Sony A6400 Vs A6000: Which One Wins?

Hey everyone, today I’m diving into a comparison of two Sony mirrorless cameras I’ve used extensively: the Sony A6400 and the Sony A6000. As a seasoned photographer, I’ve spent years shooting with both, and I’m excited to share my experiences to help you decide which fits your creative journey. The A6000, launched in 2014, was a game-changer for beginners, offering great image quality in a compact package. The A6400, released in 2019, builds on that with advanced features like superior autofocus and 4K video, making it a favorite for enthusiasts and vloggers.

Both cameras have their strengths, and choosing between them depends on your needs and budget. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade, I’ll break down their design, image quality, autofocus, video capabilities, and more. Let’s get started with a deep dive into what makes these cameras tick, so you can pick the one that’s right for you.

Sony A6400 Vs A6000 Comparison

Design and Build

When I first held the A6400, its slightly larger size (120 x 66.9 x 59.7 mm) and weight (403g with battery and SD card) felt more substantial than the A6000 (120 x 66.9 x 45.1 mm, 344g). The A6400’s magnesium alloy body is dust and moisture-resistant, giving it a premium feel and durability for outdoor shoots in unpredictable weather. The A6000, with its engineering plastic build, is lighter and more portable, which I found handy for travel or casual outings. Its grip is less pronounced, though, which can be less comfortable for long sessions.

The A6400’s 3-inch touchscreen tilts up 180 degrees and down 45 degrees, perfect for vlogging or shooting from creative angles. The A6000’s 3-inch screen only tilts up to 90 degrees and isn’t touch-sensitive, which can feel limiting for dynamic compositions. Both cameras have electronic viewfinders (EVFs), but the A6400’s 2.36 million-dot EVF offers sharper visuals than the A6000’s 1.44 million-dot version, making it easier to compose shots in bright conditions.

The A6400’s button layout includes a customizable ‘C’ button, which I love for quick access to settings like ISO or focus mode. The A6000’s layout is simpler but less flexible. For travel or casual use, the A6000’s portability is a plus, but the A6400’s robust build and ergonomic design make it ideal for serious photographers.

Image Quality

Both cameras feature 24.2MP APS-C Exmor CMOS sensors, delivering sharp, vibrant images suitable for prints or online sharing. In good lighting, their performance is nearly identical, with excellent color accuracy and dynamic range. However, the A6400’s newer BIONZ X processor and wider ISO range (100-102,400 vs. 100-25,600) give it an edge in low-light conditions. I’ve noticed cleaner images at ISO 6400 and above on the A6400, especially during indoor or nighttime shoots.

DXOMARK scores show the A6400 with a slight advantage in dynamic range (13.7 Evs vs. 13.1 Evs) and low-light ISO (1431 vs. 1347). This makes it better for high-contrast scenes like landscapes or cityscapes at dusk. The A6400 also supports 14-bit RAW output, offering more flexibility in post-processing compared to the A6000’s 12-bit RAW.

The A6400’s improved JPEG engine produces more natural-looking colors straight out of the camera, reducing editing time. For casual photography, the A6000 still delivers outstanding results, but if low-light performance or post-processing flexibility is key, the A6400 is the better choice.

Autofocus and Optics

Autofocus is where the A6400 truly shines. Its 425 phase-detection points cover 93% of the frame, locking onto subjects quickly, even in low light down to -2 EV. The Real-time Eye AF, powered by AI, is a game-changer for portraits, tracking eyes with precision for humans and, with firmware updates, animals. I’ve used this feature for weddings and wildlife shoots, and it rarely misses.

The A6000’s 179-point autofocus system is decent but slower, especially for moving subjects, and only focuses down to 0 EV. It lacks Real-time Eye AF, offering only basic Eye AF in single-shot mode, which requires customization. Both cameras use Sony’s E-mount lenses, providing versatility for landscapes, portraits, or macro photography.

For sports or action, the A6400’s advanced AF is a clear winner. The A6000 is fine for static subjects but struggles with rapid motion. If you shoot fast-paced scenes or need precise focus, the A6400’s autofocus system is a significant upgrade.

Photography Features

Both cameras shoot at 11 fps, ideal for capturing action like sports or wildlife. The A6400’s larger buffer (99 JPEGs or 46 RAW vs. 47 JPEGs or 22 RAW) lets you shoot more consecutive shots before slowing down, which is crucial for fast-paced scenarios. Its AI-based autofocus tracks moving subjects better, reducing missed shots.

The A6400’s silent shooting mode, using an electronic shutter, is quieter than the A6000’s mechanical shutter, perfect for discreet settings like ceremonies. The A6400 also has a built-in intervalometer for time-lapse photography, with intervals from 1 to 60 seconds, while the A6000 requires a separate app. Additionally, the A6400 offers creative styles like Autumn Leaves or Night Scene, enhancing in-camera effects.

For enthusiasts, the A6400’s buffer, silent shooting, and customization options are significant upgrades. Beginners will find the A6000’s features sufficient for most scenarios, but the A6400 offers more creative control as your skills grow.

Videography Features

For video, the A6400 is a powerhouse. It records 4K at 30fps with full pixel readout, delivering crisp, detailed footage ideal for vlogs or short films. It supports Full HD at 120fps for slow-motion effects and includes S-Log and HLG profiles for advanced color grading. The 3.5mm microphone jack allows external audio, a must for professional video work.

