Sony HX400V vs Sony TX55

A Rigorous Comparison of the Sony HX400V and Sony TX55: Unpacking Practical Usability and Technical Performance

In the realm of compact and bridge-style cameras, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX400V (hereafter HX400V) and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX55 (hereafter TX55) have both earned attention for significantly different reasons since their releases in 2014 and 2011 respectively. For photography enthusiasts and professionals exploring options beyond interchangeable-lens systems, understanding how these Sony models serve diverse user needs and shooting scenarios is essential - particularly when considering their specifications, real-world handling, and core capabilities.

This detailed comparison draws from extensive hands-on testing and methodical evaluation processes to dissect how the HX400V and TX55 stack up across a wide range of photographic disciplines. Building from sensor analysis to ergonomics, autofocus, image quality, video performance, and suitability in various genres, this article aims to provide clarity rooted in practical experience rather than marketing vernacular.

Form, Handling, and Ergonomics: Bridge versus Ultracompact

The HX400V is a bridge-style camera designed to emulate DSLR ergonomics with a substantial grip, mode dials, and a pronounced electronic viewfinder. Measuring 130 x 93 x 103 mm and weighing 660 grams, it strikes a balance between portability and substantial command over camera functions. Contrast this with the TX55’s significantly smaller ultracompact footprint - 93 x 54 x 13 mm, weighing a mere 109 grams - crafted for maximum pocketability and discreet street capture.

Ergonomics and Control Layout:

• The HX400V’s robust body supports extensive manual controls, including shutter and aperture priority modes, exposure compensation, and multiple autofocus options. Its mode dial and physical buttons afford tactile precision, especially when operating in fast-paced scenarios.
• The TX55 offers a minimalist tactile experience befitting its size, foregoing dedicated dials in favor of touchscreen operation on its 3.3-inch OLED display. While this aids ease of use for casual users, it limits the capacity for rapid parameter adjustments under dynamic lighting or motion.

This divergence defines the cameras' intended user experiences: the HX400V is built for users who prioritize control and varied creative inputs, while the TX55 targets convenience and inconspicuous shooting.

Sensor and Image Quality: Identical Sensor Size, Different Implementations

Both cameras employ 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensors measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm, which is typical for compact and superzoom cameras but notably smaller than APS-C or full-frame sensors favored in high-end DSLRs or mirrorless cameras. This sensor size imposes inherent constraints on noise performance and dynamic range potentials.

Resolution and Pixel Count:

• The HX400V sensors offer a 20-megapixel resolution (5184 x 3888 pixels).
• The TX55 opts for 16 megapixels (4608 x 3456 pixels).

Given identical sensor areas, the HX400V’s higher pixel density yields sharper images at normal viewing sizes but can exacerbate noise in low-light due to smaller pixel pitch. That said, Sony’s Bionz X processor (HX400V) is numerically superior to the earlier BIONZ engine in the TX55, allowing for more advanced noise suppression algorithms and image processing.

ISO Sensitivity and Noise Management:

• HX400V supports ISO 80–12800.
• TX55 restricts ISO to 100–3200.

Practical testing across ISO ranges reveals the HX400V is better suited for shooting in dimmer conditions, with reasonably controlled noise up to ISO 1600 and acceptable quality at ISO 3200. The TX55, while adequate for brightly lit environments, exhibits pronounced chroma noise and softness above ISO 800, constraining low-light usability.

Dynamic Range and Color Depth:

Though not tested directly via DxOMark for these models, hands-on comparisons and color reproduction assessments demonstrate the HX400V’s native processing delivers richer tonal gradations and more accurate color rendition, partly attributable to the newer sensor generation and processor.

Autofocus Systems: Precision and Speed Across Use Cases

Autofocus (AF) performance is critical across nearly all photography genres but varies drastically between these two cameras.

HX400V AF:

• Contrast-detection AF with 9 selectable focus points.
• Face detection and tracking available.
• Continuous AF and AF tracking functionalities are functional but modest compared to modern mirrorless AF systems.
• No phase detection AF or animal eye AF support.

TX55 AF:

• Also employs contrast-detect AF.
• 9 AF points, no face detection, nor tracking.
• Continuous AF and tracking are unsupported.

In controlled testing, the HX400V's AF locks slightly faster and is more reliable in maintaining focus on moving subjects, especially when tracking faces or centrally framed objects. This advantage makes it more capable for wildlife, sports, and portraiture, albeit not at professional-grade speeds.

The TX55’s AF is simpler and slower, often hunting under suboptimal contrast or low-light conditions, making it more suited for casual snapshots or static subjects.

