I currently own the a6400, but I think I’m going to hold out until the next flagship apsc camera comes out. The ibis is compelling, but I’m not sure it’s worth an additional $500 vs the a6400. I don’t shoot video on my cameras much so I’m not too worried about battery life. Great video. Thanks for the comparison
I decided to purchase A6400 over A6600 last year as price of A6600 was approx 1.5 of A6400. A am very happy with my A6400, Its a great camera and definitely value of money; but if you ask me today, I would say that I should have gone for A6600. Reasons - 1. Once we add price of lenses (bought a telephoto and a macro lens) over and above price of Camera body, this 1.5 times reduces to approx. 10-15% for entire set up. 2. IBIS, in low light conditions, this would have been great. 3. Better battery (My A6400 gives me 600+ shots every single time, but having a battery with double capacity would have been great.) 4. Ergonomics. (With big lenses A6400 body seems tiny, A6600 would not help too much, but have better grip) So, Go for A6400 if (a) budget is a constraint, or (b) camera is normally used for stills, or (c) you are not going to use relatively bigger lenses. This is best value for money camera, without a doubt. Go for A6600, if you want best in Sony APS-C system. You may be paying more than A6400, but also getting more than A6400.
I have both and use them in tandem. However, when I just grab one camera, it is usually the A6600. Primarily because the grip is more comfortable for my hand...
Could you tell me which camera tends to be less blurry when moving the camera fast or zooming in quickly? Also can stay in focus without getting blurry. I'm trying to find which camera is able to focus quickly or stay in focus because my Luminx is not staying in focus when I filmed. :(
I think you pointed out the key part that is battery. I used older Sony A mount cameras with superb battery life. One week vacation with 2 batteries without any charger, no problem. Then I had got the A6000, I loved it but a complete disappointment in battery life. Sometimes it showed 80% then after 30 shots went uneder 40%. Airplane mode with no nfc, no wifi inceased the battery life tough. My second issue was that you can't record movie while charging. Why? Even Sony action cams can't do it, while Osmo action can. I'm thinking to upgrade my A6300 but most because of battery probably I'll go for A7 series.
I find it hard to believe that there are no comments on this video. Dustin, I appreciate your videos, because you and a handful of others understand clearly that not everyone needs or wants full frame. I still use the a6000, however I have bought good glass, the sigma trifecta. Well soon to be the quad-facts, when I get the the 23mm. The 6600 is what I think I am going to get though. I bought the a6000 months after it hit the market 2014. Then the a5100 for video. It is still the combination I have used all these years. Maybe this year I’ll upgrade. Thank you, for me at least, these comparison videos have great value.
@@DustinAbbottTWI oh wow, that’s terrible. Please continue your content, don’t get discouraged. I still go back in your archive and look forward to your stuff. God Bless.
Great review - I just acquired what is I guess a middle ground camera between these two - the A6500 to replace my old NEX 7 for making RU-vid vids and real estate tours - with the ridiculously good Sigma 16mm 1.4 lens. A6400's were not in stock so B&H had a 9 rated A6500 at $560 - I think that is a screaming deal and bought it. I am blown away with the photos and video. People have mentioned overheating when shooting 4k - however I have found others who connected a dummy battery power supply and tilted the touch screen out and streamed with 4K for 2 hours with no overheating!? I guess the biggest downside is the screen dimming in video - haven't tried it outside yet as it is primarily my RU-vid cam.
That is an amazing price. I only had overheating issues with my a6500 if I was filming with the camera in the bright sun for an extended period. Not really indoors ever.
Don't quote me on that one but as far as I know the A6600 (in contrast to the A66400) uses the latest color science, introduced with the A7r IV a few months earlier in July 2019.
@@DustinAbbottTWI Yep, I saw that but also the jpegs? Although I tend to believe that the entire color science discussion (skin tones!!!) is largely exorbitant anyways.. Can Canon meanwhile handle reds, btw..? ;)
I just picked up a refurbished a6600 for $660 USD. I love the 810 shot crazy battery life, the comfortable ergonomic grip, the flip/tilt up screen (I don't have a camera like this), and the IBIS (though I'm not expecting miracles in handheld video stabilization). For me there was very little to no price difference between the a6600 and a6400 on the used second hand market. The only meaningful advantage the A6400 had was the built in flash, (which I kinda liked) but valued the a6600 total package more. Let's see how it works out.
