Sony A380 vs Sony A550: An Expert Comparison of Two Entry-Level DSLRs from the Same Era

In late 2009, Sony’s DSLR line was still relatively fresh, having transitioned from their Minolta heritage and aiming to carve their niche amongst entry-level photographers eager to upgrade from compact cameras. Two models that often draw scrutiny in this lineage are the Sony Alpha A380 and the A550. Both share similar DNA but deliver divergent experiences, image quality, and usability. Having spent weeks testing these cameras under varied lighting, subject types, and shooting conditions, I’m excited to peel back their layers and offer a detailed, no-nonsense analysis.

This comprehensive comparison will delve deep into what sets them apart - and what ties them together. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast hunting for your first DSLR, a hobbyist weighing upgrades, or a pro needing a budget-friendly backup, I’ll help you decipher which camera fits your needs best.

Anatomy of Two Contenders: Size, Build, and Handling

At first glance - and indeed at first hold - the Sony A380 and A550 feel like siblings. Both cameras sport a compact SLR body style with straightforward ergonomics suitable for new DSLRs. The A380 measures roughly 128x97x71mm and weighs 519g (with battery), while the A550 is noticeably larger and heavier at 137x104x84mm and 632g. This weight gain hints at the additional features packed inside the A550.

Ergonomically, both cameras use the Sony/Minolta Alpha mount, maintaining compatibility with a wide range of lenses - over 140 models in total, from legacy manual lenses to newer autofocus glass. They wield similar grip shapes, but the extra heft and thickness on the A550 translate to a more substantial hand feel and arguably better balance, especially with heavier zoom lenses. For street shooters or travelers scanning for lightweight gear, the A380’s compactness might nudge ahead, but landscape or studio users could appreciate the solid stance the A550 offers.

Button layout and control dials show evolution rather than revolution.

Looking at the top panels reveals how the controls have matured between models. The A550 sports more dedicated buttons and refined dial placements promising faster workflow. The A380 keeps things simpler - fine for beginners but less efficient for those wanting quick access to shifting settings on the fly.

Build quality for both is largely plastic but with good engineering for durability. Neither includes environmental sealing - a point to consider if you plan to shoot in dusty or wet conditions.

Peering Into the Heart: Sensor Technology and Image Quality

Arguably the most critical area to compare is sensor design and image rendition. Both cameras feature APS-C sized sensors approximating 23.5x15.7 mm, but with key differences in sensor type and technology.

Sony A380: The CCD Era

The A380 houses a 14-megapixel CCD sensor, measuring 23.6x15.8 mm with an effective resolution of 4592x3056 pixels. CCDs have historically been praised for accurate color fidelity and smooth tonal transitions, making them attractive for portraiture and still lifes where skin tones matter.

Measured metrics from DXO Mark show a respectable 67 overall score, with impressive color depth at 22.6 bits and dynamic range near 11.8 EV. Low-light sensitivity maxes out at an ISO of 3200 with an effective low-light score at ISO 614.

In practical shooting, the CCD’s color rendering leads to pleasing skin tones - rich, natural, and smooth - though noise climbs steeply beyond ISO 800. Landscapes benefit from solid dynamic range, rescuing subtle shadow detail, but the sensor’s older design means less flexibility for very high ISO or low-light environments.

Sony A550: The CMOS Advantage

The A550 opts for a more modern 14.2-megapixel CMOS sensor, slightly smaller at 23.4x15.6 mm. CMOS technology provides several benefits such as lower power consumption, faster readouts, and better high ISO performance.

DXO Mark rates the A550 slightly lower overall at 66 but notes a tradeoff: color depth dips to 21.9 bits, matching the A380’s dynamic range at 11.8 EV. However, the boosted ISO ceiling to 12800 means the A550 shines in low-light scenarios - with an effective low-light ISO of 807.

Real-world shooting confirms this: the A550’s images retain cleaner detail at ISO 1600 and beyond, making it the preferred choice for event shooters or indoor photography where discretion limits flash use.

Viewing and Composing: LCD Screens and Viewfinders

Optical viewfinders on both cameras use pentamirror designs with 95% frame coverage and roughly 0.5x magnification, standard fare for entry DSLRs in this price bracket.

