A6400 vs A6600 (or RX10iv)?

Long story short, I am planning to move away from my old Sony A-mount gear to mirrorless, and I am inclined to stay with Sony since I am familiar with the menus.

I don't really care about video aside from the odd short clip here and there. I am what I would call an occasional, enthusiast photographer. Meaning I really break out the camera for vacations, and then the rest of the time it typically sits in a closet. We also have an RX100V which we've had good success with.

So as I look at all the options out there, I come to A6400 vs A6600, and maybe even the RX10iv.

The main tradeoffs I see in A6400 vs A6600:
* A6600 has IBIS (nice, but not sure if absolutely needed). Don't many of the newer/nicer E-mount lenses have stabilization anyway?

* A6400 has built-in flash (again, not sure how helpful it would be in reality)

* A6400, oddly, has sweep panoramic mode while A6600 does not. There may be other mode differences between the two I just haven't discovered yet.

* A6400 is obviously cheaper, to the tune of maybe $300-400USD.

I would likely be looking at getting the 18-135 lens to have as an everyday, around town, lens. For trips like safaris (we have 2 planned this year) I would rent something longer.

I keep coming back to the RX10iv also as it seems to tick most of my wishes. I do not know if I would miss the image quality going from an APS-C to 1" sensor and/or the ability to swap lenses to what I really need for any given situation as opposed to the ease of use of the "jack of all trades" RX10iv.

I have a horrible case of analysis paralysis as tends to happen with these kind of decisions!

As someone that has had an NEX-7, a6000, a6300, a6500, and now an a6600 I think the IBS is the best feature of the camera and the silent shutter is the second.

bswiz said:

Long story short, I am planning to move away from my old Sony A-mount gear to mirrorless, and I am inclined to stay with Sony since I am familiar with the menus.

I don't really care about video aside from the odd short clip here and there. I am what I would call an occasional, enthusiast photographer. Meaning I really break out the camera for vacations, and then the rest of the time it typically sits in a closet. We also have an RX100V which we've had good success with.

So as I look at all the options out there, I come to A6400 vs A6600, and maybe even the RX10iv.

The main tradeoffs I see in A6400 vs A6600:
* A6600 has IBIS (nice, but not sure if absolutely needed). Don't many of the newer/nicer E-mount lenses have stabilization anyway?

* A6400 has built-in flash (again, not sure how helpful it would be in reality)

* A6400, oddly, has sweep panoramic mode while A6600 does not. There may be other mode differences between the two I just haven't discovered yet.

* A6400 is obviously cheaper, to the tune of maybe $300-400USD.

I would likely be looking at getting the 18-135 lens to have as an everyday, around town, lens. For trips like safaris (we have 2 planned this year) I would rent something longer.

I keep coming back to the RX10iv also as it seems to tick most of my wishes. I do not know if I would miss the image quality going from an APS-C to 1" sensor and/or the ability to swap lenses to what I really need for any given situation as opposed to the ease of use of the "jack of all trades" RX10iv.

I have a horrible case of analysis paralysis as tends to happen with these kind of decisions!

Click to expand...

You should consider trying both cameras in a store. If handling matters to you since the A6600 has a deeper grip. I don't think IBIS is a big issue if you are planning to buy a lens with OSS. The battery of the A6600 is more longer lasting as well.

Personally I got the A6600 since I have some lenses without OSS and IBIS is beneficial especially for travel. I don't like to use tripods. Also, the deeper grip is much nicer to hold and the longer lasting battery is great for long photoshoots.

Good luck with whatever decision you make.

bswiz said:

Long story short, I am planning to move away from my old Sony A-mount gear to mirrorless, and I am inclined to stay with Sony since I am familiar with the menus.

I don't really care about video aside from the odd short clip here and there. I am what I would call an occasional, enthusiast photographer. Meaning I really break out the camera for vacations, and then the rest of the time it typically sits in a closet. We also have an RX100V which we've had good success with.

So as I look at all the options out there, I come to A6400 vs A6600, and maybe even the RX10iv.

The main tradeoffs I see in A6400 vs A6600:
* A6600 has IBIS (nice, but not sure if absolutely needed). Don't many of the newer/nicer E-mount lenses have stabilization anyway?

