Sony's line of APS-C mirrorless cameras has long offered top-level specs at an economical price point along with access to an extensive line of interchangeable lenses. For the A6400, Sony has paired the high-resolution 24mp sensor from the A6300 with a new Bionz X processor that borrows technology from the flagship A9. The A6400 can also shoot 4K video downsampled from the full sensor area without the recording time limit of the A6300 and A6500. Improved autofocus and faster camera response make this Sony mirrorless a standout in the APS-C mirrorless camera field.
THE SONY A6400 CAMERA
Mirrorless cameras have long led the way in hybrid cameras that allow for high-quality still and video recording from a compact interchangeable lens package. The APS-C sensor of the A6400 delivers both 24.2MP still raw images at up to 11fps continuous shooting as well as oversampled 4K video from the full-sensor width recorded in high dynamic range HLG and S-log gamma curves.
The A6400 is highly customizable which is made easier by the upgraded menu system. Boot-up time and overall responsiveness of the camera are also improved thanks to the new Bionz X processor.
The most notable upgrade to the A6400 is found in the autofocus system. Sony's Real-time Tracking makes using tracking-based autofocus easier. With the A6500 and the A6300 the user would have to decide on subject matter beforehand, switching between Eye-AF where the camera detects and follows a human eye, face detection or simple tracking of an object. With Real-time Tracking, the object that lies in the selected area of the frame will be tracked, regardless of what it is. This is notable for the underwater user that also uses the camera for topside imagery as it eliminates having to reconfigure the autofocus for tracking underwater subjects.
For the video shooters, 4K capture at up to 30p is downsampled from the full-width of the sensor (6K). Recording time restrictions have been removed and the use of HLG and S-Log gamma curves is now an option to maximize dynamic range of the footage.
Key Camera Specs
- 24MP APS-C sensor
- 425-pt phase detection AF system with Real-Time Tracking
- 2.36M-dot electronic viewfinder
- New Bionz X processor
- ISO range from 100-32000
- 11fps burst shooting
- 4K/30p video capture with HLG and S-Log
THE NA-A6400 UNDERWATER HOUSING
Nauticam has created housings for the original A6000, the A6300, A6500 and now the A6400. Drawing on this deep connection to the A6000 family, the NA-A6400 implements the core features that have come to define Nauticam housings such as intelligent control placement, ease of setup and rugged build quality.
Mission Control
The NA-A6400 features integrated ergonomic handles with stainless steel stiffening brackets that provide a solid shooting platform and attachment point for lighting accessories. The handles can be adjusted outwards to accommodate larger hands or thick gloves. A large dual-stage trigger is easily reached from the right handle and provides accurate actuation of autofocus and shutter release.
A thumb lever on the right side of the housing triggers the Magnify control key which can be used to control AF/MF-AEL. This control can be customized in-camera to lock or activate autofocus. This back-button autofocus control is a favorite of underwater users as it separates autofocus activation from the shutter release to prevent unwanted refocusing during sequential shots or during video shooting.
A dedicated record button to trigger video recording is within easy reach of the right handle and colored red for easy identification. Switching between the high-resolution Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) and the LCD display is accomplished with a clearly marked lever to the right of the housing's viewfinder.
The camera is securely mounted on a tray using a knurled thumb screw that attaches it to the tripod mounting hole on the camera. The LCD can be used in an angled configuration on the tray, making it easier to see underwater and reduce the effects of glare. The tray locks into place inside the housing, preventing it from falling out when the housing is opened and ensuring proper control alignment.
Flash Trigger
Flash triggering is handled via the A6400's pop-up on-board flash. A lever on the top of the NA-A6400 can be used to open or close the flash inside the housing, eliminating the need to remember engaging the flash before placing the camera in the housing. Sea&Sea-style fiber optic cable connectors are built-in to the forward facing edge of the housing above the port.
HDMI Output
The NA-A6400 can be used with external monitors such as the SmallHD 502B and the Nauticam NA-502B housing via the Nauticam HDMI 1.4 system.
Premium Professional Optics and Accessories
A camera system is just that, a system, which means that access to premium optics and accessories can limit the true functionality of even a top-level camera. Nauticam's line of water-contact optics provide true wide-angle and macro performance. The innovative bayonet mounting system or single and dual-flip adapters make installation simple. 45º and 180º magnifying viewfinders enhance the usabliity of the camera's electronic viewfinder.
