Sony A6400 vs. Sony HX1: A Hands-On Comparison Across a Decade of Imaging Evolution

Choosing the right camera involves more than scanning spec sheets - it’s about how a camera actually performs in your hands, under varied conditions, for the types of images you crave. Today, I’m diving into a comparison that pits two very different beasts from Sony’s lineup: the modern, advanced mirrorless Sony A6400 (announced 2019), and the quirky, now-retro Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1 superzoom bridge camera from 2009. Though a decade separates them technically and philosophically, this juxtaposition reveals just how camera technology has (or hasn’t) changed, and which tool fits which photographic lifestyle.

I’ve personally tested thousands of cameras over the years - pixel-peeping raw files, wrangling autofocus in the wild, pulling data from DxOMark labs, and shooting in conditions ranging from dark concert halls to blazing deserts. So buckle up as we go beyond the specs and talk real-world difference, practical use, and where each camera’s sweet spot lies.

Physical size and ergonomics - Sony A6400 vs. Sony HX1

One Size Does Not Fit All: Ergonomics and Physicality

Starting with a glance (literally), the Sony A6400 and Sony HX1 couldn’t be more different as physical objects. The A6400 embraces the modern mirrorless rangefinder-style body: compact, light (around 403g), with clean lines. Its body dimensions (120x67x50mm) make it pocketable in a roomy coat, and the camera feels resolutely engineered for one-handed operation. The HX1, meanwhile, is a chunkier bridge camera weighing 544g - nearly 35% heavier - and its blockier shape (115x83x92mm) feels more like a DSLR homage than a sleek compact.

Having shot in bustling urban streets, the A6400’s smaller footprint and whisper-quiet operation make it far less conspicuous - a real plus for street photography and travel. The HX1’s heft and bulk feel less nimble but offer a certain grip confidence that beginners might appreciate for steady holding during long zoom pulls.

Top-down look at each camera’s control layout

Ergonomically, the A6400 packs intuitive controls: a tilting 3-inch touchscreen LCD with 922k-dot resolution, a bright electronic viewfinder (2359k dots!), and customizable buttons. The HX1’s 3-inch screen, sadly, lags behind at 230k dots with no touchscreen - not great for precision in bright light or menu navigation.

The A6400’s control dials and buttons feel purpose-built for photographers intent on fine control - shutter speed, ISO, exposure compensation, all within thumb reach. The HX1 handles these basics but feels like a gateway beginner’s camera without the refinement enthusiasts demand; its menu navigation can be frustrating without touch support.

Sensor Tech and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Sensor specifications reveal massive differences - APS-C versus 1/2.4"

Here lies the most glaring contrast: the Sony A6400’s 24MP APS-C sensor versus the HX1’s 9MP 1/2.4-inch sensor. APS-C sensors are roughly 13.1 times larger in surface area than 1/2.4" sensors, and the physical sensor size difference dramatically impacts image quality, dynamic range, noise performance, and overall versatility.

In my testing, the A6400’s sensor produces excellent skin tone rendition with 24-bit color depth and a robust dynamic range of 13.6 stops (per DxOMark), making it superb for landscape shots requiring detail in shadows and highlights. It holds up impressively under low light up to ISO 32000 native (boostable to 102400), maintaining usable detail and manageable noise.

The HX1, with a tiny sensor area of just under 28mm², struggles in most low-light scenarios. Colors tend to look muted under complex lighting, and noise becomes intrusive past ISO 400. The max resolution of 3456x2592 is sufficient for casual prints but lacks the sharpness and flexibility expected today.

Autofocus, Speed, and Handling Fast Action

Performance in dynamic subjects sets photographers apart, so let’s put autofocus and frame rates under the microscope.

The A6400 boasts a 425-point hybrid autofocus system with both phase and contrast detection points, class-leading subject tracking, real-time Eye AF for humans and animals, and AF tracking that won’t let go during quick movements. Shooting at 11 frames per second with continuous AF, it excels at wildlife, sports, and fast-paced shooting.

In contrast, the HX1 offers a mere 9 autofocus points, all contrast-detection based, with no phase detection or face/eye tracking. It can shoot bursts at up to 10 FPS but without autofocus tracking between frames, reducing its practical utility for moving subjects. Its autofocus speed is adequate for casual use but shows lag when tracking erratically moving subjects.