* A6400 has built-in flash (again, not sure how helpful it would be in reality)

* A6400, oddly, has sweep panoramic mode while A6600 does not. There may be other mode differences between the two I just haven't discovered yet.

* A6400 is obviously cheaper, to the tune of maybe $300-400USD.

I would likely be looking at getting the 18-135 lens to have as an everyday, around town, lens. For trips like safaris (we have 2 planned this year) I would rent something longer.

I keep coming back to the RX10iv also as it seems to tick most of my wishes. I do not know if I would miss the image quality going from an APS-C to 1" sensor and/or the ability to swap lenses to what I really need for any given situation as opposed to the ease of use of the "jack of all trades" RX10iv.

I have a horrible case of analysis paralysis as tends to happen with these kind of decisions!

Click to expand...

PSA: We are literally a week or so away from new camera announcements from Sony.

At least one of these is heavily rumored to be APS-C. I would hold fire on any purchasing decision for a couple of weeks.

I don’t mean buy the new one(s) necessarily, but you are much better off being informed about what they are and being able take advantage of the price drop on the old models if that is the path you take.

JayJee said:

bswiz said:

Long story short, I am planning to move away from my old Sony A-mount gear to mirrorless, and I am inclined to stay with Sony since I am familiar with the menus.

I don't really care about video aside from the odd short clip here and there. I am what I would call an occasional, enthusiast photographer. Meaning I really break out the camera for vacations, and then the rest of the time it typically sits in a closet. We also have an RX100V which we've had good success with.

So as I look at all the options out there, I come to A6400 vs A6600, and maybe even the RX10iv.

The main tradeoffs I see in A6400 vs A6600:
* A6600 has IBIS (nice, but not sure if absolutely needed). Don't many of the newer/nicer E-mount lenses have stabilization anyway?

* A6400 has built-in flash (again, not sure how helpful it would be in reality)

* A6400, oddly, has sweep panoramic mode while A6600 does not. There may be other mode differences between the two I just haven't discovered yet.

* A6400 is obviously cheaper, to the tune of maybe $300-400USD.

I would likely be looking at getting the 18-135 lens to have as an everyday, around town, lens. For trips like safaris (we have 2 planned this year) I would rent something longer.

I keep coming back to the RX10iv also as it seems to tick most of my wishes. I do not know if I would miss the image quality going from an APS-C to 1" sensor and/or the ability to swap lenses to what I really need for any given situation as opposed to the ease of use of the "jack of all trades" RX10iv.

I have a horrible case of analysis paralysis as tends to happen with these kind of decisions!

Click to expand...

PSA: We are literally a week or so away from new camera announcements from Sony.

At least one of these is heavily rumored to be APS-C. I would hold fire on any purchasing decision for a couple of weeks.

I don’t mean buy the new one(s) necessarily, but you are much better off being informed about what they are and being able take advantage of the price drop on the old models if that is the path you take.

Click to expand...

Hi Jayjee,

Where did you read about that? I'm fighting off GAS after I tried out the R6MKII at the store last week. I figured that I should wait until the A6600 replacement is announced before I make my decision.

José B said:

JayJee said:

bswiz said:

Long story short, I am planning to move away from my old Sony A-mount gear to mirrorless, and I am inclined to stay with Sony since I am familiar with the menus.

I don't really care about video aside from the odd short clip here and there. I am what I would call an occasional, enthusiast photographer. Meaning I really break out the camera for vacations, and then the rest of the time it typically sits in a closet. We also have an RX100V which we've had good success with.

So as I look at all the options out there, I come to A6400 vs A6600, and maybe even the RX10iv.

The main tradeoffs I see in A6400 vs A6600:
* A6600 has IBIS (nice, but not sure if absolutely needed). Don't many of the newer/nicer E-mount lenses have stabilization anyway?

* A6400 has built-in flash (again, not sure how helpful it would be in reality)

* A6400, oddly, has sweep panoramic mode while A6600 does not. There may be other mode differences between the two I just haven't discovered yet.

* A6400 is obviously cheaper, to the tune of maybe $300-400USD.

I would likely be looking at getting the 18-135 lens to have as an everyday, around town, lens. For trips like safaris (we have 2 planned this year) I would rent something longer.

