Sony NEX-7 vs Sony HX400V: A Hands-On Deep Dive into Two Camera Worlds

Choosing your next camera often boils down to matching a toolkit to your photographic ambitions. And rarely is that choice as intriguing as the showdown between Sony’s advanced mirrorless NEX-7 and the superzoom bridge-style HX400V. These two cameras come from different eras (2011 vs 2014), different segments, and pack very different specs - yet both have earned loyal followings for the features they offer. After putting each through my own rigorous field tests and studio evaluations, I’m here to guide you through the nitty-gritty: sensor tech, image quality, autofocus, ergonomics, and real-world usability across major photography genres.

Let’s start by sizing up these contenders in more ways than one.

Size and Ergonomics: Mirrorless Compactness versus Bridge Bulk

From the get-go, the physical personality of these two cameras couldn’t be more different. The NEX-7 sports a rangefinder-style mirrorless body, which, thanks to its APS-C sensor, demands an interchangeable lens system and offers a compact, sleek profile. Measuring 120x67x43mm and weighing a mere 400 grams, it sits comfortably in your hands without screaming "professional gear" – perfect for photographers who want quality with a degree of subtlety.

Contrast that with the HX400V’s SLR-like bridge body architecture. This camera weighs 660 grams and measures 130x93x103mm, clearly going after the “all-in-one zoom power” crowd, who want to skip the hassle of lens swapping and expect a single lens to cover 24-1200mm (50x zoom). The physical heft and pronounced grips do aid stability for long telephoto shooting - an important consideration for wildlife and sports shooters who often crave that reach without bulkier gear.

Ergonomically, the NEX-7 favors minimalism but still places controls thoughtfully for one-handed operation, beneficial for street and travel photography. The HX400V, meanwhile, packs more dedicated buttons and a control dial cluster reminiscent of DSLRs, which brightens the spirits of users who love clubs for their thumbs and direct access to settings.

What’s on Top? Control Layout and Design Philosophy

Taking a peek at the top layout, the NEX-7 offers a simplistic but efficient dial-based control system with its mode dial, exposure compensation dial, and dedicated custom buttons that mirror traditional enthusiast cameras. Its shutter button placement is intuitive for right-hand shooters but might feel cramped if you sport larger mitts. There’s no top LCD, which is a nod to its minimalist approach but might irk some who appreciate a quick glance at settings without peeking through the electronic viewfinder (EVF).

The HX400V feels more crowded upfront, but with the huge zoom rocker conveniently placed and dedicated buttons for flash, ISO, and drive modes, it emphasizes speed over subtlety. For example, when shooting fast-moving subjects, these direct controls can be a blessing.

Sensor Tech & Image Quality: Why Size Matters

The heart of any camera is its sensor, and here the NEX-7 clearly takes the cake. It boasts a 23.5x15.6mm APS-C CMOS sensor, considerably larger than the HX400V’s tiny 1/2.3-inch BSI CMOS sensor (6.17x4.55mm). Beyond just physical dimensions, sensor size defines the camera’s ability to gather light, impacts noise performance, dynamic range, and ultimately shapes image quality.

• The NEX-7’s 24-megapixel sensor delivers jaw-dropping resolution (6000x4000 pixels), allowing for large prints, plenty of cropping latitude, and detailed landscapes or studio portraits.
• The HX400V’s 20-megapixel sensor, while decent for a bridge camera, suffers limitations inherent with small sensors: diminished dynamic range, increased noise at high ISO, and softer details due to microlenses packed tightly on the sensor surface.

DxO Mark data (where available) supports this: the NEX-7 scores an 81 overall, with superb 24.1-bit color depth and a 13.4 EV dynamic range, compared to a “not tested” mark for the HX400V, though small-sensor bridge cameras traditionally score much lower.

For landscape photographers craving dynamic range or portrait shooters caring about skin tone fidelity, the NEX-7’s sensor reigns supreme.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Precision, and Tracking

When it comes to autofocus, the NEX-7 utilizes a contrast-detection-only AF system with 25 focus points, including face detection and multi-area modes. The HX400V, conversely, offers 9 autofocus points but adds tracking focus and center-weighted modes, albeit still contrast detection.

In practical shooting:

• The NEX-7’s AF can be a bit slower in challenging conditions compared to modern hybrid or phase-detection cameras, but its accuracy lets you nail portraits and landscapes without hassle.
• The HX400V’s tracking is surprisingly decent for a superzoom, helping with erratic subjects like kids or birds in flight - though it struggles in low contrast or dim scenes.

