A6400vs A7
GearScore™ Verdict — Which should you buy?
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.
Camera History & Full-Frame Introduction — A7 (2013): The camera that changed photography — the world's first compact full-frame mirrorless, the A7 launched a product family that redefined what was possible.
Who should buy what
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
A7 (2013)
- Photographers interested in the camera that launched the full-frame mirrorless era
- Budget-conscious buyers who want to experience full-frame image quality at minimal cost
- Sony FE system users who want the original A7 for sentimental or historical value
- Those adapting vintage lenses who want full-frame with phase-detect AF at low cost
Quick take: The a7 has the highest resolution at 24mp; the a7 is the most affordable. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | A6400 (2019) | A7 (2013) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £899 | £299 |
| Sensor | 24.2MP APS-C Exmor CMOS BSI | 24.3MP Full-Frame CMOS |
| Resolution | 24.2MP | 24.3MP |
| Video | 4K/30p (6K oversampled, no crop), 1080p/120p slow-motion | 1080p/60p |
| Autofocus | Phase-detect, 425 points, real-time Eye AF & animal AF | 117 phase-detect + 25 contrast-detect AF points |
| Stabilisation | None (no IBIS) | None |
| Burst Rate | 11fps mechanical, 8fps with AF tracking | 5fps |
| Battery Life | ~410 shots (CIPA) | ~340 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 403g (body, battery, card) | 474g (with battery and card) |
| Dimensions | 120.0 × 66.9 × 59.7mm | 126.9 × 94.4 × 48.2mm |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Viewfinder | EVF, 2.36M dots, 0.70× magnification | EVF, OLED 2.36M dots, 0.71× magnification |
| Screen | 3.0" tilting touchscreen, 180° flip for selfie/vlog, 921k dots | 3.0" fixed LCD, 1.23M dots (no tilt, no touch) |
| Mount | Sony E-mount | Sony FE (full-frame E-mount) |
| Memory Cards | Single SD UHS-I | Single SD UHS-I slot |
| Connectivity | Micro-USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC | USB, Wi-Fi, NFC |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | A6400 | A7 |
|---|---|---|
| Video | — | |
| Street | ||
| Portrait | ||
| Travel | ||
| Wildlife | — | |
| Landscape | — | |
| Sports & Action | — | |
| Vlogging & Video | — |
GearScore™ suitability scores are based on aggregated purchaser reviews weighted by photography genre. See how scores are calculated →
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Camera family history