• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • 23.00mm - 855.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Sony DSLR-A380 advantages over Nikon L840

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.16 vs 1.34 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Thinner
    71 mm vs 96 mm
    Thinner
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 4 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 7 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/1500 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Nikon L840 advantages over Sony DSLR-A380

  • Less expensive
    $300 vs $849 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 740 vs 500 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Newer
    9 years vs 15 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Lighter weight
    538g vs 762g
    Lighter weight
  • More dots on screen
    921k 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
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    7.4 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
  • 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
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

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
  • 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

User reviews

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Review Excerpt

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

Compare Sony DSLR-A380 vs Pentax K-7

Nikon L840
Pentax K-7
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $1300
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Nikon L840 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 L840
Nikon D3100
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Nikon L840 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 L840
Sony A33
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $540
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Nikon L840 vs Sony A33

Compared to Nikon P530

Sony DSLR-A380
Nikon P530
  • $849
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Newer
  • Shoots 24p video

Compare Sony DSLR-A380 vs Nikon P530

Nikon L840
Nikon P530
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Nikon L840 vs Nikon P530

Compared to Nikon B500

Sony DSLR-A380
Nikon B500
  • $849
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $322
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Compare Sony DSLR-A380 vs Nikon B500

Nikon L840
Nikon B500
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer exposure
  • $322
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Bluetooth

Compare Nikon L840 vs Nikon B500

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