[FullRangeMan]

DSC-H400:
FEATURES
INTERCHANGEABLE LENSES: No
WATERPROOF: No
PANORAMA 360º: Yes
HDR: Not
3D: No
IMAGE STABILIZATION: Lens
ALLOW RAW: No
GPS: No
MENU: English and Spanish
SENSOR
MEGAPIXEL: 20.2 MP
TYPE: CCD  (Super HAD CCD)
SIZE: 1 / 2.3 "6.2x4.6mm
Light Sensitivity: ISO 3200
SENSITIVITY TO LIGHT (BOOST): None
CLEANING THE SENSOR: No
TRUE RESOLUTION: 9.7 MP
NATIVE RESOLUTION: 5184 x 3888
PIXEL SIZE: 1.4 μm²
DISPLAY
TYPE: LCD
SIZE: 3.0 inches
RESOLUTION: 460 K points
TOUCH SCREEN: No
TURNS OUT: No
Eye View finder: Yes
DISPLAY SIZE: N / A
COVERAGE: N / A
LENSES
ZOOM: 64.6x ("times 64.6")
DIGITAL ZOOM
VIDEO: near 126x,
PHOTO: 500x VGA
WIDE ANGLE: 24,5 mm
TELEPHOTO: 1550 mm
OPENING (WIDE): f / 3.4
OPENING (TELEPHOTO): f / 6.5
MACRO: 2 cm
VIDEO
FORMAT: max 720p at 30 fps
MAXIMUM DURATION: 2GB or 29 minutes
SUPPORTS 24P: No
HIGH SPEED FRAMERATE: None
EXTERNAL MIC: Yes mono
Autofocus: None
VIDEO FORMATS:
- 720p at 30 fps
- 480p at 30fps
MEMORY CARDS
STORAGE SLOTS: 1
SUPPORTED FORMATS:
- SD
- SDHC
- Memory Stick Duo
- Memory Stick PRO Duo
FOCUS
Focus range 1cm - infinity (GA), 3.5 m - infinity (T)
Autofocus: Contrast detection
FOCUS POINTS: N / A
CROSSED FOCUS POINTS: N / A
FLASH
BUILT-IN FLASH: Yes
POPUP: Yes
EXTERNAL FLASH: No
SHOOTING
DELAY START: N / A
SHUTTER DELAY: N / A
CONTINUOUS SHOOTING: 1 fps
SHUTTER:
MIN: 30s
MAX: 1 / 2000s
POWER
Rechargeable Battery (NP-BX1)
DURATION: 300 photos, Video ??
GENERAL
RELEASED: February 2014
WARRANTY: 1 Year
MANUFACTURE: Made in China

Price here is about $380.
The CCD sensor is better or worse then CMOS??
I will use to landscapes, portrait, macro and to tubes images.
Thanks

[Guy 13]

