The Sony A6400 is a highly anticipated mirrorless camera that boasts an impressive array of features, making it a strong contender in the market. As a successor to the popular A6300 model, the A6400 offers significant upgrades in various areas, including autofocus, video capabilities, and ergonomics.

Design and Build

The Sony A6400 retains its predecessor’s compact and lightweight design, weighing in at approximately 403 grams with the battery and memory card. The camera’s magnesium alloy body is durable and resistant to dust and moisture, making it suitable for harsh environments.

One of the notable changes is the addition of a vari-angle touchscreen LCD, which provides greater flexibility when shooting from unusual angles or vantage points. The screen itself features a high resolution of 921k dots, offering excellent visibility in bright conditions.

Autofocus

The Sony A6400 boasts an impressive autofocus system with 425 phase-detection points and real-time eye AF for humans and animals. This feature allows for fast and accurate subject tracking, even when shooting at high frame rates or in complex lighting conditions.

In our testing, the camera’s autofocus performed admirably, locking onto subjects quickly and maintaining focus even during rapid movement. The addition of advanced algorithms has also improved performance when tracking subjects with complex backgrounds or low-contrast clothing.

Image Quality

The Sony A6400 features a 24.2-megapixel APS-C Exmor CMOS sensor that delivers excellent image quality in various lighting conditions. The camera’s ISO range spans from 100 to 32,000, allowing for flexibility when shooting in challenging environments.

In terms of color accuracy and dynamic range, the A6400 performs impressively, capturing a wide gamut of colors and subtle tonal shifts. However, some users may notice a slight softening effect at higher ISO settings.

Video Capabilities

The Sony A6400 is an excellent video camera, capable of recording up to 4K resolution at 30fps or 1080p at 120fps. The camera’s XAVC-S codec provides efficient compression and fast file transfer rates, making it ideal for professional applications.

One of the standout features is the addition of S-Log3 and HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) profiles, which enable advanced color grading and HDR (High Dynamic Range) recording. This feature allows for greater creative control when post-processing footage in software like Adobe Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve.

Ergonomics and Controls

The Sony A6400 features a comfortable grip design with intuitive controls and a dedicated mode dial. The camera’s buttons and dials are well-placed, allowing for easy access to frequently used functions.

One of the notable changes is the addition of a new menu system, which provides quicker access to common settings like autofocus, white balance, and exposure compensation. Additionally, the camera features built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for seamless image transfer and remote control via smartphone apps.

Battery Life

The Sony A6400 uses the same NP-FW50 battery as its predecessor, providing approximately 300 shots per charge based on CIPA standards. While this is respectable, some users may find it necessary to carry spare batteries or consider an external power solution for extended shoots.

Conclusion

The Sony A6400 is a feature-packed mirrorless camera that offers significant upgrades over its predecessor. Its impressive autofocus system, excellent image quality, and advanced video capabilities make it an attractive option for professionals and enthusiasts alike.

While some users may find the battery life or ISO performance to be slightly lacking, these are minor quibbles in what is otherwise a well-designed and capable camera. With a price starting at $899 (body only) and going up to $1,299 (kit with 16-50mm lens), the Sony A6400 is an excellent value for those seeking a high-performance mirrorless camera.

Technical Specifications:

• Sensor: 24.2-megapixel APS-C Exmor CMOS
• ISO Range: 100 – 32,000
• Autofocus System: 425 phase-detection points with real-time eye AF for humans and animals
• Video Capabilities: Up to 4K resolution at 30fps or 1080p at 120fps (XAVC-S codec)
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C (with Power Delivery support)
• Battery Life: Approximately 300 shots per charge based on CIPA standards
• Dimensions and Weight: 120 x 67 x 41mm, approximately 403 grams with battery and memory card