• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 600.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Sony DSLR-A380 advantages over Panasonic FZ150

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.16 vs 1.54 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Fast startup
    ~0.60 vs 1.9 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Better color depth
    22.6 vs 19.4 bits
    Capture richer, more accurate colors
  • Higher effective ISO
    614 vs 132 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 500 vs 410 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Thinner
    71 mm vs 95 mm
    Thinner
  • Less shutter lag
    0.20 vs 0.31 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • More pixels
    14.2 vs 12.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 12 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Panasonic FZ150 advantages over Sony DSLR-A380

  • Less expensive
    $500 vs $849 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Lighter weight
    553g vs 762g
    Lighter weight
  • More dots on screen
    460k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    12.0 fps vs 1.7 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Higher extended ISO
    6400 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Tiltable Screen
    Both provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities

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
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

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Review Excerpt

  • Excellent 24x zoom that starts at 25mm; Solid build; Articulating LCD; Improved sensor and image processing; 12 fps continuous mode; Full HD video at 60p.

  • Tends to blow out highlights; Tripod socket close to battery door; Incandescent white balance is a little warm.

The Competition

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
Panasonic FZ150
Pentax K-7
  • $498
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $1300
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Panasonic DMC-FZ100

Sony DSLR-A380
Panasonic DMC-FZ100
  • $849
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $500
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Lighter weight
Panasonic FZ150
Panasonic DMC-FZ100
  • $498
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Shoots 1080p video
  • Slow-motion videos
  • $500
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • More pixels
  • Longer exposure

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
Panasonic FZ150
Nikon D3100
  • $498
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

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
Panasonic FZ150
Sony A33
  • $498
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $540
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Leica V-LUX 2

Sony DSLR-A380
Leica V-LUX 2
  • $849
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $850
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Lighter weight
  • More dots on screen
Panasonic FZ150
Leica V-LUX 2
  • $498
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Shoots 1080p video
  • $850
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • More pixels
  • Longer exposure
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