Sony a6100 vs. Sony a6400 Complete Comparison: Which One To Buy?

The Sony a6100 and a6400 are excellent mirrorless cameras, known for their rich feature sets and exceptional image quality.

As a professional photographer, I’ve had the opportunity to work with many top cameras, but I find myself drawn to compact cameras like these two Sony models.

While both cameras offer impressive features and image quality, I personally prefer the Sony a6400.

It offers several key upgrades over the a6100, making it the better choice for many photographers.

In this article, we’ll dive into the similarities and differences between these two cameras, and explore the reasons why the Sony a6400 is my top pick.

So let’s get started!

At a Glance

Both cameras share many similarities, but there are some key differences worth noting.

The Sony a6400 has better environmental sealing, making it a more suitable choice for harsh weather conditions.

Additionally, its viewfinder boasts almost 40% more pixels than the Sony a6100, giving it a slight edge in overall image quality.

On the other hand, the Sony a6100 is a more budget-friendly option that still packs a punch with its speedy performance and well-built design.

While both cameras offer great photo capabilities, each has unique features that make it more suitable for certain situations.

The Sony a6400 is ideal for videography, thanks to its advanced video functionality and autofocus performance.

Meanwhile, the Sony a6100 is a great choice for those on a budget or looking for a lightweight and portable option.

Of course, there are significant differences in terms of design, functionality, and price, so it’s essential to consider your priorities when choosing between these two cameras.

If you prioritize video capabilities and weather-sealed build quality, the Sony a6400 is the way to go.

However, if you’re on a budget or value portability and convenience, the Sony a6100 is an excellent option.

Key Takeaways

Comparing the Sony a6100 and Sony a6400

So, without further ado, let’s dive into a more detailed comparison of these two cameras.

I’ll be breaking down the most important aspects of a camera and comparing these features on the Sony a6100 and Sony a6400. 

Along the way, I’ll share my thoughts on which camera is better in each category and who might benefit more from those superior specifications. Sound good? Let’s get started!

1. Body Design and Ergonomics: a6100 for Indoor Shooting and Portability, a6400 for Versatility in Various Sshooting Situations

While each camera has its own unique physical design and ergonomics, there are some underlying principles that can help determine how comfortable it is to use.

One of the most important factors to consider is the camera’s weight, size, and feel.

For photographers who prefer a lightweight, portable option, the Sony a6100 and a6400 are great choices. 

The a6100, for instance, measures 4.72 x 2.64 x 2.32″ (120 x 67 x 59 mm) and weighs just under 14 ounces, making it easy to carry wherever you go.

The LCD screen on the a6100 is also quite impressive, measuring 3″ on the diagonal and tilting for added flexibility.

Meanwhile, the Sony a6400 is slightly larger and heavier than the a6100, with dimensions of 4.72 x 2.64 x 2.36″ (120 x 67 x 60 mm) and a weight of just over 14 ounces.

However, it still boasts the same impressive LCD screen and tilting functionality as the a6100.

While both cameras have similar body designs and are comfortable to hold, there are some differences worth noting. 

For example, the a6100 is slightly lighter than the a6400, which may be important for photographers who value portability.

However, users with larger hands might prefer the slightly thicker body of the a6400.

Another key difference between these two Sony cameras is that the a6400 has environmental sealing, which the a6100 lacks.

This means that the a6400 is better protected against water, dust, and other debris, making it a more durable option in challenging environments.

In terms of ergonomics, the a6400 has a more tactile and comfortable grip, as well as more control buttons and a better-positioned viewfinder. 

Additionally, the a6400 features a magnesium alloy body construction, which makes it more rugged and durable compared to the a6100’s plastic body.

Key Takeaways

Overall, the a6100 is a great option for photographers who primarily shoot indoors or prefer a lightweight camera.

On the other hand, the a6400 offers better ergonomics and durability, making it a more versatile choice for a wide range of shooting situations.

2. Autofocus: Reliable Focus and Fast Tracking on a6100 and a6400

As a photographer, I often find myself caught in the debate of autofocus versus manual focusing. 

