In January last year Sony was one of the first manufacturers to ‘diversify’ its entry level DSLR offerings when it replaced the DSLR-A100 with not one but three new cameras – the DSLR-A200, A300 and A350. Now, one and a half years later, the product hierarchy in Sony’s entry-level segment remains unchanged and the current models are being replaced by the DSLR-A230, A330 and A380 respectively.
On the spec sheet the upgrades are of a fairly minor nature and as before the three models are extremely close in terms of price and features. At the bottom of the line the A230 offers a 10.2 megapixels sensor in a fairly basic body, the A330 adds live view to the mix and the A380 tops it up with a more pixel-dense sensor (14.2 megapixels). All three models are aimed at the first-time DSLR user.
Along with the new cameras Sony has launched a number of new lenses. The DT 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6 standard zoom lens and the DT 55-200mm F/4-5.6 tele zoom come in the one- and two-lens kits that each camera can be ordered in, but are also available separately. Additionally there is a new DT 50mm F/1.8 prime lens and a DT 30mm F/2.8 macro.
Compared to Alpha 350 – key differences
When glancing at the A380′s headline specification you could be forgiven for thinking that apart from a few cosmetic and minor control layout changes the new model is identical to its predecessor. However, when diving deeper into the tables of the spec sheet you’ll discover a few more changes that, surprisingly, in many cases represent a downgrade rather than an upgrade.
- Smaller and approximately 125g lighter
- New control layout and fewer external buttons (No AEL and SteadyShot buttons)
- Re-vamped user interface with on-screen help guide
- No white balance Kelvin option
- No white balance bracketing
- Weaker flash (GN 10 vs 12 on the A350)
- No spot-metering circle in viewfinder
- No wired remote terminal
- Smaller battery (500 shots vs 730 on A350, CIPA standard)
- SD card and MS Pro instead of CF card storage
- No optional battery grip
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- 5th Oct, 09 10:10pm
I looked at this very camera this morning at a camera store! I’m in the market for a Nikon or Canon, but I wanted to see a 50mm lens in action (instead of the kit lens), and the worker there said that the only 50mm lens available in the store was the Sony. So, he let me handle the Sony Alpha A380. I took a bunch of pictures, and the photos were as you stated – vibrant, clear, etc. I was very surprised at the quality of the photos. I’m still going to get a Nikon or Canon because of the price and familiarity, but for anyone considering this camera, it seemed very nice. Just so you know, though, I’m far from being an expert on DSLRs.