A6400vs A7S
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.
Astrophotography & Low-Light — A7S (2014): The original A7S pioneered the concept of a camera optimised entirely for low light. Its 12.2MP sensor has enormous photosites — extraordinary high-ISO performance that still holds up. Lacking IBIS and limited to 1080p internally (4K requires external recorder), it is a specialist tool. For astrophotography, event videography, or any scenario where light is genuinely scarce, it remains outstanding.
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
A7S (2014)
- Astrophotographers
- Low-light event videographers
- Filmmakers needing clean high-ISO footage
Quick take: The a6400 has the highest resolution at 24mp; the a7s is the most affordable; only the a7s is weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | A6400 (2019) | A7S (2014) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £899 | £600 |
| Sensor | 24.2MP APS-C Exmor CMOS BSI | 12.2MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS |
| Resolution | 24.2MP | 12.2MP |
| Video | 4K/30p (6K oversampled, no crop), 1080p/120p slow-motion | 1080p/60p internal, 4K via HDMI (external recorder) |
| Autofocus | Phase-detect, 425 points, real-time Eye AF & animal AF | Phase-detect / contrast-detect hybrid AF |
| Stabilisation | None (no IBIS) | None |
| Burst Rate | 11fps mechanical, 8fps with AF tracking | 5fps |
| Battery Life | ~410 shots (CIPA) | ~370 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 | Yes |
| Viewfinder | EVF, 2.36M dots, 0.70× magnification | Electronic, 2.36M dots, 0.71× magnification |
| Screen | 3.0" tilting touchscreen, 180° flip for selfie/vlog, 921k dots | 3.0" tilting LCD, 1.23M dots |
| Mount | Sony E-mount | Sony FE (full-frame E-mount) |
| Memory Cards | Single SD UHS-I | Single SD / MemoryStick PRO Duo slot |
| Connectivity | Micro-USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC | Multi/Micro USB, Wi-Fi, NFC |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | A6400 | A7S |
|---|---|---|
| Video | — | |
| Street | ||
| Portrait | ||
| Travel | ||
| Wildlife | — | |
| Astrophotography | — | |
| Vlogging & Video | — | |
| Landscape | — | |
| Sports & Action | — |
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