CameraReview

Sony a6400 vs Sony a7 — Which Is Better?

Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over

✓ WINNER
Sony a6400
Sony
Sony a6400
Mirrorless · 24.2 MP · APS-C · 4K video
87
SCORE
$799
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Sony a7
Sony
Sony a7
Mirrorless · 24 MP · Full Frame · Full HD video
63
SCORE
$748
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Best Price →
General
Brand SonySony
Model a6400a7
Released
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
20192013
Announcement date
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
15/01/201916/10/2013
Camera type MirrorlessMirrorless
Camera size 120 x 67 x 60 mm127 x 94 x 48 mm
Camera weight 403 g474 g
Optics
Megapixels
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
24.2 MP05024 MP050
Image resolution
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
6000 x 40006000 x 4000
Sensor type
The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality.
CMOSCMOS
Sensor size
The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture.
15.6 x 23.523.9 x 35.8
Sensor format
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
APS-CFull Frame
Continuous shooting
The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode.
11 fps0455 fps045
Lens mount
The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras.
Sony ESony FE
Image processor
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
Bionz XBionz X
Aspect ratio
The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3.
3:23:2
Min ISO
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
1003020010030200
Max ISO
Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise.
320003003280000256003003280000
Min ISO (expanded)
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
1003020010030200
Max ISO (expanded)
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
1024003003280000256003003280000
Minimum shutter speed
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
30440803044080
Max shutter speed
The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries.
400080032000800080032000
Autofocus points
Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings.
42503001170300
In-body stabilisation
In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake.
Viewfinder type
The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens.
ElectronicElectronic
Viewfinder dots 235929609900000235900009900000
Video
Video
Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video.
Max video resolution
The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video.
4KFull HD
Max video format
Video resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video.
3840 x 21601920 x 1080
Max video frame rate
How many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect.
120 fps60 fps
Timelapse built in
A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video.
Video file format
Different cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files.
MPEG-4, AVCHD Ver. 2.0, XAVC SAVCHD Ver. 2.0, MP4
Features
Builtin flash
A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it.
External flash
External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera.
GPS
GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs.
Weather sealing
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
Screen type LCDLCD
Touch screen
Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons.
Screen size 3"3"
Screen dots
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
921600115000150000012300001150001500000
Flip screen
A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles.
Live view
Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens.
Wi-Fi
Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices.
Storage & battery
Memory card SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Duo (UHS-I compatible)SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo
Dual memory card slots
Battery type NP-FW50NP-FW50
Battery life
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
410 shots1505000340 shots1505000
USB charging

The Sony a6400 outperforms the Sony a7 with a score of 70/100 compared to the a7’s 63/100. Both cameras are mirrorless and share some common specifications. The a6400, released in 2019, is lighter (403g) and smaller (120 x 67 x 60mm), making it more portable than the a7, which was released in 2013 and weighs 474g with dimensions of 127 x 94 x 48mm. The a6400 also has a significantly lower launch price of $900 compared to the a7’s $1700.

Despite its lower score, the Sony a7 still offers great performance. However, its higher price and larger size may be drawbacks for some users. The Sony a6400’s higher score, compact design, and lower price make it the better choice for most photographers.

Sony a6400 vs a7 Overview and Optics

The Sony a7 outperforms the Sony a6400 in optics with a score of 70/100 compared to the a6400’s 68/100. Both cameras share several specifications, including a CMOS sensor, Bionz X processor, Sony E lens mount, and lack of image stabilization. However, the differences between these cameras reveal their strengths and weaknesses in optics.

The Sony a7 excels with its full-frame sensor, which results in a higher DXOMARK score of 90 compared to the a6400’s APS-C sensor with a score of 83. This larger sensor allows the Sony a7 to capture more light and provide better image quality, particularly in low-light situations. Additionally, the a7’s 24-megapixel resolution is only slightly lower than the a6400’s 24.2-megapixel resolution, which means that both cameras provide similar levels of detail in the images they capture.

