Samsung NX11 vs Sony H400: A Hands-On Comparison for the Budget-Savvy Photographer

Choosing the right camera can feel like trying to pick a needle out of a haystack - especially when on a budget or shopping for very different use cases. I’ve spent years testing and comparing cameras all over the map, from entry-level mirrorless to super-zoom bridges, and today I’m digging into two very distinct beasts: the Samsung NX11 mirrorless interchangeable lens camera and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H400, a bridge superzoom with a giant reach.

Both were announced years back - 2010 for Samsung’s flagship entry-level mirrorless and 2014 for Sony’s superzoom snapshot machine - but they still pop up regularly on the used market as affordable options. Despite the price and age gap, they represent two quite different approaches to photography. So, should you go compact enthusiast with the NX11 or zoom-and-go with the H400? I’ve spent hours handling, shooting, and processing images from both, and this comparison will cover everything from sensor tech to ergonomics, autofocus to video, and genre-specific performance.

Let’s dive in and get that cheapskate’s dilemma solved!

What Are You Holding? Size and Ergonomics

First impressions matter, and that includes how a camera feels in your hands. The Samsung NX11 is a compact mirrorless camera with a traditional SLR-style body, while the Sony H400 is a chunky superzoom bridge camera designed for maximum reach.

At 123x87x40 mm and 499 grams, the NX11 is relatively light and slender, making it a pleasant companion for longer shoots or travel. It fits nicely in one hand, especially with smaller Samsung NX lenses. The moderately deep grip and lens mount system mean it feels more like a “real” camera than some point-and-shoots, and it’s built for those who want to learn and grow their photography skills.

By contrast, the Sony H400 weighs 628 grams and measures 130x95x122 mm - noticeably bulkier and deeper to accommodate its enormous 25-1550mm equivalent lens. This beast definitely requires two hands for steady shooting, and its chunky body can be a bit tiring to lug around all day. However, it grants you telephoto reach that entry-level mirrorless just can’t beat without investing heavily in multiple lenses.

If you favor an ergonomic, compact system camera that won’t wear out your wrist, the NX11 wins points here. But if you want “one camera to do it all” with minimal lens swapping - even if it’s a bit heavy - the Sony bridges in.

Handling the Controls: Design and User Interface

Good button placement and menus can make or break your shooting experience, especially under pressure.

The NX11 features a straightforward layout inherited from DSLR ergonomics: a mode dial, two top wheels (for aperture/shutter control), plus basic exposure and flash buttons. While not packed with fancy dials, it offers manual exposure modes (important for learning the craft) and quick access to settings like white balance and exposure compensation. The stereo guide ring on the lens allows you to dial focus smoothly - a nice touch. Being a 2010 model, it lacks touchscreen or illuminated buttons, so you’ll rely on physical controls. They’re responsive but not as snappy or customizable as modern cameras.

Sony’s H400 leans more on automation and less on manual control. The top has a mode dial and a zoom rocker integrated with the shutter release - a classic bridge style. Manual exposure modes are present, but limited by slower processor speeds and less direct feedback. The smaller electronic viewfinder resolution and lower screen detail make setting precise exposure a bit more challenging, but the zoom ring on the giant lens is intuitive for framing shots.

In summary: The NX11’s SLR-style controls make it preferable for users wanting learning-oriented manual shooting, while the H400 throws you into full or semi-auto almost by default. For beginners wary of technical settings, the H400 might be less intimidating on paper - but I found switching settings on the NX11 faster once you get the hang of the layout.

The Heart of It: Sensor Technology and Image Quality

This is where it gets spicy. Both cameras target different market segments with vastly different sensor architectures.

The Samsung NX11 features a 15-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor measuring 23.4x15.6 mm, giving a sensor area around 365 mm² - fairly large and capable of capturing decent light detail for entry-level use. Its sensor includes a low pass anti-alias filter to reduce moiré, and supports RAW image capture - a big plus for photographers wanting to tailor post-processing.

Contrast that with the Sony H400, which stuffs a tiny 1/2.3" (6.17x4.55 mm) 20-megapixel CCD sensor (about 28 mm²). Despite the higher pixel count on paper, the minuscule chip struggles with noise and dynamic range. The small sensor area limits performance in low light, and the H400 lacks RAW support, locking you into JPEGs software for any tweaking.

Testing side-by-side, shots tell the tale: the NX11 produces images with richer colors, excellent dynamic range (~10.8 EV), and cleaner shadows. Skin tones look natural without the stereotypical “digital flatness.” The H400 images, while punchy at base ISO, suffer softness and noise creeping in above ISO 400.

For landscape shooters, the NX11’s sensor allows for good detail retention and post-processing latitude. Sony’s superzoom sacrifices that detail for reach, resulting in softer edges and artifacts, especially when zoomed beyond 800mm.

In my experience, if image quality is your priority for portraits, landscapes, or professional use, the NX11’s APS-C sensor is the way to go. The Sony H400’s small chip and lack of RAW will limit you there.

