If you’re looking for a reliable and budget-friendly mirrorless camera, the Sony A6400 is still a strong contender in 2025. This camera has been a favourite among photographers, vloggers, and content creators due to its fast autofocus, 4K video capabilities, and compact size.
But with newer models like the Sony A6700 and A6600 now available, does the A6400 still hold up? In this review, we’ll take a deep dive into its features, performance, and whether it’s still worth buying this year.
Sony A6400: Quick Overview
Who It’s For: Enthusiasts, vloggers, and casual photographers
Sensor: 24.2MP APS-C Exmor CMOS
Video: 4K UHD at 30fps, Full HD at 120fps
Autofocus: 425-point phase detection with Real-Time Eye AF
Battery Life: ~410 shots per charge
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC
Price: Around $900 (body only)
Pros & Cons
✔ Industry-leading autofocus (0.02 sec response time)
✔ Sharp 24.2MP sensor with excellent colors
✔ Compact and lightweight, ideal for travel
✔ Unlimited 4K recording with no time limit
✔ Flip-up screen, perfect for vlogging
✘ No in-body image stabilization (IBIS)
✘ Rolling shutter issues in 4K video
✘ No headphone jack for audio monitoring
Design & Build Quality
The Sony A6400 has a familiar APS-C mirrorless design, making it compact yet durable. Weighing just 403g, it’s easy to carry for long shoots or travel. The magnesium alloy body provides a solid feel, and it’s weather-sealed against dust and moisture, making it a good option for outdoor shooting.
The 3-inch LCD touchscreen flips up 180 degrees, making it a popular choice for vloggers and content creators. However, since the screen flips upward rather than to the side, it can get blocked if you’re using an external microphone. The camera also has a 2.36M-dot OLED electronic viewfinder (EVF), which provides a clear and bright display for shooting in bright sunlight.
Image Quality & Performance
Despite being an older model, the Sony A6400 still delivers stunning image quality thanks to its 24.2MP APS-C sensor. The camera produces sharp, detailed images with accurate colours and excellent dynamic range.
Its ISO range of 100-32,000 (expandable to 102,400) ensures great performance in low light. Noise control is solid up to ISO 6400, and when shooting in RAW, you can push shadows and highlights effectively in post-processing.
If you’re into portrait photography, the Real-Time Eye AF and Face Detection work incredibly well. The camera locks onto a subject’s eye almost instantly, making it a great option for shooting people, pets, and even wildlife.
Autofocus & Burst Shooting
Sony is known for its industry-leading autofocus system, and the A6400 is no exception. The 425-point phase detection autofocus system covers nearly the entire frame and locks onto subjects with impressive accuracy.
One of its standout features is Real-Time Eye AF, which works for both humans and animals. Whether you’re shooting fast-moving subjects or portraits, the autofocus is fast and reliable.
The 11fps continuous shooting mode is a huge advantage for sports and action photographers. It allows you to capture a burst of images with minimal lag, ensuring you never miss the perfect moment.
Video Performance: A Great Camera for Vlogging?
The Sony A6400 is often recommended for vloggers and YouTubers because of its high-quality 4K recording and unlimited recording time. Unlike some other cameras in this price range, it does not have a 30-minute recording limit, making it ideal for long-form content.
The 4K UHD video is captured with full pixel readout and no pixel binning, which means more detail and less noise. It also supports 1080p at 120fps, allowing you to create smooth slow-motion footage.
However, there are a few downsides. The camera lacks in-body image stabilization, so if you plan to shoot handheld, you’ll need a stabilized lens or a gimbal for smoother video. Another issue is the rolling shutter effect, which can cause distortion when panning quickly.
If you’re planning to record professional audio, keep in mind that the A6400 does not have a headphone jack for monitoring sound. You can use an external microphone via the 3.5mm mic input, but you won’t be able to check audio levels in real-time.
Battery Life & Connectivity
The A6400 is powered by the NP-FW50 battery, which provides around 410 shots per charge. If you’re shooting video, expect about 125 minutes of 4K recording per battery. While this is decent, carrying extra batteries is recommended for longer shoots.
In terms of connectivity, the camera supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC. You can quickly transfer images to your smartphone using Sony’s Imaging Edge app, and even control the camera remotely.
Is the Sony A6400 Still Worth It in 2025?
If you’re considering buying the Sony A6400 this year, it really depends on your needs.
It’s still one of the best budget-friendly mirrorless cameras for both photography and vlogging, thanks to fast autofocus, 4K video, and compact design. However, if you need in-body stabilization, better battery life, or improved video performance, you may want to look at newer models.
Who Should Buy It?
✔ Beginners and enthusiasts who want professional features on a budget
✔ Vloggers and YouTubers who need a compact, high-quality 4K camera
✔ Travel and street photographers looking for a lightweight mirrorless setup
Who Should Skip It?
🚫 Pro videographers who need stabilization and better rolling shutter control
🚫 People upgrading from the A6400 or A6600—consider the A6700 instead
Sony A6400 Alternatives (2025)
| Model | Why Choose It? | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Sony A6700 | Newer APS-C model with IBIS & AI autofocus | $1,398 |
| Sony A6600 | Improved battery life & stabilization | $1,200 |
| Fujifilm X-S20 | Better colour science & IBIS | $1,399 |
| Canon R50 | Cheaper APS-C mirrorless option | $799 |
Final Verdict
The Sony A6400 is still a great mirrorless camera in 2025, especially for photographers and vloggers on a budget. It delivers excellent image quality, industry-leading autofocus, and 4K video with no recording limit.
However, if image stabilization and newer video features are a priority, the Sony A6700 or A6600 might be better choices.
⭐ Rating: 8.5/10
✔ Excellent image quality and autofocus
✔ Still one of the best APS-C cameras for its price
✔ Great for travel, vlogging, and content creation
Would you still buy the Sony A6400 in 2025? Let us know in the comments! 🚀
