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Image Quality

The A6400's 24.2MP APS-C sensor combined with Sony's BIONZ X processor delivers exceptional image quality with outstanding dynamic range, low noise, and accurate colors.

Sensor Overview

At the heart of the A6400 is a 24.2-megapixel Exmor CMOS sensor paired with a front-end LSI and BIONZ X processor. This combination provides excellent detail, wide dynamic range, and impressive low-light performance.

24.2 MP

Resolution

6000 × 4000 pixels

APS-C

Sensor Size

23.5 × 15.6mm

100-32000

ISO Range

Expandable to 102400

14-bit

RAW Bit Depth

Uncompressed or Compressed

Key Image Quality Features

  • Wide dynamic range (~14 stops)
  • Excellent shadow recovery
  • Low noise at high ISOs
  • Accurate color reproduction
  • Minimal moiré and aliasing
  • Sharp corner-to-corner detail

ISO Performance

The A6400 delivers clean images across a wide ISO range. Understanding how ISO affects your images helps you make the right exposure decisions in any lighting condition.

ISO Range
Noise Level
Detail
Best For
100-400
Excellent
Maximum
Studio, landscapes
800-1600
Very Good
Excellent
General, events
3200-6400
Good
Good
Low light, indoor
12800+
Noticeable
Reduced
Emergency, night

ISO Settings

SettingLocationRecommended
ISO Auto Min. SSCamera Settings 1 → Exposure2Faster / 1/Focal
ISO Auto MaxCamera Settings 1 → Exposure26400-12800
Multi Frame NRCamera Settings 1 → Exposure1Off (default)
High ISO NRCamera Settings 1 → Quality/Image Size2Normal

ISO Auto Minimum Shutter Speed

Set ISO Auto Min. SS to "Faster" or a specific value like 1/125s to prevent motion blur. The camera will raise ISO automatically before letting the shutter speed drop below your threshold.

RAW vs JPEG

Choosing between RAW and JPEG (or both) depends on your workflow and post-processing needs. Understanding the differences helps you make the right choice for each situation.

RAW Format
  • 14-bit unprocessed sensor data
  • Maximum editing flexibility
  • Better highlight/shadow recovery
  • Non-destructive workflow
  • Larger file sizes (~25MB compressed)

Best for: Professional work, landscapes, challenging lighting

JPEG Format
  • Camera-processed with styles applied
  • Ready to share immediately
  • Smaller file sizes (~10MB Extra Fine)
  • Faster burst buffer clearing
  • Limited editing headroom

Best for: Quick sharing, events, high-volume shooting

Quality Settings

SettingLocationRecommended
QualityCamera Settings 1 → Quality/Image Size1RAW+JPEG
RAW File TypeCamera Settings 1 → Quality/Image Size1Compressed
JPEG QualityCamera Settings 1 → Quality/Image Size1Extra Fine
Aspect RatioCamera Settings 1 → Quality/Image Size13:2

RAW+JPEG Workflow

Shooting RAW+JPEG gives you the best of both worlds. Use the JPEG for quick sharing via WiFi and keep the RAW file for detailed editing later. Set JPEG size to Medium if storage is a concern.

Creative Styles

Creative Styles control how the camera processes JPEGs (RAW files are unaffected). Each style can be customized with adjustments to contrast, saturation, and sharpness.

Standard

Balanced settings suitable for most situations. Good starting point for general photography.

Contrast

0

Saturation

0

Sharpness

0

Vivid

Enhanced colors and contrast. Great for landscapes, travel, and vibrant scenes.

Contrast

+1

Saturation

+2

Sharpness

+1

Portrait

Optimized skin tones with softer contrast. Ideal for people photography.

Contrast

-1

Saturation

0

Sharpness

-1

Landscape

Enhanced greens and blues with increased sharpness. Perfect for nature and scenery.

Contrast

+1

Saturation

+1

Sharpness

+2

Neutral

Minimal processing for maximum editing flexibility. Best for post-processing workflows.

Contrast

-2

Saturation

-1

Sharpness

-1

Custom Style Presets

You can save up to 6 custom Style Box presets with your preferred adjustments. Access them quickly from the Fn menu or assign to a custom button for instant style switching.

Metering Modes

Metering determines how the camera measures light to calculate exposure. Different modes work better for different shooting scenarios.

Multi (Matrix)

Evaluates the entire frame and calculates balanced exposure. Excellent for most situations with varied lighting. Default recommendation.

Center

Prioritizes the center of the frame while considering edges. Good for centered subjects with different backgrounds.

Spot

Measures only a small area (linked to focus point). Perfect for backlit subjects or precise exposure control.

Highlight

Prevents highlight clipping by prioritizing bright areas. Ideal for stage performances and high contrast scenes.

Optimal Settings by Scenario

Landscape Photography
ISO100 (base)
QualityRAW
MeteringMulti
Creative StyleLandscape
DRO/HDROff (edit RAW)
Portrait Photography
ISO100-800
QualityRAW+JPEG
MeteringMulti / Spot
Creative StylePortrait
Soft Skin EffectLow / Off
Event Photography
ISOAuto (max 6400)
QualityJPEG Extra Fine
MeteringMulti
Creative StyleStandard
High ISO NRNormal
Low Light / Night
ISOAuto (max 12800)
QualityRAW
MeteringSpot / Center
Creative StyleNeutral
Long Exp. NROn