The leading model of Sony’s “upper entry level” trifecta of Alpha-branded shooters, the 14.2 megapixel DSLR-A380, has been hitting test benches lately and we’ve rounded up the results for your perusal.

The consensus appears to be that Sony has focused on bringing fans of compact cams up to the big time, with its uniquely responsive Live View and straightforward usability. Alas, ease of use is not the only thing brought up from the little leagues, with comparatively poor output at ISO 400 and above, lack of any video recording (as with the Canon EOS 500D and Nikon D5000, its nearest competitors) and unsatisfying viewfinder ergonomics. Conclusion? If you were looking for a point-and-shoot on steroids, your search is at an end, young hobbit but photography enthusiasts should probably look elsewhere.

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