Choosing Your Next Small Sensor Superzoom: Panasonic Lumix ZS35 vs Sony Cyber-shot H400

When it comes to versatile, travel-friendly cameras with long zooms, small-sensor superzooms weigh heavily among enthusiasts and casual shooters alike. Today, we’re putting two popular 2014 models head-to-head: the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS35 (ZS35) and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H400 (H400). Both cameras promise extensive zoom ranges and compact form factors, but their design philosophies and intended uses reveal significant differences. Having thoroughly tested both cameras with hands-on shooting across multiple photography styles, this detailed comparison will help you understand how each camera performs in real life and which suits your creative goals best.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Build Quality

Before diving into specs and image results, the initial feel and ergonomics influence your shooting experience heavily.

• Panasonic ZS35 features a sleek, pocketable compact design that weighs just 305 grams and measures approximately 107×62×32 mm. Its compact dimensions make it perfect for discreet street shooting, travel, and day-to-day carry without unlike bulk.

• Sony H400, in contrast, embraces a bridge (SLR-style) body, notably larger and heftier at 628 grams with dimensions around 130×95×122 mm. Its grip is more substantial, offering better support for long superzoom lenses, but it’s less pocket-friendly.

Examining their control layouts reveals that the ZS35 opts for simplicity with fewer physical buttons and no external manual focus ring, while the H400 houses more pronounced dials - a nod to shooters who prefer tactile controls. Neither camera offers touchscreen functionality, but their physical layouts prioritize quick access to exposure modes and shooting settings.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing: Both cameras are built from plastic composites without any weather sealing or rugged protections. Therefore, careful handling in adverse weather is advised for either model.

Sensor and Image Quality: Small Sensors with Big Ambitions

At the heart of any camera lies its sensor, crucial to determining image quality. Both cameras use a 1/2.3-inch sensor size, which is common among superzooms and compact cameras but limited in low light and dynamic range compared to larger APS-C or full-frame sensors.

Although the sensor sizes and megapixel counts closely match, there are notable differences with sensor type. The ZS35's CMOS sensor typically offers faster readout speeds and better low-light capabilities, while the H400’s CCD sensor trades off read noise and speed for slightly crisper color rendition in daylight conditions.

Image Quality in Practice:

• Landscape and daylight shots benefit from the H400’s higher resolution, enabling you to crop without dramatic detail loss.
• Low-light performance skews in Panasonic’s favor due to CMOS technology and ISO expansion, providing cleaner images at higher ISOs.
• Neither camera supports RAW, so photographers need to rely on JPEGs for post-processing flexibility.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance

Speed, accuracy, and versatility of autofocus (AF) are critical for capturing fleeting moments or fast-moving subjects.

In real-world usage, the ZS35’s continuous autofocus and 10 frames-per-second burst excel for capturing moving subjects - even if the camera cannot sustain this rate indefinitely. This makes the Panasonic better suited for casual wildlife and sports photography where action is involved.

The H400, relying on single-shot AF and limited to 1 fps burst, seems less apt for fast-paced photography despite its enormous zoom reach.

Face Detection: Both cameras provide face detection, though the ZS35's implementation feels more responsive, and it can track faces continuously in live view mode.

Lens and Zoom Range: Wide to Super-Telephoto

One of the main draws of superzoom cameras is their incredible focal length range.

While the H400 offers an extraordinary 63x zoom, extending to an equivalent of a 1550 mm lens, it comes with trade-offs in autofocus speed and camera portability discussed earlier.

The ZS35’s 20x zoom (24-480 mm range) may seem modest comparatively but covers most usage scenarios for travel, landscapes, and portraits. Its macro capability down to 3 cm also allows close-focus creativity usually appreciated by macro enthusiasts.

Both cameras use optical image stabilization to reduce hand shake at longer zooms, but the ZS35 tends to be more effective during handheld shots, probably thanks to Panasonic’s experience with stabilization tech. The H400’s longer lens demands a tripod or support at the extreme telephoto range for sharp images.

Display and Viewfinder: Composing Your Shot

Both models include 3-inch LCD screens with a 460k-dot resolution, a common specification in this class.

• The ZS35 uses a tilting TFT LCD with a 180-degree upward tilt, ideal for low or high angle shooting and selfies - even though it’s not explicitly selfie-focused.
• The Sony H400 sports a fixed LCD screen, which limits framing flexibility.

Panasonic ZS35 front Panasonic ZS35 screen back Sony H400 front Sony H400 screen back

A key advantage of the Sony H400 is its Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) with 201k-dot resolution, covering 100% of the frame. This traditional SLR-style finder helps when shooting in bright sunlight, where LCD glare can challenge visibility. The Panasonic ZS35 lacks an EVF, relying solely on its tilted screen.

Our comprehensive testing indicates that the Sony's EVF, while serviceable, feels somewhat laggy and low-resolution, but remains preferable in direct sunlight or for composing stable telephoto shots.

Video Capabilities: What Can These Cameras Do for Motion?

Neither camera targets serious videographers, but casual users will want solid video functions.

The Panasonic ZS35 wins here with Full HD 1080p recording at 30 frames per second. It produces sharper, cleaner video footage, better suited for travel vlogging or family recordings.

