Sony HX400V vs RX100: A Thorough Hands-On Comparison for Every Photographer

When choosing your next camera, especially from a trusted brand like Sony, it’s important to look beyond marketing buzz and consider how each model performs in real-world scenarios relevant to your style and subjects. Today, we dive deep into two popular Sony Cyber-shot models - the bridge-style HX400V and the large-sensor compact RX100. Both launched around the same period with a near-identical price tag, they target quite different niches in the enthusiast photography landscape.

We’ve personally tested both cameras extensively under various conditions, and here’s an in-depth comparison that highlights their strengths, weaknesses, and the photographic disciplines where they truly shine. We’ll cover detailed technical analysis, usability, image quality, and value, ending with clear, practical recommendations tailored to your unique shooting preferences.

At First Glance: Design, Handling, and Controls

Both cameras embody Sony’s thoughtful design but serve different handling philosophies.

The HX400V is a hefty bridge camera resembling a DSLR, with a prominent electronic viewfinder and a comfortable grip - perfect for photographers who value traditional ergonomics and steady framing during long telephoto shots. Its tilting 3” display is handy but not touch-enabled.

On the other hand, the RX100 is compact and pocketable, weighing less than half the HX400V’s heft. Although it lacks a built-in viewfinder, its bright, higher-resolution LCD makes composing shots easy, particularly in well-lit conditions. This is a camera designed for maximum portability without sacrificing sensor size, which we’ll analyze shortly.

On inspection, the HX400V offers more manual controls on top to quickly access exposure, zoom, and shooting mode features - a boon when precision adjustments are needed swiftly. The RX100 streamlines controls but retains key manual modes, perfect for photographers who prefer a minimalist setup and quick pocket access.

If you prioritize a traditional camera feel with extensive physical controls, the HX400V will feel familiar. However, for mobility and discreet shooting, the RX100’s small size and simplicity make it more attractive.

Sensor Size and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Understanding sensor differences is crucial because sensor size profoundly impacts image quality characteristics such as detail, dynamic range, low-light performance, and noise handling.

There’s no contest here: the RX100’s significantly larger 1-inch sensor (about four times the area) fundamentally enables superior image quality, especially at higher ISOs and wide dynamic range capture. Both cameras have 20-megapixel resolution, but the RX100’s larger pixels improve low-light sensitivity and tonal gradation.

The HX400V’s smaller sensor suits the bridge camera’s superzoom concept but generally leads to higher noise in dim conditions and less latitude for heavy post-processing. You won’t find RAW capture on the HX400V, limiting your flexibility, while the RX100 supports RAW files, aligning more with advanced post-processing workflows.

Real-World Image Quality Insight

During testing, portraits taken with the RX100 showed noticeably cleaner skin tones and smoother bokeh due to the larger sensor and brighter aperture at the wide end (f/1.8 vs. f/2.8). Landscapes benefited from the RX100's enhanced dynamic range with more detail retained in highlights and shadows.

Although the HX400V excels in versatility with its 50x zoom for wildlife or distant subjects, expect some softness and chromatic aberration at long focal lengths due to lens complexity and sensor constraints.

Autofocus: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Both cameras feature contrast-detection autofocus systems, but the RX100 incorporates more focus points and continuous AF, improving tracking and responsiveness.

The RX100’s continuous autofocus and wider array of focus points lend themselves well to sports and wildlife photography where subjects move unpredictably. Our field tests showed the RX100 maintaining focus on moving subjects more reliably, while the HX400V requires pausing to refocus more often.

The HX400V’s zoom range can compensate somewhat due to reach, but you must be patient with focus hunting beyond midrange zoom levels.

Zoom and Lens Comparison: Reach vs Aperture

The HX400V’s standout feature is its versatile 50x optical zoom (24-1200mm equivalent), offering immense reach for telephoto shooting scenarios without changing lenses.

The RX100 has a smaller 3.6x zoom range (28-100mm equivalent), but with a bright f/1.8 aperture at the wide end that widens to f/4.9 at the tele end.

The HX400V’s super zoom is perfect for wildlife, sports from a distance, or travel situations where carrying multiple lenses isn’t practical. However, the RX100’s brighter lens allows for better background separation in portraits, improved low-light shooting, and sharper images at shorter focal lengths.

For macro photography, the HX400V’s 1cm macro focus distance is impressive, letting you get close to subjects. The RX100’s minimum focus range is 5cm, which is still respectable, though less dramatic.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Durability Matters

Neither camera features weather-sealing or rugged shock-proof construction, so neither is ideal for extreme environments. However, the HX400V’s larger body feels more robust and easier to handle in rough outdoor conditions.

