Sony a6400
Sony · Mirrorless · 24.2 MP · APS-C · 4K video
Score Breakdown
Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.
Independent Lab Scores
General | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Sony |
| Model | a6400 |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2019 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | January 15, 2019 |
| Camera type |  Mirrorless |
| Camera size | 120 x 67 x 60 mm |
| Camera weight | 403 g |
Optics68/100 | |
About the OpticsThe Sony a6400 mirrorless camera scores a solid 70% in our evaluation. Announced in 2019, and released the same year, this camera provides good value for its features. With dimensions of 120 x 67 x 60mm and weighing 403g (0.89lbs), the a6400 is both compact and lightweight. Sony a6400 Overview and OpticsThe optics of the Sony a6400 receive a score of 68/100. This camera features a 24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and a Bionz X processor, which contribute to its DXOMARK sensor score of 83. The Sony a6400 has a shooting speed of 11 frames per second, making it suitable for capturing fast-moving subjects. In the market, the Sony a6400 stands out due to its Sony E lens mount, offering compatibility with a wide range of lenses. However, the lack of image stabilization may be a drawback for some users, as it requires steadier hands or additional equipment to minimize camera shake. The camera also has a 3:2 aspect ratio, which is a standard format for most photography needs. The Sony a6400 offers competitive specifications in the optics department, with its high-quality sensor and lens compatibility. Although it lacks image stabilization, its overall performance makes it a strong contender in today’s market. | |
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 24.2 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 6000 x 4000 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | CMOS |
Sensor size ⓘThe sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 15.6 x 23.5 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  APS-C |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 11 fps045 |
Lens mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Sony E |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | Bionz X |
Aspect ratio ⓘThe aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |  3:2 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 10030200 |
Max ISO ⓘRefers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. | 320003003280000 |
Min ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 10030200 |
Max ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 1024003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 3044080 |
Max shutter speed ⓘThe maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. | 400080032000 |
Autofocus points ⓘAutofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 4250300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. | No |
Viewfinder type ⓘThe viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. | Electronic |
| Viewfinder dots | 235929609900000 |
Video91/100 | |
About the VideoThe Sony a6400 boasts an impressive video score of 91 out of 100, showcasing its superior capabilities in this department. The camera offers a maximum video resolution of 4K, with dimensions of 3840 x 2160 pixels, providing crisp and detailed footage. Furthermore, it supports a maximum video frame rate of 120fps, ensuring smooth and seamless motion capture for fast-moving subjects. The a6400 also features built-in time-lapse functionality, allowing for creative and visually appealing videos. When compared to other cameras in today’s market, these specifications hold up well, confirming the Sony a6400 as a strong contender for those focusing on video capabilities. Considering these specifications, the Sony a6400 stands out as a top choice for videographers and enthusiasts alike, offering advanced video features that meet the demands of modern content creation. | |
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |  Yes |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |  4K |
Max video format ⓘVideo resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. | 3840 x 2160 |
Max video frame rate ⓘHow many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. | 120 fps |
Timelapse built in ⓘA built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |  Yes |
Video file format ⓘDifferent cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. | MPEG-4, AVCHD Ver. 2.0, XAVC S |
Features81/100 | |
About the FeaturesThe Sony a6400 boasts a feature score of 81/100, which highlights its impressive capabilities. With a 3-inch screen size and a resolution of 921,600 dots, the camera provides clear and detailed visuals. The touchscreen and flip screen add to its user-friendly interface, making it convenient for capturing various angles and adjusting settings easily. Despite lacking GPS, the a6400 compensates with WIFI and Bluetooth connectivity. These features allow users to transfer images and control the camera remotely, enhancing its practicality in various shooting situations. In the competitive camera market, the a6400’s specifications hold their ground, offering a well-rounded and reliable performance. The Sony a6400, with its strong feature score and modern specifications, proves to be a solid choice for photographers and videographers. Its connectivity options and user-friendly design make it a versatile and valuable tool in capturing memorable moments. | |
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |  Yes |
External flash ⓘExternal flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |  Yes |
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. | No |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |  Yes |
| Screen type | LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |  Yes |
| Screen size | 3" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 9216001150001500000 |
Flip screen ⓘA flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |  Yes |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |  Yes |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. |  Yes |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |  Yes |
Storage & Battery37/100 | |
About the Storage & BatteryThe Sony a6400 receives a storage and battery score of 37 out of 100. This camera has a single memory card slot, which is compatible with SD, SDHC, SDXC, and Memory Stick Duo cards (UHS-I compatible). In the current market, having only one memory card slot might not meet the needs of some photographers who prefer backup storage or additional space. The battery life of the Sony a6400 is 410 shots per charge, using the NP-FW50 battery type. The camera also supports USB charging, which is a convenient feature for on-the-go users. Comparing this battery life to other cameras in today’s market, it may not be the best option for those who require extended shooting times without needing to recharge or replace the battery. | |
| Memory card | SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Duo (UHS-I compatible) |
| Dual memory card slots | No |
| Battery type | NP-FW50 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 410 shots1505000 |
| USB charging |  Yes |