Sony A7R III vs Sony A380: A Deep Dive into Two Eras of Sony Camera Technology

When exploring your next camera purchase, selecting the right tool requires understanding how it fits your photographic vision - not just specs on paper. Today we dissect two Sony models that come from very different generations and target audiences: the Sony Alpha A7R III (2017), a professional-grade mirrorless powerhouse, and the Sony Alpha DSLR-A380 (2009), an entry-level DSLR that introduced many photographers to Sony’s system.

Our goal is to guide you through the practical differences and capabilities of these two, grounded in extensive hands-on experience and real-world testing. Whether you’re stepping up to professional work or starting your first serious camera journey, this comparison offers clarity on which camera could be your ideal match.

Design and Handling – Size, Ergonomics, and Control Feel

Starting with physical handling, the Sony A7R III is a compact SLR-style mirrorless camera that weighs 657g and measures 127 × 96 × 74 mm. The A380, as an older entry-level DSLR, is slightly smaller and lighter at 519g with dimensions 128 × 97 × 71 mm. Despite similar footprints, the build quality and ergonomics differ widely.

• A7R III: Feels solid and thoughtfully designed for intensive use, with a deep handgrip and a sturdy magnesium alloy body paired with environment sealing for dust and moisture resistance. This means you can confidently shoot in demanding outdoor conditions.

• A380: Plasticky compared to newer models, suited for hobbyists and beginners with modest durability. No weather sealing, but it keeps a straightforward DSLR form factor with a comfortable albeit slimmer grip.

The tilting screen on both cameras aids shooting from awkward angles - 3.0" with a resolution of 1,440k dots for the A7R III versus 2.7" and a lower 230k dots for the A380. The touchscreen functionality on the A7R III lets you navigate menus swiftly and adjust focus points by touch, an interaction feature entirely missing on the A380.

Both cameras feature traditional manual controls such as aperture and shutter priority modes, exposure compensation, and a dedicated function button layout, but the A7R III adds greater customization, illuminated buttons, and dual SD card slots - attributes designed for professionals.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Camera

At the core lies a fundamental difference: the A7R III sports a 42.4MP full-frame back-illuminated CMOS sensor, while the A380 has a 14.2MP APS-C CCD sensor. This difference influences image detail, dynamic range, low-light performance, and overall image quality.

Why does this matter? The full-frame sensor in the A7R III, with backside illumination, collects light more efficiently, providing cleaner images with impressive detail and dynamic range. The higher megapixel count delivers stunning resolution, making it excellent for large prints, commercial work, and crop flexibility.

The A380’s CCD sensor offers decent image quality but lacks the sensitivity and noise control necessary for demanding light situations. The APS-C format yields a crop factor of 1.5x, giving longer effective focal lengths, useful for moderate telephoto reach but sacrificing field of view that full-frame sensors pride themselves on.

Autofocus Systems and Burst Performance: Catching the Moment

For genres like wildlife, sports, or street photography, autofocus (AF) speed and accuracy can be make-or-break features.

The Sony A7R III uses a hybrid AF system with 425 phase-detection points and advanced algorithms for face and animal eye detection - a huge advantage in dynamic scenes and portraits. You can track erratic wildlife or athletes with confidence.

The A380, while having phase-detection AF, operates with only 9 points concentrated centrally and lacks sophisticated tracking. It’s suitable for static subjects or casual portraits but shows noticeable limitations shooting fast-moving or unpredictable subjects.

User Interface and LCD/EVF: Seeing Your Shot

An engaging user experience is critical to creativity and speed.

The A7R III’s high-resolution EVF models the final image with live exposure previews - a massive help in tricky lighting or manual mode. The touchscreen allows quick AF point selection and menu navigation.

The A380’s optical viewfinder offers a natural view without lag or digital artifacts, but the limited info display requires some mental estimation, especially for exposure. Its screen resolution is unhelpful for reviewing sharpness or details but good enough for framing.

