Sony Mavica MVC-CD400
About the CD400:
The Sony Mavica CD400 is the high-end pro/enthusiast model in Sony's
CD-based Mavica series, featuring a 4.0MP 1/1.8" CCD and a premium Carl
Zeiss Vario-Sonnar 3x zoom. Designed for advanced users, it combines
TIFF/JPEG capture, an EVF, manual controls and direct-to-disc archiving.
( do not own but seen at show)
[Captured On Floppy]
[Captured On Floppy]
Historical Context
- Release Date: 2002
- Lineage: The pro-level CD Mavica with larger sensor and Zeiss optics; targeted at enthusiasts and pros needing quality and archiving.
- Market Position: Advanced enthusiasts and pros who wanted near-DSLR image quality with direct-to-disc convenience.
Key Features & Specifications
| Image Sensor | 4.0 MP, 1/1.8" CCD |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 2272 × 1704 pixels |
| Lens | 3x Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar, 7–21mm f/2.0–2.5 (34–102mm equiv.) |
| Digital Zoom | 2x |
| Macro | Macro mode |
| Storage | 8cm CD-R/CD-RW (156MB) |
| Image Format | JPEG, TIFF, MPEG |
| Shots per CD | ~100–200 (JPEG quality-dependent) |
| Movie Mode | MPEG HQX, 320×240 |
| LCD | 2.5" TFT |
| Viewfinder | Electronic color EVF |
| Battery | Sony NP-FM50 InfoLithium |
| Connectivity | USB, A/V out, DC in, hot shoe |
| Dimensions | Approx. 139 × 97 × 101 mm |
| Weight | Approx. 590 g (without battery/disc) |
| Release Price | ~$900 USD |
Detailed Features
Sensor & Image Quality
4MP sensor for detailed output suitable for large prints and professional documentation; supports both JPEG and TIFF for lossless workflows.
Lens & Zoom
Premium Carl Zeiss 3x zoom with fast apertures (f/2.0–2.5) for low-light performance and high sharpness.
Storage & Transfer
Direct-to-disc CD recording with CD-RW support; USB for fast downloads when needed.
Controls & Output
Electronic viewfinder (EVF), full manual exposure/focus, hot shoe for external flash, histogram display, and TIFF mode for archival-quality images.
User Experience
- Image Quality: Among the best in the Mavica line; rivaled early DSLRs in many respects.
- Manual Controls: Full manual options made it a true creative tool.
- Storage: CD-based archival was reliable but writing speeds limited burst shooting.
- Portability: Prosumer build—robust and slightly heavy, but practical in the field.
Legacy & Impact
- Peak of CD Mavica: Set a high bar for image quality and features within Sony's CD camera line.
- Collector Value: Highly desired by enthusiasts and retro photographers for its image quality and features.
Comparison to Other Mavica Models
- CD500: Successor with 5MP and similar pro features.
- CD350: Mainstream 3.2MP model with fewer pro features.
- CD1000: Earlier floppy/CD hybrid with much larger zoom but lower sensor resolution.
Manual & My Opinion
Download the official manual (PDF)
My Opinion:
I first got hands-on time with a CD400 at a
regional camera show in 2003. The Zeiss lens and TIFF mode immediately
stood out — shots had a clarity and color depth that made printing a
joy there were many samples. Despite the slightly cumbersome CD
workflow, the CD400 felt like a professional tool in a compact body but
I could not afford that pricetag. For anyone who values image quality
and wants the convenience of direct-to-disc archiving, the CD400
remains one of the most impressive Mavicas Sony produced. Sadly I do
not own one. But I do recall seeing these in thrift shops and never
bought one. By then I had segwaged to Nikons D40-D60s, just my opinion.
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