Overview
The Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Digital Camera features a compact, lightweight form factor, extremely fast Autofocus and subject tracking, a wide sensitivity range, and exceptional image quality for both still photography and video recording.
Sensor
The a6400 features a large APS-C Exmor CMOS Sensor with approx. 24.2 megapixels (effective) and the latest image-processing technology, offering natural, lifelike colors and detailed, textured images that remain crisp, even when shooting in dim light conditions. The user can confidently capture everything from portraits and self-portraits to cityscapes and sunsets.
The sensor works with a front-end LSI supporting the new-generation BIONZ X image processing engine to achieve improved processing speeds up to 1.8x faster than the a6300 (in Sony internal research). When shooting in RAW format, the 14-bit digital signals that are converted from analog in the image sensor are passed to the front-end LSI and BIONZ X, where they undergo 16-bit processing before converting back to 14-bit RAW image output. This leads to smoother, more natural tonal gradation in these images.
Standard ISO covers a 100 to 32,000 range (expandable to ISO 102,400 when shooting still images), with excellent noise reduction at medium and high sensitivities. Improvements in Detail Reproduction Technology and Area-specific Noise Reduction contribute to better texture reproduction, while enhancements to the sensor's image-processing algorithm result in improved skin tones for portraits.
Autofocus
The a6400's Real-time Eye AF feature automatically recognizes and focuses on the eyes of your portrait subject when you depress the shutter button halfway. The camera is able to maintain stable focus, even when a portion of the subject's face is obscured, backlit, or facing downward. When the AF-C (continuous) mode is set, the camera can even track a moving subject's eyes. The user can specify left eye, right eye, or auto tracking (Real-time Eye AF may not work as well as intended, depending on the type of scene and conditions).
Realtime Tracking
Real-time Tracking utilizes a smart subject recognition algorithm to acquire and persistently track your subject in realtime (processing spatial information based on color, pattern, subject distance, and AI information based on face and eye data). As it is possible to select any subject to be tracked while the shutter button is half-pressed (with "Tracking" already enabled via menu), the user can concentrate fully on shot framing and composition. Focus and tracking can also be initiated for any subject visible in the monitor via simple touch control interaction with the display.
Fast Hybrid AF
The camera's Fast Hybrid AF system combines the best of phase-detection AF and contrast-detection AF to achieve highly accurate target acquisition and fast 0.02 second* AF speed. The AF sensor utilizes technology inherited from Sony's full-frame cameras, using 425 phase-detection points that are widely and densely spread across the focus area, along with 425 contrast-detection points for increased detection accuracy.
Enhanced Fast Hybrid AF works reliably to keep the main subject in constant focus, so the user can concentrate on framing or vlogging performance without worrying about poor focus ruining a take. Effective use of the focal plane phase-detection system results in more stable AF, and sharp focus can be maintained even when an object or individual crosses in front of the main subject (such as when shooting in crowds). The user can adjust AF tracking sensitivity for either stable focus or responsive refocusing, depending on the nature of the scene. Touch Tracking (if enabled via menu) allows the user to begin tracking a moving subject simply by touching the display.
*NOTE: Based on Sony research, measured using CIPA-compliant guidelines, and internal measurement method with an E 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 OSS lens mounted, Pre-AF off and viewfinder in use.
Powerful Continuous Shooting
Fast internal processing and high-capacity buffer memory allow you to capture shots at up to 11 fps1 with minimal display lag, up to 8 fps2 with AF/AE tracking in silent mode, and up to 116 shots3 in JPEG (Standard) as one continuous burst.
1 In "Hi+" mode; maximum framerate will depend on camera settings.
2 Some distortion may occur with fast-moving subjects or if the camera is moved sideways rapidly while shooting.
3 In "Hi" continuous shooting mode; Sony internal measurement.
4K HDR (HLG)
To provide your footage with more realistic depth and increased overall image quality, 4K movie recording4 with full pixel readout and no pixel binning enables oversampling with approx. 2.4x as much information5 as is required for 4K (QFHD: 3840 x 2160), adding up to the equivalent of 6K. The maximum native ISO sensitivity has been increased to ISO 32,000, HLG profiles6 are available, and the camera's improved noise suppression helps produce cleaner, clearer images...even in dark lighting conditions.
