I purchased this camera about nine months ago and love it. I really enjoy your videos and am learning alot from you. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us.
The camera close focuses even when zooms in, creating that macro effect. It takes some getting used to, but at 1200mm you can stand back and get smaller objects to appear large. You might want to try a tripod. I have another video on macro, if you have some time to view it. All the best. Carl
Thanks so much for the kind words. I always think that the setting you use should be dictated by the situation, but of course you need a fast shutter speed, especially for birds in flight. For flying birds, I think a shutter speed of 1/1000 of a second but faster is better. The very modern cameras have bird eye focus that works well, tracking the birds as you follow them with your camera. I hope this helps. All the best. Carl
@@ameyachauthai I would love to get out to photography waterfalls this summer at a lovely spot called Ricketts Glen here in Pennsylvania. I has about two dozen lovely large waterfalls along a hiking trail going up a mountain. I've been there before and photographed the waterfalls and hope I can get there again. Thanks for the suggestion. All the best. Carl
@@carlreader8939 that is wonderful, I live in Vancouver, BC and I recently purchased sony hx400v and this summer we will also go hiking in north BC and capture some waterfalls. I wanted to know if you know what seatings would work best for waterfalls that give smooth and silky images. I only know that the shutter speed should be used to achieve these smooth images, but don’t know in what capacity. And was wondering if you could give some details on what settings are best and what mode is the best for waterfalls. Sorry to bother you. But you have been very kind responding to me. Thank you so much!
@@ameyachauthai Close off the aperture priority to f8, which as narrow as the hx400v goes, set the ISO to 80 and photograph when it is somewhat dark so that the shutter speed is slow. If the light is bright, the shutter speed will be too fast to give that smooth, creamy look to the waterfall. Use a tripod to that slow shutter so that you do not get shake in the photo. With the aperture only at f8, it is sometimes difficult to get a slow shutter speed with this camera. That is why you do not want bright light on the waterfall. Other cameras close up to f22 or narrower, but the hx400v does not. Use manual focus, since autofocus might change as the water moves. If you have a shutter release cable, use that, so that the camera does not shake when you press the shutter release. Otherwise, use the timer if you have no shutter release cable and set to to fire after a few seconds. If you get a shutter speed of one second or so, the water should look white and creamy. Experiment in your area on whatever waterfall you might find there, so that you know what to do when you get out in the wild. Observe what different lighting conditions produce. That's about all for now. I hope it works for you. Carl
The hood is a Zeiss DC-S 55 mm, but I'm sorry to say it's not available anymore. I got it on Amazon, but I've tried and others have tried to find it but couldn't. Some people have told me other 55mm hoods work. If you go to your local photo store, they might be able to find a hood for it. Sorry I couldn't be of more help. All the best. Carl
@@carlreader8939 Hey Carl, you're right; practice, practice, practice. Since I'm mainly interested in wildlife and landscapes, I've set up my two memory recalls to address those. Then It's easy to switch from one mode to another. See what you think and let me know how you might do it better. M1 LANDSCAPE with monopod - A mode @ F-8, ISO = 100, Metering mode = multi, White Bal. = auto, Focus Area = wide, Drive Mode = single shooting (with remote shutter), Turn off peaking. M2 ACTION/WILD LIFE - P mode - Aperture and shutter on auto, ISO = auto, Drive mode = multiple low, Metering mode = spot, Focus = flex. spot small, White balance = auto, Peaking - on. I'm not sure about having Peaking on for M2 because when you're zoomed out, it seems to make it more difficult to see the object with peaking. I will be trying it both ways again. I do have a remote shutter switch set up too.
@@jbhammerdesigns Whatever settings you choose, make sure you try them out before your trip and are satisfied with them. With the wildlife/action, I might try a faster shutter speed with S set at 1/500 to stop the quick movements. In a mountain setting, the light can change quickly. Also, with wildlife, you can set the zoom in the memory setting and it will go there automatically. The mode dial can be useful, too, for pre-sets, putting the S for 1/500 to 1/1000 for sudden fast action or A to f2.8 for a background blur, and then switching the dial quickly for a needed change. If you're out there and a once-in-a-lifetime situation suddenly comes up and you don't quite know how to handle it don't hesitate to put the camera on automatic so that you don't miss the shot. An indigo bunting once landed five feet from me and I blew the shot because I hesitated in moving on from the wrong setting. Yes, practice a lot so you feel comfortable with sudden changes. All the best. Carl
@@carlreader8939 So, for the Wild life setting, instead of P mode, I would use S mode and set to 1/500 to 1/1000 ?. I guess I would have to select an aperture setting for that too.