I keep coming back to the RX10iv also as it seems to tick most of my wishes. I do not know if I would miss the image quality going from an APS-C to 1" sensor and/or the ability to swap lenses to what I really need for any given situation as opposed to the ease of use of the "jack of all trades" RX10iv.

I have a horrible case of analysis paralysis as tends to happen with these kind of decisions!

Click to expand...

PSA: We are literally a week or so away from new camera announcements from Sony.

At least one of these is heavily rumored to be APS-C. I would hold fire on any purchasing decision for a couple of weeks.

I don’t mean buy the new one(s) necessarily, but you are much better off being informed about what they are and being able take advantage of the price drop on the old models if that is the path you take.

Click to expand...

Hi Jayjee,

Where did you read about that? I'm fighting off GAS after I tried out the R6MKII at the store last week. I figured that I should wait until the A6600 replacement is announced before I make my decision.

Click to expand...

José, SAR had some rumors and in other places I have seen mention the CP+ event in Yokohama as one to watch. Although you would think that there will be an “international” launch as well. Everyone seems to think at least something is coming in February. But who knows?

PS. I got the R6MKII! So I am a (part-time) Canon shooter now. The camera itself is amazing with the glass (so far) a little underwhelming compared to the Sony e-Mount universe. The reason I bought it is for SooC Jpegs when post processing isn’t an option. And they do look great!

JayJee said:

José B said:

JayJee said:

bswiz said:

Long story short, I am planning to move away from my old Sony A-mount gear to mirrorless, and I am inclined to stay with Sony since I am familiar with the menus.

I don't really care about video aside from the odd short clip here and there. I am what I would call an occasional, enthusiast photographer. Meaning I really break out the camera for vacations, and then the rest of the time it typically sits in a closet. We also have an RX100V which we've had good success with.

So as I look at all the options out there, I come to A6400 vs A6600, and maybe even the RX10iv.

The main tradeoffs I see in A6400 vs A6600:
* A6600 has IBIS (nice, but not sure if absolutely needed). Don't many of the newer/nicer E-mount lenses have stabilization anyway?

* A6400 has built-in flash (again, not sure how helpful it would be in reality)

* A6400, oddly, has sweep panoramic mode while A6600 does not. There may be other mode differences between the two I just haven't discovered yet.

* A6400 is obviously cheaper, to the tune of maybe $300-400USD.

I would likely be looking at getting the 18-135 lens to have as an everyday, around town, lens. For trips like safaris (we have 2 planned this year) I would rent something longer.

I keep coming back to the RX10iv also as it seems to tick most of my wishes. I do not know if I would miss the image quality going from an APS-C to 1" sensor and/or the ability to swap lenses to what I really need for any given situation as opposed to the ease of use of the "jack of all trades" RX10iv.

I have a horrible case of analysis paralysis as tends to happen with these kind of decisions!

Click to expand...

PSA: We are literally a week or so away from new camera announcements from Sony.

At least one of these is heavily rumored to be APS-C. I would hold fire on any purchasing decision for a couple of weeks.

I don’t mean buy the new one(s) necessarily, but you are much better off being informed about what they are and being able take advantage of the price drop on the old models if that is the path you take.

Click to expand...

Hi Jayjee,

Where did you read about that? I'm fighting off GAS after I tried out the R6MKII at the store last week. I figured that I should wait until the A6600 replacement is announced before I make my decision.

Click to expand...

José, SAR had some rumors and in other places I have seen mention of the CP+ event in Yokohama as one to watch. Although you would think that there will be an “international” launch as well. Everyone seems to think at least something is coming in February. But who knows?

PS. I got the R6MKII! So I am a (part-time) Canon shooter now. The camera itself is amazing with the glass (so far) a little underwhelming compared to the Sony e-Mount universe. The reason I bought it is for SooC Jpegs when post processing isn’t an option. And they do look great!

Click to expand...

Ok cool, will definitely watch out for it.

Hope the OP doesn't mind but it's still got something to do with the A6600. I want to wait for the replacement provided it ticks these boxes: 1/8000 sec. shutter speed, MS of at least 15 fps. and ES of 20 fps. Don't care about the MP. It would be great if the read out speed is faster than the A6600. One slot of UHS-II card is good enough for me.

