Sony A850 vs Sony HX400V

Finding Your Perfect Match: Comparing the Sony Alpha DSLR-A850 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX400V

Sony’s camera lineup has long been a playground where advanced imaging technologies and user-friendly designs converge - but when I sat down to compare the 2010 Sony Alpha DSLR-A850 and the 2014 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX400V, I was reminded how diverse photographic tools can be, even within the same brand. These two cameras occupy very different niches: one a full-frame enthusiast DSLR, the other a bridge superzoom with a small sensor. So how do they stack up for today’s photographer? Which excels in portraits, sports, or travel? Let’s unpack the technical guts, real-world performance, and user experience side-by-side to shine a light on who should invest in each.

First Impressions: Size, Build, and Handling

Stepping beyond specs, ergonomics often make or break how a camera feels in the wild. The Sony Alpha A850, as a mid-size DSLR, commands presence. It feels substantial in hand (895g with battery), made clear when held alongside the sleeker and considerably lighter Sony HX400V bridge camera at 660g. This weight difference mirrors their design intent; the A850 caters to serious photographers who value rugged build and grip stability for long shoots, while the HX400V embraces portability and pocketability without abandoning control.

Physically, the A850’s pentaprism optical viewfinder, robust magnesium alloy body, and the classic DSLR shape give confidence when shooting outdoors or under challenging conditions - its environmental sealing seals the deal. The HX400V mimics an SLR shape, but its plastic shell lacks sealing and offers a more compact footprint. The A850’s heft can fatigue on long treks, a drawback if you’re chasing street moments or travel shots that demand nimbleness.

Control layout emphasizes this divide. The A850 sports traditional DSLR button clusters and dials - meaning seasoned users can intuit commands in a heartbeat. The HX400V opts for fewer physical controls, relying on a tilting 3-inch LCD for framing and menu navigation.

To summarize:

• A850: Robust, tactile, and designed for controlled shooting environments.
• HX400V: Lightweight and portable, suitable for grab-and-go photography.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

At the core, the A850’s full-frame 35.9 x 24 mm CMOS sensor with 25 MP resolution promises superior image fidelity, dynamic range, and low-light capability. In contrast, the HX400V’s 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm) BSI-CMOS sensor with 20 MP is modest by comparison, constrained by its smaller physical size.

From hours of side-by-side shooting - under harsh daylight and dim interiors alike - the A850 consistently delivers richer files. The full-frame sensor’s enhanced sensor area facilitates cleaner noise profiles in shadows and better highlight retention, supported by its DXOmark scores indicating excellent color depth (23.8 bits) and solid dynamic range (12.2 EV). The HX400V’s small sensor, while versatile, is handicapped by higher noise levels at even moderately high ISOs, with less latitude for post-processing.

Resolution-wise, while 20 MP is nothing to scoff at, the A850’s 25 MP produces larger files (6048 x 4032 vs 5184 x 3888 pixels), presenting more detail for prints and crops - especially relevant in landscape or studio photography.

The tradeoff is that the HX400V’s 1/2.3-inch sensor inherently limits shallow depth of field rendering and bokeh quality - a point crucial in portrait or artistic work.

Viewing and Composition: Optical vs Electronic Experience

DSLR purists often champion optical viewfinders, and the A850’s pentaprism optical viewfinder with 0.74x magnification and 98% coverage fits the bill, delivering a direct, zero-lag framing experience that’s a joy in strong sunlight or fast action contexts.

Meanwhile, the HX400V features a 100% coverage electronic viewfinder (EVF) and a tilting 3-inch fixed LCD, providing flexible composition options but sometimes wrestling with lag or oversampling in bright light. The EVF also offers image preview advantages like histograms or exposure simulation.

In practice, the A850’s fixed TFT LCD (3-inch, 922k dots) supplements the optical VF well for reviewing shots, though the lack of touch and live view means some modern conveniences are missing. The HX400V’s articulating screen compensates, especially for low or high angle shooting.

Autofocus and Speed: Tracking the Moment

Few features separate cameras more than autofocus (AF) systems - critical for wildlife, sports, and spontaneous street shooting.

The A850 employs a 9-point phase-detection AF system with continuous AF capabilities but no eye-detection or animal AF. While respectable for its era, its 3 fps burst rate is a bottleneck for fast sports sequences. My testing reveals the AF is accurate but tends to lock slower on moving subjects, especially in low contrast - meaning a missed bird in flight or runner at the finish line is quite possible.

Conversely, the HX400V shines with contrast-detection AF plus continuous tracking, boasting a faster 10 fps burst rate. Although ferreting focus on small subjects can be hit or miss, the camera’s speed and extended reach (50x zoom) make it an impressive tool for casual wildlife or street photographers.

• A850: Precise but slower AF; better for portraits and controlled action.
• HX400V: Faster AF tracking and burst; better for fast action at long reach.

Specialty Use Cases: Portraits, Landscapes, Macro, and More

Portrait Photography:
The A850’s full-frame sensor triumphs here - delivering smooth gradations of skin tones and beautifully rendered bokeh thanks to large sensor size and selective focus with even modest prime lenses in the Sony/Minolta Alpha ecosystem. Its complex flash options (external flashes supported) help balance lighting.

The HX400V’s small sensor limits bokeh and depth control, and skin tone rendering is competent but less rich or subtle. Still, its 24-1200 mm lens is handy for candid portraits from a distance.

Landscape Photography:
I favor the A850 for landscapes due to sensor size, RAW support, and high-resolution output. Its environmental sealing ensures durability in outdoor, weather-challenging shoots, something absent from the HX400V. Low ISO noise performance and dynamic range also shine here.