Hi Carl, I love the light hearted humor of this video! When I am using Center Focus, I normally focus on my subject, then re-compose the shot with the shutter button halfway down, then take the shot. Is there any advantage to using Flexible Spot vs. my method?
Hi Gary, Yours is a good way. The advantage I see to flexible spot is that you can choose small, medium or large and get very precise with it. For example, if you see a bird in foliage the small flexible spot might enable you to shoot through the foliage and get a nice shot of the bird in focus with the foliage blurred all around him. Or you could focus precisely on the eye of the bird. Thanks for the kind words. All the best. Carl
Carl, is there a Sony DSC HX400V support site? I have many questions about my camera and its use but feel uncomfortable pinging your well done RUclips channel.
Wonderful pictures! The funny intro helped me wind down after my exam today 😂
Thanks, I hoped you aced it.
I purchased this camera about nine months ago and love it. I really enjoy your videos and am learning alot from you. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us.
You're welcome. All the best. Carl
Thanks for the videos mate, I've just purchased this camera and your information is extremely helpful .cheers 👍
You're welcome. All the best. Carl
Another good informative video Carl, thanks
Hi Bill, You're welcome. All the best. Carl
You are the best I have learned so much every time I pay you a visit, thank you 10000 times. You are funny, too.
Thanks, Louise. All the best. Carl
Great job. Beautiful clear pictures.
Thanks, Bill.
Thank you so much Carl! Another great video!
You're welcome. All the best. Carl
Thank you Carl , your videos are always awesome
You're welcome. All the best. Carl
Thanks your You Tube videos have been very helpful
You're welcome. All the best.
Sir fungus has formed in Sony hx400v camera how to clean it
I'm sorry that happened. I think it must be sent to the factory if the fungus is inside.
Is there a macro setting? If so, where? Thanks,
The camera close focuses even when zooms in, creating that macro effect. It takes some getting used to, but at 1200mm you can stand back and get smaller objects to appear large. You might want to try a tripod. I have another video on macro, if you have some time to view it. All the best. Carl
@@carlreader8939 Yes. I would like to see your video on macro. Can you point me in that direction? Thanks
@@Lethersee Here you go. ruclips.net/video/Mx_t3Ftc46A/видео.html
Great video.. 👍👍 thank you so much for the information.. Do you have any setting suggestions for waterfall photography.
Thanks so much for the kind words. I always think that the setting you use should be dictated by the situation, but of course you need a fast shutter speed, especially for birds in flight. For flying birds, I think a shutter speed of 1/1000 of a second but faster is better. The very modern cameras have bird eye focus that works well, tracking the birds as you follow them with your camera. I hope this helps. All the best. Carl
@@carlreader8939 thanks Carl, I hope you could also give some pointers on waterfall photography.
@@ameyachauthai I would love to get out to photography waterfalls this summer at a lovely spot called Ricketts Glen here in Pennsylvania. I has about two dozen lovely large waterfalls along a hiking trail going up a mountain. I've been there before and photographed the waterfalls and hope I can get there again. Thanks for the suggestion. All the best. Carl
@@carlreader8939 that is wonderful, I live in Vancouver, BC and I recently purchased sony hx400v and this summer we will also go hiking in north BC and capture some waterfalls. I wanted to know if you know what seatings would work best for waterfalls that give smooth and silky images. I only know that the shutter speed should be used to achieve these smooth images, but don’t know in what capacity. And was wondering if you could give some details on what settings are best and what mode is the best for waterfalls. Sorry to bother you. But you have been very kind responding to me. Thank you so much!
@@ameyachauthai Close off the aperture priority to f8, which as narrow as the hx400v goes, set the ISO to 80 and photograph when it is somewhat dark so that the shutter speed is slow. If the light is bright, the shutter speed will be too fast to give that smooth, creamy look to the waterfall. Use a tripod to that slow shutter so that you do not get shake in the photo. With the aperture only at f8, it is sometimes difficult to get a slow shutter speed with this camera. That is why you do not want bright light on the waterfall. Other cameras close up to f22 or narrower, but the hx400v does not. Use manual focus, since autofocus might change as the water moves. If you have a shutter release cable, use that, so that the camera does not shake when you press the shutter release. Otherwise, use the timer if you have no shutter release cable and set to to fire after a few seconds. If you get a shutter speed of one second or so, the water should look white and creamy. Experiment in your area on whatever waterfall you might find there, so that you know what to do when you get out in the wild. Observe what different lighting conditions produce. That's about all for now. I hope it works for you. Carl
Good video! I purchased this camera some weeks ago and Zeiss lens is really sharp! thanks
You're welcome. Have fun with the camera. All the best. Carl
Hey Carl, do you know what is the best sd card I can get for the DSC HX400V?
