Decision tools · Compare
Z5 vs A6400
Quick take: The Z5 has the highest resolution at 24MP; the A6400 is the most affordable.
16 specs side by side·15 genres scored·UK prices from Wex Photo Video and Clifton Cameras
How to read this page. Highlighted cells win that row on the spec alone. Genre scores are the engine's base scores (enthusiast, photo and video); Camera Match re-weights them for your level and priorities. Price buttons are affiliate links; the price you pay is the same.
Price buttons are affiliate links — GearFrame may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It never affects a score. Learn more
Verdictwhich should you buy?
Z5 — Entry-Level Full-Frame & Dslr Switchers: The most affordable route into full-frame Z — dual card slots, IBIS, and a capable sensor at an accessible price.
A6400 — Content Creation & Vlogging: 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)
is the right camera for you if…
- 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)
is the right camera for you if…
- 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
Full specificationsthe better value in each row is highlighted
| Specification | Z5Nikon · 2020 | A6400Sony · 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £1,249 | £749Best |
| Sensor | 24.3MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS | 24.2MP APS-C Exmor CMOS BSI |
| Resolution | 24.3MPBest | 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 | No stabilisation |
| Burst Rate | 4.5fps | 11fps mechanical, 8fps with AF trackingBest |
| Battery Life | ~470 shots (CIPA)Best | ~410 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 590g (body only) | 403g (with battery and card)Best |
| Dimensions | 134 × 100.5 × 69.5mm | 120.0 × 66.9 × 59.7mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| 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 |
Wins the row — price, resolution, burst, battery, weight and sealing are compared; text specs aren't ranked.
How they score by genreengine base scores out of 10
Genre
Z5
A6400
Portrait
7.7/10
6.7/10
Street
6.1/10
7.3/10
Travel
6.1/10
6.9/10
Wedding & Events
7.3/10
5.6/10
Filmmaking
6.1/10
5.1/10
Documentary
6.7/10
6.1/10
Sports & Action
6.4/10
6.9/10
Landscape
6.1/10
5.6/10
Wildlife
6.8/10
7.4/10
Casual
5.2/10
5.8/10
Food
6.6/10
6.1/10
Macro
6.4/10
5.2/10
Architecture
6.0/10
5.5/10
Astrophotography
6.4/10
6.0/10
Vlogging & Video
—
6.0/10
Scores come from the same engine as Camera Match: verified specifications weighted by what each genre needs, with documented adjustments. The product page and this table show the enthusiast base score. See how scores are calculated →
Next
More comparisons with Z5
Camera family history