

Neither camera offers Bluetooth, which today is standard for quick pairing and remote control, but both include built-in Wi-Fi for image sharing. Sony’s slightly more comprehensive connectivity options make it a better fit for users who prioritize in-camera geotagging and wireless functionality.

On video, both record Full HD 1080p, with Sony supporting 60p frame rates and AVCHD codec for smoother, higher-quality video workflows. Nikon maxes out at 30p in H.264/MPEG-4. The HX400V also sports a microphone input for improved audio recording - a detail Sony enthusiasts appreciate, especially for casual video projects.

Real-World Photography Performance Across Genres

Portrait Photography

Nikon’s 16MP sensor with face detection and 99 AF points delivers accurate focus on faces with smooth skin tone reproduction. However, the smaller maximum aperture and lack of continuous AF limit shallow depth-of-field control and tracking moving subjects.

Sony’s 20MP sensor paired with a faster f/2.8 lens wide open offers better bokeh and subject isolation. Its face detection paired with AF tracking aids eye-level sharpness even with slight subject movement. The tilting LCD helps with precise composition in portraiture.

Landscape Photography

Landscape photographers prize resolution, dynamic range, and lens sharpness. Sony’s higher resolution sensor and better dynamic range handling create punchier detail and wider latitude to recover shadows and highlights in RAW files (though RAW is not supported, Sony’s JPEG engine is more flexible).

Nikon’s lens is sharper wide open and distorts less at 25mm equivalent, perfect for sweeping vistas. Both benefit from built-in stabilization for handheld shooting but overall weather sealing is lacking, so be cautious in tough conditions.

Wildlife Photography

For capturing elusive wildlife, zoom length, burst speed, and autofocus are vital. Sony’s spectacular 50x zoom and 10fps burst rate provide significant operational advantages; the AF tracking capabilities mean fewer missed shots on moving subjects.

Nikon’s shorter zoom and slower 7fps burst, combined with limited AF tracking, make it a less effective tool in this demanding arena.

Sports Photography

Sports shooters will find Sony’s 10fps burst rate and AF tracking essential for freezing action moments. Nikon’s continuous shooting is slower and lacks continuous AF, hindering sports performance.

Both cameras’ small sensors and limited ISO ranges constrain low-light indoor sports performance compared to APS-C or full-frame rivals.

Street Photography

Here’s where Nikon’s compact size and lighter weight shine. Easy to slip into a jacket pocket and quick to bring up, it minimizes photographer presence - a key factor for candid street shots.

Sony’s larger, more pronounced body and bulkier lens can be cumbersome and more conspicuous on the street. Still, its tilting screen is useful for discreet low-angle or overhead shots.

Macro Photography

Both cameras offer 1cm minimum focusing distances, delivering good close-up detail. The optical stabilization helps hand-held macro shooting. Sony’s slightly faster lens at f/2.8 wide-angle is beneficial, but their 1/2.3” sensors limit true macro resolution and background blur compared to larger-sensor cameras.

Night and Astro Photography

Small sensors generally struggle with noise at very high ISOs typical of night photography. Sony’s advantage to ISO 12800 and superior noise handling helps here, but the fixed lens aperture and stabilization still limit long exposure capability.

Neither camera supports bulb mode or manual long exposures crucial for astrophotography, so specialty cameras remain better suited for this genre.

Video Capabilities

Sony’s 1080p at 60fps and mic input give it a clear edge for vloggers or casual videographers wanting smooth footage and decent sound. Nikon maxes out at 1080p/30fps and lacks audio input, limiting versatility.

Neither offers 4K video, which feels dated in today’s standards but understandable given release dates.

Travel Photography

Nikon’s lightweight, compact form offers easy portability for travelers prioritizing small size without sacrificing zoom power. Sony’s longer 50x zoom and tilting screen allow more creative compositional options, though at the cost of increased bulk and weight.

Battery life parity and built-in GPS on both models meet practical travel demands.

Professional Workflows

Neither camera meets professional standards for RAW support, advanced autofocus, or rugged build quality. They’re designed as enthusiast-friendly superzooms offering great all-in-one simplicity but are not suited as primary professional tools.

Nikon S9700 front Nikon S9700 screen back Sony HX400V front Sony HX400V screen back

Technical Summary and Scoring

Assessing these cameras holistically:

Specialized Genre Ratings

• Portrait: Sony edges with sharper lenses, better AF tracking
• Landscape: Sony for dynamic range and resolution, Nikon slightly better wide-angle lens quality
• Wildlife & Sports: Sony dominates with zoom and burst speed
• Street: Nikon wins for portability and discretion
• Macro: Comparable, slight nod to Sony for faster wide aperture
• Night/Astro: Sony’s ISO range better but limited long exposure support in both
• Video: Sony superior for frame rates and audio input
• Travel: Nikon benefits from compact size; Sony more versatile optical reach but heavier
• Professional: Neither fully suitable; both are advanced compacts rather than APS-C/FF alternatives

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Having tested both extensively across varied scenes and lighting, here's where I land:

• Choose the Nikon Coolpix S9700 if you want a truly compact, lightweight superzoom that's excellent for casual travel, street photography, and general day-to-day shooting. Its wide-angle sharpness and solid image quality at base ISO make it a reliable companion. Its limitations in continuous AF and video performance are drawbacks but understandable given size constraints.

• Opt for the Sony Cyber-shot HX400V if you prioritize zoom reach, faster burst shooting, more sophisticated AF features, and enhanced video capabilities. It caters better to those dabbling in wildlife, sports, and outdoor photography needing longer focal lengths and subject tracking. The wider aperture at wide-angle and tilting screen add compositional ease, but you pay the price in size and weight.

Neither camera replaces an interchangeable lens system or professional gear but both deliver impressive all-in-one versatility within their compact sensor class. Budget-conscious enthusiasts focused on portability might favor Nikon’s smaller form factor, while those willing to carry a larger bridge camera to unlock extended focal lengths and tracking performance should consider Sony as the stronger, more versatile option.

If your budget allows, the Sony HX400V’s superior versatility justifies the higher cost - especially if video, sports, or wildlife photography are high priorities. For simple, lightweight zoom without excessive complexity, Nikon’s S9700 remains a commendable choice.

This nuanced comparison is drawn from hours of hands-on testing under diverse conditions - bringing you facts, detailed observations, and practical recommendations to empower your next camera acquisition.

Feel free to reach out for any specific use-case queries or deeper dives into lens performance or imaging samples!