Sure, why not

When picking a camera to learn on one thing to keep in mind is that you’ll be learning on it

The gear is only as good as your knowledge in how to use it

So picking something with room to grow and potentially in the future grow out of without getting something that’s super expensive (to you) is important

Go right ahead and pick up the 6400 and begin your journey into interchangeable lens cameras

Just be warned: it’s really easy to come down with a case of GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) when you jump into the world of interchangeable lens cameras. Try to avoid that while learning if you can

Here’s a shot I took on the very similar Sony a6500 in low light two days ago: https://youtube.com/shorts/vq8-1GIdu64?feature=share

I had a 5100 and upgraded to a 6500 and I absolutely fucking LOVE that camera. I say that as a lifetime photographer. I think the Alphas in general are great at photography and pretty darn good for light video work. That 18-50 is a lot better than the kit and should serve you well for a while.

1. You should look at sample images online, prefably with semi-consistent subjects. Some people don’t like Sony’s JPEGs, for example.
2. This is something you have to find out for yourself; eg I cannot stand using Canon cameras in general, Sonys have their annoyances. Love Nikon, Fujifilm and Panasonics. If there’s a store or a rental service I suggest you use those to spend some time with the camera.
3. Despite what some might say, all cameras can do decent in low-light. The ones with bigger sensors just do better than decent. You’re off to a good start with your choice of lens too, picking a versatile bright zoom.
4. Cameras can last a long-time if they’re not abused (too much). There are still plastic fantastics from the film era that are still working (which have more moving parts and thus more places that can fail).

What are your subjects going to be? Will they be stationary (inanimate), fairly stationary (adults, older kids), or moving around (kids, animals)?

What do you intend to do with the photos? Share on social media, crop them, print them, or a mix?

I haven’t used one, but my impression from being around people with Sony alphas is they’re generally solid cameras with perhaps a few quirks. It seems like Sony has tried to make their ecosystem worth investing in.

SOOC?

Anyway, I am a big fan of the Lumix cameras, started with my Lumix GX80 back in 2018, and upgraded to an S5 last spring.

I just love the colors of Lumix cameras, they are just so intence.

Though I am thinking about getting a Sony A7 III as it has a much faster autofocus system, and I like to do planespotting.

1. Smartphone. They do all the image processing, including HDR with multiple pictures etc.
2. Smartphone.
3. a) Smartphone
4. b) impossible
5. Any camera that has a high score in DXOmark “sport”.
6. Essentially anything if you treat it well. Otherwise smartphone (water/dust/sand tight).
7. DSLRs from 10 years ago can do 1080p. So unless you go really old: no problem.