Sony Alpha 380
Sony · DSLR · 14.2 MP · APS-C
Score Breakdown
Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.
Independent Lab Scores
General | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Sony |
| Model | Alpha 380 |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2009 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | May 18, 2009 |
| Camera type |  DSLR |
| Camera size | 128 x 97 x 71 mm |
| Camera weight | 519 g |
Optics46/100 | |
About the OpticsConsidering its age and specifications, the Alpha 380 struggles to compete with newer models in today’s market. Despite its limitations, it remains a functional camera for casual photographers seeking a budget-friendly option. The optics of the Sony Alpha 380 scores 46 out of 100. This camera features 14.2 megapixels, a shooting speed of 2.5, and a CCD sensor type. The Bionz processor, DXOMARK score of 67 for the sensor, and APS-C sensor size all contribute to the camera’s performance. The Sony Alpha DT lens mount, image stabilization, and 3:2 aspect ratio are also noteworthy specifications. In the current market, the Sony Alpha 380 faces stiff competition. With a shooting speed of 2.5, it falls behind more advanced cameras that offer faster continuous shooting. The CCD sensor type is less advanced than the CMOS sensors found in many modern cameras, which provide better image quality and low-light performance. Additionally, a DXOMARK score of 67 for the sensor places the Alpha 380 in the lower tier of cameras when it comes to image quality. The Sony Alpha 380’s optics are inferior to those of newer cameras in today’s market. While it has some useful features, such as image stabilization and a 3:2 aspect ratio, its shortcomings in shooting speed, sensor type, and overall image quality make it a less desirable option for photographers seeking top-notch performance. | |
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 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 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | 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 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  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 |
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 |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | 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 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 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 |
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 |
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 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 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 |
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 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |  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) |
| Viewfinder dots | N/A |
Video | |
About the VideoThe Sony Alpha 380 lacks video capabilities. Unlike many cameras, it does not record video. | |
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. | No |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. | 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 |
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 |
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. | No |
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 |
Features34/100 | |
About the FeaturesThe Sony Alpha 380 features score is 34 out of 100. With a screen size of 2.7 inches and a resolution of 230,400 dots, the camera’s display is smaller and less detailed than many modern cameras. The lack of a touchscreen also sets it behind current trends. However, the Alpha 380 does have a flip screen, which adds versatility to its usage. Unfortunately, the camera falls short in connectivity options, as it does not have GPS, WIFI, or Bluetooth capabilities. This absence of modern features may limit its appeal to photographers who require seamless integration with other devices. Considering these specifications, the Sony Alpha 380’s features are underwhelming in today’s market. The camera’s limited display and connectivity options make it less attractive compared to newer models with advanced capabilities. | |
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |  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 |
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. | No |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. | No |
| Screen type | LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. | No |
| Screen size | 2.7" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 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 |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |  Yes |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. | No |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. | No |
Storage & Battery27/100 | |
About the Storage & BatteryThe Sony Alpha 380 receives a storage and battery score of 27/100. It has a single memory card slot, accepting SD/SDHC and Memory Stick Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo cards. In today’s market, this is limiting compared to cameras with multiple card slots or those supporting higher-capacity formats. The Alpha 380’s battery life reaches 500 shots per charge, powered by an NP-FH50 battery. However, it lacks USB charging capabilities, which is a disadvantage compared to contemporary cameras offering more convenient charging options. Taking these specifications into account, the Sony Alpha 380’s storage and battery features are somewhat outdated and less versatile compared to more recent camera models. | |
| Memory card | SD / SDHC, Memory Stick Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo |
| Dual memory card slots | No |
| Battery type | 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 |
| USB charging | No |