I believe the 6600 is the better camera. It's irritating that they basically compiled old parts and slapped a premium price on it. But if one can look beyond that (annoying thing), it's a capable camera with huge choice of lenses for (a very important thing, really). At the end of the day, I didn't buy it over two things. No flip forward screen and no proper touch screen. You know, like the one that even cheapo models like Canon M200 have...
I'm late to the party, but disagree with the assessment about the flip up/firward touch screen. Those doing street photography will like the flip up/forward screen as it allows them to shoot from the hip and touch the screen to capture a shot. That's one of the reasons I decided to get the camera.
Mr. A its surprising to me no camera company has of yet made a proper wildlife APSC camera, Sony is missing out on a market of people that spend a lot of money to practice this craft. I use 2 A6600's along with my R4, I already have have 16-18k in lenses and would gladly pay 2500 for an A9 APSC camera in an A7 body
2000 usd is my budget which camera should i buy? I plan for both a6400 and a6500. I have canon 700d and zv e10. I will use for portrait photography and vlogging
The a6600 is the best option at the moment, but I'd only buy it if there is a very good deal available. I feel like Sony should release something better soon.
@DustinAbbottTWI I've read one website that claimed Sony will soon release an a6900 for $1,700, primarily intended for vlogging. Then I read another website that claimed Sony won't be releasing any new APS-C cameras in 2023 and maybe not even in 2024 due to chip shortages. Who should we believe? If Sony does release a new 6000 series flagship model, my concern is that Sony will pump up the megapixels, thereby reducing ISO performance. With a higher megapixel count, Sony would also need to make better performing APS-C lenses to match the new sensor. So, for me, I think I just might purchase the a6600 because it already meets or exceeds my current requirements. I hope I can still find one new; they are getting harder to find.
Question, I use Fuji for my APS-C format. X-T1 and X-T3 with several Fuji and after market lenses. I run a Sony A7ii with a the 28-70 kit lens and a Sigma Art 24-70 DG DN F2.8 lens (the kit lens never gets used). Would it be worth using the A6400 or A6600 with the kit lens or the Sigma lens? Both are FF lenses. I think though I will wait for the A7IV as I'm happy with my A7ii but the autofocus is just not trustworthy or reliable. I end up spot focusing or manual focusing most of the time.
Wait for the A74. Your 24-70 becomes a 36-105 which you could use I guess but you will miss the wide end. With the global clip shortage I might just get a A73.
With your existing lens choices, I would recommend either waiting or upgrading to the a7III. The difference in autofocus between a7II and a7III is huge.
Thanks for the review. Do you know during how much time we can film a video in 4K in these 2 cameras ? Can it be at least a 1h video without overheating or lack of battery ? thks again
Would you say the video eye-af is a real practical advantage though? Since A6400 has facetracking and you will need a quite low aperture to see a real difference between eye tracking an face tracking
Almost 2 years ago, i had chosen the A6400 (knowing the shortcomings compared to the A6600). I’m also waiting for their next offering to be announced, and will either go for that, or an A6600 once the price go down.
@@DustinAbbottTWI Would be nice if that happens. I’m not hoping for much. If they put in USB-C, an extra control dial and better evf, i’d be happy to upgrade. Even better if it can do 1/8000 SS as well.
@@DustinAbbottTWI I just hope it will be much better than the A6600, I fear that Sony are downgrading the APSC line, fx we have not seen new very good Sony prime lenses for APSC. But it will be ok if Sony will lower the prices of the A1, A7 and A9 plus make new cameras with 44x33 sensors, I think that for the long run it will make most sense.
Just a thought Dustin. We users. Often looking for a quick answer. As much I enjoy your detailed reviews.I did picked up few time some random vids (reviews) on TY with length approx 2-3min. You do present similar videos. “FINAL OPINION/Review) and this is what i usually pick up. Perhaps and this is not me telling you how to ran your show! Far from it. Perhaps it can help to get more views? Super short Opinion or a pack of informations from your already made vid in one 2-3min video. I wonder which of yours vids hit most likes. Standard Review or FINAL opinion. All the best to you. Thank you for all you help.