Professional Video Capabilities

If video is part of your creative workflow, the differences become pronounced.

The A7R III is a full-fledged hybrid tool, capable of 4K video with professional features and excellent in-body image stabilization. This opens doors to content creators, vloggers, and hybrid shooters who demand high fidelity video alongside stills.

The A380 offers no video capture, reflecting its era and beginner focus, restricting you solely to still photography.

Durability and Environmental Resistance

For outdoor photographers, build quality dictates shooting confidence.

• Sony A7R III: Magnesium alloy body with dust and moisture resistance; designed to withstand light rain and rugged conditions. Suited confidently for landscapes, travel, and environmental shoots.
• Sony A380: Polycarbonate body with no weather sealing; avoid exposure to harsh elements.

Battery Life and Storage Flexibility

The A7R III benefits from its advanced Lithium-Ion battery offering more shots per charge, essential during long sessions and travel. Dual card slots provide data redundancy or expand switching storage modes, a feature appreciated by pros.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Here’s where both cameras benefit from Sony’s extensive lens lineups but with slight differences:

• A7R III uses Sony E-mount lenses, including full-frame designed optics with over 120 native lenses, from wide-angle primes, high-speed telephotos, to specialized macro and tilt-shift lenses. Third-party lenses from Sigma, Tamron, and others complement the ecosystem.
• A380 mounts Sony/Minolta Alpha (A-mount) lenses, with over 140 lenses available, mainly through Minolta lineage and Sony’s DSLR range. Though rich, it does not include the latest designs optimized for mirrorless advantages and full-frame sensors.

Adapters exist to bridge these mounts, but native E-mount glass maximizes A7R III’s performance, autofocus speed, and image quality.

How They Perform Across Photography Genres

Let’s look at how these cameras fare in various real-world photography types based on our extensive genre tests:

Sony A7R III front Sony A7R III screen back Sony A380 front Sony A380 screen back

Performance Ratings and Value Assessment

Bringing it all together:

*Price at launch and relative market offerings considered

While the A380 offers an attractive price point for beginners exploring DSLR photography, it lacks the advanced performance, flexibility, and future-proofing of the A7R III. The latter justifies its premium price with significantly higher capabilities that meet professional demands.

Recommendations: Which One is Right for You?

• Choose the Sony A7R III if:

  • You're a professional or advanced enthusiast needing high resolution and excellent image quality.
  • You shoot diverse genres including portraits, landscapes, wildlife, sports, and video.
  • You want robust build quality, weather sealing, and dual memory card reliability.
  • Video production is part of your workflow.
  • You appreciate modern ergonomics, an excellent EVF, touchscreen, in-body stabilization, and a wide lens selection.

• Consider the Sony A380 if:

  • You're a beginner seeking an affordable DSLR to learn photography basics.
  • Your photographic needs are casual shooting, family portraits, or travel snapshots.
  • You prefer the optical viewfinder experience and don’t require video.
  • You have a budget constraint but want access to an established A-mount lens lineup.
  • You plan to upgrade later but need a reliable starter body.

Final Thoughts: Evolution of Sony Technology Over a Decade

The gap between these two cameras illustrates how camera technology evolves. The A7R III embodies the modern mirrorless era’s focus on precision, speed, and versatility. It leverages cutting-edge sensor design, AI-powered autofocus, superior video capabilities, and durable construction - all vital to today’s multimedia content creators and professionals.

The A380, while obsolete by today’s standards, still represents a key milestone in Sony’s DSLR history and offers a welcoming entry point for enthusiasts building foundational skills.

We encourage you to get hands-on with both models if possible, explore lenses suited to your style, and consider your future photographic goals. This approach ensures your investment rewards your creativity today and grows with your evolving vision.

Ready to elevate your photography? Check out the Sony A7R III for professional-grade performance or consider the Sony A380 if starting your journey - either way, your next great image awaits.