The Sony H400 outputs only up to 720p HD and records in MPEG-4 or H.264 codecs. However, it offers the advantage of an external microphone port - a rarity in bridge cameras - which provides better audio capture options for those wanting to elevate video quality without investing in a dedicated camera.

Battery Life and Storage

The Sony offers a decent runtime rated for roughly 300 shots per charge. The Panasonic’s battery info isn't specified at length, but real-world use typically yields about 250–300 shots per charge.

The Panasonic includes internal storage, beneficial if you forget your memory card; the Sony H400 lacks internal memory but supports Sony’s proprietary Memory Stick along with SD cards, offering flexibility.

Connectivity and Extras

• The Panasonic ZS35 features built-in wireless connectivity, allowing you to transfer images to smart devices easily, a useful tool for quick sharing during travel or events.
• The Sony H400 lacks wireless capability, requiring manual transfers via USB or SD cards.
• Both cameras include LED flash units but no hot shoe support for external flashes.
• GPS is absent from both, so geotagging requires smartphone integration.

How These Cameras Perform Across Photography Genres

Let’s take a closer look at how each camera fares across popular photography styles:

Portrait Photography

• ZS35: Skin tones render fairly well given sensor size; dual face detection and continuous AF improve eye sharpness. The f/3.3 aperture at wide angles can deliver acceptable background blur, but don’t expect DSLR-level bokeh.
• H400: Higher resolution aids cropping; face detection works adequately but no continuous AF. The long zoom helps capture candid portraits from a distance but struggles in low light for portraits.

Landscape Photography

• ZS35: Decent dynamic range for the sensor class, especially in daylight; 16 MP resolution balances detail and noise. Tilting screen helps creative compositions.
• H400: Slight edge in megapixels provides fine detail but CCD sensor reduces low light latitude. Larger body may hinder spontaneous shooting outdoors.

Wildlife Photography

• ZS35: With continuous AF and 10 fps burst, captures small wildlife or birds on the wing effectively at moderate zoom levels.
• H400: Extraordinary 63x zoom lets you reach distant subjects but 1 fps burst and slower AF make tracking challenging without a tripod.

Sports Photography

• ZS35: Continuous AF and respectable burst make it relatively capable for casual sports, especially daylight events.
• H400: Not ideal due to slow burst and AF, better suited for static or occasional photography.

Street Photography

• ZS35: Compact size, silent electronic shutter options, and discreet operation make it a solid street shooter.
• H400: Larger and heavier, more conspicuous, less suited for candid shooting.

Macro Photography

• ZS35: Close focusing to 3 cm enables interesting macro shots; optical image stabilization assists steady handheld framing.
• H400: No specified macro mode; limited for close-up work.

Night and Astro Photography

• ZS35: ISO expandable to 6400 helps capture limited low-light scenes; sensor noise controlled well for this class.
• H400: Limited ISO range and CCD sensor reduce usefulness in dark environments.

Video

• ZS35: Full HD video suitable for casual filmmakers, travel vloggers.
• H400: HD video only but includes microphone input - a bonus for enhanced audio.

Travel Photography

• ZS35: Lightweight and compact body with flexible zoom and wireless sharing; a very strong travel companion.
• H400: Impressive zoom reach, good battery life, but bulkier and heavier for carry.

Professional Work

Neither camera replaces pro-level equipment but the Panasonic ZS35’s faster AF and versatility allow for supplementary use in journalistic, event, or lifestyle settings. The Sony H400 may serve niche telephoto needs but falls short on speed and image quality for professional workflows.

Technical Performance Summary at a Glance

Final Thoughts: Which Camera Fits Your Needs?

Both the Panasonic Lumix ZS35 and the Sony Cyber-shot H400 present compelling options in the small sensor superzoom niche, but their divergent strengths shape who will benefit most.

If you demand sheer zoom reach and an EVF for framing distant subjects, the Sony H400 remains unique among small sensor superzooms. However, you sacrifice speed, low-light capabilities, and portability.

The Panasonic ZS35’s well-rounded performance, compact design, faster autofocus, and better video modes make it a more versatile tool ideal for daily photography, travel, and creative exploration.

Getting Started With Your New Superzoom

Considering these options, taking the next step is easier when you…

• Try them in person: Handling size, controls, and weight significantly affects comfort.
• Sample images: Review galleries online to assess JPG output and image quality firsthand.
• Consider your shooting style: Do you prioritize zoom length or speed and portability?
• Add essential gear: Invest in SD cards, extra batteries (especially for extended outings), and possibly tripod support for long telephoto shots.

With any superzoom, mastering camera settings like ISO, exposure compensation, and stabilization modes will unlock your creativity - whether at a bustling street fair or a distant eagle's nest.

Choosing between the Panasonic Lumix ZS35 and Sony Cyber-shot H400 means balancing zoom ambitions with shooting speed and convenience. Both cameras hold value for photographers stepping beyond smartphones but want lightweight travel companions or reach-pushing bridge styles. We hope our detailed comparison aids your decision and spurs exciting photographic journeys ahead!

Happy shooting! ????✨