Samsung GX-1L vs Sony H400: An Expert Comparison for the Discerning Photographer

Choosing the right camera can feel like navigating a labyrinth of specs, features, and prices. After firsthand testing both the Samsung GX-1L, a 2006 mid-size DSLR, and the 2014 bridge-style Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H400, I’m here to cut through the marketing buzz and deliver an honest, experience-driven comparison. I’ve logged hundreds of hours shooting various genres - from wildlife and portraits to nightscapes and street photography - with both cameras. Let’s dive deep into what each offers, where they shine, and who should consider either.

Side-by-side, the Samsung GX-1L’s classic DSLR form contrasts with the Sony H400’s bulkier bridge camera style.

Getting a Feel: Design and Ergonomics

Right off the bat, getting comfortable with your camera’s physical presence matters - especially if you spend hours on shoots or travel light. The Samsung GX-1L boasts a classic DSLR form factor, balanced and solid, measuring roughly 125×93×66 mm and weighing around 570 grams without a lens. Its simple, no-frills build screams “traditional photography,” with a sturdy grip and controls positioned for quick manual adjustments. The Pentax KAF mount extends flexibility for enthusiasts with existing lenses.

The Sony H400 is bigger and heavier (130×95×122 mm, 628 grams) owing to its integrated 63.3x superzoom lens covering 25-1550 mm (35mm equivalent). It’s an SLR-like bridge camera, designed for users seeking versatility without changing lenses but willing to carry extra bulk. The wide handgrip helps counterbalance the long lens, but it can feel front-heavy after extended use. Both cameras employ fixed LCDs - Samsung’s modest 2.5” 210k-dot screen contrasts with Sony’s more generous 3” 460k-dot Clear Photo LCD. Neither touchscreens but each offers basic framing aids.

The control layout (see below) is traditional on the Samsung, with dedicated dials for shutter and aperture priority, and sufficient buttons for exposure compensation and white balance. The Sony’s interface leans more simplified with fewer manual controls, aimed at point-and-shoot ease combined with superzoom flexibility.

Samsung GX-1L’s tactile dials favor fast manual tweaks; Sony H400’s clutter-free top suits beginners.

Ergonomic Tips: For those with smaller hands, the GX-1L may be easier to grip comfortably. Meanwhile, Sony’s bridge design allows a longer reach to lens controls, beneficial in telephoto use. Carrying the Sony strapped on trips requires a sturdy neck strap due to size.

Inside the Frame: Sensor and Image Quality

Image quality boils down first to sensor technology and optics. The Samsung GX-1L sports a 6MP APS-C CCD sensor (23.5×15.7 mm), which in 2006 was standard for entry to mid-tier DSLRs. Sony’s H400 uses a 20MP 1/2.3” CCD sensor (6.17×4.55 mm), typical for bridge cameras prioritizing telephoto reach over sensor size.

The APS-C sensor in the GX-1L offers roughly 369 mm² imaging area - thirteen times larger than the H400’s tiny 28 mm². This physical size difference profoundly affects noise performance, dynamic range, and depth-of-field control. Larger sensors capture more light, creating cleaner images especially in dim conditions.

While the H400 wins with a higher pixel count (20MP) allowing bigger max resolution (5152×3864) compared to the GX-1L’s 6MP (3008×2008), real-world sharpness and color depth favor the Samsung’s sensor when paired with quality optics. Larger pixels on the GX-1L also make for less image noise at comparable ISOs, despite both maxing out at ISO 3200.

The massive size difference between these sensors is a major factor I'll touch on in every photography genre.

I conducted side-by-side test shoots in RAW with the Samsung (which supports RAW natively) and JPEG on the Sony (which does not support RAW capture). The Samsung’s RAW files allow extensive post-processing latitude - a boon for professional workflows - while Sony’s JPEGs are more limited in recovery.

Peeking Through the Viewfinder and Screen

The GX-1L relies on a traditional pentamirror optical viewfinder with 96% coverage and 0.57x magnification, giving a clear, immediate view of the scene without lag. Sony’s electronic viewfinder (EVF) offers 100% coverage but only 201k-dot resolution, leading to a somewhat soft preview - common for budget bridge cameras but not as natural-feeling as the optical view.

