Sony H400 vs Sony HX300: The Ultimate Small Sensor Superzoom Face-Off

Sony’s long-standing presence in the superzoom camera segment has yielded numerous bridge cameras aimed at photography enthusiasts and casual shooters seeking versatility without the bulk and complexity of interchangeable lenses. In this detailed, hands-on comparison, we delve into two well-known models from Sony's Cyber-shot lineup - the Sony H400 and the slightly older but still highly regarded Sony HX300. Both cameras fall into the "small sensor superzoom" category, sharing a similar form factor and aiming to serve photographers eager to capture everything from sweeping landscapes to distant wildlife without constantly swapping lenses.

Using extensive real-world testing and technical analysis, we’ll unpack strengths and weaknesses across all photography disciplines, analyze the underlying technology, and help you make a truly informed decision about which bridge camera better suits your needs and budget in 2024.

Designing for the Enthusiast: Size, Handling, and Build

On first inspection, both the Sony H400 and HX300 look very similar - classic DSLR-style bridge camera bodies with prominent grips and a fixed superzoom lens. The physical dimensions, however, reveal subtle but meaningful differences that impact handling. The H400 measures roughly 130×95×122 mm and weighs 628 grams, while the HX300 is 130×103×93 mm at 623 grams. This means the H400 is slightly deeper (thicker front-to-back), whereas the HX300 is taller but more compact in depth.

Ergonomically, the HX300’s tilting 3-inch LCD screen with 921k-dot resolution steps ahead of the H400’s fixed 3-inch Clear Photo LCD with a modest 460k-dot resolution. This tilting screen flexibility enhances shooting from high or low angles, aiding more creative compositions such as macro and street shots. The HX300 also supports manual focus, providing critical control for users who prefer precise focusing, especially at extreme telephoto or close-up distances. The H400, by contrast, lacks manual focus capability, a serious limitation for those wanting nuanced control.

The H400's ergonomics aim at simplicity with fewer controls, while the HX300 offers more direct access to features and a better top panel layout (see below), making it friendlier for advanced users who rely on manual exposure modes and quick setting adjustments.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Despite several years on the market, both cameras employ the classic 1/2.3-inch sensor size common in compact superzoom cameras, but contrast sharply in sensor technology and imaging performance with notable impact on image quality.

• Sony H400 uses a 20 MP CCD sensor, a dated sensor type that is less sensitive to low light and prone to slower readout speeds, resulting in limitations in dynamic range and higher noise at elevated ISOs.
• Sony HX300 features a 20 MP backside-illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor, a more modern design that offers improved light gathering ability, better signal-to-noise ratio, and faster processing.

Both sensors capture roughly the same resolution (around 20 MP with max image sizes about 5184×3888 pixels). However, the HX300’s BSI-CMOS sensor delivers noticeably cleaner images, especially at ISO 800 and above, which is critical for low-light, indoor shooting and night photography applications. The H400’s CCD sensor performs adequately in daylight but quickly degrades as light diminishes.

For photographers prioritizing image quality and broad dynamic range, the HX300 holds a distinct advantage, allowing more latitude in post-processing and better preservation of highlight and shadow details.

Fast and Focused: Autofocus System and Performance

Autofocus remains a decisive factor when comparing superzoom cameras - especially for genres like wildlife, sports, and street photography where speed and accuracy matter most.

• The HX300 autofocus system employs a nine-point contrast-detection system with live view AF, allowing more focused shooting options and debunking the myth that bridge cameras have sluggish AF. It can track moderately fast-moving subjects reasonably well, though it does not incorporate phase-detection autofocus, limiting its pursuit of very high-speed action.
• The H400 uses a contrast detection AF without live view autofocus support and offers fewer selectable AF points (unspecified but notably inferior to HX300), resulting in slower and less responsive focusing and a single continuous shooting frame rate of just 1 FPS - practically precluding effective action photography.

While neither camera can rival APS-C or full-frame mirrorless systems for autofocus prowess, the HX300 presents a significantly more usable AF system for tracking subjects and capturing fleeting moments, especially when paired with its 10 fps burst mode, markedly better than the H400’s single frame continuous shooting.