The A6000 is limited to Full HD at 60fps, with no 4K or advanced profiles like S-Log. It lacks a microphone jack, relying on built-in mics that can pick up camera noise. While the A6000 is adequate for casual video, it can’t match the A6400’s capabilities for serious content creation.

The A6400’s Real-time tracking AF ensures subjects stay in focus during video, even with movement, which I’ve found invaluable for dynamic scenes. Its tilting touchscreen makes self-recording easy, making it a top choice for vloggers and filmmakers.

Connectivity and Storage

The A6400 offers Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, while the A6000 has only Wi-Fi. Bluetooth ensures a stable connection for transferring images or using the camera as a webcam, which I’ve found convenient for quick sharing. The A6400 also supports NFC for one-touch smartphone pairing, a feature the A6000 lacks.

Both cameras use a single SD card slot, but the A6400’s UHS-I compatibility ensures faster write speeds, beneficial for 4K video or burst shooting. The A6000’s slot is functional but doesn’t specify UHS-I support, which may limit performance with high-speed cards.

The A6400’s battery life is slightly better, offering 410 shots per charge with the rear LCD (vs. 360 for the A6000) and 360 shots with the viewfinder (vs. 310). While neither excels in battery life, the A6400’s edge is noticeable during long shoots.

Additional Features

The A6400 includes a 1:1 aspect ratio, perfect for social media or square prints, which the A6000 lacks. Its customizable AF/MF switch and Auto ISO shutter threshold allow for tailored shooting experiences. The A6400 also supports animal Eye AF via firmware updates, expanding its versatility for wildlife photography.

The A6000, while simpler, still offers solid performance for its age. Its lack of advanced customization and features like silent shooting or a built-in intervalometer makes it less flexible for advanced users. However, its straightforward interface is great for beginners.

The A6400’s menu system is more comprehensive, with additional options for fine-tuning settings. This can be overwhelming for new users but a boon for those who want control. The A6000’s simpler menu suits those who prefer ease of use over customization.

Real-World Performance

In real-world use, the A6400’s autofocus and video capabilities make it a standout. During a recent portrait session, its Eye AF locked onto subjects’ eyes instantly, even in low light, producing tack-sharp images. For video, I’ve used the A6400 to shoot vlogs, and its 4K quality and external mic support elevated the production value significantly.

The A6000, while not as advanced, still impresses for casual photography. I’ve taken it on hikes due to its lightweight design, and it delivers vibrant landscapes and portraits. However, its autofocus struggles with fast-moving subjects like pets or athletes, where the A6400 excels.

For travel, the A6000’s compact size is a major advantage, slipping easily into a backpack. The A6400, though slightly bulkier, feels more durable in challenging conditions like rain or dust, giving me confidence during outdoor shoots.

Comparison Table: Sony A6400 vs A6000

Feature	Sony A6400	Sony A6000
Release Year	2019	2014
Sensor	24.2MP APS-C CMOS	24.3MP APS-C CMOS
ISO Range	100-102,400	100-25,600
Autofocus Points	425 phase/contrast	179 phase/25 contrast
Low-Light AF Sensitivity	-2 EV	0 EV
Video Resolution	4K 30fps, Full HD 120fps	Full HD 60fps
Video Profiles	S-Log, HLG	None
Microphone Jack	Yes	No
Screen	3-inch, 921k dots, tilting touchscreen	3-inch, 460k dots, tilting, no touch
Viewfinder	2.36M dots	1.44M dots
Silent Shooting	Yes, electronic shutter	Limited, mechanical shutter
Intervalometer	Built-in	Requires app
Connectivity	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC	Wi-Fi only
Battery Life (LCD)	410 shots	360 shots
Weight	403g	344g
Weather Sealing	Yes	No

Decision-Making: Sony A6400 Vs A6000

Choosing between these two cameras depends on your photography goals and budget. If you’re a beginner or looking for an affordable option, the A6000 is a fantastic choice. Its compact design, solid image quality, and simple interface make it ideal for casual photography, travel, or learning the ropes. It’s a reliable camera that still holds up for everyday use.

For enthusiasts or those diving into videography, the A6400 is the better pick. Its advanced autofocus, 4K video, weather sealing, and additional features like silent shooting and a built-in intervalometer make it more versatile and future-proof. Whether you’re shooting portraits, action, or vlogs, the A6400 delivers professional-grade performance.

Consider your shooting style. If you prioritize portability and simplicity, the A6000 is sufficient. For advanced features and durability, the A6400 is worth the investment. Both are excellent, but the A6400’s upgrades make it ideal for those ready to take their craft to the next level.

FAQ

1. Is the A6400 worth it over the A6000?
   Yes, if you need advanced autofocus, 4K video, and weather sealing. It’s ideal for serious photographers and vloggers. The A6000 is great for beginners on a budget.
2. Can I use E-mount lenses on both cameras?
   Absolutely, both use Sony’s E-mount, so all E-mount lenses are compatible. The A6400’s autofocus maximizes lens performance, especially for action or video.
3. How does battery life compare?
   The A6400 offers 410 shots (LCD) or 360 (viewfinder) per charge, compared to 360 (LCD) or 310 (viewfinder) for the A6000. Carry spares for long shoots.
4. Is the A6400 good for vlogging?
   Yes, its tilting touchscreen, 4K video, microphone jack, and Real-time AF make it excellent for vlogging. The A6000 is less suited due to limited video features.
5. What are the A6000’s advantages?
   The A6000 is lighter, more compact, and budget-friendly, making it ideal for travel or casual photography. It’s a great entry-level option despite its age.