Displays and Viewfinders: Interaction Modes and Usability

The HX400V features a tilting 3-inch LCD with 921k-dot resolution coupled with a 100% coverage electronic viewfinder (EVF). The EVF greatly enhances composition in bright outdoor lighting and when using the massive 50x zoom to reduce camera shake. The tilting screen assists versatile angles but lacks touchscreen functionality.

The TX55 offers a larger 3.3-inch fixed OLED touchscreen with 1230k dots. The OLED delivers vivid colors and deep blacks, markedly superior in visual quality to the HX400V’s LCD. However, the absence of a viewfinder means reliance on the screen for framing, which can be cumbersome in bright conditions or when trying to maintain stability.

Touchscreen interaction eases operation for beginners, with intuitive menus and tap-to-focus, but for photographers who require rapid physical button access, the TX55’s interface may feel limiting.

Sony HX400V front Sony HX400V screen back Sony TX55 front Sony TX55 screen back

Image and Video Output: Practical Quality Assessment

Photo Output:

• The HX400V’s images demonstrate better detail retention at base ISO with more nuanced highlights and shadows due to improved dynamic range processing.
• The extensive zoom range (24–1200 mm equivalent) affords fully versatile framing, effective for wildlife and travel landscapes, albeit with noticeable diffraction degradation at extreme telephoto settings.
• Macro performance is exceptional at the HX400V’s minimum focus distance of 1 cm, supported by optical image stabilization (OIS) to aid handheld close-up work.

The TX55’s 26–130 mm zoom, though modest, produces reasonably sharp images optimally between 35–80 mm. However, macro focusing starts at 3 cm, which limits extreme close-ups. Image softness and color cast issues occasionally appear in challenging lighting. Stabilization alleviates minor shake but is less effective than the HX400V under telephoto conditions.

Video Performance:

• Both capture full HD 1080p video at 60 fps in AVCHD and MPEG-4 formats.
• The HX400V includes a dedicated microphone port, facilitating superior external audio capture; the TX55 lacks audio input support.
• Neither supports 4K recording.
• Video image stabilization is optical on both models but more robust on the HX400V, beneficial for handheld footage in varied scenarios.

While both cameras serve well for casual video, the HX400V provides much stronger versatility for videography enthusiasts requiring external audio and zoom capability during recording.

Specialized Applications: Evaluating Genre-Specific Suitability

To understand practical utility, it is valuable to appraise how these cameras perform across favored photography genres for enthusiasts and pros.

Portrait Photography

HX400V Strengths:

• Favorable skin tone rendering enhanced by advanced in-camera processing.
• Face detection AF aids in precise focusing on subject eyes, improving portrait sharpness.
• Large zoom and fast aperture at wide end (F2.8) support shallow depth-of-field effects and pleasing bokeh.

TX55 Limitations:

• Lacks face detection.
• Narrower aperture (starting at F3.5) limits background separation.
• No eye AF or subject tracking leading to potential misfocus on dynamic portrait sessions.

Landscape Photography

• HX400V's extended zoom and tilting screen offer compositional flexibility.
• Its better dynamic range assists recovery of shadow and highlight details.
• Not equipped with weather sealing, so caution is required outdoors.
• TX55’s smaller sensor and lower resolution diminish fine detail capture.
• Portability favors TX55 for effortless walk-around landscapes but with sacrifices in tonal depth.

Wildlife Photography

• HX400V excels due to 50x zoom reach facilitating distant subjects.
• Reasonable burst shooting at 10 fps aids capturing fleeting moments.
• AF tracking, although basic, supports follow focus on animal movement.
• TX55's limited focal length and slower AF make it unsuitable for serious wildlife.

Sports Photography

• HX400V’s fast continuous shooting and exposure options serve moderately well.
• 1/4000 sec shutter speed is adequate for freezing most sports actions.
• AF system is functional but not optimum for rapid subject tracking.
• TX55 is not recommended for sports due to performance constraints.

Street Photography

• TX55 wins hands down for discretion and portability.
• Quiet operation, slim form factor, and touchscreen simplify candid shooting.
• HX400V is bulkier and visually intrusive but offers more creative control in less stealth-dependent situations.

Macro Photography

• HX400V’s close-focus capability (1 cm) paired with OIS makes handheld macro feasible.
• TX55’s 3 cm minimum focus distance limits intimate subject framing.
• HX400V provides better manual focus control for precision.

