Sony Alpha 6400 Review

Written by Antonio Cala.

Last updated on March 16, 2024

Table of Contents

Looking for a high-quality camera that can capture stunning photos and videos? We’ve been checking out the Sony Alpha a6400, and it’s definitely caught our attention.

This camera boasts lightning-fast autofocus, with real-time tracking and object detection that ensures your subjects are always in focus. Plus, with 425 phase and contrast detection points covering 84% of the sensor, you’ll be able to capture even the most challenging shots with ease.

The Sony Alpha a6400 also features up to 11 frames per second continuous shooting, allowing you to capture every moment in clear, natural colors. And with multiple movie functions, including time-lapse and slow/quick motion videos, you can get creative with your content.

Let’s dive into the details.

For a complete analysis of wildlife cameras, make sure to check out the ultimate guide to wildlife photography cameras. 

Sony Alpha 6400 Overview

If you’re looking looking for a compact and versatile camera that can deliver stunning images and videos, look no further than the Sony Alpha a6400. This mirrorless camera is designed with next-gen speed and enhanced subject capture, boasting 425 phase/425 contrast detection points over 84% of the sensor. With up to 11fps continuous shooting at 24.2MP raw, you can capture crisp, clear natural colors like never before. And with multiple movie functions, you can easily create time-lapse movies or slow/quick motion videos without post-processing.

One of the standout features of the Sony Alpha a6400 is its tiltable LCD screen, which is customizable for vlogging, still photography, or recording a professional film. Plus, with real-time AF and object tracking, you can experience the world’s fastest 0.02 sec AF for fast and accurate shooting. In the box, you’ll find a rechargeable battery, AC adaptor, shoulder strap, body cap, accessory shoe cap, eyepiece cup, and micro USB cable. Overall, the Sony Alpha a6400 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality camera that can deliver stunning results every time.

Key Features

When it comes to buying a camera, it’s essential to know what features you’re getting. Here are the key features of the Sony Alpha a6400 that make it stand out from other cameras on the market.

World's Fastest Autofocus

The Camera boasts the world’s fastest autofocus with a 0.02-second acquisition speed. This camera uses real-time autofocus and object tracking, making it easy to capture fast-moving subjects with precision and clarity. With 425 phase-detection and 425 contrast-detection autofocus points, this camera covers 84% of the sensor area, ensuring that you never miss a shot.

Wide Coverage AF Points

The a6400 has 425 phase-detection and 425 contrast-detection autofocus points, covering 84% of the sensor area. This wide coverage ensures that you can capture your subject with precision and clarity, no matter where it is in the frame. With enhanced subject capture, you can be sure that your photos will come out sharp and clear every time.

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High-Speed Continuous Shooting

The Sony Alpha a6400 can shoot up to 11 frames per second at 24.2MP RAW with crisp, clear natural colors. This high-speed continuous shooting makes it easy to capture fast-moving subjects, ensuring that you never miss a moment. With fast and accurate autofocus, you can be sure that your photos will come out sharp and clear every time.

Advanced Movie Capabilities

The camera comes with multiple movie functions, making it easy to create time-lapse movies or slow/quick motion videos without post-processing. With advanced movie capabilities, you can create professional-looking videos with ease. Whether you’re a professional videographer or a vlogger, this camera has everything you need to create high-quality videos.

Tiltable LCD Screen for Vlogging

The Sony Alpha a6400 comes with a tiltable LCD screen that is customizable for vlogging, still photography, or recording a professional film. With a tiltable LCD screen, you can easily frame your shots from any angle, making it easy to capture the perfect shot every time. Whether you’re a professional photographer or a vlogger, this camera has everything you need to capture high-quality photos and videos.

Overall, the Sony Alpha a6400 is a versatile camera that offers a wide range of features to help you capture the perfect shot every time. With its world’s fastest autofocus, wide coverage AF points, high-speed continuous shooting, advanced movie capabilities, and tiltable LCD screen, this camera is perfect for anyone looking to take their wildlife photography or videography to the next level.

Pros and Cons

When it comes to the Sony Alpha a6400, there are both pros and cons to consider before making a purchase. Let’s take a closer look at each.

Pros

  • Next Gen speed: With the world’s fastest 0.02 sec AF and real-time AF and object tracking, this camera can capture fast-moving subjects with ease.
  • Enhanced subject capture: The wide 425 Phase/425 contrast detection points cover over 84% of the sensor, ensuring that your subjects are always in focus.
  • Fast and accurate: With up to 11Fps continuous shooting at 24.2MP raw, this camera captures crisp, clear, and natural colors.
  • Multiple movie functions: Whether you want to make time-lapse movies or slow/quick motion videos, this camera has got you covered without any post-processing.
  • Tiltable LCD screen: The customizable screen is perfect for vlogging, still photography, or recording a professional film.
  • Easy to use: With a user-friendly interface, this camera is easy to navigate and operate.
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Cons

  • No in-body stabilization: Unlike some other Sony cameras, the a6400 does not have in-body stabilization, which can make it challenging to capture steady footage.
  • Limited touchscreen functionality: While the touchscreen is tiltable, it doesn’t have a lot of options, so don’t expect to use it for extensive control.

User Reviews and Testimonials

Cameras often receive negative online reviews due to technical issues, poor customer service or defective models.

The Sony Alpha 6400 is no exception, and although it receives some negative feedback, overall, it has more positive reviews than many other models.

Sony Alpha 6400 Online Reviews
Sony Alpha 6400 Online Reviews
Sony Alpha 6400 Online Reviews

Sony Alpha 6400 vs Competitors

The main competitors of the Sony a6400 are the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV, the Canon Rebel T8i and Nikon D7500. Here are the differences among the 3 cameras. 

