Many people who choose photography as their profession are skeptical of a technique like the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-H400. Among the true masters of mirrors and tripods, there is an opinion that only mirrors and mirrorless glasses deserve attention. But a true professional perfectly understands that each camera has a number of tasks, and there is no point in spreading huge amounts of money for the 5D Mark II to a simple lover of beautiful sunsets or to the mother of a growing baby who wants to capture the main events of his life. Therefore, many professional photographers perceived the appearance of the new model quite adequately, and today they are happy to give advice to beginners.
If you have outgrown the “soap box”, but do not plan to engage in photography on a commercial basis, an inexpensive model with compact dimensions and wide functionality is quite suitable for you. For them, Sony has developed its next brainchild. The Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-H400 digital camera was released relatively recently, in the spring of 2014, so many potential buyers today still have many questions regarding the quality, management, configuration and features of the model. Let's try to fill the gap.
Key Features
"Sony" delighted lovers of cameras with an ultrasound in early 2014, announcing a new product - Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-H400 with a unique 63x zoom lens, which today is the largest in its price segment. This is the first and so far the only camera of this class in the world that has a focal equivalent in the 35 mm format of 24.5-1550 mm, so it covers telephoto mode and wide-angle shooting.
The Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-H400 is equipped with an electronic viewfinder, which helps to rationally arrange the composition even in excessive sunlight or cloudy weather. The photographer can adapt to a variety of lighting conditions.
Housing
Such functionality is comparable to more expensive models - mirrored. Sony specialists went even further, giving the camera the appearance of a reflex camera. Outwardly, it strongly resembles classic cameras of this particular class. Professionals respond skeptically about this moment, not everyone liked this move. Any specialist can easily distinguish imitation at a glance.
Today, Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-H400 Black is available only in a black case, which is reflected in the name. Perhaps the manufacturer plans to release other body colors, as we could see in some other cameras of this class (for example, Nikon Coolpix).
The dimensions of the camera are compact: 129.6x122.3x95.0 mm, but it weighs only 655 g (complete with battery and card). The case fits comfortably in your hand and does not slip thanks to rubberized inserts.
Lens
Professionals note that the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-H400 has a wide range of focal lengths. It amounted to 4.4-277 mm. Thanks to this, a photographer can capture beautiful landscapes and take group pictures without worrying that someone might not get into the frame.
The 63x zoom, huge for its class, eliminates sad thoughts about the impossibility of acquiring several interchangeable lenses. Like a professional TV set, it will allow you to take pictures of wild animals in their natural habitat without disturbing their peace and without exposing themselves to risks.
Of course, do not flatter yourself about the characteristics of the lens. He is the most advanced in the class today, but does not surpass professional optics in terms of performance. Combining the features of telephoto and wide-angle, the lens remains amateurish. If you dream of a career as a fashion photographer with a lineup of clients scheduled for six months ahead, remember: Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-H400 can play its part exclusively at the training stage. But a truly competitive professional needs a higher-class technique.
Matrix
The matrix (20.1 megapixels) installed on the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-H400 model has many features. The opinions of professionals on this score sometimes vary: some find it simply excellent and express confidence in its work, but some are convinced that it is too good for such a camera. Indeed, for the production of many models of semi-professional SLR cameras, the matrices are more modest. It is difficult to say who is right, because the result of shooting is always mainly dependent on the user. His skills determine whether he can fully utilize the potential of the camera or not. Technically, the Super HAD CCD 1 / 2.3 (7.76 mm) matrix makes it possible to take high-quality, high-quality images. You can print them even in large formats, all details will be distinguishable.
Photo Modes
Built-in Intelligent Auto mode on non-professional cameras like the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-H400 is a must. Most owners of such equipment are amateurs who do not know how, and are not particularly thirsty to immerse themselves in the camera settings.
The automatic mode itself selects the necessary parameters, analyzing the lighting, the distance to the object and other conditions in which you need to take a picture. The photographer will not have to take care of all the little things, but will only focus on the plot.
In addition to the intelligent automatic mode, others are also provided: simple shooting, aperture priority, panorama, manual exposure, shutter priority.
The camera allows you to choose a scene: shooting in night light, high sensitivity, portrait and night portrait, landscape, beach with excessive sunlight, fireworks, snow, still life, animals, party. There are various effects in the menu of this camera: bright colors, soft colors, a toy camera, color filters. They can be applied not only to photographs, but also to videos.
Party mode itself will select the settings when taking pictures at a party. The camera will adapt to the surrounding environment. A special Advanced Flash function allows you to increase the sensitivity of the camera automatically and changes the flash range, thereby improving the illumination of objects distant from the photographer. This mode is suitable for rooms with insufficient lighting, where the built-in flash of the camera will not be enough.
Movie Mode
Photos and videos are the two main shooting modes in the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-H400. An overview of the possibilities for creating HD video is worth starting with a description of Optical SteadyShot technology, which helps stabilize the image. It eliminates the need for the operator to constantly use a tripod. Zoom allows you to shoot even those objects that are poorly visible to the naked eye.
Just turn the mode switch, which is located on the top surface of the camera body, to switch it from the “Photo” mode to the “Video” mode.
Battery
Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-H400 is equipped with an X-Series lithium-ion battery with high capacity, which lasts an average of 300 frames or for 2.5 hours of work in the "video" mode. This reserve is quite enough not only for a walk around the neighborhood or a party, but also for travel or excursions.
Camera display
The 460,800-dot ClearPhoto 3-inch monitor is another distinctive feature of the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-H400. Owner reviews unanimously indicate that even in direct sunlight, the image on the monitor remains clear.
Professionals remind that there are no protective shockproof coatings on this camera, the display requires a careful attitude. With careless handling, scratches and even cracks are inevitable. Going on a long journey or for a walk, be sure to use a wardrobe trunk.
Equipment
By purchasing a camera, you will receive a removable belt with the manufacturer’s logo, a battery and a charger for it, a cord for connecting to a computer, and a lens cap.
In addition, you can purchase many accessories: a bag or backpack for carrying the camera and everything you need, a lens hood, a lens cleaning kit. Of course, you will need a flash card. Some immediately purchase an additional battery, but, as a rule, this is true for professionals who take several thousand pictures a day. Although if you like to travel, especially where there is no electricity, a replaceable battery will always come in handy.
All these things greatly facilitate the work of the photographer and help keep the equipment in good condition for many years.