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Sony a6400 ISO Range Sample Images

Here are some practical examples of photos shot throughout the Sony a6400's ISO range from ISO 100 through ISO 102400.

Sony a6400 mirrrorless camera badge

Categories: Sample Images
Tags: Sony, Sony a6400 Mirrorless Camera
Last updated about 7 months ago // Originally published about 2 years ago

I’ve recently been out shooting with the new Sony a6400 mirrorless camera. This is the latest in the smaller APS-C cropped mirrorless cameras in the Sony Alpha range (they also have full-frame cameras in the Alpha range, such as the a7r III).

It has a 24.2 MP APS-C Exmor CMOS sensor and Sony’s BIONZ X on-board image processor. What I’m focusing on here is the stills performance through the ISO range, which goes from ISO 100 to a whopping ISO 102400.

Native ISO vs Extended ISO

But that’s not to say that all of that ISO range is equal. The Sony a6400 has an ISO range from 100 through 102400. Not all of that is “true” ISO range–also known as native ISO range–that’s down to the responsiveness of the sensor itself. The native ISO range is 100 through 32000.

To get above that, you need to tap into the extended ISO range, where the where software takes over to boost the signal and cleans up the image.

In practice, the performance in the native ISO range is much better than in the extended range. But even within the native ISO, as you move higher you start getting more noise/grain, less dynamic range, and less accurate color rendition. Once you get into the extended range, those flaws become much more noticeable more quickly. Which makes these very high ISOs more like break-the-glass options than for everyday shooting. But if you are going up to those very high ISOs, you’ll probably get better results when shooting JPG. That’s because the camera’s built-in processor is optimized to deal with the specific characteristics of the images produced by this camera. You might well be able to get similar results yourself using other apps, but it’s likely to involve a fair amount of processing and tweaking.

ISO Range Examples

Here’s a couple of sets of images I shot with the a6400 throughout the ISO range to illustrate the ISO performance. The first set was shot using a tripod; the second was shot hand-held.

Both were shot in Aperture priority mode, with only the ISO being adjusted between each shot and the camera recalculating the exposure each time to provide some relative consistency.

There are a few things to note about displaying the images. These were all shot in RAW + JPG. When shooting JPG, the camera automatically processes the images in-camera, and with higher ISO images, that includes noise reduction that’s geared specifically to this camera’s capabilities. So, by default, the JPGs include noise reduction.

When shooting RAW, that noise reduction is also applied by default to them embedded JPG previews but doesn’t affect the underlying RAW data. For all of these, I’ve had Lightroom regenerate the preview from the RAW data, which means that you’re not seeing the camera’s noise reduction applied. I have left Lightroom’s default sharpening on (40, 1.0, 25, 0), which has a relatively light touch.

There are a few ways to get a closer look. To see a full-size JPG generated from the RAW files, click on each image. You can also see the camera-processed JPG versions and the unadulterated RAW versions by clicking on the links to the originals of those in the caption under each image. Each RAW file is about 25MB and each JPG about 4 to 11 megabytes in filesize, give or take.

