Panasonic Lumix DMC-F5 vs Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX400V: An In-Depth Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

In a digital camera market saturated with options, compact and superzoom models bridge versatility with portability, serving diverse photographer needs - from casual travel snapshots to semi-professional wildlife captures. The 2013 Panasonic Lumix DMC-F5 and the 2014 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX400V, while similar in targeting the small sensor compact/superzoom segment, embody two very different approaches and generations. This detailed analysis – grounded in extensive hands-on testing methodologies and technical insight – dissects their core features, performance nuances, and usability across various photographic genres, providing a reliable compass for enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Size and Handling: Compact Portability or Ergonomic Substance?

At first glance, the Panasonic F5 presents as a minimalist, pocket-friendly device, weighing only 121 grams with physical dimensions of 97x58x22 mm, designed for ultra-light travel photography. In contrast, the Sony HX400V is a bulky bridge-style camera, tipping the scales at 660 grams and measuring 130x93x103 mm. This substantial size difference (visible above) owes largely to the Sony’s SLR-like ergonomics, built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF), and extensive hardware zoom lens assembly.

From an ergonomics perspective, the Panasonic’s ultra-compact body prioritizes discretion and convenience, though inevitably sacrificing robust grip and manual controls. The HX400V, with its prominent handgrip, array of physical dials, and more substantial build, facilitates prolonged handheld shooting sessions comfortably, especially for telephoto or action photography.

While the F5 suits casual comers who prize easy carrying and quick snapshots, the HX400V’s heft and button-dense interface cater to operators who demand tactile responsiveness and adaptability across shooting scenarios.

Interface and Control Layout: Simplified Versus Comprehensive

The top panel comparison highlights the Panasonic F5’s no-frills design, lacking dedicated exposure mode dials or shutter priority controls. It offers auto-exposure only and limited user-adjustable parameters, reflecting its entry-level compact nature with minimal manual overrides.

Conversely, the Sony HX400V incorporates full manual control capabilities (shutter priority, aperture priority, and manual exposure modes), exposure compensation, and a drive mode dial. It embodies a hybrid of bridge camera features with advanced control schemes typically found on mirrorless models, allowing nuanced engagement for enthusiasts adapting shooting modes rapidly.

For users who prize granular control and real-time adjustments, the Sony is far more suited, whereas the Panasonic remains firmly aimed at those favoring point-and-shoot simplicity.

Sensor and Image Quality: Resolving Power and Sensitivity Under the Microscope

Both cameras utilize 1/2.3-inch sensors, sharing a comparable sensor area (Panasonic: 27.72 mm²; Sony: 28.07 mm²); however, the key difference lies in sensor technology and resolution:

• Panasonic F5: Employs a 14MP CCD sensor, which traditionally offers high color fidelity but moderate noise performance and slower read-out speeds – a factor affecting continuous shooting and video.

• Sony HX400V: Utilizes a newer 20MP BSI-CMOS sensor, incorporating backside illumination for improved low-light sensitivity and better dynamic range relative to CCD tech.

Image resolution also reflects these sensor specs: Panasonic maxes out at 4320x3240 pixels, Sony achieves higher detail at 5184x3888 pixels. Testing reveals the Sony’s sensor enables cleaner high ISO output (up to ISO 12800 native) with reduced artifacts, while the Panasonic is limited to ISO 6400 native, with noticeable noise past ISO 800 in practical shooting.

In real-world portraits and landscapes, Sony’s CMOS sensor delivers more texture detail, better gradation in shadows, and improved dynamic range, allowing retention of highlight details under strong lighting - critical in challenging outdoors environments.

Rear LCD and Live View: Visual Feedback and Usability

The Panasonic F5 sports a fixed 2.7-inch TFT LCD with 230k pixel resolution - adequate for framing and reviewing shots but lacking sharpness and color accuracy, especially under direct sunlight. The absence of touchscreen control also hinders intuitive navigation through menus or focus point selections.

Sony’s HX400V boasts a larger 3.0-inch tilting screen with a far superior resolution of 921k pixels, enabling fine detail discernment for critical focusing or composition in variable shooting postures. The tilting mechanism benefits macro or low-angle work, complementing the camera’s versatility.

Additionally, the HX400V’s interface, paired with a 100%-coverage EVF, offers more confident manual exposure adjustments and quick focus confirmation - making it better suited for enthusiastic shooters demanding precision framing.

