Sony Alpha DSLR-A380
Competitors

As well as being compared against other entry-level DSLRs, the Sony Alpha DSLR-A380 is also often compared to mirrorless, super zooms and compacts. The Sony Alpha DSLR-A380's top rivals come from Sony (such as the Alpha DSLR-A390 and the Alpha DSLR-A350) and Nikon (such as the D3100 and the D5100)

Generally, some of the advantages of the Sony DSLR-A380 compared to other entry-level DSLR competitors include: it has slightly wider dynamic range (11.8 EV vs 11.3 EV), has better image stabilization (sensor shift vs none), lets you preview your photos on the screen, has a marginally larger sensor (APS-C 23.6x15.8mm vs APS-C 22.3x14.9mm) and has more storage slots (2 vs 1).

However, on average it doesn't record movies (none vs 720p @ 30fps), has a slightly smaller screen (2.7" vs 3.0"), doesn't have a screen which flips out, slightly fewer lenses available (92 lenses vs 162 lenses) and users slower contrast detection autofocus (contrast detection vs phase detection).

Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 1 year newer $471 18-55mm lens	Significant advantages of the DSLR-A390 (vs the DSLR-A380) Faster autofocus: Phase detection vs Contrast detection Has a flip-out screen Significant disadvantages of the DSLR-A390 (vs the DSLR-A380) Significantly larger: Professional size 128x97x86 mm vs Prosumer size 128x97x71 mm Much thicker: 3.4" vs 2.8" common strengths of the DSLR-A390 and DSLR-A380 Good image stabilization: Sensor shift vs Sensor shift Multiple storage slots: 2 vs 2
	Compare the DSLR-A390 vs the DSLR-A380
Nikon D3100 1 year newer $500 - $547 18-55mm lens	Significant advantages of the D3100 (vs the DSLR-A380) Significantly lower noise at high ISO: 919 ISO vs 614 ISO Shoots movies: 1080p @ 24fps vs None Faster autofocus: Phase detection vs Contrast detection Significant disadvantages of the D3100 (vs the DSLR-A380) No image stabilization: None vs Sensor shift Doesn't have a built-in focus motor Has fewer storage slots: 1 vs 2 common strengths of the D3100 and DSLR-A380 Fairly small: Prosumer size 124x96x73 mm vs Prosumer size 128x97x71 mm Thin: 2.9" vs 2.8" Light weight: 505 g vs 519 g
	Compare the Nikon D3100 vs the Sony Alpha DSLR-A380
Sony Alpha DSLR-A350 1 year older $972 (body only)	Significant advantages of the DSLR-A350 (vs the DSLR-A380) Has a flip-out screen Significant disadvantages of the DSLR-A350 (vs the DSLR-A380) Significantly heavier: 674 g vs 519 g common strengths of the DSLR-A350 and DSLR-A380 Good image stabilization: Sensor shift vs Sensor shift Large sensors: APS-C 23.6x15.8mm vs APS-C 23.6x15.8mm Multiple storage slots: 2 vs 2
	Compare the DSLR-A350 vs the DSLR-A380
Canon Rebel T3 1 year newer $333 (body only) $489 - $500 18-55mm lens	Significant advantages of the T3 (vs the DSLR-A380) Faster autofocus: Phase detection vs Contrast detection Shoots movies: 720p @ 30fps vs None Significantly more lenses available: 162 lenses vs 92 lenses Significant disadvantages of the T3 (vs the DSLR-A380) Less dynamic range: 11 EV vs 11.8 EV Worse color depth: 21.9 bits vs 22.6 bits No image stabilization: None vs Sensor shift common strengths of the T3 and DSLR-A380 Light weight: 459 g vs 519 g
	Compare the Canon Rebel T3 vs the Sony Alpha DSLR-A380
Sony Alpha DSLR-A200 1 year older	Significant advantages of the DSLR-A200 (vs the DSLR-A380) None found Significant disadvantages of the DSLR-A200 (vs the DSLR-A380) No live view Significantly lower true resolution: 10 MP vs 14 MP Has fewer storage slots: 1 vs 2 common strengths of the DSLR-A200 and DSLR-A380 Good image stabilization: Sensor shift vs Sensor shift Large sensors: APS-C 23.6x15.8mm vs APS-C 23.6x15.8mm Fairly small: Prosumer size 131x99x71 mm vs Prosumer size 128x97x71 mm
	Compare the DSLR-A200 vs the DSLR-A380
Canon Rebel T2i 8 months newer $544 - $949 (body only) $649 - $867 18-55mm lens	Significant advantages of the T2i (vs the DSLR-A380) Shoots movies: 1080p @ 30fps vs None Much higher resolution screen: 1,040k dots vs 230k dots Faster autofocus: Phase detection vs Contrast detection Significant disadvantages of the T2i (vs the DSLR-A380) No image stabilization: None vs Sensor shift Significantly smaller sensor: APS-C 22.3x14.9mm vs APS-C 23.6x15.8mm Has fewer storage slots: 1 vs 2 common strengths of the T2i and DSLR-A380 Fairly small: Prosumer size 129x98x62 mm vs Prosumer size 128x97x71 mm Thin: 2.4" vs 2.8" Light weight: 530 g vs 519 g
	Compare the Canon EOS Rebel T2i vs the Sony Alpha DSLR-A380

