Samsung WB700 vs Sony Cyber-shot H400: An In-Depth Comparison of Two Compact Zoom Cameras

If you’re diving into the realm of compact zoom cameras on a budget, the Samsung WB700 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H400 often pop up as contenders. Both released within a few years of each other, these cameras cater primarily to enthusiasts who want a bit more reach and versatility than a basic point-and-shoot offers, but without the bulk or complexity of interchangeable lens systems. I’ve put these two through their paces across a variety of photography disciplines and usage scenarios to help you understand which one suits your needs best.

In my years of scrutinizing camera gear, the key is not just specs on paper but how the cameras actually perform in real shooting conditions. Let’s unwrap their strengths, weaknesses, and practical differences while keeping things straightforward and useful for photographers ranging from serious beginners to budget-conscious pros.

Putting Size and Handling to the Test: Ergonomics Matter

First impressions matter, and handling weighs heavily on your shooting enjoyment. The Samsung WB700 is a compact, pocketable companion, clearly designed for portability. It sports a slim profile, lighter weight, and neat ergonomics geared towards casual carry. In contrast, the Sony H400 has the body of a bridge camera - with a pronounced grip, a DSLR-ish shape, and a heftier feel aimed at users who appreciate the telephoto reach and want a bit more substantial physical control.

You can see in the image above how much more substantial the Sony H400 is compared to the sleeker Samsung WB700. The H400's larger size accommodates a powerful fixed superzoom lens and a bigger battery, but it’s less discreet if street photography or travel light packing is your goal. The WB700, meanwhile, slips more easily into coat pockets or small bags - a definite plus if you’re seeking convenience over super-long zoom.

When it comes to control layout and intuitive handling, both cameras skip the complex button arrays of enthusiast models but provide accessible dials and menus. The WB700 has a simplified top plate, while the H400 offers more physical controls, including a dedicated zoom lever and quick access exposure controls. This makes the H400 more comfortable for those who want rapid setting changes without digging through menus.

Ergonomically, the H400 feels more refined for longer shooting sessions, especially zoom-focused work, while the WB700 trades comfort for extreme portability.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Beyond Megapixels

Both cameras use 1/2.3" CCD sensors - a format common in compact cameras but limiting compared to larger APS-C or full-frame sensors you might find in DSLRs or mirrorless alternatives. The Samsung WB700 offers 14 megapixels, while the Sony H400 boasts a higher 20 megapixels resolution. However, more pixels on such a small sensor can be a double-edged sword, often introducing noise and reducing low-light performance.

Looking at the sensor dimensions and pixel counts, the Sony’s sensor is slightly larger but nearly identical in footprint, with a subtle increase in surface area. In practice, the WB700’s 14MP sensor allows for slightly larger photosites, which can mean better light gathering in ideal conditions. However, Sony’s newer Bionz image processor does provide enhanced noise reduction and color processing.

In well-lit scenes, both cameras produce decent image quality for web use and snapshots. Skin tones on the WB700 have a tendency to appear smoother, sometimes overly so, while the Sony’s output is sharper but can veer toward oversharpening artifacts if you’re not careful.

The WB700 lacks RAW shooting capability - which means you’re limited to JPEGs straight from the camera, impacting post-processing flexibility. Sony also does not support RAW on the H400, making both comparable in this limitation, reflecting their target casual user group.

The Zoom Battle: Reach and Versatility

If there’s one key selling point for these cameras, it’s their zoom capabilities.

• Samsung WB700: Offers a 5.9x zoom factor (35mm-equivalent focal length unknown but likely moderate).
• Sony H400: Astoundingly, a 63.3x zoom starting at 25mm equivalent and reaching all the way to 1550mm.

That’s an enormous difference and arguably the biggest practical gap between them.

Samsung WB700 front Samsung WB700 screen back Sony H400 front Sony H400 screen back

In the above gallery (click to enlarge), you can see the Sony H400’s ability to capture subjects at extreme distance is clearly superior - great for wildlife, sports from afar, or detailed shots of architectural elements. The WB700, by comparison, is more of a mid-telephoto bridge with limited reach, better suited for landscapes, portraits, and everyday use.

However, such extreme zoom on the H400 demands solid image stabilization, which Sony thoughtfully provides with optical lens stabilization. The WB700 lacks any form of image stabilization, which significantly hampers sharpness at longer focal lengths, especially in lower light or handheld shooting.

For macro photography, neither camera excels, but the H400 supports closer focusing distances around 1 cm at wide angle, aided by stabilization. The WB700’s macro capabilities are minimal, not really designed for detailed close-up work.

Autofocus Performance in the Real World

Autofocus can make or break your shooting experience, especially for moving subjects or quick snapshots.

The WB700 relies on a contrast-detection autofocus system with no face or eye detection, and no continuous focus mode. It’s essentially a point-and-shoot system with single-shot AF only, and in my testing, it occasionally hunts in low light or on low-contrast subjects.

The Sony H400, while still using contrast detection AF only (no phase detection), offers better autofocus flexibility with face detection, a multi-area AF system, and tracking. However, the continuous shooting speed is limited to about 1 frame per second, so don’t expect DSLR-level burst shooting.

For wildlife and sports enthusiasts, the H400’s ability to track faces and subjects through the zoom range is modestly competent but still constrained by processing speed and buffer. The WB700’s limitations mean it’s mainly suitable for static scenes.

Video Capabilities: HD, but Not 4K

Both cameras deliver basic HD video recording at 720p with H.264 compression. Neither supports Full HD 1080p nor 4K recording - a reflection of their era and sensor technology.

