Sony has announced a new APS-C-format camera, the α6400, which features superior image quality, a compact and lightweight design, and many of the advanced technologies inherited from Sony’s full-frame cameras. The α6400 has a 24MP Exmor CMOS sensor, an upgraded Binoz X processor, and the new Real-time Eye Autofocus and Real-time Tracking mode.
Fast performance to capture the most important moments
The new α6400’s impressive autofocus system incorporates many technologies from Sony’s latest full-frame cameras: the α9, α7R III and α7 III. The camera features 425 phase detection AF points and 425 contrast detection AF points, densely covering about 84% of the frame. Fast and high-performance autofocus system paired with the next-generation BIONZ X image processor. It allows the camera to focus in as little as 0.02 seconds and track the subject efficiently, making it easy to capture particularly dynamic scenes.
The α6400 introduces Real-time Eye Autofocus: the latest advanced version of Sony’s acclaimed Eye AF technology. The innovative solution is based on artificial intelligence that recognizes eyes and analyzes their position in real time. The result is improved efficiency, speed and accuracy of Eye AF. In all AF modes, the camera now automatically detects the subject’s eyes and triggers Eye AF when the shutter button is pressed halfway, and in AF-C and AF-A modes you can specify which eye left or right is to be in focus. Auto Right eye Left eye is available and switching between left and right eye can be assigned as a custom function. New technology lets photographers focus solely on composition – and confidently trust the camera to the AF system. A firmware update will be released in summer 2019 that will extend the Eye AF system, allowing the camera to focus on the eyes of animals , making the work of wildlife photographers much easier.
Also debuting on the α6400 is Sony’s newly developed Real-time Tracking mode. This mode uses Sony’s latest artificial intelligence-based algorithm that processes color, distance to subject depth , and pattern brightness data as spatial information, allowing you to capture all elements of a scene very accurately.. Also, when photographing people and animals, artificial intelligence technology detects the location of eyes and faces, tracking them in real time with exceptional accuracy. This can be activated by a simple half-press of the shutter button or assigned as a custom function.
The new camera lets you shoot up to 11fps with full AF/AE tracking with a mechanical shutter and up to 8fps with full AF/AE tracking in silent mode. You can record up to 116 frames in standard JPEG or up to 46 frames in RAW at both speeds, greatly increasing your chances of capturing the best moment.
Unbeatable image quality
The new Sony α6400 features a 24.2-megapixel APS-C-format Exmor CMOS sensor, which combines with the upgraded BIONZ X processor to deliver incredible improvements in image quality and color reproduction in all shooting conditions.In standard mode, the maximum sensitivity is ISO 32,000, expandable to ISO 102,400. Attention is paid to very effective noise reduction at medium to high sensitivity settings. Many of the image processing algorithms used in the camera have been borrowed from Sony’s latest full-frame cameras, resulting in much lower interference, consistent resolution and more accurate textures
Advanced 4K high-resolution video recording with fast hybrid autofocus
The α6400 is also a unique camcorder that records in 4K QFHD: 3840 x 2160 video with full pixel readout without clustering. That’s 2.4 times more data than you need to record in 4K, creating videos with exceptional detail and depth. Focusing during video shooting is fast and steady with the updated technology Fast Hybrid AF, which provides a constant smooth focus in the frame regardless of the scene, even if the frame is overlapped by moving objects. An advanced autofocus system combined with a touch focus function makes the camera ideal for video bloggers and users who regularly create content and publish it online.
For time-lapse photography, the new camera has a built-in intervalometer that can be set from 1 to 60 seconds, with a total number of shots from 1 to 9999. During interval shooting, AE-L mode can be set to High, Mid or Low, allowing you to reduce exposure changes during recording.
This model is the first mirrorless Sony APS-C camera that supports the HLG Hybrid Log-Gamma image profile. This profile is designed to be used in the “Instant HDR” workflow system, allowing you to display beautiful, realistic 4K HDR 10 images on your HDR HLG compatible TV. Additionally, the S-Log2 and S-Log3 gamma curves extend the brightness and color ranges for full creative freedom in post-processing and minimize unwanted brightening. Other features include Zebra, Gamma Display Assist and proxy recording for easy network sharing and transmission to smartphones. The camera also allows recording Full HD movies at 120 frames per second
Greater versatility through thoughtful design
To give users maximum freedom of movement, the camera’s designers have made sure the camera is highly functional and can be easily adapted to the user’s individual needs. The α6400 camera features a 3-inch, 921,000-pixel touchscreen LCD. pixels and can be tilted 180 degrees, which will be especially popular with fans of selfies and video bloggers. In addition, the LCD screen supports touch functions such as touch focus and shutter release, as well as a new “Touch Tracking” mode – tracking the focus area indicated by a touch.
The camera also features a high quality XGA OLED Tru-Finder viewfinder, 8 custom buttons that can be assigned up to 89 functions, new My Dial and My Menu functions and many other features to make photography easier.
The α6400 housing is made of rugged magnesium alloy and protected against dust and moisture. The shutter is extremely durable and is designed for more than 200,000 releases . A release mechanism at the end of the rear shutter path is used for this purpose, as well as an elastic material that dampens shocks. Reducing vibration is also beneficial to the resolution of the sensor.
The camera allows for efficient transfer of files to a connected smartphone or tablet thanks to the new Imaging Edge Mobile app
Price and affordability
The α6400 will go on sale in February 2019 for a recommended retail price of $900 in the Body package. It will also be offered as a kit with a 16-50mm F3.5 – 5.6 lens for $1000 or a kit with an 18-135mm F3.5 – 5.6 lens for $1300
This sounds like an exciting development from Sony! I’m curious to know more about the α6400’s focusing speed. How does it compare to previous models, and what makes it the “world’s fastest”? Can it consistently track moving subjects with precision?
How does the α6400’s focusing speed compare to other mirrorless cameras on the market?
This is exciting news! I’m really curious to know more about the α6400’s focusing speed. Can Sony share any specific details about how they achieved this feat? I’d also love to hear about any other significant improvements or new features that make this camera stand out from its predecessors. Overall, I’m keen to learn more about the benefits that this next-generation mirrorless camera brings to photography enthusiasts like myself.