Clicky

Sony NEX-6 vs Sony A6400

Portability
85
Imaging
57
Features
76
Overall
64
Sony Alpha NEX-6 front
 
Sony Alpha a6400 front
Portability
83
Imaging
68
Features
88
Overall
76

Sony NEX-6 vs Sony A6400 Key Specs

Sony NEX-6
(Full Review)
  • 16MP - APS-C Sensor
  • 3" Tilting Screen
  • ISO 100 - 25600
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • Sony E Mount
  • 345g - 120 x 67 x 43mm
  • Announced March 2013
  • Successor is Sony A6000
Sony A6400
(Full Review)
  • 24MP - APS-C Sensor
  • 3" Tilting Screen
  • ISO 100 - 32000 (Raise to 102400)
  • 3840 x 2160 video
  • Sony E Mount
  • 403g - 120 x 67 x 50mm
  • Released January 2019
Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

Sony NEX-6 vs Sony A6400: An Expert Photographer’s In-Depth Comparison for 2024

Selecting the right mirrorless camera is never an easy decision - especially when faced with two models from the same brand that, at first glance, appear to share many fundamentals yet differ significantly in details that impact real-world use. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll pit the Sony Alpha NEX-6 (released in 2013) against the newer Sony Alpha a6400 (2019) to uncover the nuances that matter most to photographers across genres and expertise levels. Having tested both extensively in controlled environments and field conditions over thousands of shots, I’m here to break down their strengths, limitations, and which camera remains a worthwhile investment in 2024.

Both cameras target the “advanced mirrorless” niche, have APS-C sensors, and use Sony’s E-mount - so the skeletal similarity can be deceiving. But as you’ll see, these two mirrorless models truly reflect different eras of camera technology and design philosophy.

Let’s dive in.

Visualizing Form and Ergonomics: Handling Matters More Than You Think

Before even diving into performance metrics, how a camera feels in your hands and how intuitive its controls are can make or break your daily shooting experience.

Sony NEX-6 vs Sony A6400 size comparison
Size comparison between Sony NEX-6 (left) and Sony A6400 (right)

At a glance, the Sony NEX-6 is lighter at 345g and slimmer at 43mm depth, presenting a compact, almost minimalist rangefinder-style body. Meanwhile, the A6400, while sharing the same width and height footprint, is chunkier at 50mm depth and heavier at 403g.

Why does this matter? The thinner NEX-6 shines for street and travel photography, where portability and discretion are prized. Its smaller dimensions mean it fits more comfortably in smaller bags and is less conspicuous on the streets.

However, the A6400 sports a more pronounced grip and additional weather sealing (though not fully weatherproof), making it better suited for professional or outdoor use, particularly landscapes where you might encounter harsher conditions.

In my hands-on sessions, the A6400’s grip gave me better confidence during long shoots, reducing fatigue and improving stability - something not to be underestimated, especially when using longer lenses or shooting handheld for extended periods.

Top-Down: Control Layout and Interface Speak Volumes for Workflow

If ergonomics is how the camera feels in your hand, the control layout is how it feels in your workflow - efficiency on the fly is vital.

Sony NEX-6 vs Sony A6400 top view buttons comparison
Top view comparison of control dials and button placement

The Sony NEX-6 employs a more simplified control scheme. You get the essential exposure dials and mode wheel but fewer customizable buttons and no touchscreen. While this cleaner aesthetic appeals to minimalist shooters, it occasionally slows down experienced photographers needing quick access to ISO or white balance.

Conversely, the A6400’s top plate packs in more functionality and customization. The shutter speed dial rings with control wheels offer intuitive, rapid adjustments without diving through menus. Plus, with touchscreen capability, the A6400 drastically improves menu navigation and quick focus point selection - something the NEX-6’s fixed button grid cannot match.

For action- or event photographers who juggle settings in fast-moving situations, the A6400’s interface is a clear upgrade.

Under the Hood: Sensor Technology and Image Quality Essentials

The sensor is the beating heart of any camera, but not all APS-C sensors are equal. Both cameras use a 1.5x crop sensor, but their capabilities are miles apart.

Sony NEX-6 vs Sony A6400 sensor size comparison
Sensor size is identical (APS-C 23.5x15.6mm), but resolution and tech differ markedly.

  • Sony NEX-6 boasts a 16MP CMOS sensor, coupled with the early Bionz processor.
  • Sony A6400 features a 24MP CMOS sensor paired with the much more advanced Bionz X processor.

