Compare Prices : Sony Alpha DSLR-A380 - Expert Reviews

Award: Recommended!

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Pros: Good JPEG output at base ISO (but sometimes poor low contrast detail, improves visibly when shooting in RAW), Good JPEG resolution, Reliable metering, Fastest AF in live view (but see disadvantages below), Coherent ergonomics for live view operation, ...

Cons: Visible blurring of fine detail in JPEGs from ISO 200 upwards, High ISO performance not on the same level as direct competitors, Smallest viewfinder of any APS-C DSLR, Protruding screen obstructs use of viewfinder, especially if you're wearing glasses ...

Review summary: Our three experts take a closer look at the new Sony Alpha 380 DSLR. Watch and find out their honest opinions and why they do or don't get on with this particular camera. Does it live up to previous offerings and can it compete with the cameras ...

Review summary: Sony's Alpha DSLR-A380 is the company's latest upper-entry-level DSLR. Announced in May 2009, it's the successor to the Alpha A350, and inherits many features from this earlier model including the same 14.2 Megapixel CCD sensor, built-in image ...

Pros: Built-in IS which works with any lens.; Quick and fuss-free Live View.; Vertically-tilting monitor.; Beginner-friendly user interface.; Built-in IS which works with any lens.; Quick and fuss-free Live View.; Vertically-tilting monitor.; Beginner ...

Cons: More noise than rivals at high ISOs.; Slow continuous shooting.; No movie mode.; More noise than rivals at high ISOs.; Slow continuous shooting.; No movie mode

Verdict: When Sony announced the Alpha A380 (and its lower-end counterparts the A330 and A230), it wasn't hard to understand why many enthusiasts were disappointed. Most have become accustomed to new cameras featuring more powerful specifications such as ...

Pros: Capable of shooting some very nice photos ; fast Live View AF and single-shot performance ; tiltable LCD ; dual card slots ; relatively simple, straightforward operation ; built-in wireless flash and image stabilization

Cons: Smallish grip ; middling viewfinder ; color shifts with default settings

Verdict: While the Sony Alpha DSLR-A380 is a solid inexpensive dSLR with a few nice features that will probably satisfy many shooters, it doesn't deliver quite enough on any front to outshine competitors.

Review summary: A novice-friendly digital SLR with a tilting screen

Pros: High resolution for this kind of model ; large and responsive buttons ; on-screen help ; uncluttered controls

Cons: Plastic look and feel ; screen mechanism stiff ; Live View depletes battery

Verdict: Sony's Alpha A380 is lightweight and easy to use, but its price is high for a plasticky camera without video