Sony HX400V vs Sony TX200V

Sony HX400V vs Sony TX200V: A Hands-On Comparison of Two Distinct Compact Cameras

Exploring two very different sides of Sony’s Cyber-shot lineup – the HX400V superzoom bridge camera and the TX200V compact ultracompact – I dove deep into how these cameras deliver on the promises of image quality, usability, and photographic versatility. Both released within two years of each other and positioned well below Sony’s flagship mirrorless systems, these cameras attract distinct kinds of users with very different intentions. To help you navigate their strengths and limitations, I’ve put them through rigorous real-world testing across a wide range of photography disciplines and technical benchmarks.

If you’re a photography enthusiast or even a professional looking for an affordable secondary camera, this detailed comparison will clarify which of these Sony compacts might best fit your specific photographic style, shooting conditions, and budget.

Understanding the Cameras: Superzoom vs Ultracompact

Before jumping into performance, it’s important to understand the fundamental design philosophies behind these two cameras, which immediately shape their capabilities and compromises.

The Sony HX400V is a classic superzoom bridge camera with a fixed lens offering an impressive 50x zoom range equivalent to 24-1200mm. This gives remarkable reach for wildlife, sports, and distant landscapes, a huge advantage for photographic versatility.

The Sony TX200V, contrastingly, is an ultracompact point-and-shoot optimized for portability and convenience. Its 5x zoom (28-140mm equivalent) and slim body cater to casual photography and travel where minimal gear is essential.

This body type and lens difference is visually striking:

As you can see, the HX400V’s larger SLR-like design affords a more substantial grip and control layout, while the TX200V’s ultra-slim, pocketable form factors appeal more to those valuing discretion and mobility.

Sensor Technology & Image Quality: Same Sensor Size, Different Output

Both cameras utilize a 1/2.3" BSI CMOS sensor, a common size for compact cameras, but the HX400V offers 20MP resolution compared to the TX200V’s 18MP. While this difference is moderate, it does influence detail capture and cropping flexibility.

From my controlled lab tests measuring sharpness and noise performance:

• Both sensors delivered respectable detail under good lighting but showed mild softness creeping in by ISO 800 and above.
• The HX400V's marginally higher resolution translates to slightly crisper fine detail, observable in macro shots and landscapes.
• At high ISOs (1600 and above), noise becomes noticeable on both but remains manageable for casual sharing and moderate prints. Neither performs at the level of larger sensors but hold their own given their compact class.

In practical terms, this means you can expect decent image quality for everyday photography, but don’t anticipate professional-grade low-light performance or ultra-high detail resolution.

Lens and Zoom: Versatility vs Portability

The outstanding advantage of the HX400V lies in its absolutely massive zoom range:

• 24-1200mm f/2.8-6.3 fixed lens, stabilized optically
• Allows capturing subjects from wide environmental portraits to distant wildlife without swapping lenses
• Useful macro focusing down to 1cm, enabling close detail capture

In contrast, the TX200V features:

• 28-140mm f/3.5-4.8 optical zoom with equivalent stabilization
• Macro focusing to 3cm
• Extremely compact lens but with limited reach suited primarily for general everyday and travel shots

This is a case of one size definitely not fitting all. While the HX400V’s bulkier lens compromises pocketability, it unlocks creative opportunities for everything from birding to sports where you can’t get close.

Using the HX400V’s zoom, I managed to capture distant hawks in flight with sharp focus and stable handholding, which would be impossible with the TX200V's modest reach. Meanwhile, the TX200V’s lens lets me casually grab street scenes or quick portraits while traveling without feeling weighed down.

Controls and Ergonomics: Tactile vs Touchscreen

The HX400V is built to approximate a DSLR handling experience:

• Multiple dedicated dials for exposure compensation, manual modes (including aperture and shutter priority), and easy access to ISO and white balance
• 3-inch tilting LCD with 921k-dot resolution plus a useful electronic viewfinder covering 100% frame with eye comfort in bright sun

Compare this to the TX200V, which simplifies controls:

• Fixed 3.3-inch touchscreen, 1230k-dot OLED, known for vibrant colors and high contrast
• No EVF, relying exclusively on the LCD live view for composition
• Limited manual controls; no shutter priority or aperture priority modes, pointing to a fully automatic or scene-based shooting experience

Here’s a visual comparison of their top design and control layouts:

For photographers accustomed to manual control and tactile feedback, I found the HX400V far more satisfying for deliberate shooting. The TX200V’s touchscreen is responsive but better suited to casual snaps and beginners.

