This camera is more than just a tool, it is a connection to my dad. He used it before me, and now that he has passed, it carries real meaning every time I pick it up. I have taken this Sony Cyber-shot DSC HX400V everywhere, from walks around Karawang to trips back home in Australia. With its incredible 50x zoom, I have captured birds on wires, butterflies on flowers, and the tiny everyday creatures that often go unseen.
It may not have a large sensor or the prestige of a mirrorless setup, but it never lets me down. The electronic viewfinder and tilting screen make it easy to frame even the trickiest shots. The image stabilisation helps when I am tired but still want to catch that moment before it flies away. I love how it gives me manual control when I need it, but can also step in with solid auto settings if I am just exploring with Missy or having a quiet day.
This camera taught me to pay attention again. To light, to colour, and to focus. It helped bring me back into a creative space, combining my love of photography and art. I often take the photos I shoot and sketch them in Procreate on my iPad, bringing together the digital and the handmade. It might not be fancy, but it is part of my everyday story now. I will always have a soft spot for it.
SONY CYBER-SHOT DSC-HX400V SPECIFICATIONS
Camera Type: Bridge digital camera
Sensor: 1/2.3″ Exmor R CMOS
Megapixels: 20.4 MP
Lens: Fixed Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 24–1200mm equivalent (50x Optical Zoom)
Aperture Range: f/2.8 – f/6.3
ISO Range: 80 – 12,800
Shutter Speed: 30 sec – 1/4000 sec
Viewfinder: Electronic viewfinder (EVF) and 3.0″ tilting LCD screen
Autofocus: Contrast-detection AF with Face Detection and Tracking
Video: Full HD 1080p @ 60fps
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, GPS, Micro HDMI, USB 2.0
Power: NP-BX1 rechargeable battery
Release Year: 2014
Notes:
Sensor: 1/2.3″ Exmor R CMOS
Megapixels: 20.4 MP
Lens: Fixed Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 24–1200mm equivalent (50x Optical Zoom)
Aperture Range: f/2.8 – f/6.3
ISO Range: 80 – 12,800
Shutter Speed: 30 sec – 1/4000 sec
Viewfinder: Electronic viewfinder (EVF) and 3.0″ tilting LCD screen
Autofocus: Contrast-detection AF with Face Detection and Tracking
Video: Full HD 1080p @ 60fps
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, GPS, Micro HDMI, USB 2.0
Power: NP-BX1 rechargeable battery
Release Year: 2014
Notes:
- Long zoom range excellent for bird and wildlife photography
- Manual mode with full control over exposure
- Built-in stabilisation makes it a versatile travel camera
SONY CYBER-SHOT DSC-HX400V LENS SPECIFICATIONS
Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T*
Focal Length: 4.3–215mm (24–1200mm equivalent in 35mm terms)
Optical Zoom: 50x
Digital Zoom: Up to 200x (combined with Clear Image Zoom)
Aperture Range: f/2.8 (wide) to f/6.3 (telephoto), 7-blade circular diaphragm
Lens Construction: 11 groups, 15 elements (including 3 aspherical elements and 1 ED glass element)
Minimum Focus Distance:
Focal Length: 4.3–215mm (24–1200mm equivalent in 35mm terms)
Optical Zoom: 50x
Digital Zoom: Up to 200x (combined with Clear Image Zoom)
Aperture Range: f/2.8 (wide) to f/6.3 (telephoto), 7-blade circular diaphragm
Lens Construction: 11 groups, 15 elements (including 3 aspherical elements and 1 ED glass element)
Minimum Focus Distance:
Wide: Approx. 1 cm
Tele: Approx. 240 cm
Filter Thread: 55mm
Image Stabilisation: Optical SteadyShot (active mode for video)
Filter Thread: 55mm
Image Stabilisation: Optical SteadyShot (active mode for video)
Notes:
- Exceptionally versatile zoom range, ideal for wildlife, sports, and distant subjects
- Carl Zeiss optics provide sharpness and contrast with minimal distortion
- Macro capable at wide angle for close-ups
- Coated with Zeiss T* anti-reflective technology for reduced flare and ghosting
- Offers both manual and autofocus modes with real-time focus assist