Sony
Alpha 1 II
50MP stacked flagship with 30fps RAW, 8K video, and Sony's fastest hybrid performance.
$6,499
Released Nov 2024
Sony
Alpha 6400
Popular APS-C body with fast AF and 11fps burst for enthusiasts.
$899
Released Feb 2019
Alpha 1 II is 5.8 years newer.
Wins
Alpha 1 II
Wins
Alpha 6400
4 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- AAlpha 1 II has higher IBIS effectiveness (8.5 stops vs 0 stops)
- AAlpha 1 II has higher 4K max frame rate (120 fps vs 30 fps)
- AAlpha 1 II has higher EVF resolution (9,437,184 vs 2,359,296)
- AAlpha 1 II has higher RAW buffer depth (200 frames vs 60 frames)
- AAlpha 1 II has higher Burst (electronic) (30 fps vs 11 fps)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
Alpha 1 II
136 × 97 × 83 mm
743 g (1.64 lb / 26.21 oz)
Alpha 6400
120 × 67 × 60 mm
403 g (0.89 lb / 14.22 oz)
Alpha 1 II is 16mm wider, 30mm taller, and 23mm thicker than Alpha 6400.
Alpha 1 II is 340 g heavier than Alpha 6400.
Depth (front-to-back): 83mm Alpha 1 II · 60mm Alpha 6400
Sensor size, to scale
Alpha 1 II
35.9 × 24 mm · Full Frame
862 mm² area
Alpha 6400
23.5 × 15.6 mm · APS-C
367 mm² area
2.3× larger sensor area = shallower depth of field and better low-light performance.
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
Alpha 1 II
✓ more lensesSony E
350+
native lenses available
Alpha 6400
✓ more lensesSony E
350+
native lenses available
Counts include current first-party and major third-party native autofocus lenses.
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose
Alpha 1 II
AF low-light limit
-4 EV vs -2 EV — lower is better
IBIS effectiveness
8.5 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 136.1, 96.9, 82.9
Card types
Adds CFexpress Type A, SD UHS-II
4K max frame rate
120 fps vs 30 fps — higher is better
EVF resolution
9,437,184 vs 2,359,296 — higher is better
RAW buffer depth
200 frames vs 60 frames — higher is better
Subject recognition
Adds Bird, Insect, Car/Train…
Reasons to choose
Alpha 6400
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 120, 66.9, 59.7
Card types
Adds SD UHS-I
Weight
403 g vs 743 g — lower is better
Codecs
Adds AVCHD
Burst (mechanical)
11 fps vs 10 fps — higher is better
Both cameras share
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓ISO max (native) — Both 32,000
- ✓AF frame coverage — Both 94 %
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
- ✓Max video bit rate — Both 150 Mbps
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
Alpha 1 II
Pros
- ✓50MP stacked sensor
- ✓30fps blackout-free burst
- ✓8K 30p video
- ✓Best Sony AF
Cons
- –Very expensive
- –Complex menus
- –Large files
Alpha 6400
Pros
- ✓Fast AF
- ✓Compact
- ✓Great value
Cons
- –No IBIS
- –Older design
- –No headphone jack
Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for landscape, Alpha 1 II or Alpha 6400?
Alpha 1 II scores 9.0/10 versus 3.0/10 for Alpha 6400 — 50.1MP — massive detail for large prints.
What's the resolution difference between the Alpha 1 II and Alpha 6400?
Alpha 1 II is 50.1 MP and Alpha 6400 is 24.2 MP, so the Alpha 1 II captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the Alpha 1 II and Alpha 6400 have in-body image stabilization?
Alpha 1 II has 8.5-stop in-body image stabilization, while alpha 6400 does not have IBIS.
Which shoots faster bursts — the Alpha 1 II or the Alpha 6400?
Alpha 1 II reaches 30 fps electronic. Alpha 6400 reaches 11 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the Alpha 1 II and Alpha 6400?
Alpha 1 II weighs 743 g and Alpha 6400 weighs 403 g, so the Alpha 6400 is 340 g lighter.
Do the Alpha 1 II and Alpha 6400 record 4K video?
Alpha 1 II: 8K (max), 4K up to 120p. Alpha 6400: 4K up to 30p.
Are the Alpha 1 II and Alpha 6400 weather sealed?
Alpha 1 II: Yes. Alpha 6400: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 520 shots (CIPA) for the Alpha 1 II and 410 shots for the Alpha 6400, giving the Alpha 1 II the edge.
How much does each cost?
Alpha 1 II launched at $6,499 and Alpha 6400 at $899. The Alpha 6400 is $5,600 less.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.
Product images courtesy of Sony press materials.