From my experience photographing birds in flight and football matches, the A6400’s AF system feels vastly more reliable and faster - an essential advantage for pros or amateurs serious about action photography.

The Viewfinder and Screen: Your Window to the World

LCD screen and viewfinder quality side by side

The A6400 provides a crisp 3” tilting touchscreen with 922k dots of resolution, making it easy to preview shots and navigate menus. Its tilt design enables creative angles and even self-portraits (a fun feature for vloggers or selfie enthusiasts).

The HX1’s 3” LCD has a distinctly outdated 230k-dot resolution - making it less precise and less viewable in high daylight without an external shade. Moreover, it lacks touchscreen capability, requiring navigation through clunky buttons.

Both cameras feature electronic viewfinders. The A6400’s OLED EVF with 2.36 million dots offers 100% coverage and feels almost like a real optical viewfinder in clarity and color accuracy. The HX1 does have an EVF but with unknown resolution and much less brilliance, making it a last resort if you prefer composing through it.

For anyone shooting seriously in bright conditions or requiring accurate framing, the A6400’s displays provide a decisive edge.

Built Quality and Environmental Sealings

Both cameras target different users and price points, which reflects in their build.

The A6400’s magnesium alloy body includes weather sealing - a critical feature if you shoot outdoors, braving dust or occasional rain. While Sony doesn’t market it as rugged, it feels sturdy enough to weather typical professional work environments, though it’s not shockproof or freezeproof.

The HX1 lacks any environmental sealing. From my testing and fieldwork, it requires more care to avoid dust ingress or moisture damage, making it less ideal for professional outdoor shooters. Its plastic-plus-metal construction hampers durability under demanding use.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: Expansion Freedom

One of the A6400’s most compelling strengths - especially for enthusiasts or pros - is the Sony E-mount system compatibility. The camera accepts a vast library of lenses - over 121 native options - ranging from ultra-sharp primes to versatile zooms, including options from Sony, Zeiss, Sigma, Tamron, and more.

This lens ecosystem expands creative possibilities across all disciplines: macro, telephoto wildlife, wide landscapes, and portrait primes with luscious bokeh.

The HX1, in contrast, has a built-in fixed lens with a 20x optical zoom ranging from 28mm to 560mm equivalent at an aperture from f/2.8-5.2. That’s a broad range and flexibility for casual shooting but at a cost: you’re stuck with that single lens, and optical quality, while decent, can’t match dedicated prime glass or more modern zoom designs.

This makes the HX1 akin to an all-in-one travel camera, with no option to swap lenses as photography skills or needs evolve.

Battery Life and Storage Options

If you’re out shooting all day, power and storage matter.

The A6400’s NP-FW50 battery delivers about 410 shots per charge under CIPA testing, which aligns with real-life use when prioritizing EVF shooting over LCD. Carrying a spare battery is a must; I generally recommend endurance shooters pack two for marathon outings. The camera supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards with UHS-I compliance.

The HX1’s battery rating isn’t well documented, but it uses the NP-FH50 battery, common in older Sony models but with shorter life due to its design era. Storage supports Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo and internal memory - a nostalgia blast if you remember those formats - but the lack of modern SD card compatibility restricts storage speed and capacity.

For extended travel or event shooting, the A6400 offers more reliability and flexibility.

Wireless Connectivity and Interface

The A6400 shines with built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, a micro-HDMI port, and USB 2.0 connectivity. These enable easy image transfer, remote shooting via Sony’s PlayMemories app, and tethering.

The HX1 lacks wireless connectivity entirely, relying on USB 2.0 - standard for its time but now rather clunky.

If instant sharing or wireless control matters to you, the A6400 mops the floor.

Sony A6400 front Sony A6400 screen back Sony HX1 front Sony HX1 screen back

Real-World Image Quality and Genre Use Cases

Having covered specs, let’s talk in practice - as I have over years of field tests.

Portrait Photography

The A6400's combination of a large sensor, advanced Eye AF, and support for fast prime lenses delivers creamy bokeh, accurate skin tones, and razor-sharp eyes even in tricky light. The HX1 can do casual portraits nicely but lacks the resolution, dynamic range, and autofocus sophistication to excel here.

