Sony recently introduced a new addition to its E-mount mirrorless camera lineup—the α6400 (model ILCE-6400). The α6400 brings many of Sony’s most advanced technologies from their acclaimed full-frame lineup to a compact, lightweight APS-C camera.
Speedy performance that captures decisive moments
The impressive autofocus system on the new α6400 inherits many technologies from Sony’s newest lineup of full-frame cameras including the α9, α7R III, and α7 III models. The new camera features 425 phase-detection AF points and 425 contrast-detection AF points that are placed densely over the entire image area, covering approximately 84 per of the image area. This high-speed, high-performance tracking AF system is paired with a new-generation BIONZ X image processing engine that together allows the camera to acquire focus in as little as 0.02 seconds and maintain subject lock extremely effectively, ensuring even the fastest moving subjects can be tracked and captured with ease.
The α6400 introduces advanced Real-time Eye AF, the latest version of Sony’s acclaimed Eye AF technology. This exciting new capability employs artificial intelligence-based (AI) object recognition to detect and process eye data in real time, resulting in improved accuracy, speed, and tracking performance of Eye AF.
In all autofocus modes, the camera now automatically detects the eyes of the subject and activates Eye AF with a half press of the shutter button, and when in AF-C or AF-A mode, the preferred eye (left or right) of your subject can be selected as the focus point. Choices include Auto/Right Eye/Left Eye, and a Switch Right/Left Eye function is able to be assigned to a custom function as well. This new technology completely frees the photographer to focus solely on composition with full trust that focus will be tack sharp on the subject’s eye. Eye AF support for animals will be added in summer 2019 via a system software update.
Also debuting on the α6400 is Sony’s newly developed Real-time Tracking. This mode utilizes Sony’s latest algorithm including AI-based object recognition and processes color, subject distance (depth), and pattern (brightness) as spatial information to ensure that all subjects can be captured with excellent accuracy.
In terms of overall shooting speeds, the new camera can shoot at up to 11 frames per second (fps) with full AF/AE tracking while utilizing the mechanical shutter, and up to 8fps with full AF/AE tracking while silent shooting. It can shoot at each of these speeds for up to 116 frames JPEG Standard/46 frames RAW compressed, greatly increasing the chances of capturing the perfect moment.
All-around advancements in image quality
Sony’s new α6400 is equipped with a 24.2-megapixel APS-C sized image sensor, which is paired with an upgraded BIONZ X processor to deliver incredible advancements in image quality and color reproduction in all types of shooting conditions. Standard ISO ranges up to ISO 32000 for both still and movies. It is expandable up to ISO 102400 for still images with excellent noise reduction at medium and high sensitivities.
The camera also inherits many of the image processing algorithms from Sony’s newest full-frame cameras, greatly suppressing noise while preserving resolution and improving texture depiction.
Advanced high-resolution 4K movie recording with Fast Hybrid Autofocus
The versatile α6400 is an exceptional video camera, offering internal 4K movie recording with full pixel readout and no pixel binning to collect about 2.4x the amount of data required for 4K movies. It then oversamples it to produce high quality 4K footage with exceptional detail and depth. Focusing during movie shooting is fast and stable thanks to the upgraded Fast Hybrid AF technology, which keeps the subject in constant smooth focus no matter the scene, and even if an object crosses in front of the camera. This advanced AF plus touch focus functionality make it an ideal camera choice for many vloggers and video creators that are regularly creating and uploading content online.
For time-lapse movie creation, the new camera features built-in interval recording that can be set anywhere between one and 60 seconds, with a total number of shots from one to 9999. AE tracking sensitivity can be adjusted to High, Mid, or Low during interval shooting, allowing for reduced changes in exposure over the shooting interval.
Additionally, for the first time in Sony APS-C mirrorless camera, the new model includes an HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) picture profile, which supports an Instant HDR workflow, allowing HDR (HLG) compatible TV’s to playback beautiful, true-to-life 4K HDR imagery. Furthermore, both S-Log2 and S-Log3 are available for increased color grading flexibility, as well as Zebra functionality, Gamma Display assist, and proxy recording. The camera can also record Full HD at 120fps at up to 100Mbps, allowing footage to be reviewed and eventually edited into 4x or 5x slow-motion video files in Full HD resolution with AF tracking.
Upgraded build to maximize versatility
The new camera is designed to offer a high level of functionality and customization to maximize shooting freedom. New on the α6400 is a fully 180-degree tiltable, 3-inch LCD flip screen with 921k-dots of resolution that allows for simple and effective framing of selfie-style shooting for both still and video capture. Vloggers will be able to check and monitor composition throughout their entire creative process.
The LCD screen is also equipped with touch functionality, with options for Touch Pad, Touch Focus, Touch Shutter, and new Touch Tracking, which quickly activates Real-time Tracking through the touchscreen.
The camera features a high-quality XGA OLED Tru-finder viewfinder, extensive customization with 89 functions that are assignable to eight custom keys, the new My Dial and My Menu functionality, enhanced overall menu usability, a help screen for menus, star rating for images, and many other features that allow for a seamless shooting experience. It is also built with a tough magnesium alloy design. It is dust- and moisture-resistant and has an extremely durable shutter that is rated for approximately 200,000 cycles. It also is capable of seamlessly transferring files to a smartphone or tablet when connected to the brand new Imaging Edge Mobile application.
The Sony α6400 is available for P52,999 for the body only or P58,999 if it comes with the kit lens.
