Canon SX280 HS vs Sony A380

Here, we will be evaluating the Canon SX280 HS and Sony A380, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Canon and Sony. The resolution of the SX280 HS (12MP) and the A380 (14MP) is pretty comparable but the SX280 HS (1/2.3") and A380 (APS-C) offer totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The SX280 HS was revealed 3 years after the A380 which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Canon SX280 HS being a Compact camera and the Sony A380 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go into a thorough comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the SX280 HS scores vs the A380 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot SX280 HS and Sony Alpha DSLR-A380. The full galleries are provided at Canon SX280 HS Gallery and Sony A380 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to carry around your camera frequently, you will want to factor its weight and proportions. The Canon SX280 HS offers physical measurements of 106mm x 63mm x 33mm (4.2" x 2.5" x 1.3") having a weight of 233 grams (0.51 lbs) whilst the Sony A380 has measurements of 128mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.8") and a weight of 519 grams (1.14 lbs).

Check the Canon SX280 HS and Sony A380 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you select at the time. Here is a front view overall size comparison of the SX280 HS against the A380.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SX280 HS and A380 is 91 and 68 respectively.

Quite often, it is hard to visualise the difference in sensor sizes merely by seeing specs. The picture below will offer you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the SX280 HS and A380.

All in all, both of the cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The SX280 HS using its smaller sensor will make getting shallow depth of field tougher and the Sony A380 will show more detail because of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will help you crop pictures a good deal more aggressively. The newer SX280 HS will have an edge in sensor innovation.