Canon EOS R50 V vs Sony A6400

Both the Canon EOS R50 V and Sony A6400 feature 24-megapixel APS-C sensors, offering excellent detail and flexibility for cropping. However, the A6400’s sensor is slightly larger (23.5 x 15.6 mm vs. 22.3 x 14.9 mm), which can provide marginally better low-light performance and dynamic range, though in practical use this difference is minor.

The Sony A6400 extends its ISO sensitivity up to 102800 (expanded), giving it more flexibility in very dark scenarios. However, for most situations—daylight or moderate indoor lighting—both cameras deliver clean, vibrant images with good color science, though Canon is known for pleasing skin tones while Sony is noted for slightly better shadow detail and dynamic range.

Neither camera offers in-body stabilization, so handheld long exposures and low-light shooting will depend on lens stabilization or careful technique. Overall, the image quality for both is excellent but the Sony's larger sensor and broader ISO range may offer a slight edge, particularly for users regularly pushing camera limits.

The Sony A6400 boasts a mature, sophisticated autofocus system, with 425 phase and 425 contrast-detection points covering nearly the entire frame. Its Real-Time Eye AF for both humans and animals is well-regarded for accuracy and speed, making it a favorite among action, portrait, and event photographers.

Canon’s R50 V benefits from the brand’s latest Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology, which is fast, reliable, and adept at subject tracking. However, Canon does not specify the exact number of focus points, and while its performance is strong and intuitive, it doesn’t reach quite the same level of configurability or tracking precision as Sony’s multitiered system.

In most scenarios, both cameras will lock focus quickly and accurately, but Sony’s system has proven advantages for complex, fast-moving scenes and offers more advanced subject detection, especially for seasoned shooters who rely on consistent eye-tracking.

For video creators, the EOS R50 V stands out for its ability to shoot uncropped 4K at up to 60 frames per second, compared to the A6400’s maximum of 4K at 30p. This gives Canon a clear advantage for slow-motion 4K work or projects requiring higher frame rates in ultra-high definition.

The R50 V also includes digital stabilization, which, while not as effective as optical or sensor-based stabilization, offers an added layer of smoothness for handheld shooting—an attractive feature for vloggers, though it comes with a slight image crop and some potential quality loss. The A6400 lacks built-in stabilization of any kind, so stabilization must come from the lens or external equipment.

Canon’s fully articulated, higher-resolution touchscreen is also more versatile for vlogging and self-filming. While the A6400 offers a tilting screen, it lacks the flexibility and clarity of Canon’s implementation.

The Sony A6400 features a magnesium alloy construction with full weather sealing, giving it an edge in ruggedness and peace of mind during inclement weather or demanding outdoor shoots. Its deeper grip and larger physical controls also appeal to photographers using heavier lenses or shooting for prolonged periods.

In contrast, the Canon EOS R50 V is lighter (370g vs 403g) and slightly more compact, making it better for travel and all-day carry. However, it lacks an electronic viewfinder, which could be a deciding factor for traditional photographers who prefer composing through the viewfinder in bright light. The R50 V is designed for simplicity and portability rather than professional durability.

The A6400's inclusion of an electronic viewfinder and weather sealing make it better suited for challenging shooting environments and more traditional photographic experiences, while the R50 V trades robustness for minimalism and portability.

The Sony A6400 offers a battery life of approximately 410 shots per charge (CIPA rated), which is solid for its class and sufficient for most day-long shoots. The Canon EOS R50 V’s official battery performance isn’t stated here, but it uses smaller, compact batteries that generally deliver lower shot counts; buyers should expect to carry spares for extended shooting sessions.

Both cameras use a single SD card slot and support UHS-I cards (not mentioned for the R50 V, but typical for this class). For video shooters and photo-heavy days, the ease of finding spare batteries and SD cards for both systems is a plus.

While battery performance alone might not be a dealbreaker for lightweight or casual use, the A6400 is the stronger choice for longer sessions without recharging.

At $649, the Canon EOS R50 V offers exceptional value for those entering the mirrorless ecosystem, especially considering its 4K 60p video, modern touchscreen, and lightweight design. For beginners and budget-conscious creators, the R50 V gives a high feature-per-dollar ratio.

In contrast, the Sony A6400, at $900, carries a premium for its advanced autofocus, robust build, electronic viewfinder, and extended ISO range. Experienced photographers and hybrid shooters who value these features might find the price justified, but for many users, the near-$250 price difference is significant.

Unless you require the weather sealing, viewfinder, or Sony’s AF prowess, the R50 V’s affordability is hard to match for new buyers.

Sony’s E-mount has matured over nearly a decade to offer a broad selection of native lenses from both Sony and third-party manufacturers like Sigma, Tamron, and Samyang. This provides users with a wide range of fast primes, zooms, and specialty optics at many price points.

Canon’s RF-S mount is newer, and while the full-frame RF mount lenses are compatible, the dedicated APS-C RF-S lens lineup remains limited. This may restrict options for users seeking lightweight, affordable, or specialized lenses tailored for crop sensors, although the system is expected to expand over time.

For buyers looking for maximum flexibility and investment longevity in glass, the Sony ecosystem currently has the advantage.