DSC-H400:
FEATURES
INTERCHANGEABLE LENSES: No
WATERPROOF: No
PANORAMA 360º: Yes
HDR: Not
3D: No
IMAGE STABILIZATION: Lens
ALLOW RAW: No
GPS: No
MENU: English and Spanish
SENSOR
MEGAPIXEL: 20.2 MP
TYPE: CCD  (Super HAD CCD)
SIZE: 1 / 2.3 "6.2x4.6mm
Light Sensitivity: ISO 3200
SENSITIVITY TO LIGHT (BOOST): None
CLEANING THE SENSOR: No
TRUE RESOLUTION: 9.7 MP
NATIVE RESOLUTION: 5184 x 3888
PIXEL SIZE: 1.4 μm²
DISPLAY
TYPE: LCD
SIZE: 3.0 inches
RESOLUTION: 460 K points
TOUCH SCREEN: No
TURNS OUT: No
Eye View finder: Yes
DISPLAY SIZE: N / A
COVERAGE: N / A
LENSES
ZOOM: 64.6x ("times 64.6")
DIGITAL ZOOM
VIDEO: near 126x,
PHOTO: 500x VGA
WIDE ANGLE: 24,5 mm
TELEPHOTO: 1550 mm
OPENING (WIDE): f / 3.4
OPENING (TELEPHOTO): f / 6.5
MACRO: 2 cm
VIDEO
FORMAT: max 720p at 30 fps
MAXIMUM DURATION: 2GB or 29 minutes
SUPPORTS 24P: No
HIGH SPEED FRAMERATE: None
EXTERNAL MIC: Yes mono
Autofocus: None
VIDEO FORMATS:
- 720p at 30 fps
- 480p at 30fps
MEMORY CARDS
STORAGE SLOTS: 1
SUPPORTED FORMATS:
- SD
- SDHC
- Memory Stick Duo
- Memory Stick PRO Duo
FOCUS
Focus range 1cm - infinity (GA), 3.5 m - infinity (T)
Autofocus: Contrast detection
FOCUS POINTS: N / A
CROSSED FOCUS POINTS: N / A
FLASH
BUILT-IN FLASH: Yes
POPUP: Yes
EXTERNAL FLASH: No
SHOOTING
DELAY START: N / A
SHUTTER DELAY: N / A
CONTINUOUS SHOOTING: 1 fps
SHUTTER:
MIN: 30s
MAX: 1 / 2000s
POWER
Rechargeable Battery (NP-BX1)
DURATION: 300 photos, Video ??
GENERAL
RELEASED: February 2014
WARRANTY: 1 Year
MANUFACTURE: Made in China

Price here is about $380.
The CCD sensor is better or worse then CMOS??
I will use to landscapes, portrait, macro and to tubes images.
Thanks

Hi FullRangeMan.
Nice description of the/your camera,
but did I miss something ?
What make ???

Guy 13

[FullRangeMan]

Its a Sony. Iam doing research before pruchase, as Iam a dumb in photografy.

[JohnR]

1550mm!!!

(I'm not sure what to say)

[srb]

I've not seen a 63X optical zoom on this type of camera before.  Surely there must be some big compromises on this radical of a zoom range (and with such a physically short length lens)?

On the Sony Store website, the Overview has a heading Crazy Clear Close-ups, and says:

"Capture even far off subjects in glorious detail via the 63x optical zoom on a professional Carl ZEISS lens. This incredibly powerful optical zoom brings the action to you so you can make the most out of every moment."

Yet under specifications, there is no mention of ZEISS and printed on the front of the lens is "Sony Lens".

?

Steve

[geowak]

Most DSLRs and Point an Shoot cameras are never used to thier full potential. Most users don't take the needed time to actually learn how to use them. Therefore the question becomes " will I learn about digital photography and get the camera I want/need and learn how to use it"?

ie most users don't understand such basic principles such as "fstop" "shutter speed" etc, etc and don't take time to apply these ideas to get good pics.

[FullRangeMan]

On the Sony Portugal site they inform the lenses are Lente Sony.

[FullRangeMan]

1550mm!!!

(I'm not sure what to say)

I also cant say anything as I dont know what telephoto is.

[JohnR]

I also cant say anything as I dont know what telephoto is.

OK, the longer the focal length (expressed as "equivalent" to full-frame 35mmm or EFL - equivalent focal length), the more magnification of a distant object. A 300mm lens is a pretty reasonable telephoto length, longer is used for specialist applications such as birds, safaris, possibly astronomy. Generally, the longer the focal length, the more difficult it is to use, as issues with vibration and image quality ensue.

So, to me, a lens with 1550mm EFL begs some questions, i.e. what do you lose in return? In technical terms, the fact that the lens can do this at all (and 28mm at the other end) is mind-boggling...! But what are the images like.... (wet blanket mode...). Perhaps some googling for reviews would be enlightening.

You didn't mention extreme telephoto in your requirements (macro, landscape) so I can't help wondering if you'd find something closer to optimum for your needs with some more looking. On the other hand, if you did buy the camera you might just love it.

