Sony Alpha A380L 14.2 MP Digital SLR Camera with Super SteadyShot INSIDE Image Stabilization and 18-55mm Lens

by Sony

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 7.9 x 6.1 inches ; 3.3 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B0029U0WZM
• Item model number: DSLRA380L
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,278 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: May 17, 2009

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

The Sony a380 DSLR camera brings you the freedom of Live View, which lets you compose and shoot photos using a tiltable 2.7-inch (diag.) LCD screen. SteadyShot INSIDE in-camera image stabilization reduces blur in every shot, while 14.2-megapixel resolution preserves those special moments in spectacular clarity and detail.

Sony Alpha a380 Highlights

2.7-inch (diag.) Clear Photo LCD Plus featuring Live View with Quick Auto Focus
A large 2.7-inch (diag.) Clear Photo LCD Plus display features Live View with Quick Auto Focus, which lets you compose and shoot pictures in real-time using the LCD, just as you would with a point-and-shoot camera. In addition, the LCD display tilts up or down for low or high-angle shooting situations, such as capturing a child’s first steps or shooting over a crowd.

14.2-megapixel resolution for ultra-fine detail
A 14.2-megapixel APS-size CCD image sensor captures your images in spectacular, high-resolution detail, giving you the freedom to make large prints and tight crops without sacrificing quality.

14.2-megapixel resolution for ultra-fine detail

SteadyShot INSIDE in-camera image stabilization
SteadyShot INSIDE in-camera image stabilization is built into each camera body, so every a-mount lens benefits from the ability to minimize blur due to camera shake.

Lightweightand stylish body
The DSLR-A380 features a stylish, modern design with an intuitive button layout for easier operation. In addition, the lightweight body and revised grip make the camera more comfortable to hold and carry.

Integrated on-screen Help Guide and Graphic Display
An integrated on-screen Help Guide and Graphic Display help take the complexity out of DSLR photography. The Help Guide offers clear, concise explanations of various modes and settings, while the Graphic Display helps you understand the relationship between aperture and shutter speed, as well as the effect each has on photographic results.

HDMI terminal and BRAVIA Sync compatibility
An HDMI terminal gives you the option of connecting your camera to a compatible HDTV and playing back your images in stunning high definition quality(HDMI cable required, sold separately). In addition, BRAVIA Sync works with compatible Sony BRAVIA HDTVs to let you control camera playback using the television’s remote (HDMI cable and BRAVIA Sync capable HDTV required, sold separately).

High sensitivity (ISO 3200) for superior noise reduction
A broad sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 3200 enables you to capture beautiful color images even in very dim light -- with High ISO Noise Reduction technology that reduces picture noise artifacts at high-sensitivity ISO 1600 and ISO 3200 settings by eliminating noise from RAW data after analog-to-digital conversion.

Eye-Start Autofocus

Eye-Start Autofocus
Eye-Start Autofocus System begins precision autofocus adjustments the moment you raise the camera to your eye, so the camera is ready to catch the perfect moment.

9-Point AF Sensor
9-Point Center Cross AF Sensor with improved focus control to help bring images into sharp definition more quickly, and predictive focus control automatically calculates the position of fast-moving subjects.

Up to 2.5 fps continuous shooting
Continuous Shooting lets you shoot at up to 2.5 fps (frames per second) while viewing your subject through the optical viewfinder so you never lose track of the action.

Creative Style settings
Creative Style settings give you control over how the camera processes your images. Choose from 8 finishing styles, including Standard, Vivid, Potrait, Landscape, Night View, Sunset, B&W, and Adobe RGB, and fine tune them to your personal taste with the ability to adjust contrast, saturation, and sharpness settings.

Sony's Dynamic Range Optimizer in action

Dynamic Range Optimizer
Dynamic Range Optimizer provides two levels--Standard/Plus to improve results with backlit subjects and recover details hidden in shadows or lost in glare. Normal DRO improves detail using standard gamma curves for fast shot-to-shot response time, while Advanced DRO adjusts dynamic range area-by-area for greater accuracy.

Built-in Pop-Up Flash
The Auto Pop-Up Flash automatically pops up and fires as needed when the camera is set to certain scene selection modes, helping first-time DSLR photographers shoot more effectively. In addition, the a380 features an integrated hot shoe, which lets you expand your lighting options with a range of accessory flashes (sold separately).

Anti-Dust Technology keeps your pictures dust-free

Anti-Dust Technology
Anti-Dust Technology helps keep the CCD imager clean, resulting in consistently better pictures, by utilizing a static-free anti-dust coating on the CCD filter, as well as an anti-dust vibration that automatically shakes the CCD to help dislodge dust each time the camera is shut off.

Stamina Battery power
Stamina Battery power allows you to take up to 500 shots on a fully charged NP-FM50 InfoLITHIUM battery when using the optical viewfinder mode, and you’ll be able to see how much power remains in percentage increments, so you can keep shooting in confidence.

Smart Teleconverter 2x Digital Zoom
Smart Teleconverter 2x Digital Zoom lets you zoom in electronically on your subject and reproduces pixels on a 1:1 basis so there’s no degradation in picture quality. One touch zooms in at 1.4X, while the second touch advances to 2x zoom -- creating the 35mm equivalent of a telephoto effect with the camera’s standard 18-55mm optical zoom lens.

BIONZ image processor
The advanced BIONZ image processor uses hardware-based Large Scale Integrated (LSI) circuitry to enhance images with rich tonal reproduction, reduced noise, and improved white balance and exposure control, for clear, sharp photos even at high sensitivity settings.

