Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W380

Sony released the DSC-W380 in January 2010 as a metal-bodied W-series compact with one headline spec: a Sony G lens starting at 24mm with an f/2.4 maximum aperture — fast and wide for a camera this size and price. Super SteadyShot optical stabilization, 14-megapixel Super HAD CCD, and Sweep Panorama rounded out a spec sheet that made it one of the more capable point-and-shoots in its class. Colors: silver, black, red, and gold.

THE LOOKS

In black, the W380 is a clean metal rectangle — 91 × 52 × 20mm, 117g, with a flat front face and the Sony G lens barrel sitting slightly left of center. The 2.7-inch LCD fills the rear, controls are minimal, and at 20mm deep it sits properly flat in a pocket. The G lens branding on the barrel is the only detail that signals what's inside. Nothing decorative, nothing unnecessary. Also available in silver, red, and gold.

THE SPECS

The Sony G lens is the reason to buy this camera — 24mm wide, f/2.4 maximum aperture, and Super SteadyShot optical stabilization in a body 20mm thin. That combination means handheld shots in dim rooms that most compacts at this price couldn't manage. The 14-megapixel Super HAD CCD delivers warm, characterful output. Sweep Panorama stitches wide shots in one button sweep. 720p/30fps HD video with optical zoom during recording. HDMI output. SD/SDHC/SDXC + Memory Stick, 91 × 52 × 20mm, 117g.

DESIGN HIGHLIGHTS

• Sony G lens at 24mm f/2.4: unusually fast and wide for a W-series compact — wider framing and more light without flash in conditions where most rivals at this price give up.
• Super SteadyShot optical IS in a 20mm body: lens-shift stabilization working with the f/2.4 aperture to extend the usable range in low light further than digital compensation could.
• Sweep Panorama with one-button capture: hold the shutter and sweep across a scene — the camera shoots at high speed and stitches automatically, no software or tripod needed.

THE VERDICT

The W380 is a camera built around a lens — the 24mm f/2.4 Sony G is the feature, and everything else supports it. At 24mm you get more of the room in frame than nearly any compact at this price, and f/2.4 with optical stabilization means usable shots in dim light where other compacts reach for the flash. The CCD output is warm at base ISO.