Sony unveiled a new model in its line of E-mount mirrorless cameras, the α6400 (ILCE-6400)

The α6400 packs many of the most advanced technologies from Sony's renowned large format range into a compact, lightweight APS-C camera. The new camera has the world's fastest AF1, just 0.022 seconds. And at the same time it incorporates the new real-time eye focusing options “Real-time Eye AF” and real-time tracking of objects “Real-time Tracking”. It also has a high shooting speed of up to 11 fps4 with AF/AE tracking, a new generation of BIONZ It is the ideal camera for all types of creators: professionals, vloggers, photography and video lovers.

"The A6400 represents a hybrid between the features reserved for Full Frame cameras and those with an APS-C sensor at an affordable price. It is a segment to which we pay special attention due to the growing number of audiovisual creators and photographers that we want to supply through the latest launches that we had in the year in the mirrorless camera category," according to Pablo Garbarini, head of Marketing. “Sony continues to position itself as a company of constant technological innovation, incorporating more and more tools to realize its vision.”

A very fast response that allows you to capture decisive moments

The new α6400's impressive autofocus system inherits many technologies from Sony's large format camera range, including the α9, α7R III and α7 III models. The new camera has 425 phase detection AF points and 425 contrast AF points that are spread across the entire image area, covering approximately 84% of the image area. This high-performance, high-speed tracking AF system is combined with a new generation of BIONZ

The α6400 features advanced eye focus (Real-time Eye AF), the latest version of Sony's renowned Eye Auto Focus technology. This exciting new technology uses AI-based object recognition to detect and process eye data in real-time, improving the accuracy, speed and tracking performance of Eye AF. In all autofocus modes, the camera now automatically detects the subject's eyes and activates Eye AF by half-pressing the shutter button. When in AF-C or AF-A mode, the subject's eye (left or right) can be selected as the focus point. Options include Auto/Right Eye/Left Eye, and the Switch Right/Left Eye function can also be customized and assigned to the desired button.

This incredible new technology completely frees the photographer to focus solely on the composition of the photograph, with complete confidence that the focus will be perfect and will focus on the chosen person. Eye AF support for animals will be added in summer 2019 via a system software update, ideal for wildlife or pet photographers.

Also introduced for the first time on the α6400 is Sony's recently developed ‘Real-Time Tracking’. This mode uses Sony's latest algorithm including AI-based object recognition and processes color, subject distance (depth), pattern (brightness) as spatial information to ensure that all objects can be captured with excellent precision. Furthermore, when photographing or recording videos of living beings (human or animal), information about the position of the face and eyes is recognized by AI and the eyes7 are monitored in real time with precise tracking. This can be activated by simply pressing the shutter button, or it can also be assigned to a custom function.

In terms of overall shooting speeds, the new camera can shoot up to 11 fps4 with full AF/AE tracking while using the mechanical shutter, and up to 8 fps5 with full AF/AE tracking while shooting silently. You can shoot at each of these speeds up to 116 standard JPEG frames/46 compressed RAW frames, greatly increasing your chances of capturing the perfect moment.

News in terms of image quality

Sony's new α6400 is equipped with a 24.2 MP3 APS-C-sized image sensor that combines with an enhanced BIONZ The standard ISO ranges up to ISO 32000 for photography and video. And in the case of photography it is extended up to ISO 102400, with excellent noise reduction at medium and high sensitivities.

The camera also inherits many of the image processing algorithms from Sony's most recent full-frame cameras, greatly suppressing noise while preserving resolution and improving texture rendering.

Advanced high-resolution 4K4 movie recording with fast hybrid autofocus

The versatile α6400 makes for an exceptional video camera, offering internal 4K movie recording (QFHD: 3840 x 2160) with full pixel read out and no pixel binning to collect approximately 2.4x the amount of data required for 4K movies, and then evaluate it to produce high-quality 4K images with exceptional detail and depth. Focusing during movie shooting is fast and stable thanks to updated Fast Hybrid AF technology, which keeps your subject in constant, consistent focus no matter the scene, and even if an object passes in front of you. The touch autofocus option makes it an ideal choice for vloggers and video creators who regularly work with online content.

For creating time-lapse movies9, the new camera features interval recording that can be set between 1 and 60 seconds, with a total number of shots from 1 to 9999. The AE tracking sensitivity can be set to “High”, “Medium” or “Low” during interval shooting, allowing changes in exposure to be reduced during interval shooting.

Additionally, for the first time in a Sony APS-C mirrorless camera, the new model includes an HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) picture profile, which supports Instant HDR, allowing HDR (HLG) compatible TVs to reproduce 4K HDR10 images in a spectacular and lifelike way. Additionally, both S-Log2 and S-Log311 are available for greater color grading flexibility, as well as Zebra functionality, on-screen gamma correction, and proxy recording. The camera can also record Full HD at 120 fps12 up to 100 Mbps, allowing images to be reviewed and edited into 4x or 5x slow motion video files in Full HD resolution with AF tracking.

An updated design for greater versatility

The new camera is designed to offer a high level of functionality and customization to allow greater shooting freedom. New to the α6400 is a 180° foldable 3.0 LCD screen with 921k points of resolution that allows perfect framing when recording seflies in both photography and video. Using this feature, vloggers will be able to check and modify the composition throughout their creative process. The LCD screen is also equipped with touch functionality, with options for Touch Pad, Touch Focus, Touch Shutter and the new Touch Tracking that quickly activates real-time tracking via the touch screen.

The camera has a high-quality XGA OLED Tru-finder™ viewfinder and the possibility of customization thanks to the fact that 8 buttons can be configured. It also has the new My Dial and My Menu functionality, which helps to have a faster and easier menu, and to have a help screen for menus, star rating of photos and many other features that allow a unique experience. The camera is constructed of durable13 magnesium alloy, is resistant to dust and moisture, and has an extremely durable shutter rated for approximately 200,000 cycles14. It is also capable of seamlessly transferring files to a mobile phone or tablet when connected to the new 'Imaging Edge Mobile' application15.

"The α6400 can become the next camera for hundreds of YouTubers, vloggers and content creators thanks to its articulating screen. It is a mid-range camera with a professional approach that goes beyond unleashing their creativity, and that also incorporates the autofocus improvements of the next generations," commented Angelo Marconi, Regional Manager of the Digital Imaging category.