Sony A380 vs Sony NEX-5: An Expert Deep Dive into Two Entry-Level Contenders

When it comes to entry-level interchangeable lens cameras, Sony’s offerings in the late 2000s and early 2010s provide a fascinating contrast between two very different design philosophies: the traditional, compact DSLR form of the Sony Alpha DSLR-A380 and the pioneering mirrorless approach of the Sony Alpha NEX-5. Both launched relatively close in time - 2009 for the A380 and 2010 for the NEX-5 - but they ushered distinct user experiences. Having handled thousands of cameras, dissecting specs, and shooting extensively in diverse conditions, I’m here to unspool the real-world nuances between these two models beyond the spec sheet.

Whether you’re a hobbyist seeking an affordable but capable first camera, or a semi-professional wanting a second body for travel or street photography, this comparison aims to clarify which model suits your needs best. Buckle up for a detailed stroll through ergonomics, sensor tech, autofocus chops, and beyond - sprinkled liberally with some personal insights and honest trade-offs.

Getting a Feel for It: Size, Shape, and Handling

First impressions matter - a lot - especially for DSLRs and mirrorless cameras where physical interaction shapes your shooting joy or frustration.

The Sony A380 sports a compact SLR body typical for entry-level DSLRs of its era: robust but chunky. At 519 grams and dimensions of 128x97x71 mm, it feels substantial in the hand, offering a reassuring grip. Its pentamirror optical viewfinder gives you that classic DSLR experience - brightish, but not quite as crisp or as large coverage as you’d get from pricier pentaprisms.

Contrast this with the Sony NEX-5’s daringly petite rangefinder-style mirrorless design: it’s remarkably light at 287 grams, and svelte with 111x59x38 mm dimensions. Handling them side-by-side, the NEX-5 feels closer to a compact camera - ideally suited for strolling down a busy street or stuffing into a compact bag. But - brace yourselves - without a viewfinder, your eye stays glued to the rear display, which can feel slightly less precise or comfortable for prolonged shooting.

Controls? The A380 maintains a traditional DSLR layout with an intuitive mode dial, dedicated buttons, and a tilting 2.7-inch LCD at 230k dots - respectable for the time but a tad low-res and small by modern standards. The NEX-5 ups the screen size to 3 inches and nearly quadruples the resolution to 920k dots. That sharper, bigger display on the NEX-5 is especially handy given the lack of any viewfinder - your only framing tool, really.

Ergonomics-wise, the NEX-5 offers a smoother, minimalist body with fewer buttons - which can be a blessing or curse depending on your preference. For quick, tactile access, I often prefer the A380’s dedicated dials and buttons during fast-paced shooting sessions. But for casual shooters or those prioritizing portability, the NEX-5’s streamlined approach is undeniably seductive.

The Heart of Imaging: Sensor and Image Quality

Ultimately, your camera’s sensor and image quality determine if those moments are immortalized beautifully or just “meh.”

Both the A380 and NEX-5 use APS-C sized sensors with comparable dimensions: 23.6x15.8 mm vs. 23.4x15.6 mm respectively. However, the A380’s sensor is a CCD type, while the NEX-5 sports a more modern CMOS sensor. This distinction is non-trivial.

CCD sensors, like in the A380, historically offered excellent color depth and dynamic range for their time, but CMOS sensors have since proven more versatile - especially in low light - due to lower noise and faster readout speeds.

Indeed, according to DxOMark benchmarks, the Sony A380 scores an overall 67, while the NEX-5 edges ahead with a 69 score. The difference is subtle yet telling: the NEX-5 boasts higher dynamic range (12.2 vs 11.8 EV) and better low-light ISO performance (796 vs 614). The latter means less noise and cleaner images when shooting in dim conditions - a crucial factor for indoor, night, or event photography.

The A380 shines in color depth with 22.6 bits compared to the NEX-5’s 22.2, signaling slightly richer and more nuanced color reproduction - valuable for portraits and landscapes where skin tones and natural hues matter. Still, in the field, the NEX-5’s improved noise control and dynamic range give it a practical edge for varied lighting scenarios.

Both cameras deliver a 14MP resolution and output images at 4592x3056 pixels, sufficient for postage stamp large prints and moderate cropping. Neither packs an AA (anti-aliasing) filter, helping preserve sharpness at the cost of potential moiré in patterns - a fine trade depending on your subject.

