Nikon D5000 Review at Camera Labs: “A Lot To Like” Continuing Pentax K-7 Coverage: Review at Wired and Full-Size Image Samples at Photography Blog

Sony A380 Review at Tech Radar: A Tepid Start

8 comments

Posted by Patrick on Jun 3, 2009 in Cameras, Reviews

When Sony announced their new entry-level DSLRs earlier last month, I was a bit concerned with their approach of relying on price points to sell cameras, rather than innovation. Yes, they are redesigned, on the outside, but they keep their aging hardware, specifically camera sensors, which insures them mediocre reviews for image quality (compared to the rivals) for their entire product cycle. For a taste of things to come, Tech Radar reviews the A380, the top camera of the Sony entry-level trio, with a 14 megapixel sensor and flip out LCD.

Where the A380 falls down is in detail capture, and noise. Specifically, not enough of one, and too much of the other.

Even at low ISO settings and in good light, the A380’s sensor delivers JPEG files that require quite a lot of sharpening before they appear properly crisp.

Coloured noise is visible in shadows and neutral midtones at ISO 200, getting much worse as the ISO sensitivity is increased.

-Tech Radar

Grab the full review here.

Of course price points do help, and if budget is your guide, even average DSLR performance is far superior to compact camera performance. Still, there might be better options…

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8 Responses to “Sony A380 Review at Tech Radar: A Tepid Start”

  1. Pikesan says:
    November 23, 2009 at 2:25 pm

    Happy to say my refund for this camera is processing from the Laredo, TX help center. I’ll present what happened as fact even though I am very upset with the outcome.
    * Bought camera with high hopes. Loved the price, and the movable LCD.
    * Arrived with strange blue, flickering spots in the LCD. Like “snow” on a bad TV signal. I immediately called Sony expecting exceptional service since this is a fairly new product… and because it’s Sony, a brand I USED TO trust.
    * Took pics and was fairly happy with results. I was still learning. Then shipped camera back after I insisted they pay for shipping.
    * Sony held my camera for 3 weeks, then finally returned it without any repair and without calling me for some explanation of the issue.
    * Received camera and obviously found the same problem. Called and emailed Sony. “Can you send us some sample images?” they said. They didn’t even understand, after repeated attempts to explain, what my issue was.
    * I asked for a refund or a new camera immediately. I used this camera for my work, I explained, I NEED a camera. I had to return the camera before any action could be taken. They received the camera Nov. 4th 2009.
    * On Nov 20th, I called. They had no update for me. 3 weeks and NOTHING! I demanded a refund and they did start the process, but could not tell me when the check would arrive.
    * I called Sony’s National Customer Relations line and spoke to Margret, ID CJD9. She was the worst of all. No compassion, barely any courtesy at all!
    * She started with, “We don’t do refunds, only exchanges. Before she had heard ANYTHING about my troubles with my camera.
    * When I asked about the other equipment I bought for the camera, she sarcastically said, “We can’t refund for Optional equipment. That’s why they call it optional.” She was worthless.
    * I called back to Larado and they promised a call by the end of the day to tell me when I’d get my check. Nothing. Called Monday, it’s being processed. Finally.
    I hope this helps you with your decision. I’m not sure if I’ll ever buy a Sony product again.

    reply
    • Patrick says:
      November 25, 2009 at 9:35 am

      Pikesan,
      That doesn’t sound great. So what are you going to get with the refund?

      reply
      • Pikesan says:
        November 25, 2009 at 10:34 am

        Hey Patrick, yea, not great! I’m not sure what I’ll get. I really wanted the tilting LCD. I’m 6′4″ and take alot of low angle car shots, so get’n down low like that will wear a man out. My friend said the Nikon D5000 has the tilting LCD, I might look at that one. I had a Canon before, the Digital Rebel (300?) with the broken mirror hinge. Canon didn’t stand behind that product either. Cost $250 to repair a known defect in the camera. So… I’m not that enthusiastic about buying a Canon either.
        What would you recommend? I’m taking car shots for my website, http://www.MyRideisMe.com.

        reply
        • Patrick says:
          November 25, 2009 at 3:40 pm

          Pikesan,
          At 6′4 you’re just not going to look right with an entry-level camera. Maybe a D300s or D300 would be better, but no tilt LCD…hmmm maybe a D5000 would be good, you’re using live view to take pictures I assume (or hoping to)?

          reply
          • Pikesan says:
            November 25, 2009 at 6:33 pm

            It’s not the looking right, it’s the RESPECT I need. “Dude! You’re in my shot!” Doesn’t mean anything with a point and shoot!
            I didn’t have live view on my other Canon and my buddy with his Olympus does. It looked like a great way to help take better pictures and learn the effects of each camera settings. Nikon and Canon’s autofocus with Live View ON is super, super slow. Sony was instant, that’s another thing I liked about it. Would you please email me?

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