Sony
Alpha 6400
Popular APS-C body with fast AF and 11fps burst for enthusiasts.
$899
Released Feb 2019
Sony
Alpha 7S III
12MP low-light video specialist with 4K 120p, 16-bit RAW HDMI, and excellent autofocus.
$3,499
Released Sep 2020
Alpha 7S III is 1.5 years newer.
Wins
Alpha 6400
Wins
Alpha 7S III
2 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- BAlpha 7S III has higher IBIS effectiveness (5.5 stops vs 0 stops)
- BAlpha 7S III has higher 4K max frame rate (120 fps vs 30 fps)
- BAlpha 7S III has higher Max video bit rate (600 Mbps vs 150 Mbps)
- BAlpha 7S III has higher EVF resolution (9,437,184 vs 2,359,296)
- BAlpha 7S III has higher ISO max (native) (102,400 vs 32,000)
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 7S III
129 × 97 × 81 mm
699 g (1.54 lb / 24.66 oz)
Alpha 6400 is 9mm narrower, 30mm shorter, and 21mm thinner than Alpha 7S III.
Alpha 6400 is 296 g lighter than Alpha 7S III.
Depth (front-to-back): 60mm Alpha 6400 · 81mm Alpha 7S III
Sensor size, to scale
Alpha 6400
23.5 × 15.6 mm · APS-C
367 mm² area
Alpha 7S III
35.6 × 23.8 mm · Full Frame
847 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 7S III
✓ 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
Resolution
24.2 MP vs 12.1 MP — higher is better
Weight
403 g vs 699 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 7S III
AF low-light limit
-6 EV vs -2 EV — lower is better
IBIS effectiveness
5.5 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 128.9, 96.9, 80.8
Card types
Adds CFexpress Type A, SD UHS-II
4K max frame rate
120 fps vs 30 fps — higher is better
Max video bit rate
600 Mbps vs 150 Mbps — higher is better
EVF resolution
9,437,184 vs 2,359,296 — higher is better
ISO max (native)
102,400 vs 32,000 — higher is better
Both cameras share
- ✓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
- ✓Touchscreen — Both support touchscreen
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 7S III
Pros
- ✓Best-in-class low light
- ✓4K 120p
- ✓Full-size HDMI
- ✓Strong IBIS
Cons
- –12MP stills limit
- –Older generation now
- –No 8K
Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for video, Alpha 6400 or Alpha 7S III?
Alpha 7S III scores 8.0/10 versus 4.0/10 for Alpha 6400 — 4K recording.
What's the resolution difference between the Alpha 6400 and Alpha 7S III?
Alpha 6400 is 24.2 MP and Alpha 7S III is 12.1 MP, so the Alpha 6400 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the Alpha 6400 and Alpha 7S III have in-body image stabilization?
Alpha 6400 does not have IBIS, while alpha 7S III has 5.5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the Alpha 6400 or the Alpha 7S III?
Alpha 6400 reaches 11 fps electronic. Alpha 7S III reaches 10 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the Alpha 6400 and Alpha 7S III?
Alpha 6400 weighs 403 g and Alpha 7S III weighs 699 g, so the Alpha 6400 is 296 g lighter.
Do the Alpha 6400 and Alpha 7S III record 4K video?
Alpha 6400: 4K up to 30p. Alpha 7S III: 4K up to 120p.
Are the Alpha 6400 and Alpha 7S III weather sealed?
Alpha 6400: Yes. Alpha 7S III: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 410 shots (CIPA) for the Alpha 6400 and 600 shots for the Alpha 7S III, giving the Alpha 7S III the edge.
How much does each cost?
Alpha 6400 launched at $899 and Alpha 7S III at $3,499. The Alpha 6400 is $2,600 less.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.