sony a6100 vs a6400 is one of the most popular debates among photography and videography enthusiasts. Both cameras sit in Sony’s APS-C lineup and share many features that make them ideal for beginners and professionals alike.
In this comparison, you’ll discover how they stack up in image quality, autofocus performance, video features, and real-world usability.
Choosing between these two models can feel tricky because they share the same 24.2MP sensor and fast autofocus system. However, small differences in construction, control layout, and extra video tools make a big impact on your workflow.
This detailed comparison breaks down everything you need to know so you can confidently decide which model best suits your creative goals.
Common Features
Both the Sony A6100 and A6400 are built on a strong APS-C foundation and share a surprising number of advanced features. Here’s what they have in common:
- Body Construction: Both cameras feature a compact mirrorless body design that’s lightweight yet durable enough for travel and daily shooting.
- Electronic Viewfinder (EVF): Each model comes with a bright and sharp OLED EVF, allowing you to preview shots with accurate exposure and color reproduction even under harsh sunlight.
- Shutter Durability: The shutter units are tested for thousands of cycles, ensuring long-term reliability even under heavy shooting sessions.
- Video Features: Both models record 4K video with full pixel readout and no pixel binning, capturing clean detail and vibrant colors.
- Buffer Capacity: The cameras can handle fast continuous bursts without lag, making them great for capturing sports, action, or wildlife moments.
- Extended ISO: Sony includes a wide ISO range that allows both cameras to perform well in low-light situations without excessive noise.
These shared features make both models ideal for hybrid creators who value image quality, speed, and versatility. Yet, subtle hardware differences make each camera shine in its own way.
Sony A6100 – Camera
The Sony A6100 is an entry-level APS-C mirrorless camera packed with advanced features typically found in more expensive models. It’s built for creators who want professional results without spending extra on unnecessary controls or features.
The camera’s standout trait is its lightning-fast autofocus and reliable tracking, making it a favorite among vloggers, travelers, and first-time mirrorless users.
Inside, the A6100 uses a 24.2MP APS-C Exmor CMOS sensor paired with Sony’s latest BIONZ X processor. This combination delivers sharp, vibrant images with excellent dynamic range and low-light performance.
The autofocus system is one of the fastest in its class, locking on subjects in as little as 0.02 seconds using Real-time Eye AF and object tracking. Whether you’re shooting stills or 4K videos, the A6100 keeps your subject in focus effortlessly.
Speaking of video, the camera offers 4K recording at 30p using full pixel readout and 2.4x oversampling. That means no pixel binning and crystal-clear detail.
Vloggers will appreciate the 180-degree tiltable touchscreen, which makes it easy to monitor yourself while recording. The presence of a microphone input also gives creators the flexibility to capture professional-quality audio directly in-camera.
What I Like
The A6100 impresses with its real-time tracking autofocus, which feels almost magical for moving subjects. The color reproduction straight out of the camera is natural and requires minimal editing.
The user interface is beginner-friendly, and despite its affordable price, it doesn’t compromise on image quality or speed. The tiltable touchscreen is another big advantage for vloggers and self-shooters.
What Could Be Better
There’s no in-body image stabilization (IBIS), so handheld footage may need extra care or a gimbal for smooth results.
The plastic body doesn’t feel as premium as the higher-end A6400, and the absence of weather sealing means you have to be cautious in challenging environments. Battery life is decent but not exceptional during 4K video recording.
Overall Opinion
The Sony A6100 is perfect for creators who want professional-level autofocus, strong 4K video, and a compact body at a reasonable price.
It’s an excellent entry into Sony’s ecosystem, delivering consistent results whether you’re shooting photos, travel vlogs, or family moments.
Sony A6400 – Mirrorless Camera
The Sony A6400 takes the foundation of the A6100 and refines it for serious enthusiasts. It keeps the same 24.2MP APS-C sensor and lightning-fast autofocus system but upgrades durability, control options, and customization.
Designed with content creators and semi-professionals in mind, this camera delivers an impressive balance of speed, image quality, and advanced video capabilities.
