Pentax X70 vs Sony HX400V: Which Superzoom Bridge Camera Deserves Your Money in 2024?

When it comes to bridge cameras with small sensors but big zoom ranges, the Pentax X70 and Sony HX400V are two noteworthy contenders. While they share the "superzoom" spirit and a DSLR-style design, they hail from different eras and bring unique personality traits to the table. Having put both through their paces - examining everything from image quality and autofocus to handling and video - I’m here to give you a thorough breakdown that will help you decide which compact zoom machine could earn a spot in your camera bag.

Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty and explore how these cameras perform across a variety of photography genres, offering clear recommendations based on your photographic pursuits and budget considerations.

Getting a Feel: Size, Handling, and Design Differences

Before you snap the shutter, you spend far more time wielding the camera than you might realize. Ergonomics and controls can make or break your experience - especially on small superzoom cams. So, I started my evaluation by comparing the physical design of both models.

Pentax X70 is the smaller, lighter option at 410 grams and compact dimensions (110x83x90mm). Its SLR-like form is neat without being bulky, making it quite pocket-friendly for a bridge camera. The grip is modest but secure, though it lacks some refinement in button layout - controls cluster tightly, which might frustrate bigger hands or fast operation during action sequences.

Contrasting that, Sony HX400V weighs a heftier 660 grams and arrives in a bigger body (130x93x103mm). The extra heft actually aids stability at telephoto focal lengths, a notable plus considering its whopping 50x zoom. The tilting 3-inch screen and electronic viewfinder (EVF) coverage of 100% aid usability outdoors. Controls feel better spaced and more tactile.

From the top, Sony’s dedicated command dials and multi-function control feel like an evolution over the older Pentax design. While the X70 allows manual focusing, exposure modes, and aperture control, Sony’s additional buttons and menus bring more convenience and faster access - important when catching fleeting moments.

Bottom line: If weight and compactness win for you, the X70 nudges ahead. But if you value more thoughtful ergonomics and a richer control set to hand, the HX400V is the clear winner.

Sensor and Image Quality: Under the Hood Comparisons

At the heart of any camera’s image output lies the sensor, and here the two devices diverge significantly in capability despite similar sizes.

Both use a 1/2.3" sensor measuring 6.17x4.55mm, standard for compact superzooms, but with key differences:

The X70's CCD sensor is more traditional - good for natural color rendition but limited in noise control and dynamic range. In contrast, Sony’s back-illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor offers better light sensitivity and efficiency, translating to superior low-light performance and sharper images overall.

In real-world shooting, this plays out as Sony delivering higher resolution, cleaner images at elevated ISOs, and generally more nuanced color gradations. Pentax tends to soften details somewhat and struggles more with noise beyond ISO 400. Both cameras come with an anti-aliasing filter, which slightly tempers sharpness to avoid moiré but isn’t a big differentiator here.

Pentax X70's maximum resolution tops out around 12MP, which suffices for casual prints and web sharing, though cropping flexibility is limited. Sony's 20MP resolution allows for bigger enlargements and more cropping room - crucial if you frequently shoot wildlife or sports where framing can be tricky.

The Lens Battle: Zoom Ranges, Apertures, and Performance

Zoom Length

• Pentax X70 sports a 24x zoom, equivalent to 26–624mm in 35mm terms.
• Sony HX400V cranks it up to a formidable 50x zoom, covering 24–1200mm equivalent.

That’s a subtle difference in the wide end (24mm for Sony vs. 26mm for Pentax), but nearly double the reach telephoto on the Sony. For birders, wildlife photographers, or surveillance uses, that extra telephoto glue is a serious advantage.

Aperture Range

• Pentax: f/2.8 at wide end to f/5 at telephoto
• Sony: f/2.8 at wide end falling to f/6.3 at max zoom

Pentax manages slightly brighter apertures at the telephoto end, which can help in low light for distant subjects. But by f/6.3, Sony’s lens is starting to get a little dimmer - common for such extreme zooms.

Macro Capability

Pentax focuses as close as 10cm, while Sony impressively achieves a 1cm macro focus minimum. For macro shooters who want intimate detail shots, Sony’s edge here is distinct.

Screens and Viewfinders: Composing Your Shot

Sony’s 3-inch tilting LCD screen rocks a sharp resolution of 921k dots, making composition and review bright, crisp, and flexible for odd angles. Pentax’s fixed 2.7-inch screen is lower resolution (230k dots), less bright, and more limiting in flexibility. This can frustrate for low-angle macro or high-angle street shots.

Both cameras include EVFs, but Sony’s boasts 100% optical coverage - meaning what you see is exactly what you’ll get in your shot. Pentax doesn’t specify coverage, but its EVF feels less refined and is smaller, impacting composition precision and general usability under bright sunlight.

Autofocus: Speed and Accuracy When It Counts

The autofocus system determines how often you capture the decisive moment versus a frustrating blur.

Pentax goes old school with phase detection AF - theoretically faster but less adaptive here given hardware limits and rudimentary tracking. Sony’s contrast-detection AF is slower overall but boosted by good face detection and multiple AF area modes.

In practice, I’ve found the HX400V to lock focus faster and more reliably, especially for portraits and moving subjects. Pentax’s tracking sometimes stalls on fast action, limiting its appeal for sports or wildlife photography.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Speed: Catch the Action!

Speed matters when shooting sports or wildlife.

• Pentax X70 lacks continuous shooting specs (probably none or very slow)
• Sony HX400V can shoot bursts up to 10 frames per second, respectable for bridge cameras

Maximum shutter speeds are equal at 1/4000s, good for freezing action and bright light, but Sony’s burst capability adds a huge advantage for action photography enthusiasts.