The tilting rear LCD, however, represents a clear area of improvement.

The A380 comes with a modest 2.7-inch 230k-dot screen, adequate for basic framing and review but lacking resolution and size for detailed image inspection. Tilt functionality is handy but limited in angle.

The A550 ups the ante significantly with a 3-inch, 922k-dot screen - four times the pixel density - delivering crisp sharpness and much improved clarity for live view composition and image playback. The enhanced screen is invaluable when shooting at odd angles, on tripods, or in bright conditions where viewfinder use is impractical.

The lack of touchscreen on both keeps the interface tactile and button-driven, suiting users wary of accidental taps but missing out on the conveniences modern touchscreens provide.

Autofocus Systems: How Sharp Is Your Eye?

Sony equipped both cameras with a 9-point autofocus system employing phase-detection autofocus sensors. Both feature face detection and multi-area AF modes, yet there are nuances to their autofocus capability.

The A380’s AF is reliable for still subjects in good light, with decent speed but limited continuous tracking - continuous autofocus is present but somewhat rudimentary.

The A550 improves burst capture by doubling frame rates from 3 fps to 7 fps through its faster processor and sensor readout speed. This also enables more fluid AF performance during continuous burst shooting, a strong advantage for wildlife, sports, or any action photography.

Unfortunately, neither camera includes more advanced AF aids like cross-type points clearly defined or sophisticated subject tracking algorithms more common in later models.

Burst Speed and Buffer: Catching The Moment

Sony’s A550 is a clear winner in continuous shooting, clocking in at 7 frames per second compared to the A380’s 3 fps. This alone is a huge differentiator for sports photographers tracking motion or wildlife enthusiasts poised for fleeting shots.

The increased buffer capacity allows longer bursts without slowdown, ensuring you don’t miss the climactic moment in a fast sequence - something my tests on moving car sessions reaffirmed dramatically.

The A380’s limited 3 fps still suffices for casual shooting but feels stifled for higher speed demands.

Build and Durability: Weather Sealing and Robustness

Neither the A380 nor A550 offer environmental sealing, an expected omission at this price point. Both bodies are primarily built from plastics with metal internal frames. For cautious users, protecting the camera with rain covers or avoiding adverse weather shoots will prolong life.

Handling wise, the A550’s heft and improved grip provide a sturdier feel, while the A380’s lighter body aids portability.

Storage, Connectivity, and Power

Both cameras accept SD/SDHC cards and Sony’s proprietary Memory Stick Pro Duo options, although the A550 extends compatibility to Pro-HG Duo cards, beneficial for faster write speeds and longer recording buffers (albeit neither camera records video).

USB 2.0 and HDMI outputs are available on both, facilitating remote tethering and image preview on external displays, but wireless features such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth are absent - a non-issue for the era but glaring by today's expectations.

Battery life is respectable, with the A380 rated for about 500 shots per charge and A550 at 480 shots per charge. Battery models differ (NP-FH50 for A380 and NP-FM500H for A550) affecting spare battery procurement and charger compatibility.

Image Stabilization: In-Body Help

Both cameras boast sensor-based image stabilization, commonly known as SteadyShot INSIDE. This method stabilizes the image through sensor shifts rather than relying on lens stabilization.

In my handheld low-shutter-speed tests, both models proved capable of allowing 2-3 stops slower shutter speeds without noticeable blur - a valuable aid in dim conditions or when using long focal length lenses without OIS.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Both use the Sony/Minolta Alpha mount, giving access to roughly 143 lenses spanning minolta’s legacy optics to modern Sony primes and zooms. This broad compatibility ensures users can start with budget zoom kits and gradually move toward premium glass without changing systems.

Note that APS-C crop factor (1.5x) applies equally to both, so be sure to factor this in if considering wide angle or telephoto reach.

Real-World Photography Testing: Where Do They Shine?

Portrait Photography

The A380’s CCD sensor displays subtle, painterly skin tones, with natural gradation favored by portrait shooters who prize color nuance over peak sharpness. The modest frame rate and AF speed mean it's better suited for posed shots rather than fast-moving subjects.

The A550’s CMOS sensor renders slightly more contrasty images, with faster autofocus allowing tighter capture of fleeting expressions. Bokeh is lens-dependent on both but benefits from sensor stabilization during handheld portraits.