Zoom Range and Lens Characteristics

Sony’s superzoom cameras excel on their reach, and the two models deliver compelling but different zoom capabilities:

• Sony H400 lens covers an extraordinary 25-1550mm equivalent focal length (63.3× zoom), with an aperture range varying from f/3.4 at wide angle to f/6.5 at telephoto. Such reach is superb for travelers and wildlife shooters who prioritize raw focal length above all.
• Sony HX300 lens offers a slightly shorter zoom of 24-1200mm equivalent (50× zoom) but benefits from a wider maximum aperture of f/2.8 at the wide end, improving low-light wide-angle shots and offering shallower depth of field.

The longer H400 zoom comes at the expense of maximum aperture and lens speed, making it less suited for darker conditions or portraits requiring creamy bokeh. The HX300’s lens is faster wide open and supports manual focusing, which adds creative control and better edge performance at longer focal lengths.

Viewing Experience: Displays and Viewfinders

The camera’s primary interface for composing and reviewing images consists of the rear LCD and electronic viewfinder (EVF). Here the HX300 again pulls slightly ahead:

• The HX300's tilting 3-inch LCD with 921k-dot resolution is considerably higher resolution than the H400’s fixed Clear Photo LCD at 460k dots, offering a brighter, sharper display during framing and playback - an advantage in bright outdoor conditions.
• Both cameras have electronic viewfinders, but the H400’s EVF is low-res (201k dots) and a bit cramped, diminishing usefulness in bright daylight or when shooting fast action. The HX300’s EVF lacks officially published specs but is generally considered to have better refresh rates and color accuracy.

Though neither display system matches those of modern mirrorless cameras, the HX300’s screen and user interface elevate the shooting experience meaningfully.

Capturing the Moment: Continuous Shooting and Video

Superzoom cameras often appeal to travelers, wildlife watchers, and event photographers who need to seize fast-moving subjects or record video on the fly.

• The HX300 can shoot burst sequences at 10 FPS, a rare capability for bridge cameras in its market segment, allowing a better chance of capturing peak action moments. The H400, with just 1 FPS continuous shooting, limits burst photography severely.
• Video-wise, the HX300 records full HD video at 1920×1080 resolution up to 60 frames per second, producing smooth, detailed footage for casual videographers and family documentation. The H400’s video maxes out at 720p HD, which feels noticeably outdated, especially when better video options exist even in budget smartphones.

Neither camera supports 4K video or offers advanced video features like log profiles or built-in microphones, so video shooters should temper expectations accordingly.

Sony H400 front Sony H400 screen back Sony HX300 front Sony HX300 screen back

Image Quality in Real Life: Putting Both Cameras Through Their Paces

Our side-by-side shooting trials covered a broad range of photography scenarios: daylight landscapes, backlit portraits, indoor abstractions, street candids, and telephoto wildlife. Some key takeaways include:

• Portraits: The HX300 delivered smoother skin tones and less noise at indoor ISO 800 compared to the H400. The H400’s longer zoom often produced softer results wide open at telephoto lengths due to slower aperture and lens design. Bokeh characteristics were muted on both given sensor size, but the HX300’s faster f/2.8 maximum aperture at wide angle allowed slightly better subject isolation for close-ups.
• Landscapes: Both cameras captured competent daylight landscapes, though the HX300’s better dynamic range retained more shadows and highlights. The H400’s extreme telephoto range is less relevant here.
• Wildlife: The H400’s 1550mm equivalent focal length is impressive but hampered by sluggish autofocus and single-frame shooting; the HX300’s shorter zoom but faster AF and continuous shooting yielded more keeper shots.
• Sports: Neither camera is ideal for fast sports due to sensor and AF limitations, but HX300’s 10 fps burst and quicker shutter speed options make it more capable for casual use.
• Street: The HX300’s tilting screen and faster aperture aid discreet street shooting indoors or low light better than the H400; however, both are somewhat bulky for street photography pros.
• Macro: Both cameras lack dedicated macro modes or focusing aids; however, manual focus on the HX300 allowed greater precision for close-ups.
• Night/Astro: The HX300’s superior high ISO performance enabled more usable handheld low-light shots; the H400’s CCD sensor was noisy at ISO 800 and above.
• Travel: The H400’s enormous zoom range caters to travel shooters wanting “one-and-done” versatility but at the cost of sluggishness; the HX300 strikes a better balance of speed, controls, and image quality.

