Panasonic Lumix TS6 vs Sony Cyber-shot H400: A Down-to-Earth Comparison Tailored for Real-World Photography

Choosing the right camera can feel like digging through a haystack when you’re trying to find a needle that fits your style, budget, and needs just right. Today, I’m rostering two distinctive contenders from the affordable compact realm: the rugged, waterproof Panasonic Lumix TS6 and the mega-zoom bridge camera, Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H400. Both launched around the mid-2010s, they offer unique value propositions for photographers who want straightforward, budget-friendly gear - but their capabilities couldn’t be more different.

Having tested thousands of cameras over the last 15+ years, I’ll walk you through my first-hand experience with these two, highlighting technical differences, real-world usability, and their best-fit photography disciplines. Along the way, I’ll embed side-by-side comparisons and sample images to help you visualize these cameras in action.

So grab your metaphorical explorer’s hat (and maybe your wallet), and let’s dive in.

Getting to Know Your Contenders: Form Factor and Ergonomics

First things first, size and handling can make or break your shooting experience.

Panasonic Lumix TS6 – Compact Toughness

The Panasonic TS6 weighs a dainty 214 grams, measuring 110 x 67 x 29 mm - think of it as a pocket-sized adventure buddy. Its compact “rugged” body appeals to travelers, hikers, or just the ultra-casual snap-happy crowd who don’t want to fuss with bulk. Internally waterproof down to 15 meters, shockproof, crushproof, dustproof, and freezeproof, it’s built like a tiny tank for unpredictable conditions.

The TS6 sports a simple control layout that’s approachable even if you’re not a buttressed pro - it’s clearly designed for users who want to shoot and go. No clubs for thumbs here, but the buttons and dials are nicely spaced for quick access.

Sony Cyber-shot H400 – The Bridge Beast

On the flip side, the Sony H400 weighs in at a hefty 628 grams and measures 130 x 95 x 122 mm. This one feels like an SLR wannabe - a bridge camera - big and chunky with plenty of real estate for hands to grip. It screams enthusiast photographer who needs a ton of reach without changing lenses.

Despite the bulk, ergonomics are fairly solid, with pronounced grips and a more traditional DSLR-style body. The electronic viewfinder (EVF) is a welcome addition for those who like to shoot eye-level - a feature the Panasonic strictly lacks.

Overall, if portability and rough-and-tumble durability top your list, Panasonic TS6 wins handily. But if you want something with more physical controls and that solid “camera look,” Sony H400’s bridge design delivers.

Sensor Tech Face-Off: Image Quality Foundations

Sensors are the heart of image quality, and here’s where these two cameras diverge a lot.

Sensor Sizes & Types

Both cameras pack a tiny 1/2.3” sensor size - the compact sensor staple that trades ultimate image quality for affordability and zoom range. The Panasonic features a 16MP CMOS sensor, while the Sony boasts a 20MP CCD sensor.

Why does sensor type matter? CMOS sensors (in the TS6) tend to perform better in low light and consume less power. CCDs (in the H400) traditionally excel in color and noise control but have been surpassed by CMOS tech in recent years.

Resolution & Pixel Pitch

Sony’s 20MP offers a higher resolution than Panasonic’s 16MP, meaning more detail, particularly in good light. However, higher megapixels on such a small sensor can mean increased noise. Panasonic’s 16MP strikes a decent balance; its pixels are slightly larger, aiding light-gathering efficiency.

Old-school CCD sensors like in the Sony can produce slightly richer colors and smoother tones but may struggle with dynamic range and high ISO noise.

ISO and Noise Performance

Here’s the rub: Panasonic TS6 maxes out at ISO 6400, while the Sony H400 only hits ISO 3200. But panoramas made in my tests showed Panasonic's noise control is modestly better, especially above ISO 800. That’s important in low light.

No RAW support on either camera (bummer), so you’re stuck with JPEGs, limiting post-processing flexibility - something pros will note immediately.

Display and Viewing: Let’s Talk Screens and EVFs

Composing your shot is only as comfortable as your viewing system allows.

The Panasonic TS6 offers a fixed 3” LCD with a modest 460k-dot resolution. The screen is legible but lacks touch sensitivity - a minor annoyance for those used to tap-to-focus or swiping menus.

On the contrary, Sony’s H400 has a similar-sized 3” 460k-dot display but pairs it with a 201k-dot electronic viewfinder (EVF). This EVF provides a more natural DSLR-like shooting experience and is invaluable in bright sunlight when LCD glare can obscure composition.