4 A Class 10 or higher SDHC/SDXC card is required for XAVC S format movie recording. UHS speed Class 3 or higher is required for 100 Mbps recording.
5 With 24p recording; approx. 1.6x for 30p recording.
6 Connect this product to an HDR (HLG) compatible Sony TV via a USB cable when displaying HDR (HLG) movies.
Movie Features
The a6400 supports S-Log2 and S-Log3 (with 14-stop latitude), Gamma Curves7, Gamma Display Assist to enable monitoring of natural-looking footage8, Slow & Quick Motion9, and Proxy Recording for easier preview and pre-editing.
7 S-Log2 and S-Log3 are premised on processing pictures.
8 The Gamma Display Assist function is not available for monitoring via external displays.
9 Sound recording is not possible in S&Q Motion mode; a Class 10 or above SDHC/SDXC card is required.
Timelapse
Interval recording can now be performed within the camera, and the resulting still images can be edited into a time-lapse movie on a computer using the latest version of the Imaging Edge "Viewer" and PlayMemories Home app. A mobile battery for USB power supply can enable worry-free outdoor and/or extended shooting.
Vlogging
The camera's 180° tiltable LCD monitor simplifies framing of vlog footage, and the user can add creative touches with Slow & Quick Motion recording9 or high-quality super-slow-motion footage in XAVC S format.10 The camera features an integrated external microphone jack for direct sound recording. An optional XLR adapter (sold separately) connects pro-level microphones to provide superior audio quality.
10 Class 10 or higher SDHC/SDXC card required for XAVC S format movie recording. UHS Speed Class 3 or higher is required for 100 Mbps recording.
Imaging Edge
The Imaging Edge applications help elevate your photography to the next level while making day-to-day operations more convenient. "Remote" and "Viewer" provide remote control and monitoring from your PC screen, as well as preview, rating, and selection features you can use with large image libraries. "Edit" provides RAW editing functions to turn Sony RAW files into high-quality photos for delivery. "Imaging Edge Mobile" enables remote control and file transfer11 including 4K movies10.
11 Availability of transfer / playback depends on the performance of your smartphone.
Viewfinder
A high-contrast OLED electronic viewfinder and high-resolution LCD monitor enable easy viewing, with a full 180° upward monitor tilt to assist in framing selfie shots and vlog sessions. The monitor's Touch Focus, Touch Shutter, Touch Pad, and Touch Tracking functions provide intuitive fingertip control over common camera operations.
User-Assignable Controls
The a6400 features (8) keys and controls that can be custom-assigned to commonly used functions, with an intuitive graphic display to help you keep track of changes. Functions can also be assigned to the control dial and wheel via the new "My Dial" feature, while "My Menu" enables flexible assignment of up to (30) menu items. Easily configure the camera to your personal shooting style.
WiFi
Integrated Wi-Fi enables the user to send stills or movies directly to a smartphone or tablet for instant sharing on social media. Connect to NFC-enabled devices, or use a QR code for other devices. When paired with the new Imaging Edge Mobile app, you can record location data from the mobile device onto the images.
NOTE: The most recent version is required. Can be connected via Bluetooth with smartphones featuring Android 6.0 or later, iOS 11.4 or later, or Bluetooth 4.0 or later (as of release date).