Specialized Photography Disciplines Scored

To provide a transparent, objective view, we compiled a genre-specific performance analysis chart. While both cameras belong to the same class, each has distinctive strengths and limitations:

Overall performance scores summarized below reflect comprehensive testing results.

Construction and Durability: How Sturdy Are They?

Neither the H400 nor HX300 offers environmental sealing, waterproofing, or dust resistance, which limits their use in harsh weather or demanding professional environments. Both cameras weigh approximately 625 grams, providing sturdiness without excessive bulk, but their plastic construction is less robust than higher-end options.

Battery life is officially rated as 300 shots on the H400, with no precise rating for the HX300, though real-world use indicates roughly 350-400 shots per charge, aided by the more efficient CMOS sensor.

Both models rely on a single SD/Memory Stick Pro Duo slot, a standard setup that supports high-capacity cards but offers no dual-slot redundancy for professional work.

Connectivity and Extras

Connectivity features on both cameras are minimal:

• No Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC connectivity impairs quick image transfer or remote control via smartphone apps.
• Both cameras offer USB 2.0 connections and HDMI outputs suitable for direct playback on TVs, but no advanced tethering or streaming capabilities.
• External microphone inputs are present on the H400 but missing on the HX300, indicating a slight edge for casual video creators on the H400, though overall video features are limited on both.

Price-Performance Ratio: Which Camera Offers More Value?

At the time of writing, the Sony H400 retails around $270, while the HX300 is generally priced higher, around $340-$350. The price gap reflects tangible improvements in sensor quality, focusing system, screen resolution, zoom speed, and video capability.

For users primarily seeking extreme telephoto reach on a budget, the H400 offers unmatched zoom at the lowest price, but compromises image quality and usability. Those wanting faster autofocus, sharper images, and better video with some manual control will find the HX300 worth the additional investment.

Final Recommendations: Who Should Buy Which?

In sum, both cameras target the entry-level bridge superzoom market, yet serve slightly different user profiles:

• Choose the Sony H400 if:

  • You need jaw-dropping telephoto reach for wildlife or distant landscapes.
  • You prioritize price above advanced features.
  • You shoot mainly in well-lit conditions and do not demand manual focusing or fast burst rates.
  • Video quality is a minor concern.

• Choose the Sony HX300 if:

  • You want better image quality, especially in low light.
  • You require faster autofocus and continuous shooting for action or sports.
  • You value a tilting high-res screen and manual focus control for creative flexibility.
  • You want Full HD video at 60 fps with better overall video performance.
  • You are willing to pay a premium for enhanced usability and versatility.

Conclusion: Two Sony Superzoom Cameras, Different Powers

While Sony’s H400 and HX300 both fall in the small sensor superzoom niche, they differ significantly in image capture technology and user experience. The H400’s phenomenal zoom range comes with compromises in sensor and performance, suited primarily for budget-minded travelers or hobbyists enthralled by reach. Conversely, the HX300 combines a more modern sensor, versatile exposure controls, better autofocus, and superior video in a compact, practical package appealing to enthusiasts who want a dependable all-rounder.

By relating sensor technology, autofocus aptitude, zoom breadth, and ergonomic design to practical shooting scenarios across photography genres, this comparison offers a grounded understanding of each camera’s capabilities. This ensures you pick the camera meeting both your photographic aspirations and budget constraints - harnessing Sony's technological prowess for your creative advantage.

For further visual insights and in-depth specifications review, refer to the accompanying images throughout this article, which illustrate size differences, control layouts, sensor specs, display quality, and sample images captured by both cameras.

Your next bridge camera deserves an informed decision - Sony’s H400 and HX300 represent distinct pathways into superzoom photography, each with its merits. Happy shooting!