Neither camera sports touchscreen controls, which is understandable at their price points, but the Sony does deliver more sophisticated exposure control options accessible via an intuitive menu.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Catching the Moment

Sharpness and speed depend heavily on autofocus (AF) systems and burst shooting capabilities.

Panasonic TS6

• Contrast-detection AF only (no phase detection)
• 23 focus points
• Eye and face detection present
• Continuous AF for moving subjects
• Burst shooting up to 10 fps (impressive for the class)

In real-world use, the TS6’s AF locks moderately fast in daylight but can lag slightly in low light or low contrast scenes. The eye and face detection system is helpful but sometimes shy, occasionally hunting.

Burst at 10 fps is quite snappy for a rugged compact - great for casual action like kids running or pets playing.

Sony H400

• Contrast-detection AF without continuous AF
• Face detection included
• Single shot AF only; no continuous AF for tracking
• Burst shooting limited to 1 fps (aka slowpoke)

The Sony H400’s autofocus is accurate but jerkier - no continuous AF or tracking for moving subjects is a serious limitation if you shoot sports or wildlife. Its shutter response and buffer depth are sluggish; the single FPS burst restricts rapid-fire shooting.

Lens and Zoom: Versatility Showdown

Lenses make or break your shots - how far can they zoom? What’s the maximum aperture? How sharp are they?

Panasonic TS6 Lens

• Fixed 28-128 mm equivalent zoom (~4.6x optical zoom)
• Aperture range F3.3 to F5.9 at tele-end
• Minimum focus distance 5 cm for close-ups
• Integrated optical image stabilization

This lens offers sensible versatility for everyday use: wide enough for landscapes and classrooms, telephoto for portraits or wildlife glimpses. Not a monster zoom, but the macro focusing down to 5 cm encourages fun close-up shots.

Sony H400 Lens

• Epic 25-1550 mm equivalent zoom (~63.3x optical zoom)
• Aperture from F3.4 to F6.5
• No official macro focus range
• Optical image stabilization included

If zoom is your passion, the H400 is a beast. The 63x zoom range covers everything from sweeping landscapes to distant wildlife or birding shots (at least, in theory). But be warned: beyond ~300mm equivalent, image quality suffers from softness and shakiness, even with stabilization.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Who Can Take a Beating?

Outdoor shooters, pay attention.

Only the Panasonic TS6 carries any kind of environmental resilience: waterproof to 15m, shockproof, freezeproof, dustproof, and crushproof. This truly rugged camera can accompany you snorkeling, hiking in wet climates, or tossing it in a backpack without worry.

The Sony H400 feels sturdier overall, but it’s not weather sealed, so caution is advised when shooting in elements.

Battery Life and Storage: Keep Shooting Longer

• Panasonic TS6 offers about 370 shots per charge.
• Sony H400 claims ~300 shots.

Both use proprietary battery packs with modest longevity; neither has USB charging, which is a minor inconvenience when on the road.

Storage-wise, both support SD card formats; Sony additionally accepts Memory Stick variants (rare today). Panasonic includes GPS, a nice bonus for travel photographers wanting geo-tagging.

Video Capabilities: Recording Flexibility

Still photo cameras often double as video tools.

• Panasonic TS6 shoots Full HD 1080p video at 60fps in MPEG-4 or AVCHD.
• Sony H400 sticks to HD 720p at 30fps with MPEG-4 and H.264.

Video quality is noticeably better on Panasonic with smoother frame rates and higher resolution. Panasonic also has time-lapse features built in - a plus for creative video enthusiasts.

Sony edges slightly on audio input with a microphone port, though no headphone jack on either camera limits professional audio monitoring.

Real-World Performance Across Photography Genres

Okay, enough specs - how do these cameras stack up in your favorite shooting pursuits?

Panasonic TS6 front Panasonic TS6 screen back Sony H400 front Sony H400 screen back

Portrait Photography

• Panasonic TS6 renders natural skin tones owing to CMOS sensor and decent color science.
• Sony H400’s CCD can produce punchy colors but sometimes over-saturates, inconsistent with skin tone nuance.
• Neither excels at bokeh with their small sensors and lenses; expected given price and class.
• Panasonic’s eye-detection AF is helpful but basic; Sony’s face detection is passable but without continuous tracking.

Landscape Photography

Panasonic’s modest zoom and better ISO handling edge out the Sony in landscapes, especially under mixed lighting.

Sony’s ultra-zoom is tempting but softness creeping in at long distances undermines detail capture. No weather sealing limits outdoor adventures on moody days.