Night and Astrophotography

• Smaller sensors and lack of RAW limits both cameras in astrophotography.
• HX400V’s higher max ISO and longer shutter speeds facilitate star trails with controlled noise.
• TX55’s ISO ceiling and limited exposure modes restrict night use.
• Neither camera supports bulb mode for extended exposures.

Video Capabilities

• HX400V surpasses TX55 due to microphone input and more stable video capture.
• Both produce decent 1080p footage for casual purposes.
• Lack of 4K is a limitation given segment advancements.
• HX400V’s manual exposure helps maintain consistent video brightness.

Travel Photography

• HX400V offers one-camera versatility, cutting down gear load with its 50x zoom.
• However, its weight and bulk are less travel-friendly.
• TX55’s ultracompact size and OLED display make it an excellent travel companion for snapshots and light travel diaries.
• Battery life favors HX400V by approximately 20% but neither are stellar compared to modern alternatives.

Professional Usage

• Neither camera is truly aimed at professional workflows.
• HX400V supports manual exposure modes and advanced bracketing to aid controlled shooting.
• Lacks RAW file support - common in bridge cameras - limiting post-processing latitude.
• TX55 is more suited as a secondary or backup camera for casual documentation.

Build Quality, Durability, and Weather Resistance

Both cameras do not offer environmental sealing or ruggedized builds. The HX400V’s solid body feels more durable, crafted with robustness fitting for occasional outdoor use. The TX55 prioritizes slim design at the expense of protective features, necessitating careful handling.

Lens and Zoom Comparison: Superzoom versus Compact

• HX400V’s fixed 24–1200 mm (50x optical zoom) lens with maximum aperture range F2.8–6.3 is impressive, enabling great flexibility from wide-angle landscapes to distant wildlife.
• TX55’s 26–130 mm (5x zoom), F3.5–4.8 lens offers limited optical zoom capability, suited primarily for normal shooting and moderate telephoto shots.
• Optical image stabilization on both lenses is present; however, the HX400V implements a more effective system compensating for the reach and handling challenges of superzoom usage.

Battery, Storage, and Connectivity

• Battery Life: HX400V rated for approximately 300 shots per charge; TX55 for 250 shots.
• Both utilize proprietary battery packs (NP-BX1 for HX400V; NP-BN for TX55).
• Storage compatibility varies: HX400V accepts full-size SD and Memory Stick Duo cards, while TX55 requires microSD/Memory Stick Micro media, which may be less commonly held by users.
• Wireless connectivity distinguishes these cameras: HX400V offers built-in Wi-Fi with NFC for rapid pairing with smart devices; TX55 only supports Eye-Fi card connectivity - now an outdated standard.
• Both offer USB 2.0 and HDMI outputs for file transfer and external display, but neither features USB-C or modern wireless streaming.

Summative Assessments and User Recommendations

Technical Performance Scores Overview

The HX400V ranks higher in image quality, autofocus, zoom versatility, and overall functionality, while the TX55 ranks strongly on portability and user-friendliness but is constrained by sensor and AF limitations.

Final Thoughts

Both Sony cameras serve well-defined niches shaped by conventional design philosophies. The HX400V is a versatile, feature-rich superzoom bridge camera offering manual controls and creative options that will satisfy enthusiasts venturing into DSLR-like usage without the complexity or cost of interchangeable lenses. However, its inadequacies in weather sealing and file format flexibility somewhat limit professional applicability.

Conversely, the TX55 excels in pocketable convenience ideal for casual photographers prioritizing simplicity, touchscreen interaction, and discretion. Its restricted zoom range, lower ISO ceiling, and lack of advanced controls curtail specialized photographic experiments but make it an attractive secondary or on-the-go option.

The more recent technological innovations embedded in the HX400V, particularly the Bionz X processor and extensive zoom range, render it the more capable, all-around camera for users looking to balance control and flexibility. The TX55 remains relevant only where absolute portability, touchscreen focus, and ease of use outweigh the need for versatile image quality and manual input.

Sony HX400V front Sony HX400V screen back Sony TX55 front Sony TX55 screen back

This thorough comparison leverages long-term testing protocols, including controlled lab environments and varied real-world scenarios, to distinctly highlight operational capabilities and workflow implications. Photography professionals and serious enthusiasts are encouraged to weigh these factors against their shooting priorities, budget constraints, and desired versatility before committing.

Image Credits: Sony official product images and sample galleries used under fair use for educational and comparative purposes.

Should you require further insights into other bridge or compact cameras offering comparable or superior feature sets, do consult our comprehensive reviews repository tailored for advanced photographic decision-making.