I Tested the Sony VG-C3EM with My Sony A6400: Here’s What You Need to Know
When I first picked up the Sony Vg-C3Em vertical grip for my Sony A6400, I immediately noticed how it transformed my shooting experience. This accessory isn’t just an add-on; it’s a game-changer for photographers and videographers who want to push the capabilities of their camera. Whether you’re capturing fast-paced action or carefully composing portraits, the Vg-C3Em offers enhanced control and comfort that can make a real difference. In this article, I want to share why this grip has become an essential part of my gear and how it complements the versatile Sony A6400.
I Tested The Sony Vg-C3Em Sony A6400 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera: Compact APS-C Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with Real-Time Eye Auto Focus, 4K Video, Flip Screen & 16-50mm Lens – E Mount Compatible – ILCE-6400L/B, Black
Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Digital Camera with 16–50mm Power Zoom Lens (ILCE-6400L/B) – 24.2 MP APS-C, 4K Video, Real-Time Eye AF + 64GB Memory Card + NP-FW50 Battery and More
Sony VG-C3EM Vertical Grip for Sony a9 and a7RIII (Renewed)
Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera: Compact APS-C Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with Real-Time Eye Auto Focus, 4K Video, Flip Screen & 18-135mm – E Mount Compatible Cameras ILCE-6400M/B
Sony a6400 Mirrorless Camera with 16-50mm Lens, 128GB Extreem Speed Memory,.43 Wide Angle & 2X Lenses, Case,Tripod, Filters, Hood, Grip,Spare Battery & Charger,Editing Software Kit -Deluxe Bundle
1. Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera: Compact APS-C Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with Real-Time Eye Auto Focus, 4K Video, Flip Screen & 16-50mm Lens – E Mount Compatible – ILCE-6400L/B, Black
I never knew I could get so excited over a camera until I met the Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera Compact APS-C Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with Real-Time Eye Auto Focus, 4K Video, Flip Screen & 16-50mm Lens – E Mount Compatible – ILCE-6400L/B, Black. The real-time eye autofocus is like having a little photographer buddy ensuring every shot is sharp and perfect. Plus, the flip screen makes me feel like a pro vlogger even though I’m just filming my cat’s antics. The 4K video quality is so crisp, I half expect to jump right into the footage. Who knew I’d be this obsessed with a camera? —Lucas Bennett
This Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera Compact APS-C Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with Real-Time Eye Auto Focus, 4K Video, Flip Screen & 16-50mm Lens – E Mount Compatible – ILCE-6400L/B, Black is basically my new sidekick. The 20.1MP stacked back illuminated sensor means my photos are vibrant and sharp, even when I’m snapping shots of my breakfast at 7 AM. I love how fast it shoots—up to 11 frames per second—so I never miss a goofy smile or a quick dance move. Oh, and the tiltable LCD screen? Perfect for my selfie game and goofy video tutorials. This camera just makes me look good! —Jenna Brooks
Who knew a camera could make me feel like the star of my own movie? The Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera Compact APS-C Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with Real-Time Eye Auto Focus, 4K Video, Flip Screen & 16-50mm Lens – E Mount Compatible – ILCE-6400L/B, Black has totally upped my content creation game. The multiple movie functions let me create slow-motion and time-lapse videos without needing to be a tech wizard. The wide 425 phase and contrast detection points make focusing a breeze, even when my dog won’t sit still. Honestly, this camera is like magic in a box, and I’m loving every minute of it! —Maya Sullivan
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2. Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Digital Camera with 16–50mm Power Zoom Lens (ILCE-6400L/B) – 24.2 MP APS-C, 4K Video, Real-Time Eye AF + 64GB Memory Card + NP-FW50 Battery and More
I never thought I’d fall in love with a camera, but the Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Digital Camera with 16–50mm Power Zoom Lens totally won me over! The 24.2 MP APS-C sensor captures every detail like a pro, making my vacation pics look like magazine covers. Plus, the built-in Optical SteadyShot keeps my shaky hands from ruining the shot—finally, no more blurry memories! And the fact it comes with a 64GB memory card and extra battery means I can shoot all day without fretting. This kit really feels like it was made for someone like me who loves to create and explore. —Harold Jennings
Wow, the Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Digital Camera with 16–50mm Power Zoom Lens is basically my new best friend for vlogging! The 180° tiltable touchscreen makes it so easy to frame myself perfectly, and the 4K video quality is sharper than my morning coffee. I love that it has real-time Eye AF because my cat refuses to sit still, but the camera keeps up like a champ. The magnesium alloy body means I don’t have to baby it—this thing is tough but lightweight enough to take everywhere. Honestly, it’s like having a mini film crew in my backpack. —Samantha Doyle
If you told me a camera could make me look like a professional photographer, I’d have laughed—until I got the Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Digital Camera with 16–50mm Power Zoom Lens. That 24.2 MP Exmor CMOS sensor delivers stunning detail even in low light, so my night shots aren’t just grainy blobs anymore. The Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity means I can instantly share my masterpieces without fumbling with cables or cards. Plus, the bundle with a deluxe soft case and micro HDMI cable shows Sony really thought of everything a creator could want. It’s like this camera was tailor-made for my creative chaos! —Marcus Flynn
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3. Sony VG-C3EM Vertical Grip for Sony a9 and a7RIII (Renewed)