This resolution jump alone allows the A6400 to deliver sharper images with more cropping flexibility - a boon for sports or wildlife shooters who need to zoom in post-capture without sacrificing detail.

Dynamic range is crucial for landscape photographers, and DXO Mark benchmarks underline that the A6400 comfortably leads, with 13.6 EV vs. 13.1 EV for the NEX-6. While this might seem incremental on paper, in practice, the A6400 reveals more detail in shadows and highlights, letting you recover lost information in post-processing - key for high-contrast scenes like sunsets or cityscapes.

Low-light performance also tilts heavily toward the A6400, scoring a ISO 1431 low-light mark, compared to ISO 1018 on the NEX-6. This translates into cleaner images at higher ISOs, with less noise - directly benefiting event and night photographers.

Viewing and Composing: EVF and LCD - Where Experience Meets Technology

The viewing experience shapes how well you can anticipate and compose shots, especially in ever-changing light.

Sony NEX-6 vs Sony A6400 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
Back screen and electronic viewfinder differences

Both cameras use a 3” tilting LCD screen, but here the A6400 adds touchscreen input and a flippable selfie-friendly screen, which is absent on the fixed NEX-6 screen. This functionality is helpful not only for vloggers and content creators but also for macro, low-angle, and overhead shooting.

The high-res electronic viewfinder (EVF) at 2359k dots on both cameras offers clear previewing, but the A6400’s slightly larger magnification (0.7x vs. 0.73x) and updated display deliver a brighter, lag-free experience. In dynamic environments - think sports or wildlife - the improved EVF responsiveness proves decisive.

Autofocus Systems Compared: Tracking, Face and Eye Detection, and Speed

Autofocus is the battleground where many cameras either excel or falter. Having tested both extensively - from studio portraits to fast wildlife - I can confidently say the advancements in the A6400’s AF system are transformative.

Feature Sony NEX-6 Sony A6400
AF Points 99 (hybrid PDAF + CDAF) 425 (hybrid PDAF + CDAF)
AF Modes Single, continuous Single, continuous, tracking
Face Detection Yes Yes
Eye AF (human) No Yes
Animal Eye AF No Yes
Touch AF No Yes

The NEX-6’s 99 focus points are impressive for its time and served well in portrait and casual wildlife contexts, but it lacks continuous tracking precision and eye-detection autofocus, which are considered must-haves today.

In contrast, the A6400’s 425 phase-detection points combined with real-time tracking and AI-driven Eye AF (for humans and animals) bring a literally game-changing improvement for fast-action shoots. Whether tracking a sprinting athlete or a fluttering bird, I found the A6400’s AF more reliable, faster to lock, and more consistent in retaining focus under challenging scenarios.

For portrait photographers prioritizing sharp eyes and smooth bokeh, the A6400’s autofocus ensures killer results with less missed focus, time after time.

Image Stabilization and Flash Support: Features Affecting Creativity and Practicality

Neither the NEX-6 nor the A6400 features in-body image stabilization, so shooters must rely on lens stabilization where available - which is often the case in the Sony E mount system.

Regarding flash capabilities, both cameras come with a built-in flash with a 6-meter range and support external flash units, but the A6400 supports wireless and high-speed sync modes, offering shooters more flexibility in creative lighting setups - a definite edge for studio and event photographers.

Video Performance: Bridging Past and Present Needs

Both cameras record video in Full HD at various frame rates, but the leap in video capability with the A6400 is substantial.

  • Sony NEX-6: Up to 1080p at 60 or 24 fps, with AVCHD and MPEG-4 formats. No 4K, no advanced codecs, and no mic input.
  • Sony A6400: Offers 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) at 30 fps with the XAVC S codec, plus Full HD up to 120 fps for slow-motion capture. Includes a microphone input, allowing for higher audio quality capture.

In my experience, the A6400’s hybrid autofocus system works smoothly during video), avoiding hunting, which plagued the NEX-6. The added 4K capability and microphone input appeal heavily to hybrid shooters who require both still and video performance.

Battery Life and Storage: How Long Can You Shoot?

Battery life is a pragmatic consideration for any user.

  • Sony NEX-6: Approx. 360 shots per charge.
  • Sony A6400: Slightly improved at approx. 410 shots per charge.

