Sony Alpha 380 vs Sony Alpha 390 — Which Is Better?
Side by side47 specifications |
Sony · DSLR · 14.2 MP · APS-C
Sony Alpha 380
41
WINNER
|
Sony · DSLR · 14.2 MP · APS-C
Sony Alpha 390
40
SCORE
|
|---|---|---|
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| General | ||
Read the General ComparisonGeneralThe Sony Alpha 380 and Sony Alpha 390 are both APS-C DSLRs built around the Sony Alpha DT lens mount, so any DT lenses you already own work on either body. Sony announced the Alpha 380 in May 2009 and followed it with the Alpha 390 in June 2010, making the 390 the later of the two. The bodies differ in weight and depth. The Alpha 390 measures 128 x 97 x 86 mm and weighs 549 g, while the Alpha 380 measures 128 x 97 x 71 mm and weighs 519 g, a 30 g difference. The two share the same width and height, so both occupy essentially the same space in a bag. | ||
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. |
2009 | 2010 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. |
May 18, 2009 | June 9, 2010 |
| Camera type |  DSLR | DSLR |
| Camera size | 128 x 97 x 71 mm | 128 x 97 x 86 mm |
| Camera weight | 519 g | 549 g |
| Optics | 46/100 | 46/100 |
Read the Optics ComparisonOpticsResolution and processing are shared, so cropping room and maximum print size are the same whichever you buy. Both cameras record 14.2 megapixel files from an APS-C CCD sensor with the Bionz processor. In-body stabilisation is built into both bodies, so any DT lens you attach benefits from steadier handheld shooting. The stills settings match as well. Both cameras focus through nine AF points, shoot at up to 2.5 fps and offer a 100 to 3200 ISO range. Each frames shots through an optical pentamirror viewfinder. | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
14.2 MP050 | 14.2 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. |
4592 x 3056 | 4592 x 3056 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. |
CCD | CCD |
Sensor size ⓘThe sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. |
15.8 x 23.6 | 15.7 x 23.5 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |
 APS-C | APS-C |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. |
2.5 fps045 | 2.5 fps045 |
Lens mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. |
Sony Alpha DT | Sony Alpha DT |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. |
Bionz | Bionz |
Aspect ratio ⓘThe aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |
 3:2 | 3:2 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. |
10030200 | 10030200 |
Max ISO ⓘRefers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. |
32003003280000 | 32003003280000 |
Min ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. |
10030200 | 10030200 |
Max ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. |
32003003280000 | 32003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. |
3044080 | 3044080 |
Max shutter speed ⓘThe maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. |
400080032000 | 400080032000 |
Autofocus points ⓘAutofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. |
90300 | 90300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |
 Yes | Yes |
Viewfinder type ⓘThe viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. |
Optical (pentamirror) | Optical (pentamirror) |
| Viewfinder dots | N/A | N/A |
| Video | ||
Read the Video ComparisonVideoNeither the Alpha 380 nor the Alpha 390 records video, and neither offers a built-in timelapse mode. Anyone who wants movie clips alongside stills will need a different camera entirely. | ||
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |
✗ | ✗ |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |
N/A | N/A |
Max video format ⓘVideo resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. |
N/A | N/A |
Max video frame rate ⓘHow many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. |
N/A | N/A |
Timelapse built in ⓘA built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |
✗ | ✗ |
Video file format ⓘDifferent cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. |
N/A | N/A |
| Features | 34/100 | 34/100 |
Read the Features ComparisonFeaturesA 2.7-inch tilting LCD with 230400 dots and live view is shared, which helps when framing low macro subjects or overhead shots at arm's length. This matching display gives neither camera an advantage for composing or reviewing images. Both carry a built-in flash and support external flash units, while neither offers GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, touch control, or weather sealing. Without wireless, transferring images means a card reader or cable, and location tagging must be done manually. | ||
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |
 Yes | Yes |
External flash ⓘExternal flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |
 Yes | Yes |
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. |
✗ | ✗ |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |
✗ | ✗ |
| Screen type | LCD | LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |
✗ | ✗ |
| Screen size | 2.7" | 2.7" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. |
2304001150001500000 | 2304001150001500000 |
Flip screen ⓘA flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |
 Yes | Yes |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |
 Yes | Yes |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. |
✗ | ✗ |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |
✗ | ✗ |
| Storage & battery | 27/100 | 13/100 |
Read the Storage & battery ComparisonStorage and BatteryBattery life is the difference that matters in this section. The Alpha 380 is rated for 500 shots per charge, against 230 shots for the Alpha 390, a 270-shot gap in the ratings. That gap gives the 380 the clear endurance advantage for long shooting days. The remaining storage and battery specifications match. Both use the same NP-FH50 battery, accept SD and SDHC cards alongside Memory Stick Pro Duo and Pro-HG Duo media, and have a single card slot with no USB charging. Spare batteries and cards therefore work across either body. | ||
| Memory card | SD / SDHC, Memory Stick Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo | SD / SDHC, Memory Stick Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo |
| Dual memory card slots | ✗ | ✗ |
| Battery type | NP-FH50 | NP-FH50 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. |
500 shots1505000 | 230 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✗ | ✗ |
Read: Verdict
Verdict
With matching sensor resolution, autofocus coverage, ISO range, burst rate and screen, this choice comes down to endurance and body size. Choose the Sony Alpha 380 for long travel days or events. Its 500-shot rating stands against 230 shots for the Alpha 390, and it is 30 g lighter in a slimmer body.
The Alpha 390, released a year later, matches the 380 on resolution, autofocus points, ISO range, burst rate and stabilisation, while adding weight and depth rather than any photographic capability. For a DT-mount DSLR bought for long days of stills photography, the Alpha 380 is the stronger choice.