The Sony Alpha A380 is a compact DSLR designed around a 14.2 (effective) megapixel, APS-C format CCD sensor, which utilizes a Sony BIONZ image processor to capture and process image files as RAW, JPEG, or RAW+JPEG at speeds of up to 2.5 frames-per-second (or 2 frames-per-second in Live View mode). The Alpha A380's body design is smooth and rounded, and features flush-mounted, yet easy to use camera controls. JPEG image files can be recorded in a choice of 3 compression ratios onto Memory Stick PRO Duo or SD/SDHC memory cards.

Two special features found on the Sony Alpha A380 include a tilt-mounted LCD Screen, which allows you to tilt the position of the camera's LCD (up 135° and down 55°) and Live View mode, which allows you to preview images from most any shooting or viewing angle on the camera's swivel-mounted LCD.

For indoor snapshots or eliminating 'raccoon eyes' when shooting portraits outdoors on sunny days, the Alpha A380 has a built-in pop-up flash (Guide number 10 in meters @ ISO 100). There's also a hot-shoe for use with Sony dedicated TTL flashguns and other Sony-compatible flashguns.

For composing images the A380's eye-level pentamirror viewfinder shows 95% of the total image area. A rear-mounted 2.7" (230,400-dot) TFT Clear Photo LCD allows you to view 100% of the total image area.

To facilitate sharp, well-exposed images, the Sony Alpha A380 utilizes a 9-point autofocus (AF) system that can be used in single or multi-shot mode. There's also an 'eye-start' mode which kick-starts the AF system when you raise the camera to your eye. For on-the-nose exposure readings the A380 features a 40-segment honeycomb-pattern SPC TTL metering system and Sony's D-Range Optimizer for balanced shadow and highlight details.

Other features of the Sony Alpha A380 include a Dust Reduction system, ISO settings that can be adjusted from a native 100 through an extended ISO 3200, a wide selection of shooting modes, an easy-to-read, easy-to-use menu interface, and Sony SteadyShot INSIDE image stabilization system for sharper imagery when shooting under low-light conditions with all Sony, Minolta, and Konica AF-mount lenses.

The Sony Alpha A380 powers off a Sony NP-FH50 lithium-ion battery, which can capture 500-plus images-per-charge, or 230 when using the camera's Live View mode.