Bridge cameras continue to be one area of the compact camera market that remains buoyant in an otherwise declining arena. The HX400 is one of the larger bridge models available, closely resembling an entry-level or even enthusiast DSLR/T in overall body size at least.

Everyone loves a superzoom. Sony has updated its HX line with the beefed-up Cyber-shot HX400V model to inject a dash of speed into proceedings. The HX400V is, for the most part, a mirror image of the earlier HX300V camera from last year.

Daniel Bell reviews the Sony Cybershot DSC-HX400V, a bridge camera with 50x optical zoom, manual controls, Wi-Fi and GPS.

50x optical zoom; Has Wi-Fi and GPS; EVF which automatically switches on; Rotating screen; Good battery life; Very good panoramas

Image quality is poor at ISO 6400 and 12800; Most expensive 50x zoom camera we have tested; No RAW shooting

Bridge cameras continue to be one area of the compact camera market that remains buoyant in an otherwise declining arena. The HX400 is one of the larger bridge models available, closely resembling an entry-level or even enthusiast DSLR/T in overall body size at least.

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX400V is a premium super-zoom camera that features a 50x, 24-1200mm zoom lens, 20.4 megapixel back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor, BIONZ X processor, 1920x1080 50p Full HD video recording with stereo sound and HDMI output, multi interface shoe, and Wi-Fi and NFC...

Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-HX400 is the successor to the HX300, and with a very impressive 50x optical zoom that has a 35mm focal-length equivalent of 24-1200mm it is a true ‘super-zoom'. However, while the HX400 supersedes the HX300, the new model has relatively few improvements over its predecessor.

The Sony HX400V is a first-rate super-zoom that improves on its predecessor in numerous ways. The headline improvements – a new sensor and powerful processor are welcome, but it's the smaller incremental changes that impressed me more.

50x optical zoom; Excellent stabilisation; Built-in GPS and Wifi with NFC; 1080p50/60 HD video with PASM; Hot shoe / Accessory port

Low resolution electronic viewfinder; Lacks a touch screen; No High speed movie modes; No RAW mode

Camera takes great detailed pictures even from a distance. I couldn't decide what camera to get, but I'm so glad I choose this one!!! Next week I'm off to Alaska and I can't wait to see the shots I'll capture.

Easy to Use; Fast Shutter Speed; Good Battery Life; Good in Low Light; Great Resolution; Great Zoom; Large Clear LCD

Lots of impressive features but image quality from the Sony HX400V is unexceptional

I use the camera for my business as a consultant engineer. I have a Sony SLT but find this model more useful for my business as I don't have to carry additional lenses. It provides the quality I requires from a business tool.

Durable; Great Features; Great Picture Quality