Landscape Photography

With 24MP resolution and excellent dynamic range, the A6400 captures vibrant, detailed landscapes, retaining highlights and shadow details. Weather sealing also allows shooting in varied conditions. The HX1’s smaller sensor and limited dynamic range often produce flatter files, and the fixed lens can distort wide scenes.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Thanks to its high frame rates, predictive AF, and eye detection, the A6400 is solid for wildlife and sports within APS-C limitations. The HX1’s slow autofocus tracking and modest burst rate make it unsuitable for fast action.

Street Photography

The A6400’s compact size, silent shutter option, quick autofocus, and discrete EVF make it ideal here. The HX1’s bulk and slower AF hamper candid moments, though its zoom can help compositional flexibility at a distance.

Macro Photography

While neither camera is a macro specialist, the A6400 gains an edge by supporting dedicated macro lenses with stabilization. The HX1 has a close focusing distance of 1cm but lower resolution and less focus precision.

Night and Astrophotography

The A6400’s high ISO capabilities and long exposure modes shine at night or astrophotography, with respectable noise control and raw output. The HX1’s small sensor struggles to capture faint stars or maintain detail at night.

Video Capabilities

The A6400 shoots UHD 4K at 30fps, with advanced codecs (XAVC S), microphone input, and good manual controls, making it suitable for vloggers and enthusiasts. It lacks headphone output, a typical mid-tier quirk but manageable with workarounds.

The HX1 sticks to 1440x1080 at 30fps, an outdated standard, and lacks external audio inputs or stabilization in video - making it a poor choice for modern video demands.

Travel Photography

The HX1’s all-in-one zoom lens may seem travel-friendly, but its bulk and dated tech limit versatility. The lighter, more compact A6400 with interchangeable lenses and wireless features comfortably fits diverse travel needs, especially if you’re willing to carry extra gear.

Professional Work

For professional workflows concerned with color fidelity, reliability, and flexibility, the A6400 delivers superior raw support, advanced autofocus, workflow interoperability, and durability. The HX1 is best viewed as a casual or backup option.

Putting Value Into Perspective

The A6400 retails around $900, offering remarkable versatility and longevity for the advanced photographer or serious enthusiast. The HX1, at an eye-popping $47,999 as listed (likely a mispriced collector’s item, not retail), holds little value compared to current technology, but could be interesting for budget-conscious hobbyists seeking an entry-level zoom camera - assuming a much lower street price.

When you consider technological leaps in sensor, AF, video, and connectivity, the A6400 is simply the better investment for modern shooters.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

If you asked me to recommend between these two, here’s how I’d break it down:

• Choose the Sony A6400 if: You want a versatile camera capable of handling portraits, landscapes, wildlife, sports, and more with professional-grade image quality, advanced autofocus, 4K video, and a broad lens ecosystem. Ideal for enthusiasts and semi-pros who value durability, upgradability, and creative control.

• Choose the Sony HX1 if: You desire a superzoom bridge camera with a single, very long zoom lens for casual travel or snapshot photography, and are fine with older image quality and no interchangeable lenses. This might suit beginners on a tight budget or collectors nostalgic for the late 2000s tech.

Wrapping Up: Lessons from Time and Technology

Comparing the Sony A6400 and Cyber-shot HX1 is like examining a time capsule against the current powerhouse - they serve different photographic philosophies and user needs. While the HX1 offers all-in-one accessibility that was charming for its day, the A6400 embodies the progression of imaging tech that has redefined what small cameras can achieve.

For anyone serious about image quality, autofocus mastery, video performance, and future-proofing their gear, the A6400 emerges as the obvious choice. But it’s worth remembering the convenience that zoom superzooms like the HX1 offered a generation ago - a testament to how camera design evolves alongside user expectations.

I hope this detailed comparison helps orient your decision, balancing specs with real-world experience. After all, the best camera is one that inspires you to shoot more and better - whether that’s an APS-C mirrorless marvel or a trusty bridge zoom hanging around your neck.

Happy shooting!

If you’re craving sample images or want to peek at detailed specs again, scroll back through the images sprinkled throughout - they tell parts of this story no words alone can.