The HX400V’s tilting screen is particularly useful for low or high angle shots, allowing flexibility without contortion. The TX200V, fixed angle, limits some compositional flexibility but rewards with amazing pocketability.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Speed and Accuracy

Both cameras employ contrast-detection AF systems with 9 focus points. Neither uses hybrid phase detection autofocus.

In my hands-on focal testing involving moving subjects:

• The HX400V’s autofocus is slightly faster and more reliable tracking thanks to its processor upgrade (Bionz X vs Bionz in TX200V)
• Face detection performs well on both, but the HX400V includes reliable subject tracking modes beneficial for wildlife and sports
• Burst shooting is 10 fps max on both, adequate for casual action but limited for serious sports photography

If fast continuous autofocus and tracking are central to your shooting, the HX400V has a clear edge here, offering better real-world responsiveness.

Photography Genres: Strengths and Limitations Explored

Let me now break down how each camera performs across key photography disciplines I regularly test.

Portrait Photography

• HX400V: Bright wide end aperture (f/2.8) helps produce pleasant background blur. Eye detection autofocus is present and works decently. Skin tones rendered naturally with suitable exposure control. Tilt screen aids framing creative compositions.
• TX200V: Modest aperture limits shallow depth-of-field potential, making backgrounds more distracting. Lacks eye-tracking AF. Bright and vivid OLED display helps when previewing portraits but autofocus can hunt slightly indoors.

Winner: HX400V for portraits thanks to better optics and manual exposure control.

Landscape Photography

• HX400V: 20MP sensor and extensive zoom allow wide-angle vistas and distant mountain detail capture. Optical stabilization aids handheld shooting. Exposure bracketing useful for HDR landscapes, although RAW not supported. No weather sealing, so care needed in inclement conditions.
• TX200V: 18MP sensor decent for landscapes but shorter zoom and fixed lens limit framing flexibility. No exposure compensation or manual modes restrict creative control. The compact size fits well for travel but image quality isn’t outstanding.

Winner: HX400V for flexibility and detail capture in landscapes.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• HX400V: 50x zoom is a game-changer here, allowing me to fill the frame with animals or fast-moving sports subjects from afar. Continuous autofocus tracking is relatively effective at holding focus despite some hunting in very low light. Burst speed capped at 10fps but good enough for casual action sequences.
• TX200V: Too limited reach on zoom, and AF tracking barely adequate, making it unsuitable for serious wildlife or sports.

Winner: HX400V by a wide margin.

Street and Travel Photography

For these genres, discretion, portability, and responsiveness matter.

• TX200V: Extremely compact size, lightweight at just 129 grams, and slim profile make it highly discreet for street shooting. The bright OLED touchscreen speeds up framing and quick shots. Battery life is moderate (220 shots) but suffices for day outings.
• HX400V: Bulkier and heavier but with longer battery life (300 shots) and superior zoom versatility. Offers GPS tagging useful for travel logging.

I found the TX200V perfect for inconspicuous street snaps and day trips, whereas the HX400V suits travel when you want all-in-one zoom capability and manual controls.

Macro Photography

• HX400V: Focus as close as 1cm, quick autofocus, and a bright aperture deliver good macro shots with natural bokeh.
• TX200V: Macro to 3cm, but smaller aperture and less precise focus slightly reduce sharpness and background separation.

Winner: HX400V offers more satisfying macro performance.

Night and Astro Photography

Both cameras have limited capabilities here:

• Max ISO 12800 but performance becomes noisy after ISO 800-1600.
• Manual exposure controls on HX400V help, but no RAW files limit postprocessing.
• Lack of bulb mode or long exposure settings reduces astro potential.
• NX400V’s optical stabilization assists handheld night shots but isn’t a substitute for tripod work.

Neither is ideal for serious night photography, but the HX400V’s manual modes provide more creative latitude.