Personally, I tend to prefer the control of manual focus, but there are times when the speed of autofocus can’t be beaten.

And when it comes to the autofocus on these Sony cameras, it’s hard to argue against it – it’s as fast and accurate as they come.

Both the Sony a6100 and a6400 boast excellent autofocus capabilities. They use the same advanced AI algorithm developed by Sony, which provides reliable focus tracking across 425 focus points at an impressive speed of approximately 0.02 seconds.

The AF on the a6100 and a6400 offer Face, Contrast, and Phase detection.

Portrait photographers will love the eye detection of the AF, which keeps the focus stable as it tracks the eye of a moving subject.

Users can even select Left or Right eye detection for more control over the focus.

The autofocus modes on both cameras include:

• Automatic AF
• Single-shot AF
• Continuous AF

I can also select from a range of focus areas:

• Wide (phase-detection AF or contrast-detection AF)
• Zone 
• Center 
• Flexible Spot 
• Expanded Flexible Spot 
• Tracking 

Key Takeaways

Overall, the autofocus system on both cameras is fantastic, and it’s effortless to use.

I had ample control and customization options over how the autofocus functioned, which is not always the case when the camera chooses the focus point.

Both the a6100 and a6400 deliver reliable focus and fast tracking, regardless of which one you choose.

3. Image Quality and Size: Both Cameras Deliver Excellent Image Quality

The image quality is an essential consideration for photographers when discussing camera specifications, including image file types, compression ratio, and image size.

Both the Sony a6100 and Sony a6400 have the same APS-C sized 24.0 MP resolution sensor, providing similar image quality.

Both cameras offer the same image file formats and size options.

Photographers can choose from RAW, JPEG, or simultaneous JPEG+RAW shooting modes, and can adjust the quality settings for JPEG and JPEG+RAW files.

Users can also select from different ratio options, including 1:1, 16:9, 3:2, or Sweeping Panorama mode.

Image size options are also identical for the Sony a6100 and Sony a6400. Ratio options include 1:1, 16:9, 3:2, or a Sweeping Panorama mode. 

The image size options range between small, medium, and large for all three standard ratios.

The smallest image size is 2000 x 2000 pixels (4.0M) for the 1:1 ratio, while the largest is 6000 x 4000 pixels (24M) for the 3:2 ratio.

For panoramic shots, both the Sony a6100 and Sony a6400 offer standard and wide options. 

The Standard panorama options include: 

• Horizontal: 8,192 x 1,856 pixels (15M)
• Vertical: 3,872 x 2,160 pixels (8.4M)

The Wide panorama options are:

• Horizontal: 12,416 x 1,856 (23M)
• Vertical 5,536 x 2,160 (12M)

Key Takeaways

All in all, both cameras offer excellent image quality, so photographers can be equally satisfied with either one.

4. Image Stabilization: No In-body Image Stabilization on Both Cameras

Image stabilization helps reduce unwanted blur, especially when I’m shooting in a low-light situation where my camera’s ISO setting needs to be high or when I’m using a slow shutter speed. 

Unfortunately, one of the downsides of the Sony a6100 and Sony a6400 cameras is that they don’t have any in-body image stabilization technology.

This means that you’ll need to rely on the stabilization features of your lens or use a tripod to keep your camera steady.

5. Video: Sony A6400 Is the Superior Option

Mirrorless cameras like the Sony a6100 and Sony a6400 aren’t just for still photographers, as they can also create fantastic videos.

Both cameras have many shared video specifications, offering various video formats like MPEG-4, XAVC S, and H.264.

In terms of video resolutions, the Sony a6100 and Sony a6400 both support multiple resolutions up to 3840 x 2160 4K (UHD).

They can capture high-speed videos of up to 120 fps, giving users smooth and detailed video footage.

