Dubai
Sony’s new Cyber-shot DSC-HX400V was launched at the beginning of the year. It is a bridge-style compact camera with a look and feel of an entry-level DSLR and packed with some cool features, making it very versatile.
This model is an update to last year’s HX300. With an enormous 50x optical zoom, new Bionz X processor, optical steady shot and Zeiss lens, this model deserves respect.
Main features of this camera are 20.4MP 1/2.3” Exmor R CMOS sensor, a faster Processor, high ISO and obviously the super zoom. The Carl Zeiss Vario Sonnar T 50x lens is 4.3-215mm focal length which is equivalent of 24-1200mm in 35mm.
At 24mm, the maximum aperture is f/2.8 and f/6.3 at 1200mm. Of course, higher the lens means chances of camera shake are more when shooting handheld. To overcome this, Sony has made efforts in several fronts, first, the design of the right-hand DSLR like grip of the camera, the lens barrel for the left-hand balance and finally the optical image stabilisation.
The lens also features a control ring that can be used to adjust the zoom as well as three different focusing modes - auto, (DMF mode) auto plus manual override and completely manual focus. The lens has a minimum focusing distance of just one cm, so from close-ups to wildlife photography this one lens is enough.
The HX400 features a Sony Bionz X processing engine that is found in most of Sony’s high-end cameras, like Alpha 7 and 7R. The ISO range is from 80 to 3200. The range can be increased up to 12800 in Multi-Frame NR setting. The combination of Bionz X processor and the 20MP Exmor R CMOS sensor produces very good results in normal ISO setting, but at higher ISO there is a loss of detail and slight softening of the images.
Thanks to the processing engine, this camera can shoot up to 10 frames per second in full 20.4MP resolution, and has Lock-On AF, to keep your object in sharp focus in motion. Apart from the normal camera modes, this camera has two auto modes, one superior and another intelligent.
Users can control the camera manually, but for changing aperture and shutter speed there is only one button. The camera also features a number of picture effects like Sweep Panorama, Toy Camera and Miniature etc.
Other features include the electronic viewfinder with sensor for auto on/off, tiltable viewfinder screen (only angled up or down) and built-in manual pop-up flash plus hot shoe mount for external flash. It also includes Wi-Fi for easy image sharing with smartphones or computers.
The camera also supports NFC (near field communication), which allows you to connect a smartphone or tablet to the camera via Sony PlayMemories app to control the camera wirelessly and also has GPS so you can geotag your images.
Users can also download some app like time-lapse or multiple exposures from PlayMemories. You can shoot full 1080p AVCHD videos with stereo sound at 60ps, and 24ps. An automatic 4K photo conversion is also available.
Media storage is both memory stick and secure digital cards. You have to shoot only on JPEG, no support for RAW format. Battery life is approximately 300 shoot and there is no external charger provided inside the box.
Charging is done through USB. It’s good option but on the move it’s very bad. The USP of this camera is the mega 50x zoom, 20MP sensor, Wi Fi with NFC. It is priced at Dh1799 with carrying case and 8GB memory card.
