I want to submit a brief introduction:
One of my favorite bridge cameras has been the Canon SX50HS and with friends I've been waiting for the SX60HS. Unfortunately, it turned out that this camera has become not as good as its predecessor.
I use a bridge camera just on my many travels very gladly, whenever it should be * slightly *, without a lot of smuggling and have always, and more and am every situation well prepared.
Now I was faced with the following choice: Sony HX400V, Olympus Stylus 1, Panasonic or Sony FZ1000 RX10. The latter two are not superzoom cameras, but have a larger sensor.
My decision much in favor of Sony HX400V.
The technical data I will not list them again, but rather describe a practical report and impression about this camera from my subjective view.
The Sony HX400V I've always been on the screen * *, but has always put me off that she has no RAW function.
But now I have thrown these resentments overboard and that was very good because the camera thrilled without RAW.
The first impression was very positive. The camera makes a high-quality processed immediately impression is also confirmed at the first touch. The handle is very well formed, far enough from the lens, so that they understand * good * can. Also, the thumb has a very good support and you do not accidentally actuated located near buttons.
This impression continues on, when you press the controls, looking at the screen and calls the menu.
The electronic viewfinder is against rather rudimentary and only partially usable, but not absolutely bad. In certain situations, certainly welcomed. That would, however, be better at coming successor models.
Exciting it was when the first images were reviewed.
Of course, I compare the HX400V with my other bridge cameras.
And of course I have not compared to my other DSLR, system and compact cameras, which I also own, all of which are young and come from the high-end of the respective manufacturers and models.
And just this image quality that delivers the HX400V, without my having first adjusted the settings is astounding for this small sensor.
The imaging performance of Carl Zeiss lens is really very well done and in keeping with the HX400V amazingly well.
I am pleasantly surprised.
Of course, I then can see the zoom into the images that the small sensor is reaching its limits, but in general the images are surprisingly clear, sharp and detailed, as I have seen so far from any bridge camera with such a push. Also, the color space is very appealing.
Only the white balance in rooms is always something borderline at Sony, will say to yellow and will have to be adjusted slightly, then it is true. I also know from my RX100 and RX100 MK3.
Then I adjusted the settings a bit, made various continuous shooting from a tripod and compare images. It has struck me that the focus partly is almost too much of a good thing. One sees well only when you zoom deeper into the picture. in plain view, this is hardly recognizable.
Now that I've adjusted the settings:
Create Mode> Standard or Vivid> everything on * 0 * only the Sharp to -1.
With this setting, I have noticed a slight improvement in reviewing the images. The focus is still very good, but slightly mitigated. One can even partially the sharpness set to -2. Depending on your taste.
Also at the long end * * imaging performance is very good, the image stabilization works very reliably.
I could see the Sony HX400V compare a Sony RX10, which has fewer but push over a larger sensor. In direct comparison, the image quality in favor of the RX10 is very marginal, which really surprised me, because I came from a larger difference.
The video quality is outstanding and replaced in most cases, a video camera.
Special features are the additional features such as GPS, Wi-Fi and NFC. Joining them will be the fantastic Sony Panorama mode. All this is not essential in a camera, but there are features that one, once used, no longer want to miss.
Also interesting is the addition installable small apps that you can add features.
The Wi-Fi connection works on Anhiebt, as well as the connection in your network via Fritz! Box 7490. The remote control via a smartphone that lets you control the HX400V and therefore Photos can trigger works straightforward at first. Tested with Samsung Galaxy S5, touch 4, iPad 2 and iPhone Air 6 PLUS. Likewise, the transfer of the photos on a smartphone or tablet and the PC is working properly.
Criticism is maybe that Sony attaches an external charger.
Positive turn means that the batteries of the RX100 and RX100 MK3 also fit the HX400V.
As a last point of criticism would be the rather confusing manual mention that you can only read or download online. Others do much better.
Conclusion:
It all depends on which preferences you have, even the manufacturer plays a role in many. I'm rather * painless * because for me counts only the offered image quality and the total package.
Therefore, the HX400V is in my opinion currently the best bridge camera that best overall package in terms of facilities and especially image quality.
The haptics and workmanship is absolutely convincing. Even with the more expensive RX10 they can absorb it loose and the images are indistinguishable at first glance.
An all-round camera incl. Excellent video function.
A camera that you like to take you on trips without smuggling, without unnecessary weight and yet you can handle any situation.
Currently there is m. M. to Bridgetown in superzoom sector hardly better. This is confirmed by most Fachmagazone and online portals that have tested this camera.
Therefore, crystal clear recommendation and all enjoy this beautiful piece of art.