PhotoTV HD compatibility
PhotoTV HD compatibility lets you automatically create high-resolution thumbnails optimized for viewing on a compatible Sony BRAVIA HDTV.

Scene Selection Modes
Scene Selection Modes optimize camera settings for different shooting situations. Just turn the Mode Dial to select from Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports, Sunset, and Night View modes.

Index and Slide Show Display
Index and Slide Show Display enable you to quickly review your photos using 4, 9 or 25-frame index views, or as an automatic slide show with fade-in/fade-out effect.

Function Guide Display
Function Guide Display provides intuitive and easy to use on-screen menus that can be activated and operated with one hand using the Fn (Function) button and controller button to adjust Flash mode, Autofocus mode, White Balance, Metering mode, AF area and D-Range Optimizer.

Dual slot Compatibility for Memory Stick and SD media
Compatible with high-capacity Memory Stick PRO Duo, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo and SD/SDHC media (sold separately) for convenient storage and sharing of your images.

Product Description

The Sony® a380 DSLR camera brings you the freedom of Live View, which lets you compose and shoot photos using a tiltable 2.7" (diag.) LCD screen. SteadyShot INSIDETM in-camera image stabilization reduces blur in every shot, while 14.2 megapixel resolution preserves those special moments in spectacular clarity and detail. 2.7" (diag.) Clear Photo LCD PlusTM featuring Live View with Quick Auto Focus A large 2.7" (diag.) Clear Photo LCD PlusTM display features Live View with Quick Auto Focus, which lets you compose and shoot pictures in real-time using the LCD, just as you would with a point-and-shoot camera. In addition, the LCD display tilts up or down for low or high-angle shooting situations, such as capturing a child's first steps or shooting over a crowd. SteadyShot INSIDETM in-camera image stabilization SteadyShot INSIDETM in-camera image stabilization is built into each camera body, so every a-mount lens benefits from the ability to minimize blur due to camera shake. 14.2 megapixel resolution for ultra-fine detaill A 14.2 megapixel APS-size CCD image sensor captures your images in spectacular, high-resolution detail, giving you the freedom to make large prints and tight crops without sacrificing quality. Lightweight and stylish body The DSLR-A380 features a stylish, modern design with an intuitive button layout for easier operation. In addition, the lightweight body and revised grip make the camera more comfortable to hold and carry.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Newborn photographer thanks to Sony's A380 DSLR, March 2, 2010

By 

Justin Clemens "Halläathrad" (Los Angeles) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sony Alpha A380L 14.2 MP Digital SLR Camera with Super SteadyShot INSIDE Image Stabilization and 18-55mm Lens (Electronics)

I am a photographer-wannabe graphic and web designer.
I have taken this product to photoquests where I've subjected it to different types of landscapes, light and climate situations -- even some soft rain.
So far it has behaved beautifully with good battery life, fast enough recording speeds and good image quality even on its lowest settings.
The lens work good, but have had trouble trying to get long distance pictures (not enough optical zoom) but it was to be expected, and can easily be fixed by attaching adequate lenses for said purpose.

Only issue may be with the LCD screen, as it tends to get scratches on its surface ratter easily, so I'd suggest you get some sort of cover for it (I haven't been able to find it where I live - Colombia, Southamerica). Guess I'll have to buy it through Amazon too.

Can't really give much more advice as I am just a n00b at this stuff, but I can tell you this camera has opened a new door in my head and career I think won't be closed for the foreseeable future.
Excellent product if you're just learning, I'll let you know if it keeps up.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome camera, great value!, September 13, 2010

By 

PikiNiki - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sony Alpha A380L 14.2 MP Digital SLR Camera with Super SteadyShot INSIDE Image Stabilization and 18-55mm Lens (Electronics)

I initially was drawn to the Sony line of DSLR's because I've used a Sony SLR like camera for a few years now and just love it. Infact most people already thought I had a full DSLR from the picture quality. So when it was definitely time for me to upgrade, I knew I had to keep Sony on the list to compare. I talked to other photographer friends, and most leaned toward the Canon XSI as a good entry level DSLR. So I compared it to my Sony alpha 380. In all areas it was either comparable to, or exceeded the Canon, for my needs. To top it off, it was less expensive than the Canon. So I made the purchase of the Sony, and am in love with it! I love the picture quality, the ease of use, and for me the live view feature is amazing. I take a lot of pictures of my dogs, which requires me to lay on the floor a lot, with this camera I can switch it to live view and tilt out the screen, and not have to break my neck in order to get the shot. I've used it for fast action photography, taking photos of the USMC RS Milwaukee 2010 CFT, and just love the great shots I was able to get. This is a great entry level DSLR! Don't discount it just because it's not a Nikon or Canon, it is definitely worth a look!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Sony Alpha 380, May 5, 2010

By 

Jaimie Krause "Time Freezer" (St. Louis, MO USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sony Alpha A380L 14.2 MP Digital SLR Camera with Super SteadyShot INSIDE Image Stabilization and 18-55mm Lens (Electronics)

This is a very light-weight camera! I like that I can use two different types of memory. (SD cards are cheaper than CF.) The hand grip is a little awkward at first, but relatively easy to get used to. The kit lens is not the greatest, but I used to shoot with Minolta in the film days and when I first switched over to dSLR, so I have plenty of Minolta / Sony lenses and accessories.