Generally, some of the advantages of the Sony DSLR-A380 compared to mirrorless interchangeable-lens competitors include: it has higher quality type of viewfinder (pentamirror vs none), has better image stabilization (sensor shift vs none), has slightly more color depth (22.6 bits vs 21 bits), has slightly wider dynamic range (11.8 EV vs 10.6 EV) and has a marginally larger sensor (APS-C 23.6x15.8mm vs four thirds 17.3x13.0mm).

However, on average it doesn't record movies (none vs 1080p @ 30fps), has a much smaller screen (2.7" vs 3.0"), has a significantly lower resolution screen (230k dots vs 920k dots), significantly lower maximum light sensitivity (3,200 ISO vs 12,800 ISO) and doesn't have a touch screen.

Sony NEX C3 2 years newer $548 16mm lens	Significant advantages of the C3 (vs the DSLR-A380) Much larger screen: 3.0" vs 2.7" Significantly lower noise at high ISO: 1,083 ISO vs 614 ISO Much higher resolution screen: 921k dots vs 230k dots Significant disadvantages of the C3 (vs the DSLR-A380) No viewfinder: None vs Pentamirror Much fewer lenses available: 8 lenses vs 92 lenses No image stabilization: None vs Sensor shift common strengths of the C3 and DSLR-A380 Good image quality: 73.0 vs 67.0 Good dynamic range: 12.2 EV vs 11.8 EV Good color depth: 22.7 bits vs 22.6 bits
	Compare the NEX C3 vs the Alpha DSLR-A380
Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 2 years newer $500 (body only) $700 14-42mm lens	Significant advantages of the DMC-G3 (vs the DSLR-A380) Shoots movies: 1080p @ 30fps vs None Much larger screen: 3.0" vs 2.7" Video autofocus: Contrast detection vs None Significant disadvantages of the DMC-G3 (vs the DSLR-A380) Much fewer lenses available: 26 lenses vs 92 lenses No image stabilization: None vs Sensor shift Worse color depth: 21 bits vs 22.6 bits common strengths of the DMC-G3 and DSLR-A380 Viewfinders: Digital vs Pentamirror Each has a built-in flash
	Compare the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 vs the Sony Alpha DSLR-A380
Sony Alpha NEX-5 1 year newer $569 18-55mm lens	Significant advantages of the NEX-5 (vs the DSLR-A380) Shoots movies: 1080p @ 30fps vs None Much larger screen: 3.0" vs 2.7" Much higher resolution screen: 920k dots vs 230k dots Significant disadvantages of the NEX-5 (vs the DSLR-A380) No viewfinder: None vs Pentamirror Much fewer lenses available: 8 lenses vs 92 lenses No image stabilization: None vs Sensor shift common strengths of the NEX-5 and DSLR-A380 Good image quality: 69.0 vs 67.0 Good dynamic range: 12.2 EV vs 11.8 EV Good color depth: 22.2 bits vs 22.6 bits
	Compare the NEX-5 vs the DSLR-A380
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 2 years newer $469 (body only)	Significant advantages of the DMC-GF3 (vs the DSLR-A380) Shoots movies: 1080p @ 30fps vs None Much larger screen: 3.0" vs 2.7" Video autofocus: Contrast detection vs None Significant disadvantages of the DMC-GF3 (vs the DSLR-A380) No viewfinder: None vs Pentamirror Significantly worse image quality: 50.0 vs 67.0 Much fewer lenses available: 26 lenses vs 92 lenses common strengths of the DMC-GF3 and DSLR-A380 Each has a built-in flash
	Compare the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 vs the Sony Alpha DSLR-A380
Olympus OM-D E-M5 2 years newer $1,000 - $1,299 (body only) $1,100 14-42mm lens	Significant advantages of the E-M5 (vs the DSLR-A380) Shoots movies: 1080p @ 60fps vs None Weather sealed Much larger screen: 3.0" vs 2.7" Significant disadvantages of the E-M5 (vs the DSLR-A380) Much fewer lenses available: 26 lenses vs 92 lenses Has fewer storage slots: 1 vs 2 Has a digital viewfinder: Digital vs Pentamirror common strengths of the E-M5 and DSLR-A380 Viewfinders: Digital vs Pentamirror Good image stabilization: Sensor shift vs Sensor shift Above average viewfinder size: 0.44x vs 0.49x
	Compare the Olympus OM-D E-M5 vs the Sony Alpha DSLR-A380

Generally, some of the advantages of the Sony DSLR-A380 compared to super zoom competitors include: it is slightly smaller (prosumer size 128x97x71 mm vs professional size 123x92x108 mm), takes much higher resolution photos (14 MP vs 9.7 MP), has a much larger sensor (APS-C 23.6x15.8mm vs 1/2.3" 6.2x4.6mm), is thinner (2.8" vs 4.3") and is slightly lighter (519 g vs 600 g).

