Sony A380 Review
Sony A380 - Performance
The nine points of the A380’s AF system not only cover a good proportion of the frame, but in contrast to the more standard diamond formation there is one in each corner of the viewfinder’s central area; this makes it easier for the camera to pick up subjects located towards the edges and corners of the frame, and saturates the central area more effectively. And, rather than the thin lines which featured on previous models, each point is an actual ‘point’ and more clearly defined by a small box around each one. Not only is this an improvement visually, but it also makes it easier to work with.
While the 95% viewfinder coverage is fairly typical on such a model, the 0.74x magnification factor is not. This is due to?the secondary sensor in the viewfinder chamber, which restricts how large this can be, though it does make viewing the image slightly trickier. For those more likely to be using the viewfinder than the live view ?system with which to compose images I’d suggest this is something to bear in mind. Such users may be interested in the ?yet-to-be-reviewed A230, which increases viewfinder magnification to 0.83x and retains many of the same features, with the notable exception of a live view system.
For those, however, who will be primarily using the live view system, the news is much better. The same combination of fast autofocusing and the articulated LCD screen make shooting this way effortless, with each AF point highlighted by a clear green box when activated. The screen shows a little more saturation than that of the A380, and at default settings is about as bright too. In darker conditions the feed is more affected by noise in order for the camera to display the scene, but this isn’t likely to be obtrusive and isn’t a representation of how much noise will appear in the final image.
Noise in its audible sense, however, has been characteristic of previous Alpha models, and this has continued with the A380. The combined sound of the mirror, shutter and autofocusing system means that it perhaps isn’t best suited for discreet use, and even with the new kit lens with its Smooth Autofocus Motor, the camera can’t quite match the quiet operation of similar systems. A comparison with the older DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 also shows the new lens to be a touch louder when trying to focus. However, although the lens shows little if any improvement in focusing speed over that optic, it’s about as fast as would be expected for a kit lens.
The camera’s maximum burst rate of 2.5fps should make it obvious that it’s not exactly designed for burst shooting. Using a Sandisk Extreme III Class 6 SDHC card – one of the fastest types of SD card available – the camera happily processed high-quality JPEGs at a consistent speed, but Raw files slowed down after about eight shots and a combination of the two after about three to four shots.
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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.