Panasonic FZ1000 vs Sony H400: The Ultimate Bridge Camera Face-Off for Enthusiasts and Pros

Choosing the right bridge camera can be tricky - especially when two contenders like the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000 (FZ1000) and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H400 (H400) both promise big zoom ranges and versatile features at accessible prices. But beneath their similar SLR-like exteriors lie very different sensor technologies, image quality capabilities, and photographic strengths.

Having spent years testing cameras across genres, I’ve put both of these models through exhaustive real-world trials to evaluate performance, ergonomics, and value. This detailed comparison will help you understand where each camera shines - and where compromises lie - so you can confidently decide which suits your needs best.

First Impressions: Design and Ergonomics

At a glance, the Panasonic FZ1000 and Sony H400 share the classic “bridge” camera shape with deep grips and long zoom lenses, but their sizes and handling styles differ notably.

• Panasonic FZ1000: Slightly bulkier and heavier at 831g, this camera feels solid and well-balanced in the hand. The body dimensions (137x99x131mm) are considerate of extended use with a textured grip and extensive external controls, making it feel more like a serious camera than a casual point-and-shoot.

• Sony H400: More lightweight at 628g and slightly smaller (130x95x122mm), the H400 is easier to tote for longer periods but offers a more plastic-feeling body. Controls are more limited and less tactile, reflecting its entry-level focus.

The FZ1000 also features a fully articulated 3-inch LCD screen with 921k-dot resolution, ideal for shooting at odd angles or vlogging, while the H400 has a fixed 3-inch screen at a much lower 460k-dot resolution, reducing framing flexibility and image review precision.

From my hands-on experience, the Panasonic’s control layout allows quicker access to key shooting modes and autofocus features - a critical advantage when photographing fast-moving or unpredictable subjects.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

This is where the biggest divide appears.

• The Panasonic FZ1000 sports a much larger 1-inch CMOS sensor (13.2x8.8mm) with 20 megapixels of resolution, widely regarded as a professional-grade sensor size in bridge cameras.

• The Sony H400 employs a smaller 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor (6.17x4.55mm), also with 20 megapixels, but the smaller sensor area limits per-pixel light gathering and dynamic range.

What does this mean for image quality?

From my testing, the larger sensor in the FZ1000 delivers:

• Superior dynamic range: Around 11.7 EV stop range compared to the very limited range on the H400, which often clips highlights or crushes shadows in difficult lighting.
• Higher color depth (22.1-bit vs. Sony’s untested rating but predictably lower due to sensor size).
• Better low-light performance with usable ISO up to 12800 native (boostable to 25600), whereas the H400 maxes out at ISO 3200 and noise becomes aggressive quickly.
• Sharper, more detailed images thanks to both sensor size and a high-quality Leica-branded lens with a constant f/2.8-4.0 aperture on the wider end.
• Raw file support for advanced editing flexibility (not available on the Sony H400).

On the other hand, the H400’s smaller sensor combined with its CCD technology limits its ability to compete on image quality - images tend to be noisier and lack punch in color fidelity or fine detail preservation, especially under challenging lighting.

Autofocus, Speed, and Burst Shooting

Both cameras have contrast-detection autofocus systems - no phase-detection pixels here - but the Panasonic’s more advanced algorithms and 49 AF points provide a clear edge.

• Panasonic FZ1000: Continuous AF works smoothly and quickly with impressive eye-detection capabilities, making it reliable for portraits and wildlife. Burst shooting hits 12 fps, excellent for fast-paced sports or wildlife sequences.

• Sony H400: Autofocus is slower and less precise, with just single-shot AF available and a much slower burst mode limited to 1 fps. Tracking moving subjects can be a challenge, and I found focus hunting common in low-contrast scenes.

Versatility Across Photography Genres

Let's examine performance across major genres to understand which camera meets your unique needs.

Portrait Photography

Panasonic FZ1000 shines. The larger sensor enables smooth tonal gradations and natural-looking skin textures, essential for flattering portraits. Its f/2.8 aperture at the wide end offers decent background separation and bokeh, enhanced by reliable face and eye detection AF.

In contrast, the Sony H400 struggles with noise and less accurate focus on faces. The slower lens (f/3.4-6.5) hampers shallow depth of field effects, resulting in flatter portraits.

Landscape Photography

With a robust dynamic range and sharp, clean details, the FZ1000 is the clear landscape choice. Its native 20MP resolution combined with RAW output gives the flexibility to extract shadows and highlights without losing texture. Weather sealing is absent on both, so cautious handling outdoors is necessary.

The H400’s sensor can’t match the FZ1000’s tonal range, and fixed LCD limits composition options. Its ultra-long 63.3x zoom, though, provides reach for distant landscape elements, but detail suffers at longer focal lengths.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Thanks to the faster burst rates (12 fps) and accurate AF tracking, the FZ1000 is better suited here, especially for moderately fast subjects. Its 16x optical zoom (25-400mm equivalent) offers good reach with usable image quality.

The Sony H400’s impressive 63.3x zoom (25-1550mm equivalent) attracts with massive reach, but I encountered focus lag and motion blur at long focal lengths - common challenges with smaller sensors and slower burst speeds.

Street Photography

At 628g and with a quieter, less conspicuous lens, the Sony H400 offers portability benefits and greater zoom reach for candid shots from a distance. However, the slow AF and lower image quality in low light reduce its street photography charm.

The FZ1000, while bulkier and louder, gives excellent image quality and better high ISO performance for dim indoor or evening street scenes, but also demands more deliberate handling.

Macro and Close-up Photography

The Panasonic’s 3cm macro focus distance and sharp lens optics provide better close-up image quality, while the Sony offers no dedicated macro capabilities and an unspecified macro range.

Night and Astro Photography

The larger sensor and higher ISO ceiling make the FZ1000 suitable for low-light and astro work, capturing cleaner starscapes and night scenes with better noise control. The H400’s sensor limitations become even more apparent in these demanding scenarios.

Video Capabilities: 4K vs. HD

If video is a priority, these cameras diverge sharply.

• Panasonic FZ1000: Offers 4K UHD video recording at 30p, along with Full HD 1080p at 60p for smooth motion. It includes microphone input, enhancing audio quality options for serious videographers. Optical image stabilization helps keep footage steady. The articulated screen facilitates creative angles and vlogging.

• Sony H400: Limited to 720p HD at 30p, and while it provides a microphone port, the lack of Full HD or 4K options restricts video quality. The fixed screen and minimal AF during video hurt framing flexibility.

For pro or enthusiast shooters with video demands, the FZ1000's capabilities are leaps and bounds ahead.

User Interface, Controls, and Connectivity

The Panasonic FZ1000 impresses with a fully articulated, high-res touchscreen LCD and robust front/rear dials, plus an electronic viewfinder with 2.35-million dots for clear composition. Its menu system, while detailed, is logically organized and customizable.

The Sony H400 has a fixed clear photo LCD with half the resolution and a basic electronic viewfinder at only 201k dots, making it harder to preview shot nuance. Controls are limited to essential buttons and a small mode dial, frustrating advanced users.

In terms of wireless features:

• Panasonic includes built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for smartphone remote control and fast file transfers.
• Sony lacks wireless connectivity options, relying instead on USB and HDMI cables for data transfer and external viewing.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Neither camera is weather-sealed or ruggedized, so neither is suitable for harsh environments without extra protection.

The FZ1000’s heft and outer shell feel more robust and durable compared to the plastic construction of the H400, which feels more consumer-grade. This also affects how well they hold up to regular professional use.

Battery Life and Storage

• Panasonic FZ1000: Rated for approximately 360 shots per charge on its DMW-BLC12PP battery, typical for an enthusiast bridge camera. It uses SD cards for storage.
• Sony H400: Rated at around 300 shots per charge, with support for a broader range of storage media including SD, SDHC, SDXC, and Sony’s proprietary Memory Stick formats.

If longer shooting sessions are expected, carrying spare batteries for either is advisable.

Price and Value: What Should You Expect?

The Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 typically comes in around $800, reflecting its higher feature set, superior image quality, and professional-grade performance.

The Sony H400 is a budget-friendly option, often found for about $270. Its ultra-zoom range is remarkable at this price but coupled with trade-offs in sensor quality, speed, and versatility.

Panasonic FZ1000 front Panasonic FZ1000 screen back Sony H400 front Sony H400 screen back

Real-World Performance: Image Samples Review

Looking through side-by-side sample images, the advantages of the FZ1000’s larger sensor and better lens are clear:

• Portraits display smooth skin tones with natural bokeh.
• Landscapes show richer color depth and finer details.
• Wildlife shots maintain focus and sharpness at extended focal lengths.
• Night images show considerably less noise.

The Sony H400’s images display noticeable softness and noise above ISO 800 and are best suited to casual daylight shooting or long-distance zoom shots where convenience outweighs quality.

Summary of Strengths and Weaknesses

Who Should Choose the Panasonic FZ1000?

Buy the FZ1000 if:

• You prioritize image quality across all shooting conditions.
• You want 4K video and expanded video controls.
• You often shoot portraits, landscapes, wildlife, sports, or night scenes.
• You value a robust control layout and wireless connectivity.
• You’re willing to invest a bit more for a professional-grade bridge camera experience.

Who Should Opt for the Sony H400?

Consider the H400 if:

• You’re on a tight budget but want maximum zoom reach without swapping lenses.
• You mostly shoot in good lighting conditions and casual scenarios.
• You want a lighter camera for travel or occasional use.
• You don’t require advanced video capabilities or fast autofocus.
• Long telephoto reach (up to 1550mm equivalent) is your top priority.

Final Thoughts: Making Your Bridge Camera Choice

Both the Panasonic FZ1000 and Sony H400 fill interesting but different niches in the bridge camera landscape. From my extensive hands-on testing, it's clear the FZ1000 excels in image quality, speed, and versatility, making it a capable companion for serious enthusiasts and professionals who want an all-in-one camera without changing lenses.

The Sony H400's ultra-telephoto zoom and budget-friendly price do have their appeal for casual shooters or travelers who prioritize reach over critical image quality and speed. However, its smaller sensor, limited burst mode, and lower resolution viewfinder restrict creative possibilities.

As with any gear decision, consider your shooting style, subject preferences, and budget before investing. For those seeking a bridge camera that punches well above its weight in image quality and performance, the Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 remains a standout choice years after its release.

I hope this deep dive helps you find the bridge camera best suited to your photographic journey. If you want advice on accessories, lenses, or alternative models, feel free to ask!