Videographers can use multiple picture modes with both these Sony mirrorless cameras, including some creative styles like 

• posterization
• soft
• high-key 
• high-contrast monochrome

The a6100 has plenty of choices for creative recording styles beyond the Standard mode. The style presets include:

• Vivid
• Portrait
• Landscape
• Sunset
• Black & White

The Sony a6100 also offers three creative styles that videographers can adjust through a range, including:

• Sepia (-3 to +3 steps) 
• Saturation (-3 to +3 steps)
• Sharpness (-3 to +3 steps))

Comparatively, the Sony a6400 has even more options that the a6100 doesn’t.

The modes exclusive to the a6400 include:

• Clear
• Deep
• Light
• Night Scene
• Autumn leaves

The Sony a6400 has the same three adjustable creative styles the a6100 offers, but it also provides a Style Box mode with six different level options.

Key Takeaways

Overall, the Sony a6400 is the better option for videographers due to its additional style features that are not available on the Sony a6100.

While both cameras offer similar video recording performance, the a6400 provides an edge in terms of video style.

6. ISO Range: Sony A6400 With Better High ISO Performance

I’m kind of a nerd when it comes to photography history, and I really enjoy learning about ISO. 

Did you know that ISO has been around since the days of film cameras?

It used to be a rating that explained how sensitive a particular type of film was, with slower films like ISO 100 or 200 producing clearer images.

Nowadays, photographers still use ISO to describe a particular setting on their digital cameras.

The lower the ISO, the clearer the photo, but it also requires more light. Higher ISOs like 800 or 1000 are great for low-light situations.

That’s why most photographers prefer cameras with a wide range of ISO settings for maximum versatility.

The Sony a6100 has a recommended ISO range of 100 to 32000, but users can expand it up to 51200.

In AUTO mode, the range is 100-6400 with selectable minimal and maximal limits.

The same ranges apply to still images and video recording, with the only difference being that users can only expand the ISO range by 32000 for video.

On the other hand, the Sony a6400 uses the same native ISO range of 100 to 32000, but it has a higher extended ISO range that tops out at 102400 for even better low-light photography.

The AUTO mode also uses the same range as the a6100, 100-6400.

Key Takeaways

Overall, I prefer the Sony a6400 because it has better high ISO performance. It can handle sunny outdoor portraits and dimly lit indoor event photography with ease.

Of course, if you’re using additional lighting equipment, the need for high ISO settings becomes less crucial.

7. Shutter Speed: 

Shutter speed is a crucial aspect of photography, especially when capturing fast-moving subjects such as sports, wildlife, or action scenes.

It refers to how quickly the camera’s shutter can open and close, and it can affect the sharpness and clarity of the image.

While faster shutter speeds may seem ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects, slower shutter speeds can also create stunning visuals by intentionally adding blur effects to the images.

The Sony a6100 and a6400 both have a vertical traverse-style shutter, an electronic front shutter curtain with ON/OFF control, and an optional silent shooting mode.

The a6100 offers shutter speeds ranging from 1/4000 to 30 seconds for still images, and 1/4000 to 1/4 for video.

In AUTO mode, the shutter speed is up to 1/60, while in Auto slow shutter mode, it drops to 1/30.

The a6400 operates similarly, offering shutter speeds of 1/400 to 30 seconds for photos, and 1/4000 to 1/4 for video.

In AUTO mode, the shutter speed is also 1/60, while in Auto slow shutter mode, it’s 1/30.

With similar design, features, and shutter speed performance, both cameras provide reliable options for capturing fast-moving subjects.

Key Takeaways

Overall, the Sony a6100 and Sony a6400 provide similar shutter speed performance, so you can choose either camera without compromising speed.

Whether you’re shooting fast-moving subjects or seeking creative effects, both cameras are capable of delivering.

You can confidently pick either camera for your photography needs.

8. Continuous Shooting: Both Models Offer Similar Drive Speeds and Self-Timer Options

I’m excited to talk about continuous shooting or burst mode! This function allows users to take photos continuously after pressing the shutter button once until they release it. 

Drive speed, measured in frames per second (FPS), determines how many frames a camera can capture per second.