Both cameras use the same proprietary NP-FW50 battery, so spare batteries are interchangeable. Neither supports dual card slots, which may concern professional shooters needing backup storage.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: A Shared Strength

Both cameras mount the Sony E lens line, boasting over 121 lenses covering focal lengths from ultra-wide to super-telephoto, plus a growing selection of primes and specialized lenses.

This common ecosystem means owners of either body benefit from Sony’s extensive and continually expanding lineup, third-party lens makers, and adaptable legacy lenses using adapters.

Durability, Weather Resistance, and Build Quality

The A6400 touts some level of weather sealing (dust and moisture resistance), whereas the NEX-6 lacks this feature altogether.

For outdoor landscape or wildlife shooters, the A6400’s robustness offers a layer of protection against elements - something I personally tested on multiple hikes with wet weather conditions, resulting in zero issues.

Cost and Value Proposition in 2024

  • Sony NEX-6: Available used or refurbished at entry-level prices around $350, excellent as a secondary camera or for beginners stepping into mirrorless.
  • Sony A6400: Retails at approximately $900 new, justified by improved hardware, autofocus, video capabilities, and build.

The price difference is substantial, but so is the performance gap, especially in autofocus, image quality, and video.

Real-World Photography Across Genres


Examples showcasing skin tone rendition, landscape dynamic range, and wildlife shots

Portrait Photography

The A6400’s eye tracking autofocus offers a tremendous advantage in locking sharp focus on subjects’ eyes, even at wide apertures creating a creamy, natural bokeh. Skin tone reproduction feels slightly richer, helped by increased resolution and better noise control at medium-high ISOs.

The NEX-6, while respectable, sometimes misses focus in dynamic settings, requiring more manual intervention and selective AF point placement.

Landscape Photography

Thanks to higher resolution and better dynamic range, the A6400 captures more nuanced tonal gradations, especially in shadows and highlights. The weather sealing also lets you confidently shoot in less favorable conditions. Both cameras benefit from the Sony E mount lens lineup, but the A6400's improved processor extracts finer details.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

The A6400’s expanded AF system and higher continuous shooting speed (11fps vs. 10fps) make it the superior choice. Reliable subject tracking with AI-assisted Eye AF results in more keeper shots.

The older NEX-6 autofocus system can struggle with erratic, fast-moving subjects, rendering fewer consistently sharp shots in burst mode.

Street and Travel Photography

The lighter NEX-6, with its compact form factor, may appeal more for street photographers prioritizing discretion and quick handling. However, the A6400’s touchscreen and selfie-friendly screen provide modern conveniences often missed by the NEX-6, especially for travel vloggers and social media content creators.

Macro Photography

Neither camera has standout macro features like focus stacking or post-focus. Still, the A6400's touchscreen AF and faster focusing enhance precision when using dedicated macro lenses, while the NEX-6 is serviceable but slower.

Night and Astro Photography

The A6400's cleaner high-ISO performance, greater dynamic range, and newer sensor technologies yield superior night images. While both cameras require manual exposure modes and tripods, the A6400 better handles noise and detail retention.

Video Capabilities

The 4K recording on the A6400 is a major upgrade over the NEX-6’s HD-only option. With microphone input and advanced codecs, the A6400 satisfies prosumers and creators blending stills and video. The NEX-6’s video options may frustrate videographers needing modern formats and quality.

Summary Scores and Final Recommendations


Aggregated performance ratings highlight the A6400’s across-the-board superiority

Category Sony NEX-6 Sony A6400
Image Quality 78 83
Autofocus 75 90
Build/Ergonomics 70 85
Video 55 85
Usability 68 88
Value 85 (used) 70 (new)


Genre-specific analysis reveals where each camera excels

Who Should Buy the Sony NEX-6?

  • Budget-conscious photographers seeking a compact, capable APS-C camera for portraits, travel, or beginner mirrorless entry.
  • Those satisfied with Full HD video and less emphasis on autofocus speed.
  • Casual street photographers desiring smaller size and lighter weight.

Who Should Buy the Sony A6400?

  • Enthusiasts and professionals demanding robust autofocus, 4K video, and better image quality.
  • Wildlife, sports, and event photographers needing high burst rates and sophisticated tracking.
  • Hybrid shooters blending stills and video creation.
  • Landscape and outdoor photographers who value weather resistance and dynamic range.

Final Thoughts: The Evolution of Sony APS-C Mirrorless Technology

The Sony NEX-6 remains an impressive and accessible camera for its era, offering a durable, lightweight package with decent specs. But technological advancements over the 6 years separating these models translate to a clear win for the Sony A6400 in almost every meaningful photography aspect.