HTH ... 

[FullRangeMan]

Thanks John for the detailed explanation.
I copy these specs from a shop site, chances are they missing a comma, this value may be 15,50mm or 155,0mm etc

I unaware what focus lenght I will need to macro tubes, flowers etc

[newzooreview]

Thanks John for the detailed explanation.
I copy these specs from a shop site, chances are they missing a comma, this value may be 15,50mm or 155,0mm etc

I unaware what focus lenght I will need to macro tubes, flowers etc

Digital Photography Review is an excellent place to go to learn about the differences between current cameras.

This camera is described there: http://www.dpreview.com/products/sony/compacts/cybershot_dsch400

However, this sort of camera is specifically designed to attract first-time buyers with a huge list of appealing features and a low price--all the expense of doing anything particularly well. It will certainly take photos, but it's not feasible to have a great lens of that zoom range (63x is extreme) for any cost.

If you are interested in landscape you'll definitely want a sharper lens (to seen fine details in the scenery and capture the feel of the view), and if you're interested in macro photography you'll want to seek out a camera that does that well. You'll do much better for those purposes with a zoom somewhere in the 24-90 mm range.

If you're considering this Sony camera then you are not concerned about size. How much are you willing to spend? By far the best quality for the money is to buy a new, entry-level Nikon or Canon digital SLR and get a used macro lens (60 or 100mm are typical) and a used 24-90 zoom (or something like that) for landscape.

Hope that helps a bit.

[FullRangeMan]

Thanks  Newzooreview for your balanced report, I appreciated.
As cost is a concern pro cameras/lenses are a bit out of reach to me, in my country these used equip are rare.

This link you provide confirm the huge telephoto value:
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-H400's 63X lens covers an enormous 24.5 - 1550mm equivalent range.

[srb]

This link you provide confirm the huge telephoto value:
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-H400's 63X lens covers an enormous 24.5 - 1550mm equivalent range.

And the math works out:  24.5 X 63X = ~ 1550

Here are some comments I've read that pretty much sum it up:

"DSLR lenses can only go up to around 16X zoom. That's the Nikon 18-300mm zoom lens.
There are two reasons why zoom lenses in DSLR's don't reach mega-values. First is the cost. DSLR's have bigger sensors requiring lenses with bigger glass. Second can be blamed to science itself. An optical element can project an image perfectly only to a single focal length. Forcing the lens to act in different focal lengths degrade optical quality. In short, the more zoom a lens has, the poorer it is functionally. That's why in the DSLR world, the best lenses are those that do not zoom."

and

"To get those big zoom numbers, camera makers cheat and use the smallest image sensor they can.  That's how they get 50x zoom in a small package.

You can't have that in a DSLR. The image sensor is much, much larger. To get the same "zoom" the lens will need to be heavy, very large and very expensive. Photography is all about give and take, you can't have it all you have to choose what you want, high quality images or big zoom numbers, you can't have both."

Steve

[woodsyi]

... Photography is all about give and take, you can't have it all you have to choose what you want, high quality images or big zoom numbers, you can't have both.

Steve

Heisenberg redux.  It's really everywhere in life. 

[newzooreview]

Thanks  Newzooreview for your balanced report, I appreciated.
As cost is a concern pro cameras/lenses are a bit out of reach to me, in my country these used equip are rare.

This link you provide confirm the huge telephoto value:
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-H400's 63X lens covers an enormous 24.5 - 1550mm equivalent range.

I expect that other cameras in the same price range as the Sony model will give better results for your needs. A lens in the 28-90 zoom range usually can operate in macro mode as well as give good results for landscapes.

If you have limited options to buy locally, then perhaps some of the popular, mainstream point and shoot models from Canon, Nikon, or Sony will suite your needs pretty well.