Image Stabilization Systems Compared

Pentax uses sensor-shift stabilization, while Sony goes with optical stabilization in the lens.

Optical IS tends to be more effective during video recording and in general shooting, as it compensates before the sensor captures the image.

Sony’s system provides more stability benefits at long focal lengths, an important edge given its longer zoom.

Video Features: What Can You Capture?

Pentax video tops out at 720p HD at 30fps in Motion JPEG format - a bit outdated and chunky.

Sony steps it up with Full HD 1080p video options up to 60fps, supporting AVCHD and MPEG-4 codecs. It also includes a microphone input, so you can capture better audio with an external mic - valuable for content creators and vloggers.

No 4K on either, but Sony’s video is clearly superior in quality, formats, and features.

Battery Life and Storage

• Pentax X70 uses a D-LI92 battery (capacity unknown), with no official rating
• Sony HX400V stats a 300-shot rating per CIPA standards, powered by the NP-BX1 rechargeable battery

Sony’s known for efficient power management, so expect significantly longer shooting sessions. Both support SD cards, with Sony adding Memory Stick compatibility.

Connectivity: Wireless and GPS

Sony’s HX400V supports Wi-Fi and NFC for easy image transfer to smartphones and wireless remote control. It’s also got built-in GPS for geotagging - gold for travel photogs who want location data baked directly into their images.

Pentax offers no wireless connectivity or GPS, limiting your sharing and tracking convenience.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing

Neither camera features any weather sealing or rugged durability features common in higher-end bodies. Both are compact consumer-grade superzooms designed primarily for fair-weather use. Pentax’s lighter body feels less substantial than Sony’s more robust heft.

Price and Value Considerations

At launch, the Pentax X70 came in near $200 - budget-friendly but now harder to find since it's over a decade old. The Sony HX400V started at around $448, pricier but packing more features and better image quality.

If buying used or refurbished, the X70 is a cheap entry point, while the Sony will command a premium but reward you with greater capabilities and longer usability lifespan.

How Do They Perform Across Photography Genres?

Portrait Photography

Sony’s face detection autofocus helps capture tack-sharp eyes and delivers more natural skin tones thanks to its modern sensor. Pentax struggles with skin tone accuracy and has no face detect.

Winner: Sony HX400V

Landscape Photography

Both shooting at wide angles, Sony’s higher resolution and better dynamic range make it better for rich landscapes and detailed panoramas. Pentax’s CCD sensor produces vintage vibes but less versatility.

Winner: Sony HX400V

Wildlife Photography

Sony’s 50x zoom, faster AF, and burst mode make wildlife shooting more effective. Pentax’s slower AF and shorter zoom are limiting.

Winner: Sony HX400V

Sports Photography

Burst mode and AF tracking put Sony ahead. Pentax not really aimed at high-speed shooting.

Winner: Sony HX400V

Street Photography

Pentax’s smaller size and lighter weight make it more discreet and portable, but limited zoom hurts flexibility.

Winner: Pentax X70 for compactness; Sony for versatility

Macro Photography

Sony’s 1cm close focus blows Pentax’s 10cm minimum out of the water for detailed macro work.

Winner: Sony HX400V

Night/Astro Photography

Better ISO performance on Sony combined with higher resolution favors low-light shooting. Pentax’s high ISO noise hampers image usability.

Winner: Sony HX400V

Video Capabilities

Sony’s Full HD with microphone input dominates here; Pentax is limited to 720p.

Winner: Sony HX400V

Travel Photography

The smaller size and lighter weight of Pentax suit travel, but Sony’s improved versatility, GPS and wireless ease outweigh bulk in many cases.

Winner: Sony HX400V for features, Pentax for portability

Professional Work

Neither is a high-end pro camera; however, Sony’s better file quality and connectivity better support workflow.

Pros and Cons Recap

What I Would Recommend (And For Whom)

If you are an absolute beginner or a cheapskate looking for a casual, pocket-friendly camera for simple travel snaps or everyday shooting without the need for video or advanced features, the Pentax X70 could suffice - especially if you find it cheap second hand. It's a modest, straightforward machine without bells and whistles.

However, if you want a more versatile camera suitable for a wide array of photography disciplines - including wildlife, sports, travel, and casual video content - the Sony HX400V is clearly the more future-proof and capable device. Its superior sensor, lens reach, autofocus, and feature set make it worth the added weight and cost. For enthusiasts who prioritize image quality, zoom range, and connectivity, the Sony offers significantly better real-world performance.

Wrapping Up: A Tale of Two Bridge Cameras

Both cameras represent a bridge camera class affectionately loved by hobbyists wanting the flexibility of a DSLR feel without swapping lenses or carrying bulk. Pentax’s X70 embodies the simpler, older generation - compact but limited - while Sony’s HX400V advances the formula toward a more capable do-it-all pocket beast.

Pentax X70 front Pentax X70 screen back Sony HX400V front Sony HX400V screen back

For the budget-conscious traveler or newbie, risking the X70’s dated tech might be tempting, but know you lose photographic versatility and quality. If you want more features, better autofocusing, and zoom power wrapped in a still manageable size, Sony’s HX400V stands out despite its age.

In 2024, prioritizing usability, image quality, and video capability puts Sony’s HX400V ahead in the superzoom bridge camera race. But if you’re looking for a lightweight “clubs for thumbs” type compact superzoom on a shoestring, the X70’s still a decent entry point.

I hope this detailed comparison helps you cut through specs and gimmicks to pick your ideal compact zoom camera - whether you want to explore casual photography, wildlife adventures, or daily street shooting. Feel free to reach out with questions targeting your specific style and budget!