The Sony a6100 and Sony a6400 have the same continuous shooting specifications, including four continuous shooting modes, each with its own drive speed, and six self-timer settings.

Videographers can choose between these found continuous shooting drive speeds:

• Hi+ for 11 fps
• Hi for 8 fps
• Mid for 6 fps
• Lo for 3 fps

Both cameras have six self-timer options: 

• three frames after a 10-second
• 5-second
• 2-second delay
• five frames after a 10-second
• 5-second
• 2-second delay

I love taking action shots; capturing a magic moment that comes and goes in the blink of an eye is so satisfying.

When I want to be sure that that moment wants to elude me, I need a continuous shooting mode that won’t miss a thing, and that’s why I love the a6100 and a 6400.

In conclusion, both models offer similar continuous shooting drive speeds and self-timer options.

Choosing between them is now more accessible for anyone who’s trying to decide which Sony camera to buy.

9. Buffer: 

Buffer is basically temporary memory on the camera that holds image data until it’s written to the memory card.

It’s usually measured by the number of photos or frames a camera can hold for a given media formats, like JPEG or RAW.

Having a high buffer means you can capture more content before having to stop and let the camera “catch up.”

A high buffer is a must for photographers who like to use burst shooting.

A photographer can slightly offset a slow buffer by using a memory card with a faster writing speed. 

However, getting a camera with a fast buffer for jobs that rely on the continuous shooting is still preferable.

The Sony a6100 offers decent buffer capacities, measured by Sony as the approximate number of recordable frames. 

Here are the ratings Sony publishes for the a6100 based on image format:

• JPEG Standard L: 77 frames
• JPEG Fine L: 77 frames
• JPEG Extra fine L: 76 frames
• RAW: 33 frames
• RAW & JPEG: 31 frames

The Sony a6400 offers a significant buffer capacity upgrade when compared to the Sony a6100.

Here are the ratings Sony publishes for the a6400 based on image format:

• JPEG Standard L: 116 frames
• JPEG Fine L: 115 frames
• JPEG Extra fine L: 99 frames
• RAW: 46 frames
• RAW & JPEG: 44 frames

It’s clear to see the difference between the two cameras. The Sony a6100 can buffer 77 JPEG standard images, while the Sony a6400 buffers 116 images.

Key Takeaways

In conclusion, I recommend the Sony a6400 for continuous shooting due to its superior buffer capacity.

Waiting for the camera to finish writing data to the memory card can be frustrating, especially during important events.

With the a6400, you won’t have to wait as long as you would with the a6100.

10. Electronic Viewfinder Resolution: 

The viewfinder refers to the portion of the camera a photographer looks at or through to see what’s in front of their camera.

Some cameras, such as DSLRs, utilize an optical viewfinder (OVF). The OVF uses mirrors to reflect the view in front of the lens into the viewfinder.

Other cameras, especially high-end mirrorless models, rely on an electronic viewfinder (EVF).

Instead of relying on a mirror, an EVF uses a small digital sensor that displays an image on a view screen.

I didn’t always love electronic viewfinders when they were first released. Early EVF versions had issues with ghosting and sharpness.

I am happy to say manufacturers have solved those issues with newer cameras like the Sony a6100 and a6400.

Both cameras have fantastic manual and auto brightness controls with five steps between -2 and +2.

Plus, they provide manual color temperature control with five steps too.

The display contents are also identical and include a histogram and digital level gauge.

When it comes to the viewfinder specs, the Sony a6100 features a 0.39mm OLED panel. It’s got a 1.07x magnification (equivalent to 0.70x with a 35mm camera) and a 23mm eyepoint.

Users get 1,440,000 dots of resolution, which is pretty decent.

But the Sony a6400 takes things up a notch. It shares many similarities with the a6100, including the OLED panel measuring 0.39mm, a 23mm eyepoint, and the same 1.07x magnification.

But here’s the kicker: the viewfinder on the Sony a6400 offers a whopping 2,359,296 dots. That’s nearly 40% more dots than what the Sony a6100 offers!