On the other hand, the Sony a6400 boasts a faster shooting speed of 11 frames per second compared to the a7’s 5 frames per second. This makes the a6400 more suitable for capturing fast-moving subjects, such as sports or wildlife photography.

In terms of optics, the Sony a7 is the superior camera due to its full-frame sensor and higher DXOMARK score. This advantage allows for better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. However, the a6400’s faster shooting speed may be advantageous for photographers who prioritize capturing action shots. Both cameras offer high-resolution images and share the same lens mount, providing flexibility in lens options for photographers. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras will depend on the specific needs and priorities of the user.

Sony a6400 vs a7 Video Performance

The Sony a6400 outperforms the Sony a7 in video capabilities, with a video score of 91/100 compared to the a7’s 56/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, but the a6400 has distinct advantages that contribute to its higher score.

Both cameras can record video, but the a6400 has a maximum video resolution of 4K (3840 x 2160), whereas the a7 only records in Full HD (1920 x 1080). This means the a6400 can capture more detail and produce higher quality footage. The a6400 also has a higher maximum video frame rate of 120fps, double the a7’s 60fps. This allows for smoother slow-motion footage and better handling of fast-moving subjects.

Additionally, the a6400 has time-lapse functionality built in, which is absent in the a7. This feature enables the creation of stunning time-lapse sequences without the need for external software or hardware.

The Sony a7 does not have any specific advantages over the a6400 in terms of video capabilities. Its lower video score is due to its lesser video resolution, frame rate, and lack of time-lapse functionality.

Considering the differences in video capabilities, the Sony a6400 is the clear winner. Its 4K resolution, 120fps frame rate, and built-in time-lapse functionality make it a superior choice for videographers and content creators. The Sony a7, while still a capable camera, falls short in comparison to the a6400’s video performance.

Sony a6400 vs a7 Features and Benefits

The Sony a6400 emerges as the winner in the features comparison, scoring 81/100, while the Sony a7 lags behind with a score of 57/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, including a 3-inch screen size, flip screen, lack of GPS, and WIFI connectivity.

The Sony a6400 surpasses the Sony a7 in several aspects. The a6400 has a touchscreen, which makes it easier for users to navigate through menus and settings. Additionally, the a6400 boasts Bluetooth connectivity, allowing for seamless transfer of files and remote control of the camera. These features contribute to the a6400’s higher score and make it a more user-friendly and versatile camera.

On the other hand, the Sony a7 excels in screen resolution, offering 1,230,000 dots, compared to the a6400’s 921,600 dots. This higher resolution provides sharper and more detailed image previews on the a7’s screen. However, the lack of touchscreen functionality and Bluetooth connectivity on the Sony a7 may outweigh the benefits of its higher screen resolution for some users.

Taking all aspects into consideration, the Sony a6400 proves to be the better camera due to its touchscreen and Bluetooth capabilities. These features provide a more convenient and efficient user experience. While the Sony a7 offers a higher screen resolution, it falls short in other areas, resulting in its lower score. Ultimately, the Sony a6400’s superior features make it the ideal choice for photographers seeking a camera with advanced functionality and ease of use.

Sony a6400 vs a7 Storage and Battery

The Sony a6400 outperforms the Sony a7 in the storage and battery category with a score of 37/100 compared to the a7’s 21/100. Both cameras share some similarities in this aspect, such as having a single memory card slot and accepting SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards, as well as Memory Stick Duo cards. They also use the same battery type, the NP-FW50.

The a6400 surpasses the a7 in battery life, providing 410 shots per charge, while the a7 only offers 340 shots. Additionally, the a6400 supports USB charging, a feature absent in the a7 model. This advantage allows for more convenient charging options, making the a6400 more practical for extended use.

There are no evident storage or battery advantages for the Sony a7 over the a6400. The a6400’s longer battery life and USB charging capability make it the superior choice in this category. Users seeking a camera with better storage and battery performance should opt for the Sony a6400.

Sony a6400 vs a7 – Our Verdict

Sony a6400 vs a7 Comparison image.

Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Sony a6400 or the Sony a7: