• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • APS-C 372.9mm2
  • 10.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 1600

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Differences

Sony DSLR-A380 advantages over Nikon D3000

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • More pixels
    14.2 vs 10.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 16 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Nikon D3000 advantages over Sony DSLR-A380

  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Good
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Less expensive
    $600 vs $849 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 6.10 vs 5.16 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.53x vs 0.49x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    3.0 fps vs 1.7 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Pentaprism viewfinder
    Neither provide
    Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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Buy the Sony DSLR-A380

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Sony DSLR-A230

Sony DSLR-A380
Sony DSLR-A230
  • $849
  • APS-C
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Sony DSLR-A380 vs Sony DSLR-A230

Nikon D3000
Sony DSLR-A230
  • $450
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • HDMI out

Compare Nikon D3000 vs Sony DSLR-A230

Compared to Sony DSLR-A330

Sony DSLR-A380
Sony DSLR-A330
  • $849
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO
  • More pixels
  • $530
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Sony DSLR-A380 vs Sony DSLR-A330

Nikon D3000
Sony DSLR-A330
  • $450
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • More viewfinder magnification
  • $530
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Tiltable Screen

Compare Nikon D3000 vs Sony DSLR-A330

Compared to Pentax K-7

Sony DSLR-A380
Pentax K-7
  • $849
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $1300
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Sony DSLR-A380 vs Pentax K-7

Nikon D3000
Pentax K-7
  • $450
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1300
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Nikon D3000 vs Pentax K-7

Compared to Nikon D3100

Sony DSLR-A380
Nikon D3100
  • $849
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive

Compare Sony DSLR-A380 vs Nikon D3100

Nikon D3000
Nikon D3100
  • $450
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • Higher effective ISO

Compare Nikon D3000 vs Nikon D3100

Compared to Sony A33

Sony DSLR-A380
Sony A33
  • $849
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $540
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • External Mic Jack

Compare Sony DSLR-A380 vs Sony A33

Nikon D3000
Sony A33
  • $450
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $540
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Nikon D3000 vs Sony A33

Compare Other Cameras?