Sony A380 SD Card Guide: Avoid These Costly Mistakes

The Sony A380 uses SD memory cards with a maximum capacity of 32GB. Released in 2009, this camera predates larger and faster cards now available.

Important: Using a 64GB or larger card will trigger a formatting error. The camera cannot format cards beyond 32GB.

The A380 also accepts Sony PRO Duo and PRO-HG Duo Memory Stick cards, but these are discontinued. SD cards offer better value—they’re faster, cheaper, and have better availability. Only use a PRO Duo card if you already own one.

Looking for lens recommendations? Check our guide on affordable Sony A380 lenses.

Sony A380 SD Card Compatibility

The Sony A380 is compatible with the SD and SDHC standards.

Make sure the camera is using the latest firmware.

The newest SDXC and SDUC cards will not work with the A380. They are too large and will cause an error.

• SD (Secure Digital) - 128MB to 2GB.
• SDHC (Secure Digital High Capacity) - 4GB to 32GB.
• SDXC (Secure Digital eXtended Capacity) - 64GB to 2TB.
• SDUC (Secure Digital Ultra Capacity) - 4TB to 128TB.

How Many Photos Fit on a Card?

Here’s the approximate image capacity for high-quality JPEGs from the 14.2 megapixel sensor:

• 4GB - 1,020
• 8GB - 2,040
• 16GB - 4,080
• 32GB - 8,160

Understanding Speed Class Ratings

Class rating is determined by sustained write speed. The rating will be shown as a number inside of a C on the label.

For example, as card that could write data at 5MB/s would get a Class 4 rating.

Class 10 card are likely much faster than 10MB/s. That’s why there are additional ratings for high resolution video.

• Class 2 - 2MB/s
• Class 4 - 4MB/s
• Class 6 - 6MB/s
• Class 8 - 8MB/s
• Class 10 - 10MB/s or faster

Best 32GB SD Cards for Your Camera

Any 32GB SD card with UHS-I will work well. These cards offer the best value and are compatible with other modern devices.

What to avoid:

• Skip expensive, high-speed cards—the A380 can’t utilize the extra speed
• Don’t buy UHS-II cards—this camera lacks the hardware for them
• Avoid used cards—you can’t verify remaining lifespan

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PNY Elite 32GB

• Read speeds up to 100MB/s
• Class 10, U1, V10 rating—reliable for Full HD video and photos
• Durable: magnet-proof, shock-proof, temperature-proof, waterproof

SanDisk Ultra 32GB

• Read speeds up to 90MB/s
• Class 10 rating for Full HD (1080p) video
• Waterproof, temperature-proof, X-ray-proof, shockproof
• Budget-friendly option

Transcend SDHC 32GB

• UHS Speed Class 1 (U1) for Full HD video and burst shots
• Built to withstand extreme conditions
• Reliable performer for everyday use

About PRO Duo Memory Stick Cards

Sony A380 PRO Duo Memory Stick Compatibility

The Sony A380 can use PRO Duo and PRO-HG Duo Memory Sticks. Those are a proprietary memory card format that Sony has discontinued.

PRO-HG are the fastest with read speeds up to 50MB/s and a 15MB/s minimum write speed. They will cost at least twice as much as an SD card.

If you have a Memory Stick, go ahead and use it.

I would not recommend purchasing a PRO Duo card. SD cards are easier to find, less expensive, come in larger capacities, and are compatible with more devices.

What Is UHS Speed?

The Ultra High Speed bus (UHS) is available with SDHC, SDXC, and SDUC memory cards.

There are three different specifications that increase with maximum transfer rates.

UHS ratings are shown on a card label as a Roman number I, II, or III. Product listing will prominently display the rating.

• UHS-I - Maximum transfer rate of 104 MB/s
• UHS-II - Maximum transfer rate of 312 MB/s
• UHS-III - Maximum transfer rate of 624 MB/s