Sony A500 vs Sony HX400V

In this article, we are looking at the Sony A500 and Sony HX400V, one being a Entry-Level DSLR and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are created by Sony. There is a significant difference among the resolutions of the A500 (12MP) and HX400V (20MP) and the A500 (APS-C) and HX400V (1/2.3") use different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The A500 was released 5 years prior to the HX400V and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Sony A500 being a Compact SLR camera and the Sony HX400V being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before diving through a comprehensive comparison, below is a short summary of how the A500 matches up against the HX400V for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Sony Alpha DSLR-A500 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX400V. The complete galleries are available at Sony A500 Gallery and Sony HX400V Gallery.

In case you're intending to lug around your camera often, you should think about its weight and dimensions. The Sony A500 provides outside dimensions of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") with a weight of 630 grams (1.39 lbs) while the Sony HX400V has dimensions of 130mm x 93mm x 103mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 4.1") and a weight of 660 grams (1.46 lbs).

Take a look at the Sony A500 and Sony HX400V in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have at that moment. The following is the front view over all size comparison of the A500 against the HX400V.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the A500 and HX400V is 63 and 62 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's tough to visualize the contrast in sensor measurements just by going through a spec sheet. The visual below might give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the A500 and HX400V.

Clearly, both of the cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The A500 due to its larger sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field easier and the Sony HX400V will provide greater detail as a result of its extra 8MP. Greater resolution will also help you crop pics a little more aggressively. The older A500 will be behind when it comes to sensor tech.