Sony Alpha DSLR-A380 review

The picture quality is very good, but the small increase in pixels compared to a 12-megapixel dSLR doesn't deliver that much more real-world definition. And, while the A380 goes all the way up to ISO 3,200, the picture quality is already pretty rough at ISO 1,600 -- at least by current dSLR standards.

The A380's 14.2-megapixel JPEGs are clearly more detailed than anything you can get from a compact camera, but it doesn't have any real advantage over a 12-megapixel dSLR. At this level, lens quality and image processing will make more difference than 2 million pixels (click image to enlarge)

Handling, as ever, is subjective, but many may feel the old A350 was better. The simplification of the A380 may make it easier for beginners to understand, but it makes it harder for more experienced photographers to make hands-on adjustments. The finish is very plasticky, and the grip on the right has such a sharply-profiled front edge that the camera's not very pleasant to hold.

Conclusion
The Sony Alpha DSLR-A380 is meant to replace the old A350, but it's more like a relaunch than a replacement. Technically, it appears to be pretty much the same camera, albeit with a new lens and a fancy redesign. This makes the price hard to swallow, especially since the A350 is still available in many stores for around £200 less.

Edited by Charles Kloet