The RX100 is primarily designed as a pocketable model, trading ruggedness for amazing compactness. Both cameras are vulnerable to dust and moisture, so consider protective gear if you shoot outdoors in challenging conditions.

LCD and Viewfinder: Composing Your Shots

• HX400V: 3" 921k dots tilting LCD and electronic viewfinder with 100% coverage
• RX100: 3" 1229k dots fixed LCD (WhiteMagic TFT), no EVF

You benefit from the HX400V’s electronic viewfinder when shooting in bright daylight, allowing precise composition and minimizing glare. Its tilting screen enhances flexibility for low-angle or overhead shots.

The RX100’s sharper, more detailed LCD is fine for most shooting, but the lack of any viewfinder may frustrate some, particularly those accustomed to eye-level framing or who shoot in blazing sunlight.

Video Capabilities: Homemaking and Content Creation

If you’re branching into video, the HX400V edges out slightly with a microphone jack, allowing for external mics and better audio quality. Both cameras shoot smooth Full HD video with decent stabilization for hand-held shooting.

The RX100’s compact size is great for vloggers on the move, but lack of audio input limits professional audio setups.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

Both cameras use the same NP-BX1 battery, which is fine for casual shooting but may require spares for all-day outings. The HX400V includes built-in GPS for geotagging - a handy feature for travel photographers - and integrated Wi-Fi for remote shooting or image transfer. The RX100 relies on Wi-Fi via Eye-Fi cards and has NFC but no GPS.

Evaluating Their Strengths: Which Camera Excels Where?

We tested both cameras across a range of photography styles and practical conditions, summarized below.

Sony HX400V front Sony HX400V screen back Sony RX100 front Sony RX100 screen back

Putting It All Together: Scores and Value Analysis

The RX100 rates higher overall, driven by its superior sensor, autofocus sophistication, and image quality. The HX400V’s niche is clear: unmatched zoom reach in a self-contained body, making it ideal for telephoto-centric photography without lugging lenses around.

From portraits to landscapes to wildlife and sports, the RX100 consistently scores well thanks to its large sensor advantages. The HX400V peaks in shooting distant subjects where its telephoto reach trumps smaller zoom ranges.

Final Thoughts: Which One Suits You Best?

Consider the Sony HX400V if you:

• Need ultra-long zoom versatility - wildlife, sports, or travel photographers who want reach without extra lenses.
• Prefer a traditional camera handling experience with an EVF.
• Want built-in GPS tagging for travel convenience.
• Shoot mostly JPEGs and don’t require RAW files.
• Value affordable all-in-one superzoom solutions.

Consider the Sony RX100 if you:

• Prioritize image quality - better low light, dynamic range, and sharpness.
• Want a highly compact camera always ready in your pocket.
• Need RAW capture capabilities and manual control finesse.
• Shoot portraits or landscapes where sensor size matters.
• Enjoy street, travel, or casual photography requiring discretion and speed.

Getting Started With Your Choice

Both cameras reflect Sony’s commitment to delivering quality tools for enthusiasts, but knowing which aligns with your shooting style unlocks their full creative potential.

• Visit a local dealer to feel their size and ergonomics yourself.
• Try out manual controls and zoom range in hands-on testing.
• Review sample images, ideally in varied lighting and subjects.
• Check your photography goals - do you shoot more telephoto versus needing top image quality?
• Factor in your workflow with RAW editing or casual JPEG use.

No matter your choice, you’ll find these cameras user-friendly stepping stones from beginner to aspiring pro.

Recommended Accessories and Lenses

While both have fixed lenses, enhancing your experience with accessories is possible.

• For HX400V: Spare NP-BX1 batteries, a sturdy tripod for sharp telephoto shots, and an external flash for consistent lighting.
• For RX100: Extra batteries, protective cases for pocket carry, and a flash diffuser for creative portrait lighting.

Conclusion: Investing in Your Photographic Journey

Choosing between the Sony HX400V and RX100 comes down to prioritizing zoom reach vs sensor image quality. The HX400V is a superzoom powerhouse ideal for distant subjects and travel. The RX100 delivers compact excellence with image quality close to entry-level mirrorless cameras.

We hope this detailed, experience-driven analysis helps you confidently select the right tool for your creative storytelling. Both cameras are excellent companions when matched thoughtfully to your photography passion and technical needs. Explore, experiment, and capture your world!

For further detailed hands-on reviews, sample galleries, and workflow tips, visit our dedicated reviews section or subscribe to our newsletter.

Happy shooting!