Introduction
The Sony a6400 is a mirrorless camera highly praised for its combination of advanced imaging capabilities and a compact, lightweight design. Featuring a 24.2-megapixel APS-C sensor and a remarkable autofocus system with 425 phase-detection points, the a6400 produces incredibly detailed and sharp images. Its swift and precise autofocus is well-known, making it a top pick for photographers and videographers. Equipped with 4K video recording, a tilting touchscreen, and a high-resolution electronic viewfinder, the a6400 provides a versatile shooting experience. Whether you are capturing stills or shooting dynamic videos, this camera excels in both portability and powerful features, appealing to beginners and enthusiasts alike.
Sony a6400 Key Specifications
- 24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
- ISO 100-32000
- OLED electronic 2.36M-dot viewfinder
- 3.0-inch 921.6k-dot tilting touchscreen LCD
- Fast Hybrid AF with 425 phase-detection points
- Up to 11 fps continuous shooting with AF/AE tracking
- Real-time face, eye AF, and subject tracking
- No IBIS (In-body image stabilization)
- Enhanced video grading with S-Log2, S-Log3, and HLG picture profiles
- 4K/30P video recording
- Single UHS-I compatible SD card slot
- NP-FW50 battery
- Weight: Approximately 403g (body only)
- Dimensions: 120 x 67 x 60 mm
Sony a6400 – Body, Handling, and Performance
The Sony Alpha 6400 shares a similar body and handling with its predecessor, the Sony a6300. However, it boasts a slightly larger grip, resembling the Sony a6500. One notable upgrade is the fully articulating touchscreen, which is integrated in a vertical format. This means you can now shoot from various vertical angles, including down, waist-level, and even take selfies. Keep in mind though, that the selfie screen partially obstructs the EVF. Additionally, if you plan on attaching a light or microphone for vlogging, it will block the LCD view.
Just like the Sony a6300, this camera is weather-sealed, ensuring durability in various conditions. The APS-C sensor remains the same as the Sony a6300, offering good resolution. However, the rolling shutter effect is still noticeable when using the electronic silent shutter mode.
The camera features a single UHS-1 card slot, which may not be the fastest option available in the market today. In comparison to the Sony a6300, the Sony 6400 camera improves upon the slow SD card and buffer-clearing process. This is particularly beneficial for wildlife and sports photography, allowing you to shoot for longer periods without the camera slowing down.
Another noteworthy aspect is the increased customization capabilities, even with the presence of lengthy menus. It is great to see these improvements in the Sony a6400.
Autofocus and Photography Performance
Sony has completely and thoroughly revamped their autofocusing system. Enhancements such as color detection, precise distance calculation, face and eye detection, object recognition, and locking onto subjects have all seen significant improvements in the Sony a6400.
The previous Lock-on AF feature has been replaced with real-time AF tracking. By activating real-time tracking with eye and face detection, the camera seamlessly switches focus from a person’s eye to their face and even recognizes them as an object if they turn away, identifying it as a pattern.
The autofocus capabilities of the Sony 6400 camera have been designed to be user-friendly. Whether capturing wildlife, landscapes, sports, portraits, or any other type of photography, the intelligent AF system eliminates the need for constant AF adjustments with each change in photography style, making it easier for the user.
Video
Real-time tracking AF in the video is a standout feature of this camera. With just a touch, you can easily follow your subject, similar to Canon or Nikon cameras. It performs exceptionally well as long as the subject is highlighted. While it may not be the most reliable and can occasionally drift off, it still does a commendable job overall.
One notable addition is the HLG profile, allowing you to capture HDR directly from the camera onto your TV.
Unlike the Sony a6300 and Sony a6500, the Sony Alpha 6400 has done away with the time-lapse feature through the Playmemories app. Instead, it now has a built-in time-lapse mode that works seamlessly. However, keep in mind that the video file will not be created for you, so you will need to use software like Sony’s Edge software to generate it.
Both the Sony a6300 and a6400 suffer from extreme rolling shutter issues due to the same sensor. This can result in distorted footage. Additionally, the lack of IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilization) may cause some wobbling in handheld recordings.
One major improvement in the Sony a6400 is the resolution of heating issues that were seen in its predecessor, the Sony a6300. You can now record 4k videos for more than an hour without any interruptions. The absence of a record limit is a great advantage, especially for those shooting long videos or conducting interviews where the camera remains stationary on a tripod or gimbal.