ISO Example Photos Set #1

Sony a6400 ISO Range Sample Image 1

ISO 100. Download original RAW file | Download original JPG

Sony a6400 ISO Range Sample Image 1

ISO 125. Download original RAW file | Download original JPG

Sony a6400 ISO Range Sample Image 1

ISO 160. Download original RAW file | Download original JPG

Sony a6400 ISO Range Sample Image 1

ISO 200. Download original RAW file | Download original JPG

Sony a6400 ISO Range Sample Image 1

ISO 250. Download original RAW file | Download original JPG

Sony a6400 ISO Range Sample Image 1

ISO 320. Download original RAW file | Download original JPG

Sony a6400 ISO Range Sample Image 1

ISO 400. Download original RAW file | Download original JPG

Sony a6400 ISO Range Sample Image 1

ISO 500. Download original RAW file | Download original JPG

Sony a6400 ISO Range Sample Image 1

ISO 640. Download original RAW file | Download original JPG

Sony a6400 ISO Range Sample Image 1

ISO 800. Download original RAW file | Download original JPG

Sony a6400 ISO Range Sample Image 1

ISO 1000. Download original RAW file | Download original JPG

Sony a6400 ISO Range Sample Image 1

ISO 1250. Download original RAW file | Download original JPG

Sony a6400 ISO Range Sample Image 1

ISO 1600. Download original RAW file | Download original JPG

Sony a6400 ISO Range Sample Image 1

ISO 2000. Download original RAW file | Download original JPG

Sony a6400 ISO Range Sample Image 1

ISO 2500. Download original RAW file | Download original JPG

Sony a6400 ISO Range Sample Image 1

ISO 3200. Download original RAW file | Download original JPG

Sony a6400 ISO Range Sample Image 1

ISO 4000. Download original RAW file | Download original JPG

Sony a6400 ISO Range Sample Image 1

ISO 5000. Download original RAW file | Download original JPG

Sony a6400 ISO Range Sample Image 1

ISO 6400. Download original RAW file | Download original JPG

Sony a6400 ISO Range Sample Image 1

ISO 8000. Download original RAW file | Download original JPG

Sony a6400 ISO Range Sample Image 1

ISO 10000. Download original RAW file | Download original JPG

Sony a6400 ISO Range Sample Image 1

ISO 12800. Download original RAW file | Download original JPG

Sony a6400 ISO Range Sample Image 1

ISO 16000. Download original RAW file | Download original JPG

Sony a6400 ISO Range Sample Image 1

ISO 20000. Download original RAW file | Download original JPG

Sony a6400 ISO Range Sample Image 1

ISO 25600. Download original RAW file | Download original JPG

Sony a6400 ISO Range Sample Image 1

ISO 32000. Download original RAW file | Download original JPG

Sony a6400 ISO Range Sample Image 1

ISO 40000. Download original RAW file | Download original JPG

Sony a6400 ISO Range Sample Image 1

ISO 51200. Download original RAW file | Download original JPG

Sony a6400 ISO Range Sample Image 1

ISO 64000. Download original RAW file | Download original JPG

Sony a6400 ISO Range Sample Image 1

ISO 80000. Download original RAW file | Download original JPG

Sony a6400 ISO Range Sample Image 1

ISO 102400. Download original RAW file | Download original JPG

ISO Example Photos Set #2

This set starts higher up in the range. These were shot hand-held, which is why there’s some slight misalignment between them.

Sony a6400 ISO Range Sample Image 2

ISO 3200. Download original RAW file | Download original JPG

Sony a6400 ISO Range Sample Image 2

ISO 4000. Download original RAW file | Download original JPG

Sony a6400 ISO Range Sample Image 2

ISO 5000. Download original RAW file | Download original JPG

Sony a6400 ISO Range Sample Image 2

ISO 6400. Download original RAW file | Download original JPG

Sony a6400 ISO Range Sample Image 2

ISO 8000. Download original RAW file | Download original JPG

Sony a6400 ISO Range Sample Image 2

ISO 10000. Download original RAW file | Download original JPG

Sony a6400 ISO Range Sample Image 2

ISO 12800. Download original RAW file | Download original JPG

Sony a6400 ISO Range Sample Image 2

ISO 16000. Download original RAW file | Download original JPG

Sony a6400 ISO Range Sample Image 2

ISO 20000. Download original RAW file | Download original JPG

Sony a6400 ISO Range Sample Image 2

ISO 25600. Download original RAW file | Download original JPG

Sony a6400 ISO Range Sample Image 2

ISO 32000. Download original RAW file | Download original JPG

Sony a6400 ISO Range Sample Image 2

ISO 40000. Download original RAW file | Download original JPG

Sony a6400 ISO Range Sample Image 2

ISO 51200. Download original RAW file | Download original JPG

Sony a6400 ISO Range Sample Image 2

ISO 64000. Download original RAW file | Download original JPG

Sony a6400 ISO Range Sample Image 2

ISO 80000. Download original RAW file | Download original JPG

Sony a6400 ISO Range Sample Image 2

ISO 102400. Download original RAW file | Download original JPG

Where to Find the Sony a6400

You can find the Sony a6400 at Amazon and B&H Photo.

It’s available in a few different configurations, ranging from body only to bundled with either a 16-50mm zoom lens or a 18-135mm zoom lens. You can also find good deals that include a bunch of accessories.

