• 35mm 858.0mm2
  • 24.5 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200
  • APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 32,000

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Differences

Nikon Z6 advantages over Sony A6400

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.94 vs 3.92 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • More dots on screen
    2100k vs 922k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.80x vs 0.70x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    204800 vs 102400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Sony A6400 advantages over Nikon Z6

  • Less expensive
    $848 vs $1899
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Longer video battery life
    125 vs 85 minutes
    Capture more video
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Lighter weight
    519g vs 1175g
    Lighter weight
  • Less shutter lag
    0.12 vs 0.20 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    87 vs 47 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Shoot 4K video
    Both provide
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Tiltable Screen
    Both provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Both provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Both provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • External Mic Jack
    Both provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Slow-motion videos
    Both provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon Z6

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Sony A6400

Review Excerpt

  • Great image quality; Terrific high ISO performance; Fast AF speeds; Eye AF; Swift 12fps burst shooting; In-body image stabilization; High-quality 4K video; Robust build quality; Familiar Nikon design.

  • Single XQD card slot; Default high ISO NR a bit strong; No 4K 60p; 1/200s x-sync speed; Limited native lens selection (at this time).

The Competition

Compared to Sony A7 III

Nikon Z6
Sony A7 III
  • $1396
  • 35mm
  • Top deck display
  • More dots on screen
  • $1865
  • 35mm
  • NFC
  • Higher effective ISO
Sony A6400
Sony A7 III
  • $798
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $1865
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Fujifilm X-T100

Nikon Z6
Fujifilm X-T100
  • $1396
  • 35mm
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Larger sensor
  • $599
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
Sony A6400
Fujifilm X-T100
  • $798
  • APS-C
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Fast startup
  • $599
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compared to Nikon Z7

Nikon Z6
Nikon Z7
  • $1396
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
  • $2147
  • 35mm
  • More pixels
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
Sony A6400
Nikon Z7
  • $798
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $2147
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Canon EOS R

Nikon Z6
Canon EOS R
  • $1396
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $1499
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • More telephoto lens reach
Sony A6400
Canon EOS R
  • $798
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $1499
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Sony A6100

Nikon Z6
Sony A6100
  • $1396
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $648
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
Sony A6400
Sony A6100
  • $798
  • APS-C
  • Higher extended ISO
  • $648
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
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