New Alpha dSLRs vs. the competition

by Leonard Goh |
Today, Sony announced the Alpha DSLR-A230, A330 and A380. These three beginner-oriented models not only look quite identical, their specifications are pretty alike, too, with the exception of the tiltable LCDs and sensor resolution. However, the most surprising move by the Japanese company was to exclude video recording from its new shooters. Given that other camera manufacturers such as Canon and Nikon have been introducing such features into their entry-level dSLRs, we expected Sony to do the same. So how will the new cameras fare against the competition? We've compared the Alpha dSLRs with one another as well as against other snappers in their various classes. Here's a quick overview of the key differences in features.

A380 vs A330 vs A230

A380 vs EOS 500D vs D5000

A330 vs E-450 vs K2000

A230 vs EOS 1000D vs D60

Specification/Model A380 A330A230
Sensor resolution 14.2 megapixels 10.2 megapixels 10.2 megapixels
ISO sensitivity ISO 100 to ISO 3,200 ISO 100 to ISO 3,200 ISO 100 to ISO 3,200
LCD size 2.7-inch tiltable 2.7-inch tiltable 2.7-inch fixed
Video recording No No No
Continuous shooting 2.5fps 2.5fps 2.5fps
Image stabilizer In-body In-body In-body
Storage format Memory Stick PRO Duo and SD/SDHC Memory Stick PRO Duo and SD/SDHC Memory Stick PRO Duo and SD/SDHC
No. of focusing points 9 9 9
Dimensions/
Weight (body only) 		128 x 97 x 71.4 mm
490g 		128 x 97 x 71.4 mm
490g 		128 x 97 x 67.5 mm
450g



Sony Alpha DSLR-A380
Unlike the Canon and Nikon dSLRs, the A380 doesn't have video-recording capability. This may be the ultimate deal-breaker for consumers seeking a higher-end beginner's dSLR. Although the Sony camera has a tiltable LCD, the D5000's display is able to swivel as well. Specifications-wise the A380 is hardly impressive compared with rival models.

Specification/Model A380 Canon EOS 500DNikon D5000
Sensor resolution 14.2 megapixels 15 megapixels 12 megapixels
ISO sensitivity ISO 100 to ISO 3,200 ISO 100 to ISO 3,200
(expandable to ISO 12,800) 		ISO 100 to ISO 1,600
(expandable to ISO 6,400)
LCD size 2.7-inch tiltable 3-inch fixed 2.7-inch tilt and swivel
Video recording No Yes. 1080p quality maximum Yes. 720p quality maximum
Continuous shooting 2.5fps 3.4 4
Image stabilizer In-body Via compatible lenses Via compatible lenses
Storage format Memory Stick PRO Duo and SD/SDHC SD/SDHC SD/SDHC
No. of focusing points 9 9 11
Dimensions/
Weight (body only) 		128 x 97 x 71.4 mm
490g 		129 x 98 x 62 mm
480g 		127 x 104 x 80 mm
560g



Sony Alpha DSLR-A330
In terms of size, the A330 is no match for the Olympus E-450. However, the Sony dSLR compensates with a 2.7-inch tiltable LCD, a feature other shooters in its class don't offer. As with its other siblings, the A330 employs a 9-point focusing system which leapfrogs its competition.



Specification/Model A330 Olympus E-450Pentax K2000
Sensor resolution 10.2 megapixels 10 megapixels 10 megapixels
ISO sensitivity ISO 100 to ISO 3,200 ISO 100 to ISO 1,600 ISO 100 to ISO 3,200
LCD size 2.7-inch tiltable 2.7-inch fixed 2.7-inch fixed
Video recording No No No
Continuous shooting 2.5fps 3.5 3.5
Image stabilizer In-body Nil In-body
Storage format Memory Stick PRO Duo and SD/SDHC CompactFlash and xD-Picture card SD/SDHC
No. of focusing points 9 3 5
Dimensions/
Weight (body only) 		128 x 97 x 71.4 mm
490g 		129.5 x 91 x 53 mm
380g 		122.5 x 91.5 x 67.5 mm
525g



Sony Alpha DSLR-A230
The A230 has a handy 9-point autofocus system but its lack of a Live View module puts the shooter at a disadvantage against the Canon EOS 1000D. However, some users may appreciate the 2.7-inch LCD, which is slightly larger than the rival models.



Specification/Model A230 Canon EOS 1000DNikon D60
Sensor resolution 10.2 megapixels 10 megapixels 10 megapixels
ISO sensitivity ISO 100 to ISO 3,200 ISO 100 to ISO 1,600 ISO 100 to ISO 1,600
(expandable to ISO 3,200)
LCD size 2.7-inch fixed 2.5-inch fixed 2.5-inch fixed
Video recording No No No
Continuous shooting 2.5fps 3fps 3fps
Image stabilizer In-body Via compatible lenses Via compatible lenses
Storage format Memory Stick PRO Duo and SD/SDHC SD/SDHC SD/SDHC
No. of focusing points 9 7 3
Dimensions/
Weight (body only) 		128 x 97 x 67.5 mm
450g 		126.1 x 97.5 x 61.9 mm
450g 		126 x 94 x 64 mm
495g

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