-
Sony Alpha 6400
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
Canon Rebel T8i
Nikon D7500

CAMERA

Sony Alpha 6400

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV

Canon EOS Rebel T8i

Nikon D7500

BODY

Mirrorless

Mirrorless

DSLR

DSLR

PRICE

$

$

$

$

WEIGHT

0.89 lbs

0.85 lbs

1.13 lbs

1.41 lbs

MEGAPIXELS

24.2 MP

20.3 MP

32.5 MP

24.1 MP

BURST RATE

Up to 11fps

Up to 15fps

Up to 10fps

Up to 7fps

AUTOFOCUS POINTS

425

121

45

45

View at Amazon

View at Amazon

View at Amazon

View at Amazon

Conclusion

After thoroughly testing the Sony Alpha a6400, we can confidently say that it is a great option for anyone looking for a compact and lightweight camera with impressive features. The real-time eye autofocus and 4K video capabilities are especially noteworthy, making it a great choice for both photography and videography enthusiasts.

While the touchscreen may not have as many options as some other cameras, it still functions well and is easy to use. Additionally, the camera’s body is mostly made of metal, giving it a sturdy and durable feel.

Overall, we highly recommend the Sony Alpha a6400 for anyone in the market for a high-quality camera that won’t weigh them down. With its impressive autofocus and video capabilities, it’s sure to exceed your expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions

As we researched the Sony Alpha a6400, we came across several frequently asked questions. Here are the answers to some of the most common ones.

What are the standout features of the Sony Alpha a6400?

The Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera boasts some impressive features that make it stand out from other cameras in its class. One of the most notable features is its real-time Eye Auto Focus system, which can track and focus on subjects’ eyes with remarkable accuracy. Additionally, the camera has 425 phase-detection and 425 contrast-detection autofocus points, covering 84% of the image sensor. This means that the camera can quickly and accurately focus on subjects, even when they are moving.

The camera is also capable of shooting up to 11 frames per second continuously at 24.2MP resolution, which is perfect for capturing fast-moving action. It also has a tiltable LCD screen that can be customized for vlogging, still photography, or recording a professional film.

How does the Sony a6400 perform in low light conditions?

The Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera performs admirably in low light conditions, thanks to its high ISO range of up to 102,400. This means that it can capture clear and detailed images even in dimly lit environments. Additionally, the camera has a fast and accurate autofocus system that works well in low light, making it easier to capture sharp images in challenging lighting conditions.

Can the Sony a6400 be considered a suitable option for professional photography?

Yes, the Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera can be considered a suitable option for professional photography. Its advanced autofocus system, fast continuous shooting speed, and high-resolution sensor make it an excellent choice for capturing professional-quality images. Additionally, the camera has a range of customizable settings and features that allow photographers to fine-tune their shots to their liking.

What are the main differences between the Sony a6400 and a6600 models?

The Sony Alpha a6400 and a6600 models are similar in many ways, but there are a few key differences between them. The a6600 has in-body image stabilization, which the a6400 lacks. Additionally, the a6600 has a larger battery, a headphone jack, and a higher price tag. However, the a6400 has a faster autofocus system, making it a better choice for capturing fast-moving action.

How user-friendly is the Sony a6400 for beginners?

The Sony Alpha a6400 is relatively user-friendly, even for beginners. The camera has a range of automatic shooting modes that make it easy to capture great shots without needing to understand all of the technical settings. Additionally, the camera has a touch screen that can be used to select focus points and adjust settings, making it intuitive to use.

What’s the video recording capability of the Sony a6400 like?

The Sony Alpha a6400 has excellent video recording capabilities. It can shoot 4K video at up to 30 frames per second and 1080p video at up to 120 frames per second. Additionally, the camera has a range of movie functions that allow users to create time-lapse movies or slow/quick motion videos without needing to do post-processing. The camera’s autofocus system also works well during video recording, making it easy to keep subjects in focus.

Other Models Reviewed

Other Camera Reviews

If you would like to read more about camera options for wildlife photography, make sure you check out our Master Guide to Wildlife Photography Cameras.

For even more specific options, you can check out our other reviews below:

 

Camera Type 

DSLR Cameras 

Mirrorless Cameras 

Compact Cameras 

Drones

 

Skill Level

Cameras for Beginners 

Intermediate-Level Cameras 

Pro Cameras

 

Budget

Cameras Under $1,000 

Cameras Under $2,000

 

Brand 

Sony Cameras 

Canon Cameras 

Nikon Cameras

 
 

Planned activitiy 

Cameras for Bird Photography

Cameras for Shooting Wildlife at Night

Travel-friendly Cameras

Cameras for Safaris

Sony Alpha 6400 Reviews Online

When doing your research, you might want to read what other publications have to say about the Sony Alpha 6400 camera. 

Here are some of the most popular reviews from the web. 

Why the Sony A6400 is Still Mind-Blowingby Scott Tilley Photography

Sony Alpha 6400 for birds in flightby mcaughtry.photo

About the Author

Born and raised in Southern Spain, Antonio quit his job in 2013 to travel the world full-time with his wife Amanda for 10 years straight.

They visited 150+ countries, cycled 25,000km + from California to Patagonia, sailed over 10,000NM around the Caribbean & Sea of Cortez, rode their motorbikes 30,000 kms+ across West Africa (Spain to South Africa) and visited Antarctica, among many other adventure expeditions. 

Today Antonio runs Adventure Fix with Amanda, where they share their knowledge about the places they’ve visited and the ones still remaining on their list.

Antonio Cala

Co-Founder of Adventure Fix

Sony Alpha 6400 Review
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