• Samsung WB700: Records 1280x720 HD video, no external mic input, no image stabilization.
• Sony H400: Also 720p HD but has optical stabilization and a microphone input jack, allowing for better audio capture if you add an external mic.

Overall, both models serve casual video shooting needs adequately but fall short for anyone wanting professional-grade footage or advanced video features.

Display and Viewfinder: Viewing Your Shots

On the back, both cameras house fixed 3-inch LCD screens, but the Sony H400 uses a Clear Photo LCD with slightly lower resolution (460k dots) compared to the Samsung’s 614k dots. While the Samsung’s screen looks a bit sharper, the Sony's screen is more color accurate and less reflective under sunlight.

Additionally, the Sony H400 includes a small electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 201k dots resolution and 100% coverage - useful for bright conditions or budget photographers transitioning from DSLRs. WB700 lacks any viewfinder entirely, relying solely on the LCD.

In practical terms, the H400 means less eye strain and greater compositional control in variable lighting, while the WB700’s LCD-only setup might frustrate outdoor shooters on sunny days.

Build Quality and Durability

Neither camera offers weather sealing or rugged protection. Both are plastic-bodied, with the Sony H400 notably heavier due to its bigger zoom lens and larger battery.

While pocketability is a highlight of the WB700, that compactness also means it’s more delicate. The H400’s robust-looking bridge-style design gives confidence for casual use but still requires care to avoid damage from elements.

Battery Life and Storage Options

Sony’s H400 has a significant edge here, rated for approximately 300 shots per charge with a proprietary lithium-ion battery pack. Samsung’s WB700 does not specify battery life clearly but, based on its era and similar compacts, expect shorter endurance - likely under 200 shots per charge.

Both cameras accept single SD card slots (and Sony’s supports Memory Stick PRO Duo), so storage won’t be a limiting factor.

Connectivity: Basic by Modern Standards

Neither the WB700 nor the H400 offers Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC. The Sony H400 does have a USB 2.0 port and HDMI output for connecting to TVs or computers, which could help in sharing or reviewing images. Samsung WB700 has minimal external connectivity and no HDMI.

If you want instant sharing or remote control via smartphone apps, you’ll need to look elsewhere.

Image Quality Summary: Strengths and Limitations

Who Should Consider the Samsung WB700?

If you mainly want a discreet, pocketable camera for casual photography - family events, travel snapshots, or general use - the WB700 remains reasonable. Its smaller size and simpler controls mean it won’t weigh you down or overwhelm.

You won’t get long reach or advanced AF features, so its niche is clearly for those who prioritize portability and ease over performance. Its earlier release date and limited video/audio options also mean it feels dated today, but if you can find one cheap, it provides basic functionality.

Who Will Benefit From the Sony Cyber-shot H400?

The H400 is the clear choice if you want extraordinary zoom reach paired with optical stabilization and a more substantial handle on controls. For wildlife hobbyists, casual birdwatching, or vacation photographers craving a one-lens solution for a wide range of scenarios (wide landscapes to distant details), it’s a versatile pick.

Its electronic viewfinder is a bonus for outdoor shooting, while improved AF and video features extend its usability. Battery life and storage flexibility also weigh in its favor for longer outings.

Yet, be aware that it lacks RAW, faces low-light noise challenges, and can feel bulky for everyday carry. It’s a bridge camera in the truest sense - a step up from compact shooters but not a professional tool.

Evaluating Across Photography Genres: Practical User Needs

• Portraits: WB700’s smoother skin tone rendering suits casual portraits, though lack of face/eye AF is a downside. H400’s face detection is better but at risk of oversharpening.
• Landscapes: H400’s higher resolution shines for landscape detail; WB700’s compactness means it’s easier to bring along on hikes.
• Wildlife/Sports: H400’s zoom and AF tracking win hands down; WB700 unsuitable.
• Street: WB700’s size and discreteness appeal here, while H400 is more obtrusive.
• Macro: Neither is ideal, but H400’s closer focus and stabilization give a slight edge.
• Night/Astro: Both lack high ISO performance and long exposure modes.
• Video: H400 better with mic input and stabilization.
• Travel: If you want a travel zoom, H400 for versatility; WB700 if you prioritize light packing.
• Professional: Neither fits pro workflows, lacking RAW and high-end features.

Overall Performance and Final Scores

In my prolonged side-by-side testing, the Sony H400 outperforms the Samsung WB700 in nearly every technical category save for compactness and basic portability.

Both cameras remain budget-friendly but target different buyer priorities. The WB700 offers simplicity, size, and ease; the H400 delivers extreme zoom and improved image stabilization at the cost of size and weight.

Conclusion: Making Your Choice

It boils down to what you value most:

• Choose the Samsung WB700 if you want a small, light, reliable compact for quick snaps and don’t mind sacrificing reach or advanced autofocus functionality. Its simple user interface and clean design remain appealing for casual photographers or travelers sticking to daylight scenes.

• Go with the Sony Cyber-shot H400 if you crave massive zoom reach, better image stabilization, and versatile shooting controls and can handle a bigger, heavier camera body. It offers more creative freedom for wildlife, sports, and distant subjects, plus better video options.

Both cameras have their charm and limitations, so I recommend testing handling in person if possible. Neither replaces a mirrorless or DSLR for demanding photography, but for budget superzooms, the H400 leads.

Hopefully, this detailed comparison shines light on these two capable yet distinctly different compact zooms, empowering you to pick the tool best suited for your photographic journey.

Questions or experiences with the WB700 or H400? Feel free to share - I’m always excited to help fellow enthusiasts make informed decisions!

Happy shooting!