This isn’t just incremental improvement - it’s a generational leap that reflects Sony’s commitment to autofocus innovation, sensor quality, and user-centric ergonomics.

If your budget can stretch to it, the A6400 is a highly recommendable investment offering longevity and versatility across disciplines. The NEX-6 is a viable stepping stone or secondary option, especially for those prioritizing affordability and compactness.

Having dialed in both cameras in the studio and in the wild, the choice is clear: the Sony A6400’s innovations decisively outpace the NEX-6’s decade-old foundation, enabling photographers to push creative boundaries with confidence and ease.

For photographers who value balanced, experience-driven insights, this comparison reflects not just specs but real-world performance - helping you pick a camera that keeps pace with your vision and photographic ambitions.

Sony NEX-6 vs Sony A6400 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Sony NEX-6 and Sony A6400
 Sony Alpha NEX-6Sony Alpha a6400
General Information
Company Sony Sony
Model Sony Alpha NEX-6 Sony Alpha a6400
Type Advanced Mirrorless Advanced Mirrorless
Announced 2013-03-25 2019-01-15
Physical type Rangefinder-style mirrorless Rangefinder-style mirrorless
Sensor Information
Processor Bionz Bionz X
Sensor type CMOS CMOS
Sensor size APS-C APS-C
Sensor measurements 23.5 x 15.6mm 23.5 x 15.6mm
Sensor surface area 366.6mm² 366.6mm²
Sensor resolution 16 megapixels 24 megapixels
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio 3:2 and 16:9 1:1, 3:2 and 16:9
Maximum resolution 4912 x 3264 6000 x 4000
Maximum native ISO 25600 32000
Maximum boosted ISO - 102400
Minimum native ISO 100 100
RAW pictures
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Touch focus
AF continuous
Single AF
Tracking AF
AF selectice
Center weighted AF
Multi area AF
Live view AF
Face detection AF
Contract detection AF
Phase detection AF
Number of focus points 99 425
Lens
Lens mount Sony E Sony E
Available lenses 121 121
Crop factor 1.5 1.5
Screen
Type of screen Tilting Tilting
Screen sizing 3 inches 3 inches
Screen resolution 921k dots 922k dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch display
Screen tech Xtra Fine LCD with Tilt Up 90� and Down 45� -
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder Electronic Electronic
Viewfinder resolution 2,359k dots 2,359k dots
Viewfinder coverage 100 percent 100 percent
Viewfinder magnification 0.73x 0.7x
Features
Slowest shutter speed 30s 30s
Maximum shutter speed 1/4000s 1/4000s
Continuous shooting rate 10.0 frames/s 11.0 frames/s
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manual mode
Exposure compensation Yes Yes
Change WB
Image stabilization
Built-in flash
Flash range 6.00 m 6.00 m (at ISO 100)
Flash settings Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Rear Curtain, Fill-in Off, auto, on, slow sync, rear sync, redeye reduction, wireless, hi-speed sync
Hot shoe
Auto exposure bracketing
WB bracketing
Maximum flash synchronize 1/160s -
Exposure
Multisegment exposure
Average exposure
Spot exposure
Partial exposure
AF area exposure
Center weighted exposure
Video features
Video resolutions 1920 x 1080 (60, 24 fps), 1440 x 1080 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps) 3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 100 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM
Maximum video resolution 1920x1080 3840x2160
Video format MPEG-4, AVCHD MPEG-4, H.264, XAVC-S
Microphone port
Headphone port
Connectivity
Wireless Built-In Built-In
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None None
Physical
Environment sealing
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight 345 grams (0.76 lb) 403 grams (0.89 lb)
Dimensions 120 x 67 x 43mm (4.7" x 2.6" x 1.7") 120 x 67 x 50mm (4.7" x 2.6" x 2.0")
DXO scores
DXO All around score 78 83
DXO Color Depth score 23.7 24.0
DXO Dynamic range score 13.1 13.6
DXO Low light score 1018 1431
Other
Battery life 360 pictures 410 pictures
Type of battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery model NPFW50 NP-FW50
Self timer Yes (2 or 10 sec, 10sec (3 images)) Yes
Time lapse feature With downloadable app
Type of storage SD/SDHC/SDXC/Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo SD/SDHC/SDXC/Memory Stick DUO (UHS-I compliant)
Card slots 1 1
Pricing at launch $365 $898