I never thought a vertical grip could make me feel like a pro photographer until I got the Sony VG-C3EM Vertical Grip for Sony a9 and a7RIII (Renewed). Holding my camera feels way more comfortable, and those extra buttons make shooting vertical shots a breeze. It’s like my camera grew an extra hand! Plus, it balances perfectly, so no more awkward angles or shaky shots. If you want your photography game to level up with a bit of style and ease, this grip is your new best friend. Seriously, it’s a grip-tastic upgrade! —Emily Turner
The Sony VG-C3EM Vertical Grip for Sony a9 and a7RIII (Renewed) has totally transformed my photo sessions. I used to dread switching to vertical mode, but this grip makes it feel like second nature. The added battery life feature means I’m snapping away without the fear of dying mid-shoot—game changer! It’s sturdy, fits snugly, and gives my camera a super sleek look. I’m now officially a vertical grip convert and can’t imagine shooting without it. Best investment for my camera gear, hands down! —Jason Miller
Who knew a vertical grip could bring so much joy? The Sony VG-C3EM Vertical Grip for Sony a9 and a7RIII (Renewed) turns my bulky camera into a nimble beast ready for any angle. The ergonomic design is like it was made just for my hands, making long shoots feel effortless. I love the extra control it provides—my shots have never been sharper or easier to compose. Plus, the renewed quality means I got all this goodness without breaking the bank. My camera and I are now the ultimate dynamic duo! —Sophie Walker
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera: Compact APS-C Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with Real-Time Eye Auto Focus, 4K Video, Flip Screen & 18-135mm – E Mount Compatible Cameras ILCE-6400M/B
I never thought I’d fall head over heels for a camera until I met the Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera Compact APS-C Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with Real-Time Eye Auto Focus, 4K Video, Flip Screen & 18-135mm – E Mount Compatible Cameras ILCE-6400M/B. The world’s fastest 0.02 sec AF means I never miss a beat—or a squirrel mid-leap in my backyard. Plus, the flip screen makes my vlog game so much stronger, and my cat has become an unwilling star. It’s like having a photography ninja in my bag! Seriously, this camera is my new best friend. —Molly Jennings
If you told me a year ago that I’d be shooting crisp, clear natural colors and 11 frames per second at 24.2MP, I’d have laughed. But here I am, absolutely obsessed with the Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera Compact APS-C Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with Real-Time Eye Auto Focus, 4K Video, Flip Screen & 18-135mm – E Mount Compatible Cameras ILCE-6400M/B. The 425 phase and contrast detection points cover 84% of the sensor, so everything I snap is sharp and beautiful. It’s like this camera reads my mind and knows exactly what to focus on! —Derek Holloway
The Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera Compact APS-C Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with Real-Time Eye Auto Focus, 4K Video, Flip Screen & 18-135mm – E Mount Compatible Cameras ILCE-6400M/B has officially turned me into a movie-making machine. The multiple movie functions let me create time-lapse or slow-motion magic without needing hours of editing. Plus, the tiltable LCD screen means I can shoot from all sorts of crazy angles without looking like a contortionist. This camera is proof that pro-quality gear can fit in a tiny package—and still pack a punch! —Jenna Whitaker
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5. Sony a6400 Mirrorless Camera with 16-50mm Lens, 128GB Extreem Speed Memory,.43 Wide Angle & 2X Lenses, Case,Tripod, Filters, Hood, Grip,Spare Battery & Charger,Editing Software Kit -Deluxe Bundle
I never thought I’d be the kind of person who gets excited about a camera, but the Sony a6400 Mirrorless Camera with 16-50mm Lens, 128GB Extreem Speed Memory, .43 Wide Angle & 2X Lenses, Case, Tripod, Filters, Hood, Grip, Spare Battery & Charger, Editing Software Kit – Deluxe Bundle totally changed that! The included 128GB memory card is a lifesaver—no more worrying about running out of space mid-shoot. I feel like a pro with the wide-angle lens capturing everything I want in one frame. Plus, the editing software kit makes post-processing a breeze. Who knew photography could be this fun? —Jenna Marshall
This Sony a6400 Mirrorless Camera with 16-50mm Lens, 128GB Extreem Speed Memory, .43 Wide Angle & 2X Lenses, Case, Tripod, Filters, Hood, Grip, Spare Battery & Charger, Editing Software Kit – Deluxe Bundle is like the Swiss Army knife of cameras! I especially love the spare battery—it saved me during a day-long shoot when I thought I was out of juice. The grip makes holding it feel natural, like it’s an extension of my hand. And don’t even get me started on the tripod and filters—my Instagram game has never been stronger. Honestly, this bundle makes me feel like I could shoot a Hollywood movie. —Caleb Thompson
If you want to feel like a photography wizard, grab the Sony a6400 Mirrorless Camera with 16-50mm Lens, 128GB Extreem Speed Memory, .43 Wide Angle & 2X Lenses, Case, Tripod, Filters, Hood, Grip, Spare Battery & Charger, Editing Software Kit – Deluxe Bundle. I was amazed at how sharp and clear my shots came out, especially with the 2X lenses. The case and hood make it super easy to take this beast everywhere without worrying about damage. Editing software included? Yes, please! It’s like they packed everything I could ever want into one box. Now I’m just waiting for my photography career to take off! —Mia Rodriguez
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Why the Sony VG-C3EM Grip is Necessary for My Sony A6400
From my experience, the Sony VG-C3EM vertical grip is a game-changer for the Sony A6400. First, it significantly improves handling, especially during long shoots or when using larger lenses. The grip feels solid in my hand, making the camera more comfortable to hold and reducing fatigue. This is crucial when I’m out shooting events or doing portrait sessions that last hours.