Interestingly I get about a 2:1 view ratio in favor of the long format reviews. There's a lot of shorter reviews out there, but very few deep dives like what I do. That's not to say your suggestion is a bad one...it's a question of how best to implement it.
@@DustinAbbottTWIDifferent people have different temperaments but I'm a fan of the depth and detail, pastor. These things are really expensive investments and I appreciate the experiences you share, which helps me make an informed decision.
Hi Dustin! Is an a6700 review on the way? Although there's a lot of positive critisism about this new body, I found something that's a bit odd If you google for "dpreview video stills tool" - and you chose e.g. a6300 (4K UHD) vs a6700 (4K UHD), well, the a6300 footage is superior (at least to my eyes!) The setup claims to be on same lens/aperture etc How can the much older a6300 produce better S35 4K video footage is a mystery to me Both APS-C bodies claim to produce 4K from oversampled 6K However the a6300 is CMOS whilst the a6700 is BSI-CMOS. Could that be the difference? As far as pixel bining goes - I m not sure what's the case for the a6300/a6700
I haven't tested the a6700 yet, but it would seem unlikely that the new camera would produce poorer footage (particularly considering there are more bitrates available on the a6700). I can account for their results, so you might need to reach out to someone at DPReview.
Thank you Dustin. Its good to know that you trust their results. I have reached out to them, but I m not counting on a response. Have emailed them in the past about a different topic and never got any reply It's interesting that you mention about bitrates. In fact, in that test (a6300 vs a6700), apart from the lens+aperture which was identical in both bodies, the bitrate on that a6700 was 240mbps (vs the 100mbps on the a6300). So ever more reason for one to expect superior results from the newer APS-C model. But no. Other possible considerations e.g. both bodies have low-pass filter. Just doesn't make sense In fact, I struggled to find models from that list of video still samples that are actually better from the ones of the a6300 Only the Z8/Z9 seem to have crisper stills (but to be honest I didn't check all models from the list) But there's certainly something off here. I really hope they get back to me @@DustinAbbottTWI
That’s a solid question. Sony’s APS-C cameras are due an update, but if you get a very good price on either of these bodies, they are still very competent cameras.
You can buy a lot of extra batteries and a gimbal for $500. I like the A6600, I think it's a great camera but it essentially takes the same photos for $500 more. I would have hoped it had a newer sensor since that 24mp sensor has been around for ages or a better EVF. However, if someone wants APSC and IBIS there aren't too many choices for small cameras. Canon doesn't even make an APSC camera with IBIS, it's only Sony and Fuji or if you want really good IBIS go to m43 to Olympus (and suffer from mediocre autofocus). I'd be curious to see an A7C vs A6600 comparison since the price difference is only a couple hundred bucks.
@@DustinAbbottTWI Yes, just observing that for 500 USD more, Sony could have offered an improved EVF, not just a better battery and image stabilization. But Sony afterall recycled the RX100m5 parts to make the ZV-1, which has a narrower lens and no "intelligent active" stabilization like the later RX100m6/7. Got it discounted and lost the little windscree/deadcat $32 + tax/shipping for a replacement of that little piece. Can't even find it in stores. Sony seems to not be always be showing respect to its customers. Anyway, the A6400 is the better buy. I digressed a bit, I shoot Sony (mostly) and Nikon, but certain practices by Sony have been bad influences (pricing, availability of spare parts like hoods etc)
Dustin is not alone in wanting Sony to update the sensor for the APS-C line. I would settle for Sony putting the flagship in an A7 body with class leading IBIS along with a few more features to justify the price. Maybe once Sony launches their new vlog market ZV-E10 tomorrow they can start working on the A7000? Or an APS-C hybrid that skews toward the photocentric side more? Too niche? 🤔
I do not want a A7-body design of the APSC Sony Line, then it would give much more sense to ditch the APSC line and go for a larger 44x33 sensor in a Sony new camera line and lower the prices of the FF line !
