Sony Alpha DSLR-A380 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A380

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7
      61
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      62
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      Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Sony Alpha DSLR-A380 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A380 was introduced in August 2009 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7 was introduced in October 2012. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A380 Highlights

      • 14.2 MP APS-C CCD Sensor
      • 100 - 3,200 Native ISO
      • 9 Focus Points
      • Image Stabilization
      • 2.7" 230k dot Tilting Screen
      • Optical (pentamirror) Viewfinder
      • 2.5 fps Continuous Shooting
      • Built-in Flash

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7 Highlights

      • 10.1 MP 1/1.7-inch CMOS Sensor
      • 80 - 6,400 Native ISO
      • 23 Focus Points (23 Cross-type)
      • Image Stabilization
      • 3.0" 920k dot Fixed Screen
      • 11.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Sony Alpha DSLR-A380
      4. Advantage of Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7
      5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses
      6. Screen and Viewfinder
      7. Sensor
      8. Photography Features
      9. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
      10. Other Features
      11. Physical Parameters
      12. For Different Types of Photography
      13. Evaluations
      14. Specifications  

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Sony Alpha DSLR-A380 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7.

      PROS

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A380

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7

      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Video Capture
      •   80 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Light - 298 g (0.66 lb / 10.51 oz)
      •   Internal Storage
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A380

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7

      •   No Video Capture
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 14.2 Megapixel
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.5 fps
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 500 shots
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 10.1 Megapixel
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low DxO Overall Score - 50
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 330 shots


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A380

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7

      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Size - 2.7"
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 67
      •   Weight - 519 g (1.14 lb / 18.31 oz)
      •   23 Focus Points
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 11.0 fps

      Advantage of Sony Alpha DSLR-A380

      Sony DSLR-A380
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Sony Alpha DSLR-A380 over Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7.

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A380 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7
      Larger Sensor APS-C vs 1/1.7-inch
      Higher Sensor Resolution 14.2 Megapixel vs 10.1 Megapixel
      Max Image Resolution 4592 x 3056 vs 3648 x 2736
      Selective Autofocus vs
      Phase Detection for Autofocus vs
      Screen Type Tilting vs Fixed
      Higher DxO Low Light ISO 614 vs 147
      Higher DxO Color Depth 22.6 vs 20.7
      Higher DxO Dynamic Range 11.8 vs 11.7
      Higher DxO Overall Score 67 vs 50
      Longer Battery Life 500 shots vs 330 shots

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Sony Alpha DSLR-A380.

      Sony DSLR-A100
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A300
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A900
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      Full Frame

      24.6 MP

      Sony DSLR-A500
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      APS-C

      12.3 MP

      Sony DSLR-A850
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      24.6 MP

      Sony DSLR-A390
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A450
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A330
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A290
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A350
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A200
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A700
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      APS-C

      10.24 MP

      Advantage of Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7

      Panasonic LX7
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7 over Sony Alpha DSLR-A380.

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A380 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7
      Video Capture vs
      Lower Native ISO 100 vs 80
      Higher Native ISO 3,200 vs 6,400
      Timelapse Recording vs
      More Focus Points 9 vs 23
      Tracking Autofocus vs
      Contrast Detection for Autofocus vs
      Larger Screen 2.7" vs 3.0"
      Higher Resolution Screen 230k dot vs 920k dot
      Lower Min Shutter Speed 30 sec vs 60 sec
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 2.5 fps vs 11.0 fps
      Built-in Microphone vs Mono
      Lighter 519 g (1.14 lb / 18.31 oz) vs 298 g (0.66 lb / 10.51 oz)
      Internal Storage vs 70 MB

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7.

      Panasonic LX3
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      1/1.63-inch

      10.1 MP

      Panasonic LX5
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      1/1.63-inch

      10.1 MP

      Panasonic LX10
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      1-inch

      20.1 MP

      Panasonic GX850
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      Micro Four Thirds

      16 MP

      Canon R7
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      APS-C

      32.5 MP

      Panasonic G95
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      Micro Four Thirds

      20.3 MP

      Canon R6 II
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      Full Frame

      24.2 MP

      Sony a7R IV
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      Full Frame

      61.0 MP

      Pentax K-01
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      APS-C

      16 MP

      Canon 5DS
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      Full Frame

      50.6 MP

      Canon Rebel SL1
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      APS-C

      18.0 MP

      Nikon Z8
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      Full Frame

      45.7 MP

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Sony Alpha DSLR-A380 Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7
        Face Detection
        Live View Autofocus
        Image StabilizationSensor Shift
        Built-in Flash
        HDMI Output Type C Mini
        Orientation Sensor
      WEAKNESSES Sony Alpha DSLR-A380 Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7
        Low Resolution Sensor14.2 Megapixel10.1 Megapixel
        No Microphone Input
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi
        No Built-In Bluetooth
        No Environmental Sealing
        Short Battery Life500 shots330 shots

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A380 has a 2.7" Tilting screen with 230k dot resolution and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7 has a 3.0" Fixed screen with 920k dot resolution. Tilting screen makes Sony Alpha DSLR-A380 very useful for photography purposes but not so useful for video shooting.

