Turn-offs:

• No in-body image stabilisation (IBIS) to help with camera shake
• No audio output jack for checking sound
• Screen easily blocked if you put anything in the hot shoe

Sony’s a6000 line of cameras has long been attractive to own, especially for Sony fans, because the camera’s sensor is the same as the higher a7 line, and a price less than half.

What do full-frame and cropped mean, and how do they apply to the a6400 and other versions of this camera?

Digital cameras use an electronic, rectangular sensor that captures the light entering a lens and translates that information into a picture or video. A full-frame camera uses the entire sensor (using only full-frame lenses), while a camera that is “APS-C” does not use the entire sensor. This means, you are getting a high-quality professional sensor, but the images and videos will not capture as much information, and the low light performance won’t be as good. It will also change the listed focal length of a lens by 1.6x if it is a full-frame lens.

What about the picture-taking performance?

The 24.2 megapixel camera is already pretty decent. You will get decent results for the price you pay, especially when paired with a great lens. Photographer Joyce Yung and I used the G-Master 24-70mm F2.8, one of the best zoom lenses made by Sony, so results will differ using different lenses. It’s also a pretty fast camera with 11 frames per second.

What about video?

This is where Sony takes advantage of having the same sensor as the more expensive a7iii, offering the similar 4K video at 24, 25 and 30fps with a 100 megabit data rate.

What is eye autofocus, and why is it important?

Sony a6400 has a built-in eye autofocus that higher-end models have, and it appeals to those wanting to take action photography of anything with a pair of eyes: lions and tigers and bears, oh my! The camera first locks on to a target and then after pressing the wheel button, it holds the focus on the eyes as it moves. This is great for those on safari in a jungle, concrete or otherwise.

Describe the screen?

One of the first Sony mirrorless cameras with a screen that articulates through 180 degrees, allowing you to take low angles and selfies. Vloggers will like this camera, but should note that there have been many complaints that if you place a microphone in the hot shoe, you effectively block the screen if you try to put it in selfie mode.

What is the battery life? 

Sony didn’t change the battery size, so prepare to bring a Pez dispenser of batteries. Bank on needing one for each hour of use.

What is body image stabilisation (IBIS), and do I need it?

IBIS is when the camera itself does some calculations to keep the image or video steady. Lenses with image stabilisation (IS) can also help to steady your footage. I had the Sony a6300 and I didn’t like how videos and pictures turned out using non-native Sony lenses. So if you plan to stick to Sony lenses with their own image stabilisation, you will be fine. If you use other brands’ lenses that don’t have it, you might want to consider a different camera.

What about panache?

Sony fans seem much more passionate, and there are a lot more of them nowadays, so owning a 6400 will make you feel one of the in-crowd. The a6400 has a nice travel size and form, which makes the decision to bring it with you when you go out an easier one.

Should it be on my wish list?

It is a really good mid-range camera that balances size, price and performance. Vloggers now have a viable option. If you are already invested in the Sony universe. It could become your best travel companion as its size makes it easy to attach to your hip.

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