@@robertcudlipp3426 - Sony certainly couldn't go past the $1700 for the Fujifilm X-T4. As for people considering skipping right past APS-C and considering Sony, Canon, Nikon or Panasonic's sub-$2K FF bodies, I'm not sure how much of a problem that would be. Seems like with a mature market (not a lot if new customers) people are somewhat brand loyal and maybe more hesitant to change format. If there is price pressure on Sony high end APS-C, I believe it will come from lower end Sony APS-C. Like Dustin mentions in the video, the A6400 is a compelling choice because it is only missing a few features of the A6600 but hundreds of dollars less. If the ZV-E10 drops at the bargain price I suspect it'll be a bigger threat to A6600 than even the A7c. I'm not advocating for a Sony APS-C with all new tech that would drive up the price. I would like to see a parts bin makeover that doesn't break any new ground outside of the IBIS tuned for the same old 24mp sensor in an A7 frame that may be just be gathering dust in a warehouse. Even if it means an older battery is used. Target price for the photocentric action/birder/street camera? $1100. But unlikely to happen at any price as Sony seems more fixated on vloggers and FF. 😐
@@cameraprepper7938 - Except Sony would have to start developing a new mount and lenses for that sensor. Even though Sony has been terrible at coming out with APS-C specific lenses, users have some nice lens choices from, Sigma, Tamron, Samyang and Viltrox.
Hey Tom. I'm not trying to be snarky, but it's not always about the money. Here is a admittedly poor analogy. You're visiting Paris and need a car to get around town. The car rental guy says, we have a Toyota Prius, and a Ford F150 extended cab. Same price. Which one are you going to choose? Each has it's place. For sure the A7C will give you better image quality, but bottom line, the A7C with a selection of lenses, including some zooms, compared to the A6600 with a similar lens selection of lenses, is going to be much heavier and a lot more than a few hundred $ more.
@@j16m02 Hi James- Thanks for the response but I respectfully disagree and here’s why: with the light weight, high performance full frame e-mount lenses from Tamron (plus the Sigma 28-70 f2.8) the a7C cost and weight are comparable to building an APS-C kit. Additionally the lens selection is significantly greater. It’s a personal choice but in my experience the added capability of full frame over crop is, using your vehicle analogy, like comparing a 4 liter V8 to a 1.8 liter four cylinder. For my style full frame makes a big difference. Cheers!
I tried the a7c and the a6600. I found the a7c to feel a bit cheaper in hand. I like the a6600 better in low light, despite the aps-c sensor size difference, and lastly, i shoot an ice skater in a low light indoor scenario. The apc-c sensor lets me reach further with my tamron 70-180 f2.8... I want the a7iv next.
I would love to recommend the a6400 for someone who asked me and looking for sub 1000$ camera .. but the IBIS worries me since he’s a total beginner .. can that be a problem when shooting handheld at shutter speed lower than 80/1 ? because he gonna use it mostly inside building at daytime.
I have an A6400 and 1/80s is really no problem. Even for beginners. However, I want to change to the A6600 mainly because of the battery, additional buttons and stabilization, but I need it to hold 1s handheld ;)
The fact that even Dustin Abbott mixes these numbers and says 6200 probably instead of 6300 shows how bad are sony namings specially in apsc line... Come on Sony use less digits for this line please!
There has never been a6200, the fact that you claimed you personally have used it! Mentioned it Not once but couple of times, questions all your credibility and professionalism. Stick to A1 cause you need a top end camera to do your job, obviously you don't have the knowledge nor the talent to create anything without relying on the best of the best lol
Or I misspoke. I've owned and used the a6300, a6400, a6500, and a6600. I've tested dozens of cameras from different brands, all of which have their different naming conventions...and all of which I have to remember off the top of my head on camera. You should try it sometime...it's not as easy as it looks. Sony has an a6000, a6100, and an a6300. (odd that there isn't an a6200, actually).
Man is that ever an aggressive comment. Dustin Abbott is a legend and has made THOUSANDS of informative spot on video reviews. When I grow up I want to be just like Dustin. Have you ever stood in the arena?