Equipped with 425 phase-detection and contrast-detection points, the A6400 covers 84% of the frame, ensuring accurate subject capture.
Continuous shooting up to 11fps with full AF/AE tracking makes it suitable for sports and wildlife photography. The enhanced processor also improves color tone reproduction, producing crisp, lifelike images straight out of the camera.
For video, the A6400 adds professional tools like S-Log2 and S-Log3 gamma profiles for maximum color grading flexibility. It can also create slow-motion or quick-motion videos directly in-camera, eliminating the need for post-processing.
The tiltable LCD screen is perfect for vlogging or high/low-angle compositions. Thanks to its magnesium alloy body, the camera feels solid and premium, offering better weather resistance than the A6100.
What I Like
The A6400 stands out with its robust build and professional-level video features. The color depth and tone control are superior, especially for filmmakers who prefer post-production editing.
Real-time Eye AF for both humans and animals is incredibly accurate, and the camera’s menu customization allows quick access to favorite settings. The hot-shoe mount and multiple ports make it ready for serious rig setups.
What Could Be Better
It lacks in-body stabilization, just like the A6100, and the absence of a headphone jack might frustrate advanced videographers.
The touchscreen isn’t fully functional within menus, which could be improved for smoother navigation. Its higher price tag also makes it a bit less appealing for casual shooters who just want simplicity.
Overall Opinion
The Sony A6400 is a versatile, semi-pro mirrorless camera built for those who need reliability and creative control.
Whether you shoot cinematic videos, action scenes, or portraits, this model delivers consistently sharp results. It’s a step above the A6100 in build quality and flexibility, making it a top choice for professionals on a budget.
Comparison : Sony a6100 vs a6400
Comparing sony a6100 vs a6400 reveals two cameras that share much of the same DNA but serve slightly different audiences.
Both models feature the same sensor, processor, autofocus system, and video capabilities. The main differences lie in design, build quality, and a few advanced shooting features.
The A6100 is lighter, more compact, and budget-friendly. It’s a great fit for beginners, vloggers, or anyone upgrading from a smartphone or compact camera.
On the other hand, the A6400 targets users who demand more durability, better customization, and advanced color profiles for video production.
In terms of autofocus, both deliver class-leading performance with 425 focus points and Real-time Tracking.
However, the A6400’s firmware gives it a slight edge in tracking accuracy during video recording. Both shoot 4K footage without pixel binning, though the A6400 offers extra professional profiles that help during post-processing.
For still photography, the A6100 provides nearly identical image quality but with slightly less refined color science. Its plastic body and limited weather resistance are the trade-offs for its lower cost.
The A6400’s magnesium alloy chassis and tighter construction make it more durable for outdoor or studio use.
If portability and simplicity are your priorities, the A6100 is the smarter choice. But if you prefer a premium build, more video control, and professional-level flexibility, the A6400 easily justifies the higher price.
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FAQs
Is the Sony A6400 better than the A6100?
The A6400 offers a sturdier body, more video features, and better customization. However, both cameras produce nearly identical image quality.
Does the Sony A6100 have in-body stabilization?
No, the A6100 doesn’t include IBIS. You’ll need a stabilized lens or tripod for smoother video footage.
Can both cameras shoot 4K video?
Yes. Both record 4K video using full pixel readout without pixel binning, ensuring sharp and detailed footage.
Which camera is better for vlogging?
The A6100 is lighter and easier to use for handheld vlogging. The A6400 is better for controlled setups with more advanced video tools.
Do both cameras have microphone inputs?
Yes, each model includes a microphone input, allowing users to improve audio quality using external mics.
Which one should I buy for travel?
The A6100’s lighter weight and compact design make it the more travel-friendly choice, while the A6400 is ideal if you want stronger construction.
Conclusion
The sony a6100 vs a6400 comparison proves that both cameras share the same core strengths—fast autofocus, strong 4K video, and excellent image quality.
The A6100 delivers unbeatable value for beginners and casual creators, while the A6400 adds durability and pro-level video flexibility for advanced users. Whichever you choose, both are outstanding mirrorless options in Sony’s APS-C lineup that will elevate your creative journey.
