Olympus 1 vs Sony A380

In this write-up, we are contrasting the Olympus 1 vs Sony A380, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the 1 (12MP) and the A380 (14MP) is fairly similar but the 1 (1/1.7") and A380 (APS-C) feature different sensor sizing.

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The 1 was announced 4 years later than the A380 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus 1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony A380 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going straight into a in depth comparison, below is a quick summation of how the 1 grades versus the A380 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus Stylus 1 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A380. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus 1 Gallery and Sony A380 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to lug around your camera, you're going to have to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus 1 provides outer measurements of 116mm x 87mm x 57mm (4.6" x 3.4" x 2.2") accompanied by a weight of 402 grams (0.89 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).

Examine the Olympus 1 vs Sony A380 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are working with during that time. Below is the front view physical size comparison of the 1 versus the A380.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the 1 and A380 is 79 and 68 respectively.

Normally, its difficult to picture the difference between sensor measurements just by reading a spec sheet. The photograph below may give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the 1 and A380.

As you can see, both of those cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The 1 with its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF trickier and the Sony A380 will deliver extra detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also help you crop images far more aggressively. The fresher 1 should have an advantage when it comes to sensor innovation.