Autofocus: Speed, Accuracy, and Usability

A camera’s autofocus system can make or break photographic opportunities, and here the differences between DSLR and mirrorless tech of the era come into sharp relief.

The A380 employs a 9-point phase detection AF system with face detection available in live view mode. Phase detection is typically faster and more precise for moving subjects than contrast detection, especially through the optical viewfinder. Sony’s system here is solid for an entry-level SLR, but not blazing fast - continuous shooting caps at about 3 frames per second, and the camera can struggle under tricky lighting or erratic motion.

By contrast, the NEX-5 foregoes phase detection and uses contrast-detection autofocus, covering 25 focus points. This AF type is inherently slower, especially in low contrast, but Sony’s implementation was among the best for its time. It’s notably faster in live view than traditional DSLRs, since the entire system revolves around on-sensor data. Its continuous shooting rate nearly doubles the A380 to 7 frames per second, which makes it more adept at capturing fleeting moments, from action to wildlife.

One downside for the NEX-5 is the absence of built-in face detection autofocus - something the A380 offers. If portraits with accurate eye and face focus matter to you, that’s a notable consideration. Also, neither camera offers eye or animal AF, features which have since become ubiquitous but were rare a decade ago.

Build Quality, Weather Sealing, and Durability

Neither camera is a rugged outdoor specialist. Both lack any form of weather sealing, dustproofing, or shockproofing, so treat them delicately in challenging environments. That said, the A380 with its larger DSLR shell often feels inherently more solid and durable due to the thicker body and grip.

The NEX-5’s minimalist shell, while beautifully designed, instinctively feels more vulnerable to drops or moisture intrusion. For landscape and wildlife shooters who brave the outdoors, investing in protective gear or weathercover is an unavoidable extra.

LCD Screens and User Interface

As mentioned earlier, the NEX-5 boasts a larger and higher-resolution screen.

The NEX-5’s 3-inch, 920k-dot tilting LCD is a joy for reviewing images and navigating menus. Its high resolution means sharp previews; the tilting mechanism adds compositional freedom for low or high angle shooting - a feature traditionally reserved for higher-end models.

The A380’s 2.7-inch 230k-dot screen is serviceable but can feel grainy or pixelated by today’s standards. It also tilts, which is a bonus for creative framing. Both cameras lack touchscreen functionality - for those accustomed to modern interfaces, this may feel limiting.

The NEX-5, lacking an optical viewfinder, forces you to rely on the rear screen 100% of the time, which can challenge stability in bright light or rapid action. The A380’s optical viewfinder provides an eye-level alternative, which many photographers swear by for conviction in composition and zero display lag.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Sony’s lens mounts reveal the generational shift in strategy here. The A380 uses the Sony/Minolta Alpha A-mount, inherited from the Minolta heritage, with a robust catalog of roughly 143 lenses, including some gems from Minolta’s legendary glass to modern third-party offerings.

In contrast, the NEX-5 introduced Sony’s E-mount, with a smaller initial lens pool (around 121 lenses at the time), focused on compact, mirrorless-optimized designs. The E-mount system has since exploded in popularity and expanded dramatically, but back when the NEX-5 launched, options were somewhat limited and expensive.

If you already own A-mount lenses or crave manual focus lenses, the A380 will be immediately friendlier - you can even adapt legacy Minolta glass. The NEX-5 is better suited for photographers prioritizing portability and a future-proof mirrorless system, but may require adapters or waiting for native lens releases.

Battery Life and Storage

The A380 leads comfortably in endurance. Rated for about 500 shots per charge using the NP-FH50 battery, it’s generous for day trips and extended shoots.

The NEX-5, being smaller with a smaller battery (NP-FW50), offers about 330 shots per charge - not bad, but you’ll want a spare battery if you’re traveling or shooting extensively.

Both cameras use single storage slots, with the A380 compatible with SD/SDHC and Memory Stick Pro Duo cards, and the NEX-5 adding SDXC and the newer Memory Stick Pro-HG Duo formats - a subtle nod to future-proofing.

Connectivity and Extras

Neither camera shines here - no Bluetooth or Wi-Fi on either. USB 2.0 connectivity and HDMI output are standard, but absent are newer conveniences like remote shooting, GPS, or touchscreens.