The GX-1L’s smaller LCD at 210k dots feels dated and less helpful for fine composition or reviewing images, while the Sony tightens this gap with a larger, high-resolution 3” screen. Neither supports touchscreen or articulated screens, limiting live view shooting flexibility - especially since Samsung’s DSLR lacks live view altogether.

Samsung’s smaller LCD contrasts with Sony’s sharper, larger rear screen and an electronic viewfinder over optical.

Autofocus and Shooting Modes: Accuracy and Speed in Real Use

The Samsung GX-1L features a 5-point phase-detection autofocus system, semi-basic by today’s standards but solid for its era. The autofocus is quick in good light, less reliable in dim settings, and lacks modern tracking. Manual focus is mandatory for precise work, especially macro or portraits.

Sony’s H400 employs contrast-detection AF with face detection and tracking, which works decently for still subjects but can be slow in low light or for fast-moving objects. Its continuous shooting tops at 1fps, limiting sports or wildlife action capture.

In real shooting, I found the GX-1L’s manual focus ring to be tactile and precise, allowing deliberate focus control ideal for portraits and macro work. Sony’s autofocus is mostly fully automatic, which is great for casual snaps but can frustrate users wanting manual overrides.

Portraits: Skin Tones, Bokeh, and Eye Detection

Portraiture thrives on tonal accuracy, subject separation, and focus precision. Samsung’s APS-C sensor excels in rendering smooth skin tones, subtle color gradations, and natural bokeh owing to its larger sensor and lens interchangeability. Paired with a fast prime, the GX-1L can isolate subjects beautifully.

Sony’s H400 offers face detection but not eye-detection AF, and the tiny 1/2.3-inch sensor limits background blur due to extreme depth of field. Its zoom lens varies from f/3.4 to f/6.5, too slow for creamy bokeh or low-light portraits without flash.

In my test sessions, portraits on the GX-1L were more pleasing and nuanced, although minor chromatic aberration appeared at wider apertures. The H400 portraits were sharper overall due to high pixel count, but the “flatness” of the small sensor yielded less dimensionality.

Landscapes and Outdoor Use

For landscapes, I value dynamic range, resolution, and weather sealing - although neither camera is ruggedized. The GX-1L’s APS-C sensor with RAW output allows recovery of highlight/shadow detail that the Sony’s compressed JPEGs rarely match.

Sony’s whopping 63.3x zoom gives incredible framing options from wide to extreme telephoto for distant landscapes, but the smaller sensor and lens aperture limit sharpness and exposure control. The GX-1L needs interchangeable lenses, but quality primes or zooms can outperform fixed lens setups.

Neither camera offers environmental sealing or weatherproofing.

Wildlife and Sports: Autofocus and Burst Speed in Action

Wildlife requires lightning-fast, accurate autofocus and high burst rates to catch fleeting moments. The GX-1L maxes out at 3fps with 5 autofocus points (no tracking), rather limited compared to current standards. Sony’s H400 offers only 1fps burst and contrast-detection AF, too slow to reliably freeze wildlife or sports action.

In practical field conditions with birds or kids running, both struggled. The GX-1L’s phase detection helped a bit, but continuous AF lacked customization, while Sony’s face detection worked best with slow subjects.

Street and Travel: Portability and Discretion

Street and travel photographers prize light, discreet gear. Here, Sony’s built-in long zoom reduces lens-swapping hassles but its bulk and weight (628g, chunky body) can attract attention and tire the arm during all-day use.

Samsung’s DSLR form is lighter, though with weighty lenses. However, no live view or silent shooting mode limits candid street shooting.

Macro Photography: Close-Up Focus and Stability

Without specialized macro lenses, the GX-1L is limited in native macro; however, with the right Pentax K-mount macro lenses, it delivers precision focus and excellent image quality.

Sony offers no macro-specific features or high magnification; minimum focusing distance is average and lens aperture slows in telephoto, limiting macro potential.

Night and Astro Photography: ISO Performance and Long Exposure

Samsung’s APS-C sensor with native ISO range 200-3200 and shutter speeds 30s-1/4000s enables long exposures with minimal noise, making it suitable for nightscapes and astro shots. The RAW files permit noise reduction and tonal corrections.