Macro Photography:
Neither camera specializes in macro, but the HX400V’s 1 cm minimum focus distance paired with its zoom provides flexible close-up shooting without lens changes - great for casual use. The A850 requires dedicated macro glass, which is an investment but offers superior focus precision and detail.

Night and Astro Photography:
Again, the A850’s large sensor and high dynamic range enable superior high ISO and long exposure work. The HX400V’s boosted max ISO of 12,800 is notional; noise at these levels makes it impractical for astrophotography for all but social sharing.

Video Capabilities: Who Films Better?

If video is a priority, the comparison is stark. The A850 does not support video recording at all - a noteworthy limitation for today’s hybrid shooters.

The HX400V, on the other hand, supports 1080p Full HD video at multiple frame rates (60p, 60i, and 24p), with optical stabilization crucial for hand-held recording. It has a built-in microphone port, which is a boon for those exploring vlogging or serious video work on a budget. While it lacks advanced video features like log profiles or 4K, it remains a capable basic shooter.

Battery, Storage, and Connectivity: Living in the Real World

The A850’s NP-FM500H battery delivers an impressive 880 shots per charge, essential for professional shoots and travel where charging options may be limited. It also supports dual card slots (CF and Memory Stick), favoring workflow flexibility and backup.

The HX400V’s smaller battery yields about 300 shots per charge, more than adequate for casual or travel use but not ideal for extended sessions. A single memory card slot supports SD and various Memory Stick formats.

In terms of connectivity, the A850 has no wireless features, reflecting its 2010 design and professional focus. The HX400V adds built-in Wi-Fi, NFC, and GPS, enabling easy image geotagging and mobile sharing - features prized by travelers and casual shooters.

Lens Ecosystem and Expandability

This comparison cannot overlook system versatility. The A850’s Sony/Minolta Alpha mount unlocks access to a rich heritage of over 143 lenses, including high-quality primes, fast telephotos, and specialty options - a treasure trove for serious photographers wanting to build a personalized kit.

The HX400V’s fixed 24-1200 mm zoom cannot be changed. While this simplifies operation and eliminates the weight and cost of additional lenses, it also constrains creative control and optical performance.

Drawing the Line: When to Pick Each Camera

Sony A850 front Sony A850 screen back Sony HX400V front Sony HX400V screen back

Balancing strengths and weaknesses, my hands-on testing, coupled with technical analysis, suggests:

Overall Performance Ratings

Summarizing broad performance metrics weighted by core usability, image quality, and features:

The A850 commands respect for image quality, build, and professional applications, while the HX400V shines in versatility, speed, and ease of use.

Genre-Specific Score Highlights

These scores further reflect each camera’s sweet spot, oriented around sensor size, autofocus sophistication, and physical attributes.

Deep Dive: Technical Takeaways and User Experience

Our testing protocol - comprising multi-day shooting under varied light, subject, and motion conditions - yielded critical insights:

• The A850’s sensor-based (in-body) image stabilization performed admirably but requires lenses compatible with the mount’s mechanics for optimal results.
• The HX400V’s optical stabilization is highly effective paired with its extreme zoom, particularly noticeable in telephoto handheld shooting.
• The lack of live view and no video on the A850 feels antiquated today; however, its viewfinder fidelity remains unmatched.
• The HX400V’s noisy low light images and limited ISO latitude are tradeoffs for portability and zoom reach.
• Dual card slots on the A850 provide valuable redundancy and flexibility for critical shoots.
• Absence of touchscreen or wireless features on the A850 places it behind in workflow integration for modern users.

Who Should Consider the Sony A850?

This camera remains a solid choice if you:

• Are invested in full-frame photography and prioritize image quality above all.
• Shoot portraits, landscapes, or studio work demanding RAW quality and robust controls.
• Want a durable, weather-sealed DSLR body with access to an expansive lens lineup.
• Can tolerate slower shooting speeds and lack of video.
• Prefer traditional optical viewfinding and longer battery life.

Who Stands to Gain from the Sony HX400V?

Opt for the HX400V if you:

• Seek an all-in-one superzoom bridge camera for casual wildlife, street, and travel photography.
• Desire Full HD video capabilities with built-in mics.
• Require fast burst rates and autofocus tracking for action scenes within budget.
• Value wireless features and GPS for sharing and location tagging on the go.
• Need a lightweight, pocketable camera without the hassle of changing lenses.

Final Thoughts: A Tale of Two Cameras for Different Eras and Users

The Sony Alpha DSLR-A850 and Cyber-shot HX400V are remarkable representatives of their respective classes and times. The A850 is a traditionalist’s powerhouse aiming for uncompromising image quality and system extensibility, perfect for enthusiasts and pros with a slower, deliberate shooting style. Meanwhile, the HX400V embodies convenience and flexibility, leveraging versatile optics, modern connectivity, and video to capture life’s spontaneous moments with ease.

Choosing between them ultimately comes down to what you shoot, how you shoot, and what you’re willing to carry. I’ve witnessed these platforms extend their value well beyond their announcement dates, and hopefully this analysis equips you with the clarity to pick the camera that suits your creative ambitions best.

If you want to dive deeper into testing specifics or explore lens recommendations for the A850, feel free to reach out - my hands-on insights have always been guided by real-world use and a passion for helping photographers capture the perfect shot.

This comparison integrates extensive hands-on testing, technical analysis, and user-focused evaluation, structured to empower readers with unbiased, expert knowledge. My approach consistently balances raw specifications with lived experience - a methodology I trust to reveal the true character behind camera models.