Eyes on the Prize: Autofocus and Shooting Speed

Autofocus can make or break sports or wildlife photography. How do these cameras stack up on speed and accuracy?

The NX11 uses a contrast-detection autofocus system with 15 focus points, which is pretty good for 2010 tech but falls short for tracking moving subjects robustly. It has face detection in live view mode, but no animal eye detection or phase-detection AF, meaning it’s reactive but not predictive.

The Sony H400 also uses contrast detection but has a reported “tracking” autofocus mode. However, its superzoom lens and slower processor mean lag in shifting focus during zooming or action. The large focal range magnifies even minor focus errors, creating challenges for fast-moving subjects.

Continuous shooting rate is another key: NX11 tops out at 3 fps with AF, good enough for casual sports and wildlife but not pro sports caliber. H400’s burst rate is just 1 fps, limiting its action capture potential.

For wildlife or sports shooters, neither camera is ideal if you demand ultra-quick focus or rapid burst shooting. However, if you must choose, the NX11’s richer AF points and slightly faster rates offer a small edge in controlling manual focus or locking on faces.

See What You Shoot: LCD and Viewfinder

Electronic viewfinder (EVF) quality and rear screen usability influence your shooting comfort and framing accuracy.

The NX11 sports a 3” Active Matrix OLED screen with 614k pixels - surprisingly sharp and vibrant for its time. The fixed, non-touch panel offers clear previews and quick info, but no articulation for awkward angles.

Sony’s H400 has a similar 3” Clear Photo LCD but only 460k pixels - noticeably dimmer and less contrasty under sunlight. Its electronic viewfinder weighs in with low resolution (201k pixels), making manual focusing or exposure assessment a bit frustrating, with visible pixelation.

Viewfinder coverage on both is 100%, which is nice for composition. The NX11’s 0.57x magnification beats the H400’s unclear specs but subjectively feels clearer and more detailed in my tests.

If you value viewfinder clarity and screen fidelity, the NX11 is head-and-shoulders better for framing and reviewing shots, especially outdoors.

Lens Ecosystem: Flexibility vs Fixed Convenience

Here’s where the NV11 really shines.

Samsung’s NX mount offers compatibility with 32 native lenses, from pancake primes to telephotos and macro options. The ability to swap lenses empowers photographers to explore genres, tailor bokeh effects, and respond to evolving skill. The 1.5x crop factor means a 35mm lens behaves like a 52.5mm classic standard - it’s predictable and versatile.

The Sony H400 features a fixed 25-1550 mm (63.3x) zoom lens with f/3.4-6.5 aperture range. This eliminates concerns about lens investment or changing glass in the field, ideal for travelers or casual shooters wanting long reach without fuss. However, the fixed optics impose tradeoffs in optical quality and low-light performance (slow aperture at telephoto end).

For portrait photographers seeking creamy background blur and professionals wanting creative freedom, the NX11 lens ecosystem is vastly superior. But for budget-conscious zoom lovers who want a hassle-free ready-to-go solution, the H400’s all-in-one lens wins.

Battery Life and Storage Options: Powering Your Passion

The NX11’s BP1130 battery pack boasts approximately 400 shots per charge under standard usage, beating the H400’s rated 300 shots. Given the NX11’s brighter screen and EVF, users might find it more efficient in real-world use, especially if employing the optical viewfinder less.

Both cameras use a single slot for memory cards, but the H400 supports a wider range including SDXC and Sony’s Memory Stick PRO Duo formats, offering flexible storage options.

Sony’s battery absence of a specific model number makes replacements harder to find, whereas Samsung’s BP1130 remains more widely available.

Video Capabilities: Modest at Best

Neither camera is a dedicated video powerhouse, but let’s see how they fare.

• The NX11 records HD video at 1280 x 720 @ 30fps in H.264 format. It lacks microphone and headphone jacks, no 4K or advanced video features, but offers manual exposure during filming, which is rare at this price point. No image stabilization made video handheld a little jittery.

• The H400 also shoots 720p video at 30fps, but in MPEG-4 format with optical image stabilization, improving smoothness for zoomed telephoto shots. It adds a microphone port, which is a fine bonus for casual vloggers but lacks headphone output.

If you need basic video with manual exposure control and good quality, NX11 leads. For stabilized zoom video and mic-input, H400 has an edge.

Specialty Genres: Who Excels Where?

Let’s break down performance for key photography disciplines:

Portrait Photography

• Samsung NX11: The APS-C sensor provides superior skin tone rendition and shallow depth of field potential. Its 15 AF points and face detection aid sharp portraits with decent bokeh control (depending on lens).

• Sony H400: Limited by small sensor and fixed lens aperture range, background blur is minimal. Autofocus is contrast-based but adequate for casual shots.

Landscape Photography

• NX11’s dynamic range and sensor resolution (15 MP) deliver fine detail and highlight retention in wide scenes. Weather sealing is absent, but the lens ecosystem allows for quality primes and wide angles.

