Sony a6400 vs a7C Comparison
Sony a6400
Sony a7C
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Brand | Sony | Sony | |
Model | a6400 | a7C | |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2019 | 2020 | |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | January 15, 2019 | November 01, 2020 | |
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The Sony a7C takes the lead with a score of 78/100, while the Sony a6400 trails behind at 70/100. Both cameras are mirrorless, announced in 2019 and 2020 respectively. They share similar dimensions, with the a7C measuring 124 x 71 x 60mm and the a6400 at 120 x 67 x 60mm. However, the a7C is slightly heavier at 509g, compared to the a6400’s 403g.
The higher score of the Sony a7C is justified by its superior performance and features. At a launch price of $1799, it offers more value for the money than the Sony a6400, which is priced at $900. The a7C’s additional weight might also suggest a more robust build quality.
On the other hand, the Sony a6400’s lower score does not necessarily mean it is a worse camera. It is lighter and slightly smaller, making it more portable for those who prioritize compactness. Furthermore, its lower price point could make it a more attractive option for budget-conscious consumers.
Taking the scores and specifications into account, the Sony a7C emerges as the better camera. However, the Sony a6400 still has its merits and could be the ideal choice for some users, particularly those who value portability and affordability.
Sony a6400 vs a7C Overview and Optics
The Sony a7C outperforms the Sony a6400 in optics with a score of 80/100, compared to the a6400’s 68/100. Both cameras share similarities in specifications, including 24.2 megapixels, CMOS sensor type, and Bionz X processor. However, the a7C has superior features that contribute to its higher score.
The a7C benefits from a full-frame sensor, which results in better image quality and low-light performance compared to the a6400’s APS-C sensor. The DXOMARK score for the a7C’s sensor is 95, significantly higher than the a6400’s 83. This difference in sensor quality has a noticeable impact on image quality. The a7C also features image stabilization, which helps reduce camera shake and produce sharper images, especially in low light or when using telephoto lenses. The a6400 lacks this feature.
On the other hand, the a6400 has a slightly faster shooting speed of 11 frames per second, compared to the a7C’s 10 frames per second. This advantage may be beneficial for action or sports photography, where capturing fast-moving subjects is crucial. Both cameras use the same lens mount, with the a6400 using Sony E lenses and the a7C using Sony FE lenses.
Considering the optics, the Sony a7C is the better choice due to its full-frame sensor, higher DXOMARK score, and image stabilization. These features result in improved image quality and better low-light performance. The a6400’s advantage in shooting speed may be useful in specific situations, but for overall optics performance, the a7C is the clear winner.
Optics
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Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 24.2 MP | 24.2 MP | |
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Image Resolution Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 6000 x 4000 px | 6000 x 4000 px | |
Sensor Type The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | CMOS | CMOS | |
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 23.5 mm | 23.8 x 35.6 mm | |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. | |||
Frame Rate The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 11 fps | 10 fps | |
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 E | Sony FE | |
Image Processor The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | Bionz X | Bionz 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. | |||
Minimum ISO (Native) Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 100 | 100 | |
Maximum ISO (Native) 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. | 32,000 | 51,200 | |
Minimum 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. | 100 | 50 | |
Maximum 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. | 102400 | 204800 | |
Minimum Shutter Speed The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 30 s | 30 s | |
Maximum 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. | 1/ 4000 s | 1/ 4000 s | |
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. | 425 | 693 | |
In-body Stabilization 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. | Electronic | Electronic | |
Viewfinder Resolution | 2,359,296 dots | 2,360,000 dots |
Sony a6400 vs a7C Video Performance
The Sony a6400 outperforms the Sony a7C in terms of video capabilities, with a video score of 91/100 compared to the a7C’s score of 70/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, including 4K maximum video resolution and 3840 x 2160 video dimensions. Additionally, both cameras have built-in time-lapse functionality.
The Sony a6400’s higher video score is due to its superior maximum video frame rate of 120fps, compared to the Sony a7C’s 30fps. This difference allows the a6400 to capture smoother and more detailed slow-motion footage, making it a better choice for videographers who require high-quality slow-motion capabilities.
