Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over
| General | ||
| Brand | Sony | Sony |
| Model | a6400 | a7S II |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. |
2019 | 2015 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. |
15/01/2019 | 11/09/2015 |
| Camera type | Mirrorless | Mirrorless |
| Camera size | 120 x 67 x 60 mm | 127 x 96 x 60 mm |
| Camera weight | 403 g | 627 g |
| Optics | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
24.2 MP050 | 12.2 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. |
6000 x 4000 | 4240 x 2832 |
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 | 23.8 x 35.8 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |
APS-C | Full 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 fps045 | 5 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 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. |
3:2 | 3:2 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. |
10030200 | 10030200 |
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. |
320003003280000 | 1024003003280000 |
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. |
10030200 | 5030200 |
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. |
1024003003280000 | 4096003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. |
3044080 | 3044080 |
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. |
400080032000 | 800080032000 |
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. |
4250300 | 1690300 |
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. |
Electronic | Electronic |
| Viewfinder dots | 235929609900000 | 235929609900000 |
| 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. |
4K | 4K |
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 2160 | 3840 x 2160 |
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 fps | 30 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 S | MPEG-4, AVCHD, XAVC S |
| 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 | LCD | LCD |
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. |
9216001150001500000 | 12288001150001500000 |
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 Duo / Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo |
| Dual memory card slots | ✗ | ✗ |
| Battery type | NP-FW50 | NP-FW50 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. |
410 shots1505000 | 370 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✓ | ✗ |
The Sony a6400 outperforms the Sony a7S II with a score of 70/100 compared to 60/100. Both cameras are mirrorless and share similar dimensions, with the a6400 being slightly smaller at 120 x 67 x 60mm and lighter at 403g. The a6400 was released in 2019 and costs $900, while the a7S II was released in 2015 and has a launch price of $3,000.
The a6400’s higher score reflects its more recent technology and better value for money. On the other hand, the a7S II has a larger size (127 x 96 x 60mm) and is heavier at 627g, which may provide a more substantial feel for some users.
Taking into account the specifications and scores, the Sony a6400 is the better choice for those seeking an up-to-date, affordable mirrorless camera. The Sony a7S II may still appeal to those who prefer a heftier camera, despite its lower score and higher price.
The Sony a6400 wins in the optics comparison with a score of 68/100, while the Sony a7S II follows closely behind with 66/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as the CMOS sensor type, Bionz X processor, and compatibility with Sony lenses. However, there are key differences that set them apart.
The Sony a6400 outperforms the a7S II in terms of megapixels and shooting speed. With 24.2 megapixels, it produces higher resolution images compared to the a7S II’s 12.2 megapixels. The a6400 also boasts an impressive shooting speed of 11 frames per second, more than double the a7S II’s 5 frames per second. These factors contribute to the a6400’s superior performance in capturing detailed and fast-paced subjects.
On the other hand, the Sony a7S II has the edge in sensor size and image stabilization. The full-frame sensor provides a larger surface area for light collection, resulting in better low-light performance and increased dynamic range. Its DXOMARK score of 85 supports this advantage. Additionally, the a7S II offers built-in image stabilization, which compensates for camera shake and allows for sharper images in various shooting conditions. The a6400 lacks this feature, which may limit its performance in certain situations.
Despite the close scores, each camera excels in different areas. The Sony a6400 is the better choice for capturing high-resolution images and fast-paced action, while the Sony a7S II is more suitable for low-light photography and situations where image stabilization is crucial. Ultimately, the right choice depends on the specific needs and preferences of the photographer.
The Sony a6400 clearly outshines the Sony a7S II in terms of video capabilities, with a significant difference in scores, 91/100 for the a6400 and 56/100 for the a7S II. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as a maximum video resolution of 4K and video dimensions of 3840 x 2160. However, the a6400 surpasses the a7S II in other aspects, making it the superior choice for video recording.
The Sony a6400 boasts a higher maximum video frame rate of 120fps, compared to the a7S II’s 30fps. This allows for smoother and more detailed slow-motion footage, providing greater creative freedom for videographers. Additionally, the a6400 has built-in time-lapse functionality, which the a7S II lacks. This feature enables users to easily create stunning time-lapse videos without needing additional equipment or software.
On the other hand, the Sony a7S II does not offer any significant advantages in video capabilities over the a6400. Its lower score reflects its inferior performance in comparison to the a6400. The lack of time-lapse functionality and a lower frame rate make the a7S II a less appealing option for those prioritizing video recording.
In comparing the video capabilities of the Sony a6400 and the Sony a7S II, the a6400 stands out as the superior choice, offering a higher video score, a greater maximum video frame rate, and built-in time-lapse functionality. The a7S II fails to provide any substantial advantages over the a6400 in this regard. Therefore, the Sony a6400 is the recommended option for those seeking a camera with exceptional video recording capabilities.
The Sony a6400 emerges as the winner in the features category, scoring 81 out of 100 points, compared to the Sony a7S II, which scores 57 points. Both cameras share several specifications, such as a 3-inch screen size, flip screen functionality, and the absence of GPS. Additionally, both cameras offer WIFI connectivity, allowing users to transfer images wirelessly.
The Sony a6400 outshines the a7S II in certain aspects. Firstly, it has a touchscreen feature, which makes it easier to navigate through menus and settings. This feature is absent in the a7S II. Secondly, the a6400 includes Bluetooth connectivity, allowing for seamless pairing with compatible devices. The a7S II lacks this feature, limiting its connectivity options.
On the other hand, the Sony a7S II has a higher screen resolution of 1,228,800 dots, compared to the a6400’s 921,600 dots. This means that the a7S II provides a clearer and more detailed display, which can be helpful for photographers when reviewing images.
Taking all these factors into consideration, the Sony a6400 has a clear advantage in terms of features, with a touchscreen and Bluetooth connectivity. However, the a7S II offers a higher screen resolution, which can be beneficial for those who prioritize image clarity on the camera’s display. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras depends on the individual’s preferences and priorities in terms of features and functionality.
The Sony a6400 outperforms the Sony a7S II in storage and battery with a score of 37/100 compared to 21/100. Both cameras have a single memory card slot and accept SD/SDHC/SDXC and Memory Stick Duo cards. However, the a6400 is compatible with UHS-I cards, while the a7S II also supports Pro Duo and Pro-HG Duo cards.
The a6400 has a battery life of 410 shots, which is superior to the a7S II’s 370 shots. Both cameras use the NP-FW50 battery type. The a6400 has the advantage of USB charging, which the a7S II lacks.
Although the a7S II has less battery life and no USB charging, it offers more memory card compatibility. Still, the a6400’s longer battery life and USB charging capability make it the better choice for storage and battery performance. The a6400’s higher score reflects its superior performance in these aspects.

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 a7S II: