• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • 1/1.7 inch 43.3mm2
  • 10.0 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 72.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Sony DSLR-A380 advantages over Samsung TL500

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1/1.7 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 2.08 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Better color depth
    22.6 vs 19.2 bits
    Capture richer, more accurate colors
  • Higher effective ISO
    614 vs 129 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • More pixels
    14.2 vs 10.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 16 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/1500 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Samsung TL500 advantages over Sony DSLR-A380

  • Less expensive
    $450 vs $849 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Thinner
    29 mm vs 71 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    315g vs 762g
    Lighter weight
  • More dots on screen
    614k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen

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
  • 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
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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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
Samsung TL500
Pentax K-7
  • $450
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $1300
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

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
Samsung TL500
Nikon D3100
  • $450
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

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
Samsung TL500
Sony A33
  • $450
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
  • $540
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Olympus XZ-1

Sony DSLR-A380
Olympus XZ-1
  • $849
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $500
  • 1/1.63 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Integrated ND filter
Samsung TL500
Olympus XZ-1
  • $450
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $500
  • 1/1.63 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Integrated ND filter

Compared to Canon N100

Sony DSLR-A380
Canon N100
  • $849
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $349
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen
Samsung TL500
Canon N100
  • $450
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • RAW file ability
  • Manual focus
  • $349
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen
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