Personally, I can’t get enough of the extra resolution on the Sony a6400.

It’s a game-changer, especially for manual-focus users like me. It helps me ensure that my images and videos are as sharp and clear as possible.

Compared to other cameras in the same class, the Sony a6100′s resolution is lower than average, while the Sony a6400’s resolution is higher than average.

Key Takeaways

In summary, the Sony a6400 has a clear edge over the Sony a6100 in terms of viewfinder resolution.

This advantage is essential for photographers who prefer manual focus and those who crave the sharpest and clearest views.

11. Audio: Ecellent Audio Recording Options on the a6100 and a6400

As mentioned earlier, plenty of people, such as photographers, vloggers, and social media influencers, record videos.

But what good is a crystal-clear video if the audio recording capabilities of a camera are subpar?

Many people who use cameras to record live video and audio often plan to use external microphones and other audio equipment that they can purchase separately.

However, it’s still a good idea to invest in a camera with an excellent internal microphone and speaker.

When shopping for a camera, the most critical aspects of audio recording to watch out for are the recording format(s) and any audio control functions that are essential to you.

Both cameras offer an external microphone jack, which is great for attaching advanced equipment for the best sound recording.

And even if you don’t use external audio equipment, the internal audio recording on both cameras is still reliable.

The Sony a6100 features an internal microphone and supports LPCM 2ch XAVC S and Dolby Digital (AC-3) 2ch AVCHD formats for recording.

It also has multiple audio controls and monitoring features, including an audio-level display and audio recording level.

The Sony a6400 offers the same external microphone jack, supports the same audio formats, and also has an audio-level display and audio recording level.

However, neither camera offers a headphone jack, only a microphone jack.

Key Takeaways

Overall, if you’re a vlogger or videographer looking for a camera with top-notch audio recording capabilities, both the Sony a6100 and Sony a6400 are great choices.

Whether you want to use external audio equipment or rely on the internal microphone, these cameras have got you covered.

12. Battery Life: Sony a6100 Outperforms Sony a6400

Battery life is always a concern for photographers, as running out of power during a shoot can be frustrating.

The Sony a6100 and Sony a6400 use the same NP-FW50 battery pack, but their battery life performances differ slightly.

The Sony a6100 has better battery life compared to the larger and more powerful Sony a6400. It can last approximately 420 shots or 75 minutes of continuous video recording. 

On the other hand, the Sony a6400 camera’s battery life provides roughly 410 still shots or up to 70 minutes of continuous video recording.

This difference is primarily due to the a6400’s a faster and more power-hungry processor.

If you’re a videographer, you’ll appreciate the extra 5 minutes of recording time the Sony a6100 offers. 

For photographers who don’t want to carry spare batteries, the Sony a6100 is the better choice as it can capture roughly ten more photos than the Sony a6400.

It’s worth noting that some photographers may not require longer battery life and could opt for a smaller battery, which may save them a few bucks. 

But for those who don’t want to run out of power while in the field or on the job, finding the longest-lasting battery is the best option.

Key Takeaways

Overall, when choosing between the Sony a6100 and the Sony a6400, keep in mind that the a6100 has better battery life due to its less power-hungry processor.

But both cameras use the same battery pack, so you can carry a spare battery with you just in case.

13. Price: a6400 Is Pricer than a6100

When it comes to buying new camera equipment, price is always a major deciding factor for me. And, as you might expect, a higher price tag doesn’t always mean a better product. 

That said, both the Sony a6100 and a6400 have their merits, but there is a difference in price between the two.

If you’re looking for a more affordable option, the Sony a6100 is the way to go. Sony has priced the a6100 camera body at under $800 without any lenses. 

On the other hand, the Sony a6400 is a bit larger and comes with upgraded features and performance, so it’s priced higher than the a6100. You can expect to pay under $1000 for the a6400 camera body only.

When it comes to the price of a camera, my advice to other photographers is to always choose the least expensive piece of equipment that offers the features they need.

