Sony
Alpha 6400
Popular APS-C body with fast AF and 11fps burst for enthusiasts.
$899
Released Feb 2019
Sony
Alpha 7 IV
33MP hybrid all-rounder with 10-bit 4K 60p and AI-powered subject tracking.
$2,499
Released Oct 2021
Alpha 7 IV is 2.7 years newer.
Wins
Alpha 6400
Wins
Alpha 7 IV
3 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- BAlpha 7 IV has higher IBIS effectiveness (5.5 stops vs 0 stops)
- BAlpha 7 IV has higher RAW buffer depth (828 frames vs 60 frames)
- BAlpha 7 IV has higher Max video bit rate (600 Mbps vs 150 Mbps)
- BAlpha 7 IV has higher 4K max frame rate (60 fps vs 30 fps)
- BAlpha 7 IV has higher Card slots (2 vs 1)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
Alpha 6400
120 × 67 × 60 mm
403 g (0.89 lb / 14.22 oz)
Alpha 7 IV
131 × 96 × 80 mm
658 g (1.45 lb / 23.21 oz)
Alpha 6400 is 11mm narrower, 30mm shorter, and 20mm thinner than Alpha 7 IV.
Alpha 6400 is 255 g lighter than Alpha 7 IV.
Depth (front-to-back): 60mm Alpha 6400 · 80mm Alpha 7 IV
Sensor size, to scale
Alpha 6400
23.5 × 15.6 mm · APS-C
367 mm² area
Alpha 7 IV
35.9 × 23.9 mm · Full Frame
858 mm² area
2.3× larger sensor area = shallower depth of field and better low-light performance.
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
Alpha 6400
✓ more lensesSony E
350+
native lenses available
Alpha 7 IV
✓ 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 6400
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 120, 66.9, 59.7
Card types
Adds SD UHS-I
Weight
403 g vs 658 g — lower is better
Codecs
Adds AVCHD
Burst (mechanical)
11 fps vs 10 fps — higher is better
Burst (electronic)
11 fps vs 10 fps — higher is better
Reasons to choose
Alpha 7 IV
AF low-light limit
-4 EV vs -2 EV — lower is better
IBIS effectiveness
5.5 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 131.3, 96.4, 79.8
Card types
Adds CFexpress Type A, SD UHS-II
RAW buffer depth
828 frames vs 60 frames — higher is better
Max video bit rate
600 Mbps vs 150 Mbps — higher is better
Subject recognition
Adds Bird, Insect, Car/Train…
Codecs
Adds XAVC HS, XAVC S-I, H.265
Both cameras share
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓AF frame coverage — Both 94 %
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
- ✓Weather sealing — Both support weather sealing
- ✓EVF refresh rate — Both 120 Hz
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
Alpha 6400
Pros
- ✓Fast AF
- ✓Compact
- ✓Great value
Cons
- –No IBIS
- –Older design
- –No headphone jack
Alpha 7 IV
Pros
- ✓33MP — more detail for cropping and print
- ✓10-bit 4K 60p (Super35 crop) / 4K 30p full-frame
- ✓Full-size HDMI port
- ✓759 phase-detect AF points
Cons
- –4K 60p requires Super35 crop
- –10fps burst lags behind R6 II at 40fps
- –Complex menu system
Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for landscape, Alpha 6400 or Alpha 7 IV?
Alpha 7 IV scores 7.5/10 versus 3.0/10 for Alpha 6400 — 33MP — ample resolution.
What's the resolution difference between the Alpha 6400 and Alpha 7 IV?
Alpha 6400 is 24.2 MP and Alpha 7 IV is 33 MP, so the Alpha 7 IV captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the Alpha 6400 and Alpha 7 IV have in-body image stabilization?
Alpha 6400 does not have IBIS, while alpha 7 IV has 5.5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the Alpha 6400 or the Alpha 7 IV?
Alpha 6400 reaches 11 fps electronic. Alpha 7 IV reaches 10 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the Alpha 6400 and Alpha 7 IV?
Alpha 6400 weighs 403 g and Alpha 7 IV weighs 658 g, so the Alpha 6400 is 255 g lighter.
Do the Alpha 6400 and Alpha 7 IV record 4K video?
Alpha 6400: 4K up to 30p. Alpha 7 IV: 4K up to 60p.
Are the Alpha 6400 and Alpha 7 IV weather sealed?
Alpha 6400: Yes. Alpha 7 IV: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 410 shots (CIPA) for the Alpha 6400 and 580 shots for the Alpha 7 IV, giving the Alpha 7 IV the edge.
How much does each cost?
Alpha 6400 launched at $899 and Alpha 7 IV at $2,499. The Alpha 6400 is $1,600 less.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.
Product images courtesy of Sony press materials.