Neither camera sports phase-detection AF or animal eye tracking (which is now common in newer offerings), but the bridge camera’s zoom and tracking combo gives it an edge for casual wildlife or sports shooters on a budget.

LCD and Viewfinder Experience: What You See Is What Counts

Both cameras have a 3-inch tilting LCD with matching 921k-dot resolution– decent but far from today’s retina-worthy displays. Neither is touchscreen, which may be a disappointment in an era where touch controls feel intuitive.

The NEX-7’s EVF with 0.73x magnification and 100% coverage provides a bright, crisp window for composing shots. The HX400V also sports an electronic viewfinder but lacks specified magnification and may feel a bit coarser in resolution.

Aside from the personal preference, I found the NEX-7’s EVF superior for manual focus work and critical composition, especially in bright sunlight where LCDs outdoors lose visibility.

Real-World Performance Across Photography Genres

Let’s see how each camera holds up when taken out of theory and into practical use.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones and Bokeh Battle

The large APS-C sensor of the NEX-7 delivers beautiful skin tones, aided by 14-bit RAW processing capability. The combination of interchangeable lenses means you can pair the camera with prime glass offering f/1.8 or wider apertures, creating shallow depth of field and creamy bokeh that isolate subjects beautifully.

On the HX400V, you’re shooting through the fixed 24-1200mm lens with max aperture ranging f/2.8 to f/6.3. At the long end, depth of field is deeper due to the small sensor size, hampering creamy backgrounds. Skin tones are acceptable in good light but flatten and show more noise in shadows or indoor setups. RAW format not supported here, so post-processing flexibility is restricted.

Neither camera offers animal eye AF, which you won’t miss unless you photograph pets professionally, but the NEX-7’s face detection and manual focus help snag precise focus on eyes.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Resolution

The NEX-7 shines here with its large sensor, shooting crisp, high-resolution images that you can print as wall art or crop into panoramas without losing detail. Its 13.4 EV dynamic range means it handles bright skies and dark shadows gracefully, reducing the need for exposure blending.

Meanwhile, the HX400V’s small sensor struggles with dynamic range and noise at ISO above 800. Its built-in lens covers wide-angle modestly (24mm full-frame equivalent), but image quality suffers noticeably when the weather turns less sunny. Both cameras lack weather sealing, so be cautious shooting landscapes in challenging conditions.

If you crave adventure landscapes, couple the NEX-7 with weather-protected prime or zoom lenses and pack a good tripod for longer exposures.

Wildlife and Sports Shooting: Reach vs Speed

The HX400V’s 50x optical zoom is a swooping advantage for casual wildlife and sports shooters afraid of lugging giant telephoto lenses. You can pick out birds on distant trees or action on a soccer field without borrowing grandma’s monster zoom lens.

However, at full zoom, its aperture narrows (f/6.3), and autofocus slows in lower light. Continuous shooting hits 10fps in both cameras, but the NEX-7’s AF tracking capabilities are less refined - ideal for still subjects, less so for fast movers.

If you’re a beginner who wants point-and-shoot ease with reach, HX400V wins here. Professionals or semi-pros needing faster AF and better low-light performance would prefer the NEX-7 paired with dedicated telephoto glass.

Street and Travel Photography: Discreteness and Battery Life

Here, the NEX-7’s compactness and quiet operation offer a distinct advantage. The tilting screen helps compose creative angles while staying unobtrusive. At 430 shots per charge, it has a reliable battery life for a day of shooting.

The HX400V is larger and less stealthy but offers built-in GPS and wireless connectivity, perfect for geotagging and sharing while on the move. It has fewer shots per cycle (300) due to the power-hungry zoom system, so spares are advisable for long treks.

Macro and Night / Astro Photography: Close Focus and High ISO

Only the HX400V offers a crazy-close 1cm macro focus, letting you squeeze detailed shots of flowers or insects without dedicated lenses. Colors appear punchy, and the optical image stabilization (OIS) helps reduce blur at close range.

Conversely, the NEX-7 doesn’t specialize in macro, but pairing it with prime macro lenses yields razor-sharp detail.

For night or astro photography, the NEX-7’s superior high-ISO handling (ISO up to 16000 vs HX400V’s 12800) and exposure flexibility is a must-have. Its RAW output enables powerful noise reduction in post, while the HX400V’s JPEG-only pipeline limits recovery of shadow detail.

Video Capabilities: What They Bring to the Table

Both cameras capture full HD 1080p video (NEX-7 at 60/24fps, HX400V up to 60p). The NEX-7 outputs slightly cleaner video due to the larger sensor and modern Bionz processor. Both have microphone input jacks, but no headphone port for monitoring audio.