While it may be tempting to go for a lower-priced option, sacrificing performance for the sake of price almost always results in problems down the road that require a solution.

Key Takeaways

Overall, depending on the merchant, you can expect to save around $200-$300 by choosing the Sony a6100 over the Sony a6400.

This makes it a great option for budget-conscious photographers, including casual hobbyists or newbies who are just starting out in the field.

14. Key Features

Mirrorless cameras like the Sony a6100 and Sony a6400 are packed with features and specifications that set them apart from other cameras. Let me highlight some of the most valuable features of these two cameras.

Wireless Connectivity

Both cameras are equipped with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, which make it easy to transfer photos to a computer or Wi-Fi-capable TV. 

Additionally, the cameras can be controlled using a smartphone as a remote control.

Noise Reduction

Noise reduction technology is a post-processing software that removes image noise for clearer photos.

The Sony a6100 and Sony a6400 come with noise-reduction technology that does an excellent job of smoothing out disparities between pixels, especially when the ISO is cranked up. 

The Sony a6100 also offers optional long-exposure noise reduction that can be turned on or off for any ISO between 100 and 51200, while the Sony a6400 has optional long-exposure noise reduction for any ISO setting from 100 to 102400.

Exposure Modes

The exposure modes on the Sony a6100 and a6400 allow for a lot of flexibility.

Users can choose between multiple options for still photography, including Manual, AUTO, Programmed AE, Aperture priority, and Shutter-speed priority. 

The video recording exposure modes consist of Manual, Programmed AE, Aperture priority, and Shutter-speed priority.

Videographers can also use the same video exposures in slow and quick motion modes.

Finally, there are two unique exposure modes: Sweep Panorama and Scene Selection.

Scene selection lets a photographer choose exposure based on their shooting environment.

Options for scene selection include Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports Action, Sunset, Hand-Held Twilight, Night Scene, Night Portrait, and Anti-Motion Blur.

Lens Mount and Compatibility

The model’s lens mount is another critical factor to consider when choosing a new camera. The Sony a6100 and Sony a6400 use the same lens mount, the Sony E-mount design.

The collection of Sony E-mount lenses is large and varied, with phenomenal options for any photography.

Flash Control

The flash control on a camera is crucial to any photographer obsessed with lighting equipment. 

The Sony a6100 and Sony a6400 use a pre-flash TTL flash control and Sony’s α (Alpha) System Flash with a standard multi-interface shoe for attaching an external flash. 

The built-in flash on these two cameras offers about 16mm of coverage and has a cycle time of roughly four seconds. It’s also remote-controllable with either a light signal or a radio signal. 

The Sony a6100 will bracket through multiple increments for three or five frames, while the Sony a6400 does an even better job with the bracketing function through 3, 5, or 9 frames.

Sony a6100 vs Sony a6400: a6400 Wins

I love these mirrorless Sony cameras, but the clear-cut winner is the Sony a6400.

For starters, the Sony a6400 offers approximately 40% more pixels for its viewfinder resolution, giving you a clearer, more precise view of your shot. 

Additionally, this camera boasts phenomenal environmental sealing, a slightly faster processor, and a shutter life that Sony rates as double that of the Sony a6100.

If you’re a photographer who specializes in sports, wildlife, or any similar medium, the Sony a6400 is the perfect choice for you.

Compared to the Sony a6100, this model is slightly more durable and offers a deeper buffer, better ISO capacity, and a faster processor.

On the other hand, if you’re a portrait photographer, vlogger, or beginner photographer, the Sony a6100 should be at the top of your list.

This camera is lighter and thinner than the Sony a6400, making it more portable and easier to carry around. 

Additionally, the Sony a6100 has a slightly longer battery life and boasts better viewfinder magnification than its counterpart.

After personally using both cameras, I can confidently say that they’re both fantastic options. However, my personal preference leans towards the Sony a6400. 

That being said, I encourage you to check out the Sony a6400 and then view the Sony a6100 for yourself and compare them to determine which camera will be your next favorite.