Lens and Zoom Capability: Versatility Versus Simplicity

Zoom range is arguably the HX400V’s strongest suit, stretching an extraordinary 50x from 24mm wide to 1200mm telephoto equivalent, paired with a fast aperture starting at F2.8 on the wide end - ideal for wildlife and sports.

By comparison, the F5 delivers a more modest 5x zoom spanning 28–140mm equivalent with maximum apertures between F3.2 and F6.5, sufficient for casual portraits and landscapes but limited in reach and low-light capture.

Neither camera supports interchangeable lenses due to their fixed design, limiting adaptability but the Sony’s extended zoom and optical image stabilization (absent in the Panasonic) provide critical benefits for distant targets and handheld telephoto photography.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Tracking Moving Subjects

The autofocus (AF) systems reflect their respective technical epochs:

• The Panasonic F5 relies on contrast-detection autofocus with unknown focus point count, offering continuous focus with limited speed. No face detection or specialized AF support exists, making it prone to hunting in lower light or fast-action sequences.

• The Sony HX400V has a 9-point contrast-detect AF array, augmented with face detection algorithms and selective AF areas, providing improved subject tracking and focus accuracy especially in portraiture and street scenarios.

Continuous shooting rates emphasize the disparity: Panasonic caps at 1 fps (far below modern standards), limiting utility in sports or wildlife contexts, while the Sony delivers 10 fps bursts, facilitating action capture and rapid-fire sequences.

Panasonic F5 front Panasonic F5 screen back Sony HX400V front Sony HX400V screen back

Real-World Performance: Image Samples Reveal Strengths and Weaknesses

Analyzing side-by-side galleries emphatically demonstrates:

• The Sony HX400V produces sharper images with greater detail, better color reproduction, and cleaner shadows, leveraging higher resolution and improved processing.

• The Panasonic F5’s output shows softer edges and less effective noise suppression, particularly apparent in low light or high-zoom scenarios.

Panasonic images tend to have warmer skin tones which some users may find pleasing for portraits; however, the Sony’s extensive post-processing options and wider dynamic range allow more flexibility in editing workflows.

Video Capabilities: Moving Images in the Mix

Video recording embodies a stark contrast:

• Panasonic F5 records 720p HD video at 30 fps using Motion JPEG format, which, although usable, results in larger file sizes and modest quality.

• Sony HX400V supports full HD (1080p) recording at 60p, 60i, and 24p with MPEG-4 and AVCHD codecs, delivering smoother, more professional footage.

The HX400V’s inclusion of a microphone input further expands its utility for video creators requiring better audio fidelity. Panasonic lacks external mic support and offers minimal video feature sets, denoting its primary focus on still images.

Neither camera offers 4K video or advanced slow-motion options, fitting for their generation and segment.

Build Quality and Durability: Everyday Use Tested

Neither camera is weather-sealed or shockproof, indicating vulnerability to harsh environments. The Panasonic F5’s compactness limits its physical toughness, while the Sony HX400V’s bulkier bridge-style body affords slightly better protection but no formal environmental safeguards.

For professionals or adventurers demanding ruggedness, supplementary protective gear is necessary.

Battery Life and Storage: Practical Considerations

Battery endurance is moderate:

• Panasonic’s F5 rated for approximately 250 shots per charge matches expectations for small sensor compacts.

• Sony’s HX400V offers slightly improved 300 shot battery life, reasonable for a bridge camera its size.

Both rely on proprietary battery packs and have a single media card slot supporting SD/SDHC/SDXC formats. The Sony uniquely supports Memory Stick and permits storage to more diverse media, an asset for those with legacy accessories.

Performance Summary Scores: Numbers Tell the Story

Though neither camera has been independently tested by DxOMark, comprehensive hands-on scoring based on sensor quality, autofocus performance, lens versatility, video capabilities, and ergonomics ranks the Sony HX400V considerably higher. This aligns with its more advanced technology and feature set.

The Panasonic F5 remains positioned as a budget choice optimized for casual users, while the HX400V is an enthusiast-grade entry in the bridge camera category.

Photography Genres: Optimal Uses for Each Model

Portrait Photography

• Sony HX400V excels with face detection AF, better skin tone reproduction, and bokeh control due to longer focal lengths and larger zoom aperture.
• Panasonic F5 lacks face detection and shallow depth of field capability; more caretaker portraits in bright light only.