• H400’s superzoom covers landscape compositions at various focal lengths, but small sensor impacts image detail and noise under challenging light.

Wildlife Photography

• NX11’s AF speed is modest, continuous shooting decent, but telephoto reach depends on expense on lenses.

• H400’s 1550mm equivalent lens is a dream for zoom but struggles to lock focus on moving subjects due to slower AF and burst speed.

Sports Photography

• Neither camera is truly cut out for fast-action sports; NX11 is slightly better for someone learning manual tracking.

Street Photography

• The nimble NX11 is more discreet and faster to shoot with; H400’s bulk and zoom range may be a hindrance.

Macro Photography

• NX11’s lens options include macro primes, far better than H400’s fixed, non-macro superzoom lens.

Night and Astro Photography

• Larger APS-C sensor on the NX11 excels at low light and long exposures. Sony’s small sensor limits noise control.

Travel Photography

• It depends: the Sony H400’s giant zoom covers most scenarios without lens changes but at the cost of bulk. The NX11 is lighter and lends itself to better overall image quality but requires lens carrying.

Professional Work

• The NX11 supports RAW files for workflow integration; Sony does not. NX11 manual controls and lens options suit emerging pros better.

Samsung NX11 screen back Sony H400 front Sony H400 screen back

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Neither camera is weather sealed or designed for harsh environments. Both are primarily plastic build with some metal plates. Handle gently in inclement weather.

Connectivity and Extras

Both cameras lack wireless connectivity like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Samsung has optional GPS add-on; Sony none.

Both provide HDMI and USB 2.0 ports but no USB charging.

Performance Ratings at a Glance

While the Sony H400 hasn’t been tested on modern platforms like DxO Mark, the NX11 scores with reputable figures:

• DxOMark Overall: 63
• Color Depth: 22.7 bits
• Dynamic Range: 10.8 EV
• Low Light ISO: 553

On a genre-specific basis, NX11 generally outperforms in image quality, low light, and manual control, while H400’s zoom versatility shines only on telephoto reach.

Pros and Cons Recap:

Samsung NX11 Pros:

• APS-C sensor with excellent image quality for price
• Interchangeable lens system with wide variety
• Manual exposure modes and RAW support
• Better AF flexibility and burst rate
• Higher resolution, brighter OLED screen
• Longer battery life
• Better for serious photography and learning

Samsung NX11 Cons:

• No image stabilization in body
• No touchscreen or articulated screen
• No wireless connectivity
• Bulkier for casual compact users

Sony H400 Pros:

• Massive 25-1550mm (63x) zoom lens with optical stabilization
• Simple all-in-one solution with no lens changes
• Microphone port for basic video sound
• Competitive price on used market

Sony H400 Cons:

• Small 1/2.3" sensor with poor low light and no RAW
• Low-resolution EVF and LCD
• Slower autofocus and burst rate
• Heavy and bulky for a fixed-lens camera
• Limited manual control and slow shutter range

Who Should Buy Which?

If you are:

• An enthusiast learning photography: The Samsung NX11 is a no-brainer. Its APS-C sensor, manual controls, lens interchangeability and image quality give you growth potential and solid technical foundations.

• A casual traveler or zoom fanatic on a budget: Go with the Sony H400. It’s a “don’t think, just shoot” bridge camera with a crazy telephoto lens, handy for wildlife watching or vacation snapshots without fussing over lenses.

• A videographer needing simple stabilized zoom video: The Sony H400’s mic input and optical stabilization will make shooting smoother and audio better - though limited to 720p.

• A professional or advanced hobbyist demanding image quality and workflow compatibility: NX11’s RAW support and sensor size are vital.

Closing Thoughts: Practical Reality Check

Neither camera is going to convince you to abandon your modern mirrorless system or DSLR setup. Both have serious age and tech limitations, but they can still serve niche purposes and budget constraints.

From long experience, the NX11’s APS-C and manual features make it a legit choice for those seriously interested in image quality and creative control. The learning curve is reasonable with clubs for thumbs on the controls, and lens options mean you can widely experiment. Its 3 fps burst combined with 15 AF points isn’t pro-sports fast, but for portraits, landscapes, and casual wildlife it suffices.

The Sony H400, on the other hand, capitalizes on extreme reach with a fixed lens and all-in-one convenience. It’s more a point-and-shoot with a monster telephoto slapped on rather than a serious camera system. Don’t expect crisp, noise-free images in challenging light, but if you want a single package for hawkwatching or travel snap-and-zoom, it delivers where many others won’t.

In a nutshell: Go NX11 for quality and versatility; pick Sony H400 for zoom convenience and simplicity. Both cameras survive today only as budget-friendly options on the used market, but your choice should align with your photography priorities, workflow needs, and patience for manual vs automated controls.

I hope this detailed comparison has helped you cut through the specs and real-world usability to find the camera that fits your style and budget. Remember, the best camera is the one you shoot - and learn with consistently. Cheers and happy shooting!

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• Samsung NX11 screen back Sony H400 front Sony H400 screen back