Nikon S9500 vs Sony A380

Here is a thorough review of the Nikon S9500 versus Sony A380, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Nikon and Sony. There is a sizable difference between the resolutions of the S9500 (18MP) and A380 (14MP) and the S9500 (1/2.3") and A380 (APS-C) feature totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The S9500 was introduced 3 years later than the A380 and that is quite a significant difference as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Nikon S9500 being a Compact camera and the Sony A380 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving through a comprehensive comparison, below is a short introduction of how the S9500 matches up vs the A380 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Nikon Coolpix S9500 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A380. The whole galleries are provided at Nikon S9500 Gallery & Sony A380 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to carry your camera, you're going to have to think about its weight and measurements. The Nikon S9500 provides exterior dimensions of 110mm x 60mm x 31mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.2") and a weight of 205 grams (0.45 lbs) whilst the Sony A380 has proportions of 128mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.8") and a weight of 519 grams (1.14 lbs).

See the Nikon S9500 versus Sony A380 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you choose at the time. The following is the front view size comparison of the S9500 vs the A380.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the S9500 and A380 is 92 and 68 respectively.

Generally, it is very tough to envision the gap between sensor sizing simply by reading a spec sheet. The graphic here will offer you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the S9500 and A380.

As you can see, both of these cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The S9500 having a tinier sensor will make shooting shallower DOF more challenging and the Nikon S9500 will offer more detail using its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will help you crop images a little more aggressively. The fresher S9500 is going to have an edge with regard to sensor tech.