Face detection autofocus worked reliably on both under diffused lighting. The A550’s sharper rear LCD aids in critical focus assessment - a boon for professional setups or cautious beginners.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range parity between the cameras provides a similar baseline for capturing detailed skies and shadows. The A380’s lower noise floor at base ISO combined with richer color depth makes it a fine candidate.

The A550, however, handles elevated ISOs better, useful when shooting twilight landscapes handheld.

Neither camera features weather sealing, so cautious outdoor handling is advisable.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Here, the A550 clearly wins. Faster burst rates and better AF tracking enable capturing action and animals in motion with more success.

I field-tested both on a local birding trail and a neighborhood soccer match. The A550 delivered more keeper images with sharp focus on moving subjects, while the A380 struggled with focus lag.

Street Photography

The A380’s smaller size and quieter shutter provide modest advantages in discreet shooting. Yet, the A550’s faster responsiveness may contribute to capturing decisive moments more reliably.

Neither camera is particularly stealthy - typical of DSLRs - but both can be used effectively with some practice.

Macro Photography

Neither camera offers specialized macro features. Both’ sensor-based stabilization aids handheld closeups, which I tested shooting flowers in a backyard setting.

Accurate manual focus with focus peaking is unavailable on both, so reliance on viewfinder focusing and live view magnification (which is sluggish) remains.

Night and Astro Photography

The A550’s superior high ISO capabilities give it an edge for low-light and astro work. Sensor noise control and long exposure handling (max shutter speed 30s on both) are similar.

However, the A380 is no slouch at base ISO exposures, delivering clean files suitable for stacking in post-processing.

Video Capabilities

Neither camera supports video recording - a significant limitation for multimedia shooters. Prospective buyers wanting hybrid stills and video should look elsewhere.

Travel Photography

The A380’s light weight lends itself to packing light, but the slower burst rate and lower resolution LCD curtail fast-paced shooting.

The A550’s upgraded features - better screen, faster captures, more robust battery - make it more versatile for extended travel outings, albeit with the compromise of added weight.

Professional Workflows

Both cameras output 14-bit RAW files compatible with major editing suites, facilitating professional workflows.

However, neither supports advanced file formats like TIFF or include tethered shooting software features.

Durability and reliability are adequate but not up to pro-grade weather sealed standards.

Sony A380 front Sony A380 screen back Sony A550 front Sony A550 screen back

Sample image comparison shows both deliver 14MP detail with slight color tone and noise differences matching their sensor type profiles.

Final Performance and Versatility Scores

Looking at aggregated scores from extensive technical tests and user feedback pools, the cameras occupy neighboring rungs on the quality ladder, with the A380 edging slightly in color fidelity and the A550 excelling in speed and noise control.

Specific genre scoring highlights the A550 as superior for action, sports, and low-light genres, while the A380 holds appeal for portraits, landscapes, and casual use.

Conclusion: Which Sony DSLR Fits Your Photography Style?

Having summarized their design, technical specs, and tested performance, here is my candid advice:

• Choose the Sony A380 if:

  • You prioritize excellent color rendition and natural skin tones.
  • Your shooting is mostly portraiture or landscape in good light.
  • You desire a lighter, more compact camera for casual use or travel.
  • Video & high burst rate are not necessities.

• Opt for the Sony A550 if:

  • You shoot sports, wildlife, or fast-action scenes requiring higher frame rates.
  • Low-light performance and higher ISO capabilities are critical.
  • You want a sharper, larger LCD for on-the-go composition and review.
  • You accept a slightly bulkier and heavier body for greater responsiveness.

Ultimately, the A550 edges the A380 in many performance metrics, but the latter holds court with elegant color science and user-friendly ergonomics for the price. Given their age and lack of video features, newer cameras may be preferable for many, yet these remain solid choices for photographers seeking an affordable entry into DSLR land with quality glass compatibility.

Whether you’re testing the waters or revisiting classic Sony DSLRs, these two cameras stand as worthwhile investments in understanding the evolution of digital imaging. As ever, your optimal choice depends on your prioritized use cases, shooting style, and budget.

Happy shooting!