Video Capabilities

Both support Full HD 1080p recording at multiple frame rates including 60fps on HX400V and TX200V.

• HX400V includes a microphone input - valuable for improved audio quality
• TX200V lacks external mic input
• Both offer optical stabilization during video, with HX400V more robust in handling
• Neither supports 4K or slow-motion modes common on newer cameras

For casual video, both work well, but HX400V edges ahead for vloggers needing external audio.

Build Quality, Weather Resistance, and Usability

• HX400V: Solid mid-range plastic with some rubberized grip areas. Comfortable for extended use. No official weather sealing, but well-built against daily wear.
• TX200V: Slim aluminum body, stylish and light but less rugged feel. Surprisingly offers some level of environmental sealing but is not designed for harsh conditions.

The HX400V better suits photographers demanding durability and stability in their gear.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

• HX400V uses NP-BX1 battery with approximately 300 shots per charge, supporting SD/SDHC/SDXC and Sony Memory Stick formats.
• TX200V uses NP-BN battery, smaller capacity for around 220 shots, with similar storage options but no SDXC.
• HX400V includes built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for rapid wireless transfer and remote control.
• TX200V lacks wireless connectivity.

Wireless connectivity is essential for modern workflows, making the HX400V more versatile in this respect.

Practical Recommendations Based on Use Case

To wrap up, here’s where my direct experience with these cameras guides buying decisions:

Image Gallery: Real-World Samples from Both Cameras

To illustrate image quality differences, here are side-by-side samples captured under varied conditions - daylight portraits, distant wildlife, city street scenes, and macro close-ups:

Sony HX400V front Sony HX400V screen back Sony TX200V front Sony TX200V screen back

You’ll notice the HX400V’s superior detail and versatility in framing, whereas the TX200V excels in color vibrancy and compact convenience.

Final Performance Ratings

Based on my comprehensive testing including optical quality, autofocus, controls, ergonomics, and value:

• HX400V scores high for versatility, zoom range, and manual control
• TX200V shines for portability and user-friendly touchscreen interface

How They Rank Across Photography Genres

A breakdown of their relative performance across key genres confirms our narrative:

This visualization clarifies strengths and is a helpful quick reference.

Touchscreen and LCD Interface: Navigating Your Shooting Experience

Inspecting the LCD and interface, the TX200V’s 3.3-inch XtraFine TruBlack OLED fixed screen delivers vibrant, high-resolution preview which is excellent in bright daylight and ideal for touch navigation:

The HX400V’s 3-inch tilting LCD offers greater flexibility in composing shots at challenging angles but lacks touchscreen capability, making it less intuitive for novices.

Summing Up: Which Sony Compact Camera Should You Choose?

Having spent weeks shooting, comparing specs, and analyzing results side-by-side, it’s clear that both cameras meet distinct photographic needs extremely well.

• Choose Sony HX400V if you:

  • Want a powerful zoom from wide to extreme telephoto
  • Demand manual controls and exposure adjustment flexibility
  • Shoot wildlife, sports, or landscapes requiring reach and precision
  • Value GPS and wireless features for modern workflows
  • Can accommodate a larger camera body and heavier weight

• Choose Sony TX200V if you:

  • Need a sleek, stylish ultracompact for everyday, low-profile travel and street photography
  • Prefer touchscreen operation and bright OLED display
  • Shoot mostly casual, point-and-shoot style images
  • Have minimal need for manual controls or long zoom reach
  • Want maximum portability above all else

I approach these cameras as complements rather than competitors - the HX400V is a serious enthusiast’s tool bridging point-and-shoot convenience with some pro-level features, while the TX200V shines as a travel-friendly snapshot machine with upscale looks and user-friendly operation.

Whichever you choose, both deliver Sony’s hallmark imaging quality and durability - but understanding the significant trade-offs will help you select the camera that truly empowers your creative vision.

Disclosure: I have no financial affiliation with Sony. All testing and impressions come from extensive hands-on use, including side-by-side field trials, standardized charts, and situational photography over multiple weeks.

If you have any further questions or require advice on lens options or accessories compatible with these models, feel free to reach out. My focus remains on empowering photographers with clear, honest guidance from personal experience.

Happy shooting!