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      Sony Alpha DSLR-A380 with Tilting screen


      Viewfinder

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A380 has a built-in Optical (pentamirror) viewfinder. It has a 95% coverage and 0.74x (0.49x 35mm equivalent) magnification.Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7 does not have a built-in viewfinder but an optional electronic viewfinder can be attached.

      Sensor

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A380 features a 14.2 megapixel APS-C CCD sensor with dimensions of 23.6 x 15.8 mm and a total area of 372.9 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 3,200. Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7 features a 10.1 megapixel 1/1.7-inch CMOS sensor with dimensions of 7.44 x 5.58 mm and a total area of 31.1 mm2. Its native ISO range is 80 - 6,400 and expands to 80 - 12,800 in boosted mode.

      Photography Features

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A380 is equipped with BIONZ processor and can take pictures up to 4592 x 3056 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4592 x 2576, 3408 x 2272, 3408 x 1920, 2288 x 1520, 2288 x 1280 with 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios. Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7 is equipped with Venus Engine processor and can take pictures up to 3648 x 2736 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 3968 x 2232, 3776 x 2520, 3328 x 1872, 3168 x 2112, 3072 x 2304, 2784 x 1568, 2736 x 2736, 2656 x 1768, 2560 x 1920, 2304 x 2304, 2208 x 1248, 2112 x 1408, 2048 x 1536, 2048 x 1360, 1920 x 1920, 1920 x 1080, 1600 x 1200, 1536 x 1536, 640 x 480, 480 x 480 with 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios.


      Image Stabilization

      The cameras have a built-in image stabilization. On Sony Alpha DSLR-A380 it means that you are still getting vibration reduction when it is paired with non-image stabilizied lenses. It also works with lenses with optical image stabilization and in combination can achieve even better compensation.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer. Sony Alpha DSLR-A380 has an HDMI and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7 has a Type C Mini HDMI connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A380 comes with NP-FH50 battery pack with battery life of 500 shots.


      External Storage Slots

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A380 has a single SD/SDHC, Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo card slot. Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7 has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Shutter speed can go up to 1/4000 sec on Sony Alpha DSLR-A380, and up to 1/4000 sec on Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7. Sony Alpha DSLR-A380 can shoot continuously up to 2.5 fps. Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7 can shoot continuously up to 11.0 fps.


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 10.00 m at ISO 100 on Sony Alpha DSLR-A380 and 8.50 m on Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7. They also accept external flash which can be connected via Shoe Mount to Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/160 sec on Sony Alpha DSLR-A380.

      Physical Parameters

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A380 body has dimensions of 128 x 97 x 71 mm (5.04 x 3.82 x 2.8") and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7 body has dimensions of 111 x 68 x 46 mm (4.37 x 2.68 x 1.81"). Sony Alpha DSLR-A380 weighs 519 g (1.14 lb / 18.31 oz) and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7 weighs 298 g (0.66 lb / 10.51 oz).

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A380

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7

      128 mm

      97 mm

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      111 mm

      68 mm

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      97 mm

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      68 mm

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      71 mm

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      46 mm

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      Size comparisons of Sony Alpha DSLR-A380 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A380 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7 for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A380

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7

      AVERAGE
      69
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      AVERAGE
      60
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A380

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7

      AVERAGE
      69
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.5 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 500 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      71
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   23 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 11.0 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 330 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A380

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7

      AVERAGE
      61
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.5 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 500 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      66
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   23 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 11.0 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 330 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A380

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7

      GOOD
      82
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 2.7"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      80
      •   Small Sensor
      •   23 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A380

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7

      GOOD
      83
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 519 g (1.14 lb / 18.31 oz)
      GOOD
      82
      •   Small Sensor
      •   23 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 298 g (0.66 lb / 10.51 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A380

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7

      GOOD
      82
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 519 g (1.14 lb / 18.31 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 500 shots
      GOOD
      84
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 298 g (0.66 lb / 10.51 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 330 shots

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Sony Alpha DSLR-A380 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7 and give them scores of 61 and 62 out of 100 recpectively. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Sony Alpha DSLR-A380

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7

      OVERALL
      61
      OVERALL
      62

      Sensor

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A380

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7

      GOOD
      71
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 14.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 67
      AVERAGE
      62
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 10.1 Megapixel
      •   80 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   Low DxO Overall Score - 50

      Photo

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A380

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7

      GOOD
      70
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.5 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
      GOOD
      75
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 11.0 fps

      Video

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A380

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7

      BAD
      0
      •   Image Stabilization
      POOR
      46
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080

      Focusing

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A380

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7

      GOOD
      75
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      AVERAGE
      66
      •   23 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A380

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7

      GOOD
      70
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Size - 2.7"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      AVERAGE
      68
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot

      Connectivity

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A380

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7

      AVERAGE
      57
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      AVERAGE
      55
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A380

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7

      POOR
      42
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 519 g (1.14 lb / 18.31 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 500 shots
      POOR
      42
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 298 g (0.66 lb / 10.51 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 330 shots
      •   Internal Storage


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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