Z5vs A6400
Which should you buy?
Entry-Level Full-Frame & Dslr Switchers — Z5 (2020): The most affordable route into full-frame Z — dual card slots, IBIS, and a capable sensor at an accessible price.
Content Creation & Vlogging — A6400 (2019): The best value APS-C Sony you can buy — especially used. Real-time Eye AF at this price point was transformative when it launched and still makes it one of the most reliable autofocus systems in the lineup.
Who should buy what
Z5 (2020)
- DSLR photographers switching to full-frame mirrorless for the first time
- Enthusiasts who want full-frame image quality on a tighter budget
- Photographers stepping up from APS-C who don't need fast burst or 4K
- Z5 II shoppers on a budget — the original Z5 is now excellent value used
A6400 (2019)
- Vloggers and content creators who need a flip screen and reliable AF
- Photographers upgrading from a compact or smartphone
- Beginners who want room to grow into a full E-mount lens ecosystem
- Anyone prioritising autofocus performance at an accessible price
Quick take: The z5 has the highest resolution at 24mp; the a6400 is the most affordable; only the z5 is weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | Z5 (2020) | A6400 (2019) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £999 | £899 |
| Sensor | 24.3MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS | 24.2MP APS-C Exmor CMOS BSI |
| Resolution | 24.3MP | 24.2MP |
| Video | 4K/30p (with crop), 1080p/60p | 4K/30p (6K oversampled, no crop), 1080p/120p slow-motion |
| Autofocus | Hybrid AF — 273 phase-detect points, eye/subject detection | Phase-detect, 425 points, real-time Eye AF & animal AF |
| Stabilisation | IBIS — up to 5 stops | None (no IBIS) |
| Burst Rate | 4.5fps | 11fps mechanical, 8fps with AF tracking |
| Battery Life | ~470 shots (CIPA) | ~410 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 590g (with battery) | 403g (body, battery, card) |
| Dimensions | 134 × 100.5 × 69.5mm | 120.0 × 66.9 × 59.7mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Viewfinder | EVF, 3.69M dots, 0.8× magnification | EVF, 2.36M dots, 0.70× magnification |
| Screen | 3.2" tilting touchscreen | 3.0" tilting touchscreen, 180° flip for selfie/vlog, 921k dots |
| Mount | Nikon Z mount | Sony E-mount |
| Memory Cards | Dual SD UHS-II slots | Single SD UHS-I |
| Connectivity | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Micro-USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | Z5 | A6400 |
|---|---|---|
| Portrait | ||
| Travel | ||
| Landscape | — | |
| Everyday | — | |
| Sports | — | |
| Vlogging & Video | — | |
| Video | — | |
| Street | — | |
| Wildlife | — |
More comparisons with Z5
Camera family history