Sony HX400V vs Sony S980

In this write-up, we will be evaluating the Sony HX400V versus Sony S980, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both are created by Sony. There exists a large gap between the sensor resolutions of the HX400V (20MP) and S980 (12MP) but they feature the same exact sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The HX400V was manufactured 5 years after the S980 which is quite a serious difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Sony HX400V being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony S980 being a Compact camera.

Before getting through a complete comparison, below is a brief summation of how the HX400V matches up versus the S980 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX400V & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980. The entire galleries are available at Sony HX400V Gallery & Sony S980 Gallery.

When you are aiming to carry around your camera often, you'll have to think about its weight and volume. The Sony HX400V provides external dimensions of 130mm x 93mm x 103mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 4.1") accompanied by a weight of 660 grams (1.46 lbs) and the Sony S980 has sizing of 93mm x 56mm x 24mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") with a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

Look at the Sony HX400V versus Sony S980 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you have attached at that moment. Here is the front view overall size comparison of the HX400V and the S980.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the HX400V and S980 is 62 and 94 respectively.

Sometimes, its difficult to picture the contrast between sensor sizes simply by going over specifications. The picture below may give you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the HX400V and S980.

To sum up, the 2 cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit different megapixels. You can count on the Sony HX400V to offer you greater detail due to its extra 8 Megapixels. Higher resolution will enable you to crop shots a little more aggressively. The newer HX400V provides a benefit in sensor technology.