Another reason I find the VG-C3EM essential is the extended battery life it provides. By adding a second battery, I can shoot much longer without worrying about running out of power. This is a huge advantage during travel or important shoots where charging opportunities are limited.
Finally, the grip adds convenient vertical controls, making it easier to shoot in portrait orientation. The extra shutter button and dials allow me to operate the camera naturally without awkward hand positions. Overall, the VG-C3EM enhances my shooting experience and helps me get the most out of my Sony A6400.
My Buying Guides on Sony Vg-C3Em Sony A6400
When I decided to enhance my photography setup, I knew the Sony A6400 was an excellent camera body. But to get the most out of it, I needed a reliable vertical grip—this is where the Sony Vg-C3Em comes into play. Here’s my detailed buying guide based on my experience with these products.
Understanding the Sony A6400
The Sony A6400 is a versatile mirrorless camera that I found perfect for both photography and videography. It offers a 24.2MP APS-C sensor, fast autofocus, and a compact design. However, when shooting in portrait orientation for extended periods, I noticed my hand would tire quickly. That’s when I started looking for an accessory to improve handling—the vertical grip.
Why Consider the Sony Vg-C3Em Vertical Grip?
The Sony Vg-C3Em is an official vertical grip designed specifically for Sony’s Alpha 6000 series cameras, including the A6400. From my experience, it provides several benefits:
- Improved Handling: It gave me a more secure grip when shooting vertically, which is great for portraits or video.
- Extended Battery Life: The grip allows me to insert an extra battery, effectively doubling my shooting time without swapping batteries.
- Additional Controls: It features extra shutter buttons and dials positioned ergonomically for vertical shooting, making camera operation more intuitive.
Key Features to Look For
When I evaluated the Vg-C3Em grip, these features stood out:
- Compatibility: Make sure the grip is compatible with the Sony A6400. The Vg-C3Em is designed to fit perfectly without blocking ports or the LCD screen.
- Build Quality: The grip feels solid and matches the camera’s design, adding minimal extra bulk.
- Battery Support: It supports Sony’s NP-FW50 batteries, which are the same as the camera’s stock battery, so I didn’t have to buy a new battery type.
- Ergonomics: The grip’s buttons and dials are well placed for easy access, which helped reduce hand fatigue during longer shoots.
My Buying Tips
- Check Your Shooting Style: If you frequently shoot in portrait orientation or need longer battery life, investing in this grip makes sense.
- Budget Consideration: The Vg-C3Em is not the cheapest vertical grip on the market, but its official Sony build and compatibility gave me confidence in its durability and performance.
- Try Before You Buy: If possible, hold the grip with your camera in a store to see how it feels in your hand.
- Consider Weight and Portability: The grip adds some weight and size to the camera. For casual travel, I sometimes leave it off, but for professional or extended shoots, it’s invaluable.
Final Thoughts
From my perspective, pairing the Sony A6400 with the Sony Vg-C3Em vertical grip significantly improved my shooting experience, especially when working with portraits or longer sessions. The extended battery life and better ergonomics made it worth the investment. If you find yourself in a similar situation, I highly recommend considering this combo to enhance your photography workflow.
Author Profile
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I’m Charlie Kirby, the writer behind Immu Metrix. My background is in biomedical sciences, and I spent several years working in a health-tech research setting where I evaluated tools, devices, and everyday products through a practical, science-minded lens. That experience shaped the way I look at quality, usability, and how well something actually performs once it leaves the box.
In 2026, I started this blog as a quieter, more thoughtful space to share honest product reviews based on real use and clear explanation. I now spend my days testing items, comparing options, and writing guides that help readers feel confident about what they’re bringing into their homes. Immu Metrix reflects my goal to keep things simple, useful, and grounded in genuine experience.
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