However, on average it doesn't record movies (none vs 1080p @ 60fps), has a slightly smaller screen (2.7" vs 3.0"), has a significantly lower resolution screen (230k dots vs 921k dots), has worse image stabilization (sensor shift vs lens) and significantly lower maximum light sensitivity (3,200 ISO vs 12,800 ISO).

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX200V 2 years newer $399	Significant advantages of the DSC-HX200V (vs the DSLR-A380) Shoots movies: 1080p @ 60fps vs None Much higher resolution screen: 921k dots vs 230k dots Has a flip-out screen Significant disadvantages of the DSC-HX200V (vs the DSLR-A380) Much smaller sensor: 1/2.3" 6.2x4.6mm vs APS-C 23.6x15.8mm Much lower true resolution: 9.7 MP vs 14 MP Has fewer storage slots: 1 vs 2 common strengths of the DSC-HX200V and DSLR-A380 Viewfinders: Digital vs Pentamirror Very fast max shutter speeds: 1/4000 of a second vs 1/4000 of a second Long exposures: 30 seconds vs 30 seconds
	Compare the Cyber-shot DSC-HX200V vs the Alpha DSLR-A380
Canon Powershot SX40 2 years newer $340 - $380	Significant advantages of the SX40 (vs the DSLR-A380) Shoots movies: 1080p @ 24fps vs None Has a flip-out screen Video autofocus: Contrast detection vs None Significant disadvantages of the SX40 (vs the DSLR-A380) Much smaller sensor: 1/2.3" 6.2x4.6mm vs APS-C 23.6x15.8mm Much lower true resolution: 9.7 MP vs 14 MP Has fewer storage slots: 1 vs 2 common strengths of the SX40 and DSLR-A380 Support external flash Viewfinders: Digital vs Pentamirror Fast max shutter speeds: 1/3200 of a second vs 1/4000 of a second
	Compare the Canon Powershot SX40 vs the Sony Alpha DSLR-A380

Generally, some of the advantages of the Sony DSLR-A380 compared to compact competitors include: it has a much larger screen (2.7" vs 1.5"), has image stabilization (sensor shift vs none), takes much higher resolution photos (14 MP vs 3.1 MP), slightly higher maximum light sensitivity (3,200 ISO vs 320 ISO) and has a much larger sensor (APS-C 23.6x15.8mm vs 1/3.6" 5.3x4.0mm).

However, on average it is much larger (prosumer size 128x97x71 mm vs compact 106x56x36 mm), is thicker (2.8" vs 1.4"), is much heavier (519 g vs 190 g) and is much more expensive ($967.69 vs $157.88).

Olympus D-545 Zoom 4 years older	Significant advantages of the D-545 Zoom (vs the DSLR-A380) Much smaller: Compact 106x56x36 mm vs Prosumer size 128x97x71 mm Much lighter: 190 g vs 519 g Much thinner: 1.4" vs 2.8" Significant disadvantages of the D-545 Zoom (vs the DSLR-A380) Much smaller sensor: 1/2.5" 5.8x4.3mm vs APS-C 23.6x15.8mm Much lower true resolution: 3.9 MP vs 14 MP Much smaller screen: 1.8" vs 2.7" common strengths of the D-545 Zoom and DSLR-A380 None found
	Compare the Olympus D-545 Zoom vs the Sony Alpha DSLR-A380
Nikon Coolpix 3100 6 years older $158	Significant advantages of the 3100 (vs the DSLR-A380) Much smaller: Compact 88x65x38 mm vs Prosumer size 128x97x71 mm Much lighter: 215 g vs 519 g Much thinner: 1.5" vs 2.8" Significant disadvantages of the 3100 (vs the DSLR-A380) Much smaller sensor: 1/3.6" 5.3x4.0mm vs APS-C 23.6x15.8mm Much lower true resolution: 3.1 MP vs 14 MP Much smaller screen: 1.5" vs 2.7" common strengths of the 3100 and DSLR-A380 Viewfinders: Tunnel vs Pentamirror Very fast max shutter speeds: 1/3000 of a second vs 1/4000 of a second
	Compare the Nikon Coolpix 3100 vs the Sony Alpha DSLR-A380