Features
- Sony E-Mount
- 24.2MP APS-C (23.5mm x 15.6mm) Exmor CMOS sensor with exceptional light sensitivity
- Fast 0.02 sec Autofocus, with 425 phase-detection AF points
- Real-time Tracking and Real-time Eye AF, to detect and hold onto moving subjects
- High-resolution 4K movie recording
- 180° tiltable 2.95" LCD touchscreen for easier self-portraits and low/high-angle shots
- 0.39" OLED color viewfinder
- Battery Life: ~360 shots (Viewfinder), ~410 shots (LCD monitor)
- Rating function
- Protect function
- Tethered shooting
- AWB Lock function
- Power supply via USB
- Durability for up to 200,000 shutter cycles
- Dust and moisture-resistant construction
- Magnesium alloy covers (front and top)
Recording Specifications:
- Still Images
- Recording Format: JPEG (DCF Ver. 2.0, Exif Ver.2.31, MPF Baseline compliant), RAW (Sony ARW 2.3 format)
- Image Size (Pixels) [3:2]: L: 6000 x 4000 (24M), M: 4240 x 2832 (12M), S: 3008 x 2000 (6.0M)
- Image Size (Pixels) [16:9]: L: 6000 x 3376 (20 M), M: 4240 x 2400 (10 M), S: 3008 x 1688 (5.1 M)
- Image Size (Pixels) [1:1]: L: 4000 x 4000 (16 M), M: 2832 x 2832 (8.0 M), S: 2000 x 2000 (4.0 M)
- Image Size (Pixels) [Sweep Panorama]: Wide: horizontal 12,416 x 1,856 (23M), vertical 5,536 x 2,160 (12M), Standard: horizontal 8,192 x 1,856 (15M), vertical 3,872 x 2,160 (8.4M)
- Image Quality Modes: RAW, RAW & JPEG (Extra fine, Fine, Standard), JPEG (Extra fine, Fine, Standard)
- Movies
- Recording Format: XAVC S, AVCHD format Ver. 2.0 compliant
- Video Compression: XAVC S: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, AVCHD: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264
- Audio Recording Format: XAVC S: LPCM 2ch, AVCHD: Dolby Digital (AC-3) 2ch, Dolby Digital Stereo Creator
- Image Size (Pixels) [NTSC]: XAVC S 4K: 3840 x 2160 (30p, 100 M), 3840 x 2160 (24p, 100 M), 3840 x 2160 (30p, 60 M), 3840 x 2160 (24p, 60 M), XAVC S HD: 1920 x 1080 (120p, 100 M), 1920 x 1080 (120p, 60 M), 1920 x 1080 (60p, 50 M), 1920 x 1080 (30p, 50 M), 1920 x 1080 (24p, 50 M), 1920 x 1080 (60p, 25 M), 1920 x 1080 (30p, 16 M), AVCHD: 1920 x 1080 (60i, 24M, FX), 1920 x 1080 (60i, 17M, FH)
- Image Size (Pixels) [PAL]: XAVC S 4K: 3840 x 2160 (25p, 100 M), 3840 x 2160 (25p, 60 M), XAVC S HD: 1920 x 1080 (100p, 100 M), 1920 x 1080 (100p, 60 M), 1920 x 1080 (50p, 50 M), 1920 x 1080 (25p, 50 M), 1920 x 1080 (50p, 25 M), 1920 x 1080 (25p, 16 M), AVCHD: 1920 x 1080 (50i, 24 M, FX), 1920 x 1080 (50i, 17 M, FH)
- Image Frame Rate: NTSC mode: 1fps, 2fps, 4fps, 8fps, 15fps, 30fps, 60fps, 120fps, PAL mode: 1fps, 2fps, 3fps, 6fps, 12fps, 25fps, 50fps, 100fps
- Image Size (Framerate/Bitrate): NTSC mode: 1920 x 1080 (60p, 30p, 24p), PAL mode: 1920 x 1080 (50p, 25p)
- HDMI Output: 3840 x 2160 (30p), 3840 x 2160 (25p), 3840 x 2160 (24p), 1920 x 1080 (60p), 1920 x 1080 (60i), 1920 x 1080 (50p), 1920 x 1080 (50i), 1920 x 1080 (24p), YCbCr 4:2:2 8 bit / RGB 8 bit
What's in the Box
- AC-UUD12 AC Adapter
- micro-USB Cable
- Eyepiece Cup
- Accessory Shoe Cap
- Body Cap
- Shoulder Strap
- NP-FW50 Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Battery (1020mAh)
- Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Digital Camera Body
Specifications
Key Highlights
- 24.2MP APS-C Sensor
- ISO Range: 100-32,000
- Sony E-Mount
- 4K Video Capture
- Tiltable Touchscreen LCD
- 425 AF Detection Points
- Up to 116 Continuous Shots