Personally the above is quite doable so I am willing to wait. If not I'll go with the R6MKII + vertical grip. I already have EF lenses. The camera salesman even let me shoot with the EF 50/1.2 L (which I have at home) + adapter on the R6MKII. He set up the camera (using ES and high bursts) for me and then he proceeded to pose and jump around. Man, I am super impressed!!! I appreciated that he wasn't into hard selling and gave me a written quote though.

BTW, I just shot volleyball yesterday with the A6600 and 135/1.8 GM. Man, that's the reason why I am patiently holding out for the replacement because of this superb glass.

JayJee said:

PSA: We are literally a week or so away from new camera announcements from Sony.

At least one of these is heavily rumored to be APS-C. I would hold fire on any purchasing decision for a couple of weeks.

I don’t mean buy the new one(s) necessarily, but you are much better off being informed about what they are and being able take advantage of the price drop on the old models if that is the path you take.

Click to expand...

Thanks for the tip/rumor! I am not in a major hurry to buy, so can definitely wait a couple months if needed. I agree I may not need the new model, but if it drives A6600 prices down, that could be quite helpful also.

José B said:

You should consider trying both cameras in a store. If handling matters to you since the A6600 has a deeper grip. I don't think IBIS is a big issue if you are planning to buy a lens with OSS. The battery of the A6600 is more longer lasting as well.

Personally I got the A6600 since I have some lenses without OSS and IBIS is beneficial especially for travel. I don't like to use tripods. Also, the deeper grip is much nicer to hold and the longer lasting battery is great for long photoshoots.

Good luck with whatever decision you make.

Click to expand...

Unfortunately, even the main "good" camera shop in town doesn't carry A6600 (or RX10iv). They had one used A6400 but the price was the same as a brand new one online at Adorama. Hmm, wonder why brick and mortar shops are few and far between these days /s .

Yes, I forgot about the larger battery and grip, seems like that is definitely a check in the A6600's favor over 6400.

bswiz said:

José B said:

You should consider trying both cameras in a store. If handling matters to you since the A6600 has a deeper grip. I don't think IBIS is a big issue if you are planning to buy a lens with OSS. The battery of the A6600 is more longer lasting as well.

Personally I got the A6600 since I have some lenses without OSS and IBIS is beneficial especially for travel. I don't like to use tripods. Also, the deeper grip is much nicer to hold and the longer lasting battery is great for long photoshoots.

Good luck with whatever decision you make.

Click to expand...

Unfortunately, even the main "good" camera shop in town doesn't carry A6600 (or RX10iv). They had one used A6400 but the price was the same as a brand new one online at Adorama. Hmm, wonder why brick and mortar shops are few and far between these days /s .

Yes, I forgot about the larger battery and grip, seems like that is definitely a check in the A6600's favor over 6400.

Click to expand...

Hopefully your local camera store will have more inventory when the A6600 replacement rolls along and or more supplies of the current A6600. I checked the prices of new A6600 and they haven't gone down yet.

Yes I can only think of one time when my A6600 ran out of juice after maybe four hours of shooting tennis using high bursts. With the A6500 I could have easily used 3 or 4 batteries in that occasion.

I have the A6400 and I really like it. Sure, the A6600 has a better battery and IBIS but these two features are not worth the 500€/$ premium. Battery life on my A6400 is more than sufficient and I like the panorama mode that the A6600 does not have.

I have been looking for a used A6600 but there are only a few on offer and they are very expensive. If you can live without IBIS, the A6400 is a great choice offering stellar IQ and a very good AF system. As always, you need good glass to produce the best possible IQ.

bswiz said:

JayJee said:

PSA: We are literally a week or so away from new camera announcements from Sony.

At least one of these is heavily rumored to be APS-C. I would hold fire on any purchasing decision for a couple of weeks.

I don’t mean buy the new one(s) necessarily, but you are much better off being informed about what they are and being able take advantage of the price drop on the old models if that is the path you take.

Click to expand...

Thanks for the tip/rumor! I am not in a major hurry to buy, so can definitely wait a couple months if needed. I agree I may not need the new model, but if it drives A6600 prices down, that could be quite helpful also.

Click to expand...

Several used A6600 are being offered on the Fred Miranda site.