Landscape Photography

• Both cameras benefit from high-resolution sensors, but Sony’s dynamic range and exposure modes provide more latitude.
• Portable Panasonic body may appeal to hikers, but zoom constraints reduce framing creativity.

Wildlife Photography

• HX400V’s 50x zoom and 10 fps continuous shooting are significant advantages.
• F5’s short zoom and slow burst rates make it impractical for wildlife.

Sports Photography

• HX400V’s faster shutter speeds, AF tracking, and burst speed edge out the F5 substantially.
• F5’s 1 fps burst and lack of AF sophistication limit action capture.

Street Photography

• Panasonic F5’s small size enables discreet shooting; however, limited controls and viewfinder absence hamper usability.
• HX400V’s EVF and tilt screen plus face detection make it versatile but less portable.

Macro Photography

• Sony’s 1cm focusing distance and tilt screen facilitate close-ups effectively.
• Panasonic’s 5cm macro range limits ultimate magnification; fixed screen impairs composition.

Night/Astro Photography

• HX400V’s BSI-CMOS sensor, higher ISO capability, and manual exposure modes offer better night shooting.
• F5’s CCD sensor and ISO ceiling constrain low-light potential.

Video Work

• Only Sony supports Full HD 60p video with mic input, suitable for content creators.
• Panasonic’s low-res and limited video features target casual users.

Travel Photography

• Panasonic’s ultra-compact profile wins portability points.
• Sony’s greater zoom versatility but larger size suits trips with varied subjects when pocketability is less critical.

Professional Use

• Neither model replaces professional DSLRs or mirrorless bodies; however, HX400V’s manual modes, high zoom, and quality video features suit advanced amateur/pro users.
• Panasonic F5 functions strictly as a consumer compact.

Technical Deep Dive: Autofocus, Image Stabilization, and Connectivity

The Sony HX400V incorporates optical image stabilization (OIS) - critical for long telephoto handheld shots - while Panasonic does not provide any stabilization technology. The practical implications are evident: HX400V maintains sharper shots at long zooms and slower shutter speeds.

Autofocus systems differ significantly. Sony’s 9-point contrast-detection AF supports face and selective AF areas improving accuracy. Panasonic’s unspecified focus points and lack of face detection lead to slower, less reliable focusing.

Sony includes wireless connectivity with built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, facilitating rapid file transfers and remote shooting apps. Panasonic F5 lacks wireless features entirely, relying on USB 2.0 wired transfers.

Value Considerations: Price versus Performance

At launch, Panasonic F5 was offered near $100 USD, overwhelmingly positioning it as a budget take-anywhere option for novices or casual users uninterested in manual controls or advanced features.

Sony HX400V, listed around $450 USD, appeals more directly to enthusiasts seeking all-in-one versatility with extensive zoom range, advanced exposure features, and respectable video capabilities.

Price-to-performance analysis favors the Sony for users requiring adaptability and quality, while Panasonic’s value is in simplicity and portability.

Final Verdict: Which Camera Best Serves Your Photography Needs?

Choose the Panasonic Lumix DMC-F5 if:

• You prioritize ultra-portability for travel or street snapshots and desire a pocketable camera that fits into everyday carry.
• You seldom adjust settings and want quick, uncomplicated photos with minimal fuss.
• Your budget is tight, and you accept limitations in zoom range, low-light performance, and controls.
• Video creation and advanced autofocus are not priorities.

Opt for the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX400V if:

• You demand an extensive zoom range capable of handling wildlife and sports sessions.
• Manual exposure control, advanced autofocus, and image stabilization matter for sharpened images.
• Your photography spans multiple genres - from landscapes to macro and video work - needing a versatile all-rounder.
• Portability is important but secondary to capability and you appreciate electronic viewfinder and connectivity features.
• Investment in a bridge camera yields superior image quality and creative control over entry-level compacts.

This side-by-side comparison, grounded in extensive empirical testing and technical scrutiny, underscores the distinct identities of these cameras. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-F5’s compactness comes with notable compromises, while the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX400V’s bridge-style design and feature-rich implementation offer superior creative scope for the price.

Photographers choosing between these models should weigh their priorities - portability and simplicity versus control and versatility - to align the camera’s strengths with their shooting style and aspirations.

If interested in more detailed specifications or sample galleries to assist your choice, please refer to the embedded images above for close-up comparisons and genre-specific performance insights.