You can read through the buying guides here: http://www.dpreview.com/articles/3301669051/dpreview-recommends-best-cameras-for-beginners?utm_campaign=internal-link&utm_source=mainmenu&utm_medium=text&ref=mainmenu

Almost every camera with a zoom will have a macro or closeup mode that will do well with photos of smaller objects like tubes, so that is not likely to be a concern in choosing one. I've had good luck with Canon, Nikon, Panasonic, and Sony digital cameras (full SLRs all the way to cheap pocket point and shoots).

[newzooreview]

If a recommendation would help, I've owned the Canon G15, traveled with it extensively, and found it to be very well constructed and to give good results under a wide variety of conditions. It has a close-up (macro) mode that you can turn on with one clearly marked button, and it is available in your price range. There is also a G16 available, but if offers no advantages that would likely be important to you. There are certainly other options that are well regarded at that price, but the G15 is certainly well recommended.

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-Digital-Camera-3-Inch/dp/B009B0MY6S/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1412350634&sr=8-4&keywords=canon+g16

[SET Man]

Hey!
 
    Yes, this camera is in the "superzoom" category at 24-1550mm but at f6.5 at the tele end it is a bit on slow side but in a nice sunny day it should be ok. And no that is not a Zeiss or even Sony's "G" but still it should be OK still.

    Zoom is a compromise, most of the time the picture quality suffer the longer the zoom especially at the long end. As for CCD and CMOS. The CMOS is newer and they say it more sensitivity in low light than CCD.

    Anyway, I would give up some zoom range for a faster and better zoom lens. But this camera might be good for you. I found a group for for this camera on flickr...

https://www.flickr.com/groups/2634912@N20/

    There are a few pictures from this camera. Not that bad with that superzoom.

   I'm a Sony DSLR (formerly Minolta) user and if were to go for a P&S I would consider Sony, Nikon and Panasonic. I'm not big on Canon I have to say.  So, what about other Sony cameras? How about this one...

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=NavBar&A=getItemDetail&Q=&sku=926281&is=REG&si=rev#costumerReview

or

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/966681-REG/sony_dschx50v_b_cyber_shot_hx50v_digital_camera.html

   Not sure how much more they cost over there. Well, good luck with your search. And if possible go to the store and try all cameras in your price range out in person is the best way to see how it feel.

Take care,
Buddy

[thunderbrick]

+1!   

[FullRangeMan]

Thanks Newzooreview for your advices.
Incredible here the Canon G16 price are higher than some DSRL.
Sure I fail inform I dont intend use zoom, just macro, landscape, low light and outdoor night shots.

The least inexpensive DSLR I found was this Nikon D3220 w/VR18-55 lens:
http://www.aliax.com.br/nikon-d3200-24-2-mp-lente-vr-18-55-memoria-16gb-bolsa-pr-2077-328028.htm
and this Sony a3500:
http://www.aliax.com.br/sony-a3500-preta-20-1-mp-lente-18-55-memoria-16gb-bolsa-ilce-3500-pr-11154-328028.htm

They are a bit up my budget and Iam saturated w/all these infos photografy are a complex hobby also.

[newzooreview]

Thanks Newzooreview for your advices.
Incredible here the Canon G16 price are higher than some DSRL.
Sure I fail inform I dont intend use zoom, just macro, landscape, low light and outdoor night shots.

The least inexpensive DSLR I found was this Nikon D3220 w/VR18-55 lens:
http://www.aliax.com.br/nikon-d3200-24-2-mp-lente-vr-18-55-memoria-16gb-bolsa-pr-2077-328028.htm
and this Sony a3500:
http://www.aliax.com.br/sony-a3500-preta-20-1-mp-lente-18-55-memoria-16gb-bolsa-ilce-3500-pr-11154-328028.htm

They are a bit up my budget and Iam saturated w/all these infos photografy are a complex hobby also.

I think the Sony HX60v would also work well for you. I did have an earlier version of this camera and took a lot of good shots with it. I think the HX60v is in the price range you are looking at:

http://www.aliax.com.br/sony-hx60-20-4-mp-memoria-16gb-classe-10-bolsa-pr-11151-328028.htm