Sony A380 Review
Review Date : Mon, 27 Jul 2009
Author : Matt Golowczynski
Boasting the same Quick AF live view system of its predecessor, what else does the latest Alpha model provide for the entry-level consumer?
Sony’s four-year incursion into the DSLR market has been successful for many reasons. Aside from carrying Konica Minolta’s flame, it’s been its innovation and emphasis on value for money which has bought it a whole new audience. Whether it’s the budget A200 tempting users into the system, or the pro-grade A900 competing with more established lines, there seems to be little territory the company is afraid of entering.
But with the whole market now catered for, the company has started to refresh its range with the next generation of models. The Sony A380 is the better specified models from the trio of Alpha cameras announced earlier in the year, continuing where the Sony A350 left off. Externally, the focus with new models seems to be on creating a stronger brand identity over the previous Konica Minolta design, as well as cutting down on weight and simplifying operation. But what does the Sony A380 offer that's new for the entry-level consumer?
Verdict
That the Sony A380 is only a minor upgrade indicates one of two things. Either the entry-level user is already well-catered for, with everything they need to take the kind of images they would require, or a better-specified model which would sit a little higher up is in the pipeline. After all, a replacement for the A700 is long overdue, and the video recording and high-resolution LCD screens tend to be seen as niceties geared towards the mid-range market than limitations to this one. It's when using live view that the camera shines, and while other manufacturers have made their own advances in this area Sony still remains on top. It's only really the design of the body which may be problematic, though of course, this won't bother everyone. Even so, the usual advice of handling a camera before you buy it is something we'd strongly suggest here.
Have your say!
Latest comments
August 12 09:14
bigdaveg40
An excellent in-depth review, not only here but in the Magazine which also featured the A330. A missed oportunity by Sony I feel to expand on 2 already excellent camera's (A300 & A350), the old grip was substantial and comfortable, the new one is'nt, I don't like the new Alpha's or kit lens and hope that the next batch are a definite improvement, if I were a noobie looking for my first budget D-slr I'd have to say i'd be looking elsewhere. It is good however to see that Sony are addressing the noise issue, especially in the A330.
August 29 19:31
Mick W.
Surprised at the high score. Seen very little to back up an 18/20 IQ score, in fact far from it. Likewise on the features front. Looks poorer than a 500D or a D5000 by some margin to be honest. With the A500 now announced, whats the point of the A380?
November 23 19:36
Pikesan
Happy to say my refund for this camera is processing from the Laredo, TX help center. I'll present what happened with facts even though I am very upset with the outcome and would love to lay on some emotion. * Bought camera with high hopes. Loved the price, and the movable LCD. * Arrived with strange blue, flickering spots in the LCD. Like "snow" on a bad TV signal. I immediately called Sony expecting exceptional service since this is a fairly new product... and because it's Sony, a brand I USED TO trust. * Took pics and was fairly happy with results. I was still learning. Then shipped camera back after I insisted they pay for shipping. * Sony held my camera for 3 weeks, then finally returned it without any repair and without calling me for some explanation of the issue. * Received camera and obviously found the same problem. Called and emailed Sony. "Can you send us some sample images?" they said. They didn't even understand, after repeated attempts to explain, what my issue was. * I asked for a refund or a new camera immediately. I used this camera for my work, I explained, I NEED a camera. I had to return the camera before any action could be taken. They received the camera Nov. 4th 2009. * On Nov 20th, I called. They had no update for me. 3 weeks and NOTHING! I demanded a refund and they did start the process, but could not tell me when the check would arrive. * I called Sony's National Customer Relations line and spoke to Margret, ID CJD9. She was the worst of all. No compassion, barely any courtesy at all! * She started with, "We don't do refunds, only exchanges. Before she had heard ANYTHING about my troubles with my camera. * When I asked about the other equipment I bought for the camera, she sarcastically said, "We can't refund for Optional equipment. That's why they call it optional." She was worthless. * I called back to Larado and they promised a call by the end of the day to tell me when I'd get my check. Nothing. Called Monday, it's being processed. Finally. I hope this helps you with your decision. I'm not sure if I'll ever buy a Sony product again.
November 25 20:06
mark cayas
Thanks for this review but sorry for your sad experience Pikesan. This will surely back me off from considering to buy the Sony A380, guess I'd rather have the Canon 500D after all.