However, it is important to note that the Sony 6400 camera is not the ideal choice for vlogging. It works best when there is minimal camera movement, such as when mounted on a tripod or gimbal. When using the back panel in selfie mode with a microphone attached, you will not be able to see what is being recorded. Additionally, the lack of a headphone jack and IBIS can result in noticeable rolling shutter and wobbling effects, particularly when shooting handheld videos.
Battery Performance
The Sony Alpha 6400 camera comes with the NP-FW50 rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which may not have the longest battery life compared to other options available. However, this battery is favored for its compact and lightweight design, making it ideal for photographers who are constantly on the move.
The actual duration of the battery can vary based on factors like usage, settings, and environmental conditions, but generally, the NP-FW50 offers a satisfactory shooting time. Users find it convenient that they can charge the battery either in-camera or using an external charger.
In terms of performance, you can expect approximately 360 shots with the viewfinder and 410 shots with the LCD monitor when capturing still images. For video recording, you can get around 70 minutes using the viewfinder and 75 minutes using the LCD monitor.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Lightweight and Portable, weighing only 403g. Suitable for travel and on-the-go photography.
- 24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor for detailed images.
- Fast Hybrid AF with 425 phase-detection points for quick and accurate focus.
- Up to 11 fps continuous shooting with AF/AE tracking.
- Real-time Eye AF tracking for enhanced subject tracking.
- 4K/30fps video.
- 3.0-inch tilting touchscreen LCD for flexible framing.
- S-Log2, S-Log3, and HLG for advanced video grading.
- Customization capabilities for personalized settings.
Cons
- Lack of IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilization).
- Single SD card slot (UHS-I compatible).
- Battery life is decent, but extended use may necessitate extra batteries.
- The selfie tilt screen is not suitable for vlogging.
Comparison
| Feature | Sony a6400 | Fujifilm X-T30 | Canon EOS M6 Mark II | Panasonic Lumix GX9 | Nikon Z50 |
| Price (Body Only) | $900 | $899 | $850 | $800 | $860 |
| Sensor Resolution | 24.2 MP | 26.1 MP | 32.5 MP | 20.3 MP | 20.9 MP |
| ISO Range | 100-32000 | 160-12800 | 100-25600 | 200-25600 | 100-51200 |
| Video | 4K at 30fps | 4K at 30fps | 4K at 30fps | 4K at 30fps | 4K at 30fps |
| EVF | 2.36M-dot OLED EVF | 2.36M-dot OLED EVF | 2.36M-dot Optional EVF available | 2.76M-dot tilting EVF | 2.36M-dot OLED EVF |
| LCD | 921.6k-dot 3.0″ tilting touchscreen | 1.04M-dot 3.0″ tilting touchscreen | 1.04M-dot 3.0″ tilting touchscreen | 1.240k-dots 3.0″ tilting touchscreen | 1.04M-dot 3.2″ tilting touchscreen |
| IBIS | No | No | No | Yes | No |
| Weight (Body Only) | Approx. 403g | Approx. 383g | Approx. 408g | Approx. 450g | Approx. 395g |
Conclusion
To put it simply, the Sony a6400 camera offers a fantastic range of benefits that cater to a wide range of photographers and videographers. With its 24.2-megapixel APS-C sensor and advanced autofocus system featuring Real-time Eye AF, you can expect exceptional image quality and precise subject tracking. The camera’s ability to record 4K UHD videos, its tilting touchscreen, and its compact design all contribute to its versatility and user-friendly nature. Moreover, the a6400 provides a lightweight and portable solution for shooting on the go.
However, it is worth noting a few potential drawbacks. The lack of in-body image stabilization may limit those shooting in challenging conditions or relying on handheld footage. The camera’s rolling shutter can be quite noticeable, making it less suitable for capturing fast-paced action shots or panning movements. On the bright side, the real-time tracking AF works seamlessly with video, making it ideal for recording footage while using a gimbal or tripod. Adding to that, the no-time limit recording without heating issues is excellent. Nevertheless, if you plan on vlogging with the camera’s LCD screen at a selfie angle, you may encounter difficulties as the screen can get blocked. Additionally, while the battery life is reasonable, extended use may necessitate carrying extra batteries. Despite these considerations, the Sony a6400 remains a solid choice, excelling in numerous areas and offering a fantastic balance of features to meet diverse photographic needs.