QIBOX Glass Screen Protector Compatible with Sony Alpha A6600 A6100 A6400...
QIBOX Glass Screen Protector Compatible with Sony Alpha A6600 A6100 A6400...
  • This Tempered Glass Screen Protector fits perfectly for Sony Alpha NEX 7 / NEX 6 / NEX 6L / NEX 5 / NEX...
  • The High-Transparency provides you high-definition clear viewing. Hydrophobic Oleophobic screen coating...
Check Price at Amazon
Opteka 650-1300mm (with 2X- 1300-2600mm) Telephoto Zoom Lens for Sony...
Opteka 650-1300mm (with 2X- 1300-2600mm) Telephoto Zoom Lens for Sony...
  • ADVANCED OPTICS - Featuring an optimized design, this lens uses a series of 6 optical glass elements (one...
  • SUPER ZOOM - 650-1300mm or 1300-2600mm with the 2x converter, this lens is not only a superb long range...
Check Price at Amazon
SmallRig Cage Kit with Wooden Handle Hand Grip, for Sony A6100 A6300 A6400...
SmallRig Cage Kit with Wooden Handle Hand Grip, for Sony A6100 A6300 A6400...
  • 【HIGH CUSTOMIZATION】 SmallRig Camera Cage Kit KCCS2705 comes with a cage for Sony A6100/A6300/A6400...
  • 【PERFECT PROTECTION】Secured tightly via a 1/4’’ screw on the bottom and a M2.5 screw on the side...
Check Price at Amazon
Sony Wireless Bluetooth Shooting Grip and Tripod for still and video, ideal...
Sony Wireless Bluetooth Shooting Grip and Tripod for still and video, ideal...
  • Bluetooth Wireless Remote Commander
  • No Cable required
Check Price at Amazon
Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera: Compact APS-C Interchangeable Lens...
Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera: Compact APS-C Interchangeable Lens...
  • 20.1MP stacked back illuminated 1" Exmor RS CMOS sensor w/ DRAM, large aperture 24-70mm1 F1.8-2.8 ZEISS...
  • Enhanced subject capture: wide 425 Phase/ 425 contrast detection points over 84 percent of the sensor
Check Price at Amazon

Images and product information from Amazon PA-API were last updated on 2021-01-20 at 03:49. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon Site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

By David Coleman
Instagram: @havecamerawilltraveldc

Last updated on July 2, 2020

Categories: Sample Images
Tags: Sony, Sony a6400 Mirrorless Camera

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News & Deals

With the holidays fast approaching, there’s some great deals on photography gear and services available. I’ve put together a roundup of Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2020 Photography Deals. It’s a running list as new deals are announced, so be sure to check back.

Canon announces new EOS Rebel T8i DSLR. Canon has announced their new T8i DSLR. 24MP APS-C cropped CMOS sensor, 4K24 video, and updated image processing and detection systems. It’s available for preorder from B&H Photo.

New Firmware for the Ricoh GR III. Ricoh has release firmware v1.31 for the GR III. Release notes are: “Corrected — When shooting with the multiple exposure, in rare cases the live view may not display correctly. Improved stability for general performance.” You can download it here.

New Canon 1D X Mark III Pro DSLR Announced. Canon has announced their new flagship model of pro DSLR, the 1D X Mark III. They’re sticking with a 20.1MP CMOS sensor, but it’s a new and improved version and boasts an incredible native ISO range of ISO 100 to ISO 102400 and an extended range that goes up to a jaw-dropping ISO 819200. With revamped autofocus, a new image processor, and all sorts of other bells and whistles, it’s no wonder that Canon is billing it as “The Ultimate EOS.”

New Manfrotto Pro Rugged Memory Cards. Manfrotto, an Italian probably best known for their tripods and studio accessories, has launched a new Pro Rugged range of high-end SD, microSD, and CompactFlash cards. While they don’t have a huge selection of sizes and speeds, the cards are aiming for very fast cards that can put up with rugged demands. For instance, they claim that their V90 rated SD cards can withstand three times the force (20kg / 45 lbs) of a regular SD card. I’ve ordered some to run through my speed tests.

New Sony Alpha a7 firmware released. A firmware update for the Sony a7R IV now lets you control external Sony flashes from the camera’s own menu system. Up to 15 flashes in five groups can be controlled via the camera. It also applies to the a7R III and a7 III.

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