If you are in the market for a new mirrorless camera, then the Sony A6400 is definitely one to consider. With its advanced features and impressive image quality, this camera has become popular among photographers and videographers alike. In this review, we will take an in-depth look at the design, performance, and overall user experience of the Sony A6400.
Overview of Sony A6400 Mirrorless Camera
The Sony A6400 was released in February 2019 as an upgrade to the A6300 model. It sits in the mid-range of Sony’s mirrorless camera lineup, between the entry-level A6000 and the high-end A6500. The A6400 boasts a 24.2-megapixel APS-C sensor, improved autofocus system, and a flip-up touchscreen for vloggers and selfie enthusiasts.
One of the main selling points of the A6400 is its Real-time Eye AF feature, which uses artificial intelligence to track and focus on subjects’ eyes in real-time. This makes it particularly useful for portrait and wildlife photography. Additionally, the camera has a wide ISO range of 100-32000, expandable up to 102400, allowing for great low light performance.
Design and Build Quality
The A6400 measures 4.8 x 2.7 x 2 inches and weighs 14.3 ounces, making it compact and lightweight compared to other interchangeable lens cameras. It has a sturdy magnesium alloy body that feels robust and well-built. The grip is comfortable to hold, with a textured surface for a better grip. The camera also has weather sealing, making it dust and moisture resistant.
The top of the camera features a mode dial, power switch, and a hot shoe for attaching accessories such as external flash or microphone. On the back, there is a 3-inch tilting touchscreen with a 921k-dot resolution, which makes it easy to compose shots from various angles. The screen can be flipped up 180 degrees for self-portraits or vlogging.
One of the drawbacks of the A6400’s design is the lack of an in-body image stabilization (IBIS) system. This means that you will need to rely on lenses with optical stabilization or use a tripod to get steady shots.
Features and Specifications
The A6400 is packed with features that make it a versatile camera for both photography and videography. It has a fast hybrid autofocus (AF) system with 425 phase-detection points that cover approximately 84% of the frame. This allows for quick and accurate focusing, even in low light conditions.
As mentioned earlier, the Real-time Eye AF feature is one of the main highlights of this camera. It works for both humans and animals, making it useful for wildlife photography as well. The A6400 also has Real-time Tracking, which uses AI-based subject recognition technology to keep track of moving subjects.
In terms of video capabilities, the A6400 can shoot 4K footage at 30 fps and 1080p at 120 fps. It also has a microphone input and a headphone jack for better sound recording. However, it lacks a dedicated record button, so you will need to go into the menu to start recording.
Other notable features of the A6400 include built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for easy sharing and remote control using the Sony Imaging Edge app. It also has a continuous shooting speed of 11 frames per second (fps) with AF and AE tracking.
Performance
In terms of performance, the A6400 is a reliable and fast camera. The advanced autofocus system works exceptionally well, with the Eye AF and Real-time Tracking features being particularly impressive. Whether you are shooting stills or video, the camera locks onto subjects quickly and accurately, ensuring that your shots are in focus.
The A6400 also has a decent battery life, capable of taking approximately 360 shots per charge. However, this may vary depending on the settings and usage of the camera. It is always recommended to have an extra battery on hand, especially if you plan on using the camera for extended periods.
Image and Video Quality
The image quality of the A6400 is top-notch, with the 24.2-megapixel sensor producing detailed and sharp images. The camera has a wide dynamic range, capturing both highlights and shadows accurately. The ISO performance is also impressive, with little noise visible at high ISOs.
The A6400’s video quality is also excellent, with the ability to shoot 4K footage at 30 fps. The Real-time Eye AF feature also works during video recording, making it easy to keep subjects in focus. However, one downside is the lack of in-body stabilization, which can result in shaky footage if you do not have a stabilized lens.
User Experience
Using the Sony A6400 is a pleasant experience overall. The menu system is well-organized and intuitive, making it easy to navigate through different settings and options. The touchscreen is responsive, and the tilting screen allows for versatile shooting angles.
The camera’s grip is comfortable to hold, and the buttons and dials are well-placed for easy access. The only minor complaint is the lack of a dedicated record button, as mentioned earlier. But other than that, the A6400 handles well and is user-friendly.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent autofocus system with Real-time Eye AF and Tracking
- High-quality image and video performance
- Compact and lightweight design
- Versatile features for both photography and videography
- Weather-sealed body
- Affordable price point
Cons:
- No in-body image stabilization
- Lack of a dedicated record button
- Limited battery life
Conclusion
The Sony A6400 is a solid choice for those in the market for a mid-range mirrorless camera. Its advanced autofocus system, impressive image and video quality, and compact design make it a versatile tool for both amateur and professional photographers.
The Real-time Eye AF feature, in particular, sets the A6400 apart from other cameras in its price range and makes it an attractive option for portrait and wildlife photography. However, the lack of in-body stabilization and a dedicated record button may be deal-breakers for some.
Overall, the Sony A6400 is a great camera that offers excellent value for its price. Whether you are a beginner looking to upgrade from a point-and-shoot or a professional in need of a reliable second camera, the A6400 is definitely worth considering.