Try a fast Sony card, as fast as you can get and afford of whatever size you think is right for you. Amazon has them. All the best. Carl
Please, Carl or anyone, where can I buy this camera brand new?? I can not seem to find it in stock!
Sir.. how do i get 60fps video for my camera HX400v sony. In my camera HC400v sony i only have 50fps?
I believe the 60fps is only on U.S. cameras. Those sold in other countries have 50fps. All the best. Carl
@@carlreader8939 thank you so much for you feedback Sir.
Im gonna buy a used one for 150$ today should i do it?
It's a good price. Just check it out to make sure it works and be sure it does what you need it to do in photography. All the best.
@@carlreader8939thanks
I just checked it out the lens was full of fungus guy told me camera was perfect lol so i didnt buy it@@carlreader8939
Thank you for vidéo 🙏
You're welcome. All the best. Carl
Nice!❤
i just bought that camera because of your great videos. I've had it three days and i absolutely love it. Can you tell me the brand of the lens hood?
The hood is a Zeiss DC-S 55 mm, but I'm sorry to say it's not available anymore. I got it on Amazon, but I've tried and others have tried to find it but couldn't. Some people have told me other 55mm hoods work. If you go to your local photo store, they might be able to find a hood for it. Sorry I couldn't be of more help. All the best. Carl
@@carlreader8939 Not a problem. Thank you Carl you are awesome.
thanks, Carl
You're welcome. All the best. Carl
@@carlreader8939 Hey Carl, you're right; practice, practice, practice. Since I'm mainly interested in wildlife and landscapes, I've set up my two memory recalls to address those. Then It's easy to switch from one mode to another. See what you think and let me know how you might do it better.
M1 LANDSCAPE with monopod
- A mode @ F-8, ISO = 100, Metering mode = multi, White Bal. = auto, Focus Area = wide, Drive Mode = single shooting (with remote shutter), Turn off peaking.
M2 ACTION/WILD LIFE - P mode - Aperture and shutter on auto, ISO = auto, Drive mode = multiple low, Metering mode = spot, Focus = flex. spot small, White balance = auto, Peaking - on.
I'm not sure about having Peaking on for M2 because when you're zoomed out, it seems to make it more difficult to see the object with peaking. I will be trying it both ways again. I do have a remote shutter switch set up too.
@@jbhammerdesigns Whatever settings you choose, make sure you try them out before your trip and are satisfied with them. With the wildlife/action, I might try a faster shutter speed with S set at 1/500 to stop the quick movements. In a mountain setting, the light can change quickly. Also, with wildlife, you can set the zoom in the memory setting and it will go there automatically. The mode dial can be useful, too, for pre-sets, putting the S for 1/500 to 1/1000 for sudden fast action or A to f2.8 for a background blur, and then switching the dial quickly for a needed change. If you're out there and a once-in-a-lifetime situation suddenly comes up and you don't quite know how to handle it don't hesitate to put the camera on automatic so that you don't miss the shot. An indigo bunting once landed five feet from me and I blew the shot because I hesitated in moving on from the wrong setting. Yes, practice a lot so you feel comfortable with sudden changes. All the best. Carl
@@carlreader8939 So, for the Wild life setting, instead of P mode, I would use S mode and set to 1/500 to 1/1000 ?. I guess I would have to select an aperture setting for that too.
Use the F2.8 for that?
Thanks man!
Hi Carl, I love the light hearted humor of this video! When I am using Center Focus, I normally focus on my subject, then re-compose the shot with the shutter button halfway down, then take the shot. Is there any advantage to using Flexible Spot vs. my method?
Hi Gary, Yours is a good way. The advantage I see to flexible spot is that you can choose small, medium or large and get very precise with it. For example, if you see a bird in foliage the small flexible spot might enable you to shoot through the foliage and get a nice shot of the bird in focus with the foliage blurred all around him. Or you could focus precisely on the eye of the bird. Thanks for the kind words. All the best. Carl
Thanks!
Brilliant video Carl. Don't be stabbing yourself now 👍🛀😎
Thanks Carl. After watching your video I brought this camera.
Do you have Instagram page? Give link!
Sorry, I have no Instagram but might start one. Thanks for asking. Enjoy the camera. Carl
Carl, is there a Sony DSC HX400V support site? I have many questions about my camera and its use but feel uncomfortable pinging your well done RUclips channel.
If you find a good discussion board please share it here. Thanks.
Do you have a transcript of this video? I’m will to pay. But remember we’re all cheap.
im sorry but all the pictures you shown on the video dont really look good, they are oversharpened and look like a low res pic, must be said
:)