Sony H400 vs Sony HX5

Its time to take a deeper look at the Sony H400 and Sony HX5, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both of them are built by Sony. There exists a sizeable gap among the sensor resolutions of the H400 (20MP) and HX5 (10MP) and the H400 (1/2.3") and HX5 (1/2.4") come with different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The H400 was announced 3 years later than the HX5 and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Sony H400 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony HX5 being a Compact camera.

Before diving in to a detailed comparison, below is a brief view of how the H400 matches up against the HX5 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H400 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5. The whole galleries are viewable at Sony H400 Gallery and Sony HX5 Gallery.

If you are planning to carry your camera frequently, you'll have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Sony H400 has got physical measurements of 130mm x 95mm x 122mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 4.8") and a weight of 628 grams (1.38 lbs) while the Sony HX5 has dimensions of 102mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 200 grams (0.44 lbs).

Compare the Sony H400 and Sony HX5 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Below is the front view proportions comparison of the H400 vs the HX5.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the H400 and HX5 is 62 and 92 respectively.

More often than not, it is tough to picture the contrast in sensor sizing only by looking through specifications. The photograph here will give you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the H400 and HX5.

To sum up, the 2 cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The H400 with its bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF less difficult and the Sony H400 will render extra detail with its extra 10MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop shots much more aggressively. The more modern H400 should have a benefit with regard to sensor technology.