Sony’s small sensor produces more noise at ISO 3200; max shutter speed is 1/2000s. Its built-in stabilization helps for handheld night shots, but overall low light performance is middling.

Video Capabilities: Resolution and Stabilization

Samsung’s GX-1L predates video capture - it offers none.

Sony’s H400 records HD 720p video with optical image stabilization, basic but functional for casual video. It adds microphone input, a rare feature in this category, allowing some audio improvement.

Battery Life and Practicality

Sony’s H400 uses a rechargeable battery pack rated for about 300 shots per charge; the GX-1L runs on 4 x AA batteries, which can be convenient in the field for quick swaps but less efficient overall.

Both cameras have a single SD card slot; Sony supports SDXC and Memory Stick formats.

Overall Performance and User Experience Scores

Having tested both through a variety of scenes summarized below, the final tally reflects a clear question of priorities.

Who Should Consider the Samsung GX-1L?

If you are a photography enthusiast or professional who values sensor size, image quality, and manual control, the Samsung GX-1L remains a solid choice for budget-conscious users willing to embrace older tech. Its compatibility with a broad Pentax lens system opens creative possibilities. Ideal for portraits, landscapes, and deliberate photography where image quality trumps convenience.

Pros:

• Larger APS-C sensor and RAW support
• Manual exposure modes and aperture/shutter priority
• Compatible with Pentax KAF lenses (over 150 available)
• Faster burst rate (3fps)
• Better image quality in low light and for portraits

Cons:

• No video support
• No autofocus face or eye detection
• Limited autofocus points and no live view
• Dated LCD and no touchscreen
• No weather sealing

Who is the Sony H400 Made For?

If you want an all-in-one, easy-to-use zoom camera for family, travel, or casual wildlife shots without changing lenses, Sony’s H400 offers a long reach and built-in stabilization. The HD video recording and microphone input extend its versatility, albeit with compromises in image quality and manual control.

Pros:

• Massive 63.3x zoom lens covering wide to super telephoto
• Optical image stabilization for steady shots
• HD video with external microphone port
• Decent built-in flash with slow sync modes
• Rear screen offers better resolution and framing aids

Cons:

• Tiny sensor with limited dynamic range and poor noise handling
• Slow autofocus and low burst rate limit action shooting
• No RAW support and limited manual control
• Bulky size for a “walkaround” camera
• No weather sealing

Samsung GX 1L front Samsung GX 1L screen back Sony H400 front Sony H400 screen back

My Final Take: Practical Recommendations

If absolute image quality, manual control, and lens flexibility are key - especially for portraits, landscapes, and night photography - the Samsung GX-1L is worthwhile, provided you’re comfortable with its dated interface and limited features by today’s standards.

Conversely, if you prioritize one-camera convenience, ultra-zoom reach for travel photography, and basic video capture on a budget, the Sony H400 is a practical choice. It’s best suited for casual enthusiasts valuing versatility over ultimate image fidelity.

Neither camera suits the demanding fast-paced needs of professional wildlife or sports photography today, but can serve as affordable entry points or backup bodies.

Testing Methodology Recap

My analysis comes from rigorous side-by-side testing in identical conditions: indoor portraits under softbox lighting, outdoor landscapes at golden hour and mid-day, controlled macro setups, and real-world street and wildlife scenarios. Exposure consistency was maintained via tripod and manual white balance. RAW files from the Samsung were developed with Adobe Lightroom, while Sony JPEGs were tested straight from camera to replicate user experience.

Performance metrics like autofocus accuracy, burst rates, and shutter lag were measured using dedicated hardware and test charts for precision.

In conclusion, despite their age and category differences, both cameras carry unique strengths. Personal priorities, budget, and shooting style ultimately dictate the best fit. I hope this hands-on comparison clarifies their capabilities and helps you feel confident in your decision.

If you have further questions about specific use cases or lens options, I encourage you to reach out or check detailed hands-on reviews from trusted sources.

Happy shooting!

This review is completely independent - no affiliations with Samsung, Sony, or retailers influence my assessments.