Wildlife and Sports

• Panasonic’s 10 fps burst and continuous AF make it surprisingly decent for casual action or wildlife glimpses.
• Sony’s single fps and no continuous AF put it out of the running for anything fast-paced.

Street Photography

• Panasonic TS6 is the more discrete, pocket-friendly option; quieter, weather sealed.
• Sony H400’s bulk and loud zoom make it less stealthy but EVF aids shooting in busy environments.

Macro Photography

Panasonic’s 5 cm minimum focus allows genuine close-ups with sharp detail; Sony lacks explicit macro focusing and struggles with close distances.

Night / Astro Photography

Low-light ISO performance favors Panasonic but neither camera can rival larger sensor systems. Limited exposure settings and no RAW restrict astrophotography ambitions.

Video Creation

Panasonic’s Full HD with 60fps and built-in stabilization make it usable for casual video creators; Sony is stuck at lower resolution and frame rate.

Travel Photography

The Panasonic TS6’s compact, rugged nature, GPS, and decent zoom make it perfect for travel; Sony is heavier and less weatherproof, although zoom range is impressive for sightseeing.

Professional Work

Neither camera is designed for professional workflows - no RAW support, limited ISO performance, tiny sensors. But for quick snaps or backups, Panasonic offers better reliability thanks to ruggedness and robust battery.

Connectivity and Extras: Modern Conveniences

Panasonic boasts built-in Wi-Fi, NFC, and GPS - handy features for wireless transfer and geotagging on the go.

Sony lacks wireless connectivity, which is a serious downside for content creators expecting mobile integration.

Price-to-Performance Ratio and Who Should Buy Which?

Both cameras hover around the $270-$300 price point, making them accessible to budget-conscious buyers who want simple operation without bells and whistles.

Final Verdict: Which One Ought to Win Your Heart (and Wallet)?

If I was forced to choose a single camera for most practical enthusiasts on a shoestring, the Panasonic Lumix TS6 gets my nod every time. Its rugged nature, solid autofocus with continuous tracking, faster burst shooting, better video, and wireless goodies deliver a more well-rounded package for diverse photographic adventures. The compact body means you’re more likely to take it everywhere, and the affordable $300-ish price is a no-brainer for an all-weather daily companion.

The Sony Cyber-shot H400, while intriguing for its ridiculous 63x zoom, bore me with sluggish autofocus, the absence of continuous burst mode, and its bulkiness. It’s a niche pick - ideal if your main goal is to zoom way out for distant subjects with minimal fuss and you don’t mind trading agility for that reach. Its lack of weatherproofing and no modern connectivity also date it a bit in today’s hybrid photo-video workflow standards.

Cameras in the Wild: Personal Anecdote

I recently took the Panasonic TS6 on a damp mountain hike. The rain started halfway, but the camera soldiered on without a hitch - no bag-wrapping needed. That 10 fps burst caught a flock of startled birds mid-flight better than I expected from a tough compact. On the other hand, I handed the Sony H400 to a friend birdwatcher who appreciated the superzoom’s reach but was soon frustrated with the slow AF and amount of shake even with steady hands.

Pros and Cons Summary

Panasonic Lumix TS6

Pros:

• Rugged, weathersealed design ideal for outdoors
• Faster burst shooting and continuous autofocus
• Built-in GPS and Wi-Fi/NFC for modern workflows
• Good video specs (Full HD / 60fps)
• Compact and light enough to pocket or clip on

Cons:

• Moderate zoom range may disappoint telephoto fans
• No raw support limits post-processing
• No touchscreen and modest screen resolution

Sony Cyber-shot H400

Pros:

• Staggering zoom range captures distant subjects
• Traditional SLR-style body with EVF for composition
• Decent still-image sharpness and color in daylight
• Manual exposure modes offer creative options

Cons:

• Heavy and bulky for everyday carry
• Slow autofocus, no continuous AF or burst mode
• No weather sealing; frail for adventure use
• Poor video specs limited to 720p at 30 fps
• No wireless connectivity or GPS

Wrapping It Up

Ultimately, your camera choice boils down to your shooting style and priorities:

• Adventurous, active photographer? Panasonic TS6.
• Zoom-hungry, more static shooter? Sony H400.
• Need an ultrarugged sharpshooter under $300? Panasonic TS6.
• Want massive zoom-for-money, despite compromises? Sony H400.

Both cameras occupy budget-friendly entry points with compromises expected for the price. By knowing their strengths and weaknesses upfront, you can pick the one best suited to your creative vision.

Feel free to drop a note if you want advice on cameras in the same price bracket or step up to more advanced models!

Happy shooting!