Video Capabilities

The A6400 is a powerhouse for video creators, offering 4K recording with full pixel readout, advanced autofocus, unlimited recording time, and professional features like S-Log profiles.

Video Overview

The A6400 records stunning 4K video by reading the entire sensor and downsampling from approximately 6K, resulting in exceptional detail and minimal aliasing. With no recording time limit and a flip-up screen, it's become a favorite among content creators.

4K UHD

Max Resolution

3840 × 2160

30fps

4K Frame Rate

24/25/30p available

120fps

Slow Motion

1080p Full HD

100Mbps

Bit Rate

XAVC S format

Key Video Features

No recording time limit
Real-time Eye AF in video
Touch tracking for focus
180° flip-up LCD for vlogging
S-Log2/S-Log3 picture profiles
Clean HDMI output for external recorders

4K Video Settings

The A6400's 4K video uses full pixel readout without binning, resulting in sharp, detailed footage. The 1.2x crop in 4K is minimal and maintains a wide field of view.

Setting	Location	Recommended	Notes
File Format	Camera Settings 2 → Movie1	XAVC S 4K	Highest quality format
Record Setting	Camera Settings 2 → Movie1	30p 100M	Best quality at 30fps
APS-C/Super 35mm	Camera Settings 2 → Movie1	Off	Uses full sensor width (oversampled)
Proxy Recording	Camera Settings 2 → Movie1	On (optional)	Creates 720p proxy for faster editing

Oversampled 4K

The A6400 reads approximately 20MP of data and downscales to 4K (8.3MP). This oversampling produces cleaner footage with finer detail than cameras that record 4K natively.

Heat Management

While there's no time limit, recording 4K in warm environments may cause thermal warnings. Allow the camera to cool between long takes and avoid direct sunlight on the body.

Frame Rates & Slow Motion

Choose frame rates based on your creative needs and delivery platform. Higher frame rates enable smooth slow motion when played back at standard speeds.

Resolution	Frame Rates	Bit Rate	Best For
4K (3840×2160)	24p, 25p, 30p	60Mbps / 100Mbps	Cinematic footage, high detail
1080p (1920×1080)	24p, 25p, 30p, 60p, 120p	16-100Mbps	Standard HD, slow motion
720p (1280×720)	Proxy only	9Mbps	Editing proxies

Slow Motion Setup (120fps)

1Set File Format to XAVC S HD
2Set Record Setting to 120p 100M or 120p 60M
3Record your footage—it will play back at normal speed in-camera
4Import to editing software and interpret as 24/30fps for 4-5x slow motion

Rolling Shutter

At 120fps, rolling shutter (jello effect) is significantly reduced. For fast action or whip pans at lower frame rates, use faster shutter speeds to minimize distortion.

Picture Profiles

Picture Profiles control the camera's video processing. S-Log profiles capture maximum dynamic range for color grading, while standard profiles are ready for immediate use.

PP Off

No picture profile applied. Uses Creative Style settings for a standard look.

Best for: Quick sharing, simple edits

Gamma

Standard

Color

Standard

Normal

PP7 (S-Log2)

Flat profile capturing maximum dynamic range. Requires color grading.

Best for: Professional production

Gamma

S-Log2

Color

S-Gamut

~14 stops

PP8 (S-Log3)

Sony's latest log profile with better shadow detail than S-Log2.

Best for: Cinema, grading flexibility

Gamma

S-Log3

Color

S-Gamut3.Cine

~14 stops

PP10 (HLG)

Hybrid Log-Gamma for HDR displays. Good dynamic range without grading.

Best for: HDR content, YouTube

Gamma

HLG

Color

BT.2020

~12 stops

S-Log Exposure

When shooting S-Log, expose approximately 1.5-2 stops brighter than you would normally (ETTR—Expose To The Right). This captures more shadow detail and reduces noise in the final grade.

S-Log ISO Requirement

S-Log2 and S-Log3 have a native ISO of 800 minimum. Shooting in bright conditions may require ND filters to maintain proper exposure.

Audio Setup

Good audio is essential for video content. The A6400 has a built-in stereo microphone and a 3.5mm external mic input for better quality.

Internal Microphone

Built-in stereo microphone
Adequate for reference audio
Wind noise reduction available
Can pick up handling noise

External Microphone

3.5mm stereo mic input
Supports plug-in power mics
Manual audio level control
Dramatically improves quality

Audio Settings

Setting	Location	Recommended	Notes
Audio Recording	Camera Settings 2 → Audio Recording	On	Enable audio capture
Audio Level Display	Camera Settings 2 → Audio Recording	On	Monitor levels while recording
Audio Out Timing	Camera Settings 2 → Audio Recording	Live	Real-time monitoring (no delay)
Wind Noise Reduct.	Camera Settings 2 → Audio Recording	Auto	Reduces low-frequency wind noise

Manual Audio Levels

For consistent audio, set recording levels manually instead of Auto. Aim for peaks around -12dB to -6dB, leaving headroom for unexpected loud sounds.

Vlogging Setup

The A6400's flip-up screen and reliable autofocus make it an excellent vlogging camera. Here's how to optimize settings for self-recording.

Recommended Vlog Settings

Setting	Location	Recommended	Notes
Face Priority in AF	Camera Settings 1 → AF2	On	Prioritize face detection
Eye AF	Camera Settings 1 → AF2	On	Track your eyes while vlogging
Movie w/ Shutter	Camera Settings 2 → Movie2	On	Start recording with shutter button
Auto Slow Shutter	Camera Settings 2 → Movie1	On	Maintains exposure in low light

Vlogging Checklist

Flip screen to 180° for self-monitoring
Enable Face Priority AF and Eye AF
Use a wide-angle lens (16-35mm equivalent)
Attach external microphone for better audio
Consider a compact tripod or grip
Set AF Drive Speed to "Slow" for smoother focus pulls

Product Review Mode

When showing products to camera, the A6400 may struggle to switch focus. Use Touch Focus to tap on the product, or set AF Track Sensitivity to 5 (Responsive) for quicker transitions.