While the Sony a7C has a lower video score, it still offers solid video performance with its 4K resolution and built-in time-lapse functionality. However, its lower maximum video frame rate of 30fps means it may not be the ideal choice for those who need to capture fast action or create smooth slow-motion footage.
In terms of video capabilities, the Sony a6400 is the clear winner due to its higher maximum video frame rate, which enables superior slow-motion performance. On the other hand, the Sony a7C remains a viable option for those who prioritize 4K resolution and time-lapse functionality without the need for high frame rates. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras will depend on the specific video requirements of the user.
Video
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Video Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video. | |||
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Max Video Resolution The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. | |||
Max Video Dimensions 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 2160 px | 3840 x 2160 px | |
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 p | 30 p | |
Time-Lapse 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 S | XAVC S |
Sony a6400 vs a7C Features and Benefits
The Sony a6400 and Sony a7C both score 81/100 in features, making them equal in this aspect. Both cameras share several specifications, including a 3-inch screen size, 921,600-dot screen resolution, touchscreen capabilities, flip screens, no GPS, and both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
Comparing the two cameras, the Sony a6400 has some advantages. It is a lighter camera, making it more portable and easier to carry around for extended periods. Additionally, the a6400 has a faster burst shooting rate, allowing for better capturing of fast-moving subjects. However, the Sony a7C has its strengths as well. The a7C features a full-frame sensor, providing superior image quality and better low-light performance compared to the a6400’s APS-C sensor. The a7C also offers in-body image stabilization, ensuring steadier shots and reducing the need for a tripod in certain situations.
In terms of features, both the Sony a6400 and the Sony a7C have their respective advantages. The a6400 is lighter and has a faster burst shooting rate, while the a7C boasts a full-frame sensor and in-body image stabilization. The shared features, such as screen size, resolution, and connectivity options, make both cameras versatile and user-friendly. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on the specific needs and preferences of the photographer.
Features
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Built-in Flash A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. | |||
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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 | LCD | LCD | |
Touch Screen Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. | |||
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Screen Resolution Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 921,600 dots | 921,600 dots | |
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. | |||
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Bluetooth Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. | |||
Sony a6400 vs a7C Storage and Battery
The Sony a7C outperforms the Sony a6400 in storage and battery, with a score of 45/100 compared to the a6400’s 37/100. Both cameras have one memory card slot and support USB charging. They also accept SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards. The a7C, however, is compatible with UHS-II cards, which offer faster read and write speeds than the UHS-I cards supported by the a6400.
The a7C’s battery life is significantly longer, providing 740 shots compared to the a6400’s 410 shots. This advantage stems from the use of the NP-FZ100 battery in the a7C, whereas the a6400 uses the NP-FW50 battery. The a6400 does not have any advantages in this category.
Considering these factors, the Sony a7C is the superior choice for storage and battery performance. Its compatibility with faster memory cards and longer battery life make it a more reliable and efficient option for photographers and videographers.
Storage and Battery
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Memory Card | SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Duo (UHS-I compatible) | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-II compatible) | |
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Dual Memory Card Slots | |||
Battery Type | NP-FW50 | NP-FZ100 | |
Battery Life Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 410 shots | 740 shots | |
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DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
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Overall Score DXOMARK overall sensor score. | |||
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Portrait (Color Depth) As described by DXOMARK 'The Portrait score in our camera sensor reviews defines color depth performance and its unit is a number of bits. A color depth of 22 bits is excellent; differences below 1 bit are barely noticeable.' | 24 bits | 25 bits | |
Landscape (Dynamic Range) As described by DXOMARK 'The Landscape score in our camera sensor tests defines the maximum dynamic range of the camera sensor and its unit is an exposure value (EV). A value of 12 EV is excellent with differences below 0.5 EV usually not noticeable.' | 13.6 EVs | 14.7 EVs | |
Sports (Low-Light ISO) Described by DXOMARK as 'The maximal value of ISO sensitivity needed to reach a given value of Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). The greater the value, the better' | 1431 | 3407 |
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Main Features | N/A | ||
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Extra Features | N/A | ||
Construction and Durability | N/A | ||
Handling and Ergonomics | N/A | ||
Value for Money | N/A | ||
Total Score | N/A |
Alternatives to the Sony a6400 and a7C
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 a7C:
User Scores
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B&H photo video |
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