Olympus E-400 vs Sony H400: A Hands-On Comparison for Practical Photography Choices

When you’re eyeing a new camera, the choices can boggle the mind - mirrors, sensors, zoom ranges, ergonomics - where do you even start? Today, I’m peeling back the layers on two very different beasts from Olympus and Sony: the vintage Olympus E-400 DSLR and the bridge-style Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H400 superzoom. They come from wildly different eras and categories, but comparing them shines a fascinating light on how far camera tech has evolved and maybe what compromises you’re willing to live with.

Whether you’re an enthusiast pondering your next upgrade or a professional looking at these quirky options for a secondary camera, read on to see how the old-school DSLRs stack against the all-in-one zoom juggernaut. I’ve spent many days shooting with both, analyzing their performance across genres from landscapes to wildlife, and testing every button, dial, and sensor pixel.

Let’s jump right into the nitty-gritty.

Size, Shape, and Handling: Feel the Weight of Decisions

First impressions matter, and size often dictates how much a camera becomes an extension of your creative intent - or just a club for your thumbs.

Olympus E-400 is a compact DSLR - pocketable by DSLR standards - with dimensions of 130 x 91 x 53 mm and a lightweight 435 g body. This model belongs to a rare breed sometimes called "pocket DSLRs," sporting a classic SLR silhouette in a camera you can almost slip into a large jacket pocket. Its magnesium alloy chassis is robust yet light, appealing for those who want a solid grip without breaking their wrist on long shoots.

In contrast, the Sony H400 tips the scale at a heftier 628 g with a chunkier form factor (130 x 95 x 122 mm). This ‘bridge’ camera leans into the stylized look of an SLR but houses a fixed lens with an absurdly long 63x zoom range (25-1550 mm equivalent focal length). The bulk is mostly due to that superzoom lens element - arguably the heart of this camera.

Ergonomically, the E-400 handles naturally for photographers accustomed to DSLRs, offering straightforward, if minimalistic, button layout and a traditional pentamirror viewfinder. Sony’s H400 feels more like a point-and-shoot expanded to epic proportions, with a comfortable hand grip but a somewhat blocky top-heavy tendency when fully zoomed.

We’ll dissect control nuances momentarily.

Control Layout & Interface: Who’s Got the Better Clubs for Thumbs?

When I spent time shooting portraits and street scenes, I noticed the Olympus E-400’s more deliberate control design gave me faster access to priority modes like shutter and aperture priority. The dedicated dials and switches, though small and with limited backlighting, let me tweak settings on the fly, essential for manual shooters and learners developing their muscle memory.

Sony’s H400, conversely, offers fewer physical dials and relies more on menus and multi-selector buttons. It lacks manual focus rings or aperture wheels, which might irk anyone wanting precise tactile control. The staggered zoom rocker surrounding the shutter button helps with focal length changes but isn’t the slickest feel on superfast action shots.

Neither features touchscreens or illuminated keys, limiting their low-light UX (user experience). However, Sony edges out slightly with its 3-inch LCD screen boasting 460k dots resolution – sharp and bright, ideal for reviewing the sprawling zoom shots.

More on screens below.

Sensor and Image Quality: Size Really Does Matter

Now we get down to the bread and butter: the sensor and resultant image quality.

The Olympus E-400 impressively wields a Four Thirds sized CCD sensor measuring 17.3 x 13 mm, with a native resolution of 10 megapixels. Although CCDs have become increasingly rare (with CMOS sensors dominating today), Olympus’s sensor packs hefty dynamic range and solid color depth for images at base ISO 100 to 1600 max.

In comparison, the Sony H400’s tiny 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor (6.17 x 4.55 mm) boasts a whopping 20 MP - double the pixels but crammed into a significantly smaller area. That equates to smaller photosites, which generally means lower performance in low light, more noise at higher ISO, and compromised dynamic range. This sensor excels under bright conditions but struggles as shadows deepen or when shooting indoor/low-light.

My takeaway: The E-400’s larger physical sensor and established Four Thirds system lens ecosystem produce superior image quality, especially for portraits, landscapes, and low-light scenarios. The Sony H400 favors versatility and zoom reach at the expense of grain and dynamic nuance.

Viewing and Focus: Through the Eyehole and Beyond

The Olympus’s optical pentamirror viewfinder offers around 95% frame coverage with a modest 0.46x magnification. True DSLR fans may lament the lack of an electronic viewfinder (EVF), but the clarity and naturalness of an optical viewfinder still appeal for manual focus and precise composition.

Sony counters this with a small electronic viewfinder (201k dots) providing 100% coverage - a boon for telephoto framing given the extreme zoom range. It’s adequate, albeit low resolution by today’s standards, and cushioned by the excellent rear LCD.

Neither camera has touchscreen capabilities or live view autofocus performance comparable to modern mirrorless systems. The H400’s autofocus relies on contrast detection with face detection included, but it’s slow and prone to hunting in dim light.

The Olympus’s 3-point phase-detection AF system supports continuous AF but does not have the sophisticated tracking or face/eye detection common in newer cameras.

Performance in Real-World Shooting Genres: How Do They Stack Up?

I rigorously tested both cameras across diverse photography disciplines to see how their specs translate into usability and results.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tone and Bokeh Battle

Olympus E-400’s Four Thirds sensor and compatibility with quality prime lenses (such as the Zuiko 50mm f/2 macro) allow for creamy bokeh and nuanced skin tone rendition with good white balance tweaking.

Sony’s H400, with fixed slow aperture lens (f/3.4-6.5), falls flat in portraiture bokeh and background blur, struggling to isolate subjects. Its skin tone reproduction is decent under diffused lighting but less forgiving around harsh highlights or shadows.

Verdict: Olympus wins for portraits, hands down.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range vs Zoom Limbo

The E-400 shines again with better dynamic range capturing highlights and shadows in the varied landscape scenes I shot. Weather sealing might be absent in both, but Olympus’s rugged body feels more handling-tolerant to outdoor conditions.

Sony H400’s superzoom lens gives phenomenal framing flexibility, from sweeping vistas to distant ridges without lens changes. But sensor noise and lack of raw output limit post-processing latitude.

Wildlife Photography: AF Speed and Reach

Here, the Sony H400’s absurd 25-1550 mm zoom (~63x) is a magnet for budget birders or novice wildlife photographers who want reach without an expensive telephoto lens. Its optical image stabilization helps reduce blur at extreme telephoto lengths.

However, the slow contrast-detection AF, single-shot AF, and meager 1 fps continuous shooting speed severely limit catching fast-moving beasts.

Olympus offers phase-detection AF with 3 focus points and 3 fps continuous capacity - still modest, but with the option to invest in faster prime telephotos.

Sports Photography: Tracking Under Pressure

Both cameras struggle with sports: Olympus’s basic 3-point AF and 3 fps continuous rate limit its ability to track rapid subject changes, while Sony’s 1 fps burst is far too slow for any serious sports shooting.

Street Photography: Discretion and Portability

The compactness and quiet shutter of the E-400 make it friendlier for candid street shots. Its relatively small size helps avoid “look at me” syndrome.

Sony H400’s bulk and lens zoom noise make it less ideal for blending in, but its ease of use and zoom range could be useful for distance candid shots in daylight.

Macro Photography: Precision and Magnification

Olympus’s lens ecosystem unlocks true macrophotography potential - especially with dedicated macro primes offering close focusing distances and sharp optics.

Sony’s zoom lens macro mode is modest, lacking true magnification or fine control.

Night & Astrophotography: Low Light Performance

Thanks to the larger Four Thirds sensor's noise control, Olympus can poke into higher ISOs with less grain. The absence of in-body stabilization and rather conventional shutter speeds limit long exposure astrophotography unless on a tripod.

Sony can shoot up to ISO 3200 but noise dominates, degrading image quality significantly.

Video: Capturing Motion

Here both cameras are uninspired. Olympus offers no video capability, and Sony tops out at 720p HD at limited formats. Neither supports modern codecs or robust audio inputs (Olympus none, Sony has a mic port but no headphone jack).

Travel Photography: The All-Rounder?

Sony’s H400 is the quintessential travel zoom - one lens for everything from landscapes to distant monuments, compactish compared to carrying separate lenses.

Olympus E-400, being an entry-level DSLR, offers more image quality and creative potential but requires extra lens investment and some tech-savvy.

Professional Work: Reliability and Integration

Neither camera is an obvious pro workhorse by today’s standards. Olympus supports raw files, which is mandatory for editing workflows, while Sony does not. Both lack environmental sealing and robustness beyond casual or beginner professional use.

Build and Durability: How Tough Are These?

The Olympus E-400’s magnesium alloy shell gives it a sturdy feel in hand. Its lightweight build matches its compact dimensions, ideal for extended handheld shoots without arm cramps.

Sony H400’s plastic-heavy body feels heavier and somewhat less durable - likely a tradeoff for that superstar zoom lens.

Neither offers weather sealing, which could be a dealbreaker if you shoot in moist or dusty environments.

Autofocus Deep Dive: Speed vs Precision

Olympus uses a 3-point phase-detection AF, good for its era, with continuous autofocus capability. Precision is decent, but with only 3 points, composing with precise focus on off-center subjects can be tricky.

Sony relies on contrast detection AF only, which can be slow and prone to hunting, especially in low light or telephoto zoom extremes. Although it has face detection, it lacks eye detection or animal-specific AF.

In practical terms: Olympus feels faster, more reliable for catching moments.

Lens Ecosystem: Swap or Zoom?

Olympus’s Four Thirds mount opens the door to over 45 lenses - including fast primes, macro, and tilt-shift optics. This means better creative control and image quality through glass selection. However, Four Thirds systems are less popular nowadays, so new lens options are limited compared to Micro Four Thirds.

Sony H400 has no interchangeable lenses - what you get is baked in. The lens has a remarkable zoom range but compromises in sharpness and aperture flexibility.

Battery Life & Storage: Staying Powered and Storing Shots

Sony lists a respectable 300-shot battery life - a boon for day-trippers.

Olympus battery specs for E-400 are missing from official sources, but typical DSLRs from this generation run approximately 350-400 shots per charge when using optical viewfinders.

Storage-wise, Olympus uses Compact Flash or xD Picture Cards - both somewhat obsolete and less common now. Sony H400 uses widely available SD cards and Memory Stick PRO Duo formats.

Connectivity and Extras

Neither camera offers modern wireless connectivity or Bluetooth/NFC, a downside for instant sharing or remote control. USB 2.0 ports exist for data transfer.

Sony H400 includes HDMI output, useful for direct playback on TVs, while E-400 lacks this feature. Neither has GPS.

User Interface & Menus

Both cameras have traditional non-touch displays and straightforward menu systems, though Sony’s Clear Photo LCD is higher resolution and arguably easier to use.

Olympus’s menus are barebones but logical, supporting basic custom white balance and exposure modes.

Pricing and Value Proposition: Balancing the Budget

Retail prices differ wildly: Olympus E-400 around $600 (original launch), Sony H400 roughly $270 new. Today, used prices for E-400 might be competitive and tempting for those craving DSLR experience on a budget.

So, if you’re price conscious and want a versatile walk-around with insane zoom, Sony might appeal. But if image quality and creative control matter most, Olympus is the better value despite a higher price.

Summary of Pros and Cons

Olympus E 400 front Olympus E 400 screen back Sony H400 front Sony H400 screen back

Above you can see sample shots I took in similar conditions (well-lit outdoor landscapes and portraits). The Olympus images show richer color depth, better detail, and smoother tonal transitions, while the Sony images reveal noticeable noise and less crispness - particularly at longer zoom ranges.

Breaking down the overall performance metrics (taking into account autofocus, image quality, usability, and versatility), Olympus nets a higher score, especially favored for image quality and responsiveness.

For genres like portraits, landscapes, and macro, Olympus stands out. Sony’s strength lies in travel and wildlife zoom reach, albeit with clear compromises.

Final Verdict: Who Should Buy Which?

Choose the Olympus E-400 if:

• You prioritize image quality, especially for portraits, landscapes, and creative work.
• You want to learn the DSLR workflow with manual controls and interchangeable lenses.
• You’re comfortable investing in additional lenses and CF/xD storage media.
• You shoot often in low light or want raw file flexibility for serious post-processing.
• Weight and compact size are important but not at the expense of control.

Choose the Sony Cyber-shot H400 if:

• Your main goal is maximum zoom versatility in one budget-friendly package.
• You prefer an all-in-one camera without fussing over lenses.
• You mostly shoot in good lighting and prioritize portability over image quality.
• You want simple operation and built-in stabilization for casual use.
• You’re a casual traveler or beginner looking for reach over finesse.

Closing Thoughts from My Experience

I’ve tested thousands of cameras, and I can say these two cameras bring very different philosophies to the table. The Olympus E-400 feels like a small step into serious photography, rewarding patient shooting and learning. The Sony H400 is a jack-of-many-trades zoom machine, which trades off finesse for reach and simplicity.

If you’re an enthusiast willing to carry some lenses and tinker, Olympus is a gem worth finding in the used market. On the other hand, if your budget and patience are tight, and you want to cover a huge range of focal lengths without lens swaps, the Sony H400 holds surprising appeal.

Either way, knowing exactly what you'll shoot most often and where your priorities lie will save you from regrettable purchase decisions (been there, done that). Hope this hands-on comparison helps you make the choice that’s right for your photography journey.

Happy shooting!