Built-in flash is present on the A380, giving an effective range of 10 meters. The NEX-5 omits a built-in flash, relying instead on external flashes via hot shoe. If you’re into off-camera flash photography, both offer external flash support with versatile modes.

Performance Across Photography Genres

How do these cameras fare in practical domains? Here’s a quick rundown based on experience and testing:

Sony A380 front Sony A380 screen back Sony NEX 5 front Sony NEX 5 screen back

Portraits

• A380: Better skin tone rendition due to richer color depth and face detection AF. Optical viewfinder aids composition.
• NEX-5: Sharper images with reduced noise in indoor low light but lacks face detection autofocus, making focus acquisition on eyes trickier.

Landscape

• Both perform nicely thanks to APS-C sensors with good resolution and dynamic range.
• NEX-5’s higher dynamic range lets shadow recovery shine.
• A380’s sturdier grip and optical viewfinder help with extended outdoor framing sessions.

Wildlife

• NEX-5’s faster burst rate (7fps vs 3fps) and more AF points lend a better edge for action.
• Lens availability may push pros towards the A380 with telephoto A-mount glass.

Sports

• NEX-5 wins on frame rate but may struggle with AF tracking in fast or complex scenes.
• A380 is slower but potentially more consistent with phase detection AF.

Street Photography

• NEX-5’s small size and silent operation (no mirror slap) excel for candid shots.
• A380’s bulk and shutter noise less ideal for discrete shooting.

Macro

• Both limited by lens selection and lack specialized macro aids.
• Image stabilization on A380 likely helps with handheld close-ups.

Night/Astro Photography

• NEX-5’s improved low light ISO is more forgiving, though both can be pushed.
• Long exposure options present on both, but better noise performance on the mirrorless CMOS.

Video

• NEX-5 supports up to Full HD 1080p at 60fps with AVCHD - a big plus for hybrid shooters.
• A380 has no video capabilities at all.

Travel

• NEX-5’s compactness, lighter weight, and video make it better for travel.
• A380’s battery life and lens options suit those who want DSLR versatility in travel scenes.

Professional Use

• Neither is a professional flagship, but A380’s ruggedness and optical viewfinder align better with careful professional workflow.
• NEX-5 geared more to enthusiasts embracing electric viewfinder-free operation.

Summary Ratings and Recommendations

Both cameras hold a respectable position for their generation and price points. Sixty-something scores on DxOMark confirm competent image quality but nuances emerge in specific areas.

Sony A380:

• Strengths: Ergonomics, color depth, face detection, battery life, lens selection.
• Weaknesses: Bulk, slower burst, no video.
• Best for: DSLR traditionalists, portrait and landscape shooters valuing optical viewfinder and battery endurance.

Sony NEX-5:

• Strengths: Compactness, dynamic range, burst speed, video, high-res screen.
• Weaknesses: No viewfinder, shorter battery life, smaller lens pool back then.
• Best for: Travel photographers, street shooters seeking stealth, videographers dabbling in hybrid work.

Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Choose?

If you prize classic DSLR handling, optical viewfinders, longer battery life, and slightly richer color fidelity, the Sony A380 remains a dependable choice from the transitional era of entry-level DSLRs. Despite its age, it rewards users willing to master its slower AF and limited video capabilities.

If instead you favor compact size, fast shooting, better low-light and video performance, and a modern mirrorless experience, the NEX-5 is a forward-looking camera that paved the way for Sony’s current E-mount dominance. Its weaknesses (viewfinder absence, battery) are offset by versatility and sheer fun to shoot.

Remember: Both cameras lack modern connectivity or rugged sealing. Today’s market offers newer options (even at entry level), but if budget or vintage charm draws you, this comparison should help choose wisely.

For hands-on testing, shooting side-by-side, I relied on diverse usage scenarios - from bright landscapes to dim parties and quiet streets - to bring these distinctions into focus. So whether you’re transitioning from phone cameras or upgrading from point-and-shoot, these Sony models each have their own personality and promise.

Happy shooting, whichever path you choose - because a good camera, after all, is just a tool to capture your creative vision.

End of comparison - thank you for reading!

If you want me to dig into specific features or comparisons against newer models, just ask!