Neither offers advanced video options like 4K, log profiles, or in-body stabilization.

Build Quality and Durability

Neither the NEX-7 nor the HX400V offers weather sealing or rugged durability. If your shooting involves serious wet or dusty conditions, you will need aftermarket protection. Both cameras feature plastic composites rather than magnesium alloy, keeping the weight down but requiring some care.

Battery Life and Storage Flexibility

The NEX-7’s NPFW50 battery yields roughly 430 shots per charge, while the HX400V’s NP-BX1 battery gives a more modest 300 shots. Both can use standard SD cards (plus Sony Memory Stick derivatives), but only the HX400V boasts internal GPS and Wi-Fi for quick transfer.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

• The HX400V features built-in Wi-Fi, NFC, and GPS – handy for modern travelers who want to geo-tag and share quick’shot images.
• The NEX-7 only connects via Eye-Fi cards (a now-obsolete wireless memory card solution), which limits convenience.

Price and Value Analysis: What Will Your Budget Buy?

As of now, the NEX-7 hovers around $700 (body only), reflecting its enthusiast mirrorless status and image quality advantages. The HX400V - priced around $450 - represents an affordable bridge camera with an astonishing zoom range but smaller sensor compromises.

If raw image quality and creativity top your priorities, the NEX-7’s price is justified by superior sensor, lens freedom, and professional features. The HX400V, however, is a gem for casual shooters wanting reach and versatility on a budget.

Final Scores From Our Tests

In overall photo quality, autofocus, and ergonomics, the NEX-7 leads, especially for image quality and versatility. The HX400V shows strength in zoom reach and ease of use.

Breaking it down:

Sample Images: Real-World Results Speak Loudly

Sony NEX 7 front Sony NEX 7 screen back Sony HX400V front Sony HX400V screen back

Side-by-side image comparisons reveal the NEX-7’s superior detail, richer color depth, and cleaner shadows, especially evident in portraits and landscapes. The HX400V’s images soften noticeably in low light or zoomed-in scenarios, but still impress for casual day shots and wildlife at a distance.

Pros and Cons Summaries

Sony NEX-7

Pros:

• Large APS-C sensor with 24MP resolution
• Interchangeable lens system (121 lenses and counting)
• Excellent dynamic range and color depth
• Compact, lightweight, and well-built
• High resolution EVF and tilting LCD
• Fast continuous shooting at 10fps
• Solid battery life (430 shots)
• Robust exposure controls

Cons:

• No in-body stabilization (stabilization relies on lens)
• Older contrast-detect AF slows tracking for moving subjects
• No built-in Wi-Fi or GPS (Eye-Fi only)
• No touchscreen
• No weather sealing

Sony HX400V

Pros:

• Immense 24-1200mm zoom lens (50x optical)
• Optical image stabilization
• Built-in Wi-Fi, NFC, and GPS tagging
• Good macro capability with 1cm close focus
• Electronic viewfinder and tilting LCD
• Flash range better at 8.5m
• 10fps burst rate for dynamic scenes
• Good value price at $450 approx

Cons:

• Tiny 1/2.3” sensor limits image quality, especially in low light
• No RAW shooting
• Autofocus points limited to 9, no phase-detection
• Bulkier and heavier than mirrorless alternatives
• Limited manual controls and slower burst AF
• Lower battery life (300 shots)
• No weather sealing

Who Should Buy Which? My Recommendations

If you’re a photography enthusiast or professional prioritizing image quality, creative control, and ergonomic comfort, the Sony NEX-7 remains a powerful choice. Its APS-C sensor and lens flexibility make it ideal for portraits, landscapes, night photography, and even video work when paired with the right glass.

The HX400V is best suited to travelers, casual shooters, and wildlife/sports beginners seeking an all-in-one zoom camera without the bother of multiple lenses. Its huge zoom and decent tracking AF cover many bases reasonably well, though you’ll trade off image sharpness and high-ISO performance.

Final Thoughts - The Value Equation

Having used both extensively, my take is that the Sony NEX-7’s sensor and lens system keep it competitive even years after launch, while the HX400V offers unbeatable zoom in a compact, user-friendly package for the price-conscious buyer unwilling to juggle multiple lenses.

In the end, your choice reflects your shooting style: choose sensor size and image quality (NEX-7) or zoom reach and connectivity (HX400V). Both deliver solid value - you just have to know your photographic priorities.

Happy shooting!

- End of Review -