The 18-135 is really good. Only few might have deeper experience with both the A6600 and the A6400. I can only say that I am satisfied with the A6400. For me like for others the advantages of the A6600 are/were simply not worth the huge difference in price.

Joachim Wulfers said:

Several used A6600 are being offered on the Fred Miranda site.

Click to expand...

Thanks - I've heard of that site but never checked it out. Am I doing something wrong or is it very user-unfriendly? I can't find any way to search the for sale forum for "A6600". There is a Google search bar but that searches all of the different forums with no way to filter or refine by date or anything. Maybe if you set up an account it's better?

I have both the a6400 and a6600. At the time, it was a no brainer to get the a6600 since it was selling new for less than a new a6400. Since owning the a6600, the a6400 has been relegated to a second body to hold a second lens when I don't want to bother with lens swaps. The additional memory modes are quite useful to quickly jump to my most common settings. A single battery lasts me a day or two; whereas, I would carry 2-3 batteries for the a6400. The grip is more comfortable, especially for heavier lenses. IBIS has been useful as not all of my lens are stabilized. Would I still get the a6600 at current prices? Possibly, if I felt I would be sticking with the body for 5 years or more.

If your are mainly a holiday shooter than the RX10 iv will be a very nice option, despite it's age! I love the versatilty of the extreme focal range!

It is my main travel camera (by plane) nowadays, paired with RX100VII as backup and situations where a large body wouldn't be appropriate.

I have no experience with either 6400 or 6600 as I use EOS-M system for car based travel. I have 24MP M6 and just recently M6ii with 32MP. The RX10IV is very close in IQ compared to 24MP APS-C sensor used with zooms. With modern editors e.g. Topaz you can go as high as ISO 3200 for decent results. The 32MP sensor offers better DNR and reserve for cropping.

I am also wondering about the 6600 successor, eventually to jump ship.

Welcome to E-Mount, from another A-mount refugee.

To echo what Jose says, the a6600 is a superb partner for the 135GM. I don't have that lens with me today, but this morning and early afternoon I shot 662 frames with the Sony 70-350G on the front. After the shoot, and a USB based transfer to laptop, the power stood at 94%. All the reviews say you will get better than the rated number of shots, but .. come on! And this was in RAW+JPG.

A sample




ISO 320, F8, 1/1250, +1.3 - developed in DxO PhotoLab 6

I hope you enjoy whatever choice you make

Mike M

bswiz said:

Joachim Wulfers said:

Several used A6600 are being offered on the Fred Miranda site.

Click to expand...

Thanks - I've heard of that site but never checked it out. Am I doing something wrong or is it very user-unfriendly? I can't find any way to search the for sale forum for "A6600". There is a Google search bar but that searches all of the different forums with no way to filter or refine by date or anything. Maybe if you set up an account it's better?

Click to expand...

Just enter Fredmiranda.com, click on "Buy-Sell", in "Enter Keyword" enter A6600 and click "Topic Search". Very user friendly. You need an account if you want to sell stuff.

DutchMM said:

Welcome to E-Mount, from another A-mount refugee.

To echo what Jose says, the a6600 is a superb partner for the 135GM. I don't have that lens with me today, but this morning and early afternoon I shot 662 frames with the Sony 70-350G on the front. After the shoot, and a USB based transfer to laptop, the power stood at 94%. All the reviews say you will get better than the rated number of shots, but .. come on! And this was in RAW+JPG.

A sample


ISO 320, F8, 1/1250, +1.3 - developed in DxO PhotoLab 6

I hope you enjoy whatever choice you make

Mike M

Click to expand...

Awesome battery life indeed----in cold weather to boot!

Nice shot Mike, love the colours!

DutchMM said:

Welcome to E-Mount, from another A-mount refugee.

To echo what Jose says, the a6600 is a superb partner for the 135GM. I don't have that lens with me today, but this morning and early afternoon I shot 662 frames with the Sony 70-350G on the front. After the shoot, and a USB based transfer to laptop, the power stood at 94%. All the reviews say you will get better than the rated number of shots, but .. come on! And this was in RAW+JPG.

A sample


ISO 320, F8, 1/1250, +1.3 - developed in DxO PhotoLab 6

I hope you enjoy whatever choice you make

Mike M

Click to expand...

94% after 662 frames RAW+JPG? It recharged the battery while transferring via USB.