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Sony Alpha 290 vs Alpha 350 Comparison

Optics
Video
Features
Storage & Battery

Sony Alpha 290

Sony Alpha 290
40%

Sony Alpha 350

Sony a350
Winner!
44%
Sony Alpha 290
vs
Sony Alpha 350
Price
Brand
Sony
Sony
Model
Alpha 290
Alpha 350
Released
2010
2008
Announcement Date
June 01, 2010
January 30, 2008
Camera Type
DSLR
DSLR
Camera Size
Camera Weight

The Sony Alpha 350 outperforms the Sony Alpha 290 with a score of 44/100 compared to 40/100. Both cameras share similarities as they are both DSLR cameras, released in 2008 and 2010 respectively, and have comparable sizes and weights. The Alpha 350 is superior due to its higher score, which indicates better overall performance. However, the Alpha 290 has some advantages, such as being lighter at 549g compared to 674g and having a lower launch price of $499, compared to the Alpha 350’s $700.

Despite the Alpha 290’s lighter weight and lower price, the Alpha 350 is the better choice due to its higher score, representing better quality and performance.

Sony Alpha 290 vs Alpha 350 Overview and Optics

The Sony Alpha 290 narrowly outperforms the Sony Alpha 350 in terms of optics, scoring 46/100 compared to the latter’s 45/100. Both cameras share several common specifications, including 14.2 megapixels, CCD sensor type, Bionz processor, APS-C sensor size, Sony Alpha DT lens mount, and image stabilization.

The Sony Alpha 290’s edge over the Alpha 350 is due to its slightly higher DXOMARK score for the sensor, which is 66 compared to the Alpha 350’s 65. This means the Alpha 290 has a marginally better sensor performance, which contributes to the overall quality of the images captured.

On the other hand, the Sony Alpha 350 has a faster shooting speed of 3 frames per second (fps), while the Alpha 290 captures at 2.5 fps. This advantage allows the Alpha 350 to capture fast-moving subjects more effectively, making it more suitable for action or sports photography.

In terms of optics, the Sony Alpha 290 is the winner, but only by a small margin. Its higher DXOMARK sensor score indicates slightly better image quality. However, the Sony Alpha 350’s faster shooting speed gives it an advantage in certain situations, such as capturing fast-moving subjects. Both cameras share many similar specifications, so the choice between the two ultimately depends on the specific needs and priorities of the photographer.

Optics
Optics
46%
45%
Megapixels
14.2 MP
14.2 MP
Image Resolution
4592 x 3056 px
4592 x 3056 px
Sensor Type
CCD
CCD
Sensor Size
15.8 x 23.6 mm
15.8 x 23.6 mm
Sensor Format
APS-C
APS-C
Frame Rate
2.5 fps
3 fps
Lens Mount
Sony Alpha DT
Sony Alpha DT
Image Processor
Bionz
Bionz
Aspect Ratio
3:2
3:2
Minimum ISO (Native)
100
100
Maximum ISO (Native)
3,200
3,200
Minimum ISO (Expanded)
100
100
Maximum ISO (Expanded)
3200
3200
Minimum Shutter Speed
30 s
30 s
Maximum Shutter Speed
1/ 4000 s
1/ 4000 s
Autofocus Points
9
9
In-body Stabilization
Viewfinder Type
Optical (pentamirror)
Optical (pentamirror)

Sony Alpha 290 vs Alpha 350 Video Performance

When examining the video capabilities of the Sony Alpha 290 and the Sony Alpha 350, it is important to note that neither camera possesses video functionality. Therefore, there is no difference between the two models in this aspect.

Video
Video
Video
Time-Lapse Built In

Sony Alpha 290 vs Alpha 350 Features and Benefits

The Sony Alpha 290 and the Sony Alpha 350 both have a feature score of 34/100, making them equal in this aspect. They share several common specifications, such as a 2.7-inch screen size, no touchscreen, a flip screen, and no GPS, WIFI, or Bluetooth capabilities.

Despite their identical feature scores, the Sony Alpha 290 has a slightly higher screen resolution at 230,400 dots, compared to the Alpha 350’s resolution of 230,000 dots. This difference in resolution provides the Alpha 290 with a marginally better display quality.

On the other hand, the Sony Alpha 350 does not have any particular specifications that make it superior to the Alpha 290. Both cameras are quite similar in terms of features, with neither camera offering a clear advantage over the other.

Based on the specifications provided, the Sony Alpha 290 and the Sony Alpha 350 are nearly identical in terms of features, with the Alpha 290 having a slight edge in screen resolution. However, this minor difference is unlikely to significantly impact the overall user experience. As a result, potential buyers should consider other factors, such as price, design, and individual preferences, when choosing between these two cameras.

Features
Features
34%
34%
Built-in Flash
External Flash
GPS
Weather Sealing
Screen Type
LCD
LCD
Touch Screen
Screen Size
2.7"
2.7"
Screen Resolution
230,400 dots
230,000 dots
Flip Screen
Live View
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth

Sony Alpha 290 vs Alpha 350 Storage and Battery

The Sony Alpha 350 outperforms the Sony Alpha 290 in storage and battery, scoring 65/100 compared to the Alpha 290’s 16/100. Both cameras share some similarities in this aspect, such as accepting Memory Stick Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo cards and lacking USB charging capabilities.

The Alpha 350 excels with its two memory card slots, supporting Compact Flash (Type I or II), Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo, UDMA Mode 5, and FAT12 / FAT16 / FAT32 formats. This versatility in memory card compatibility provides more options for photographers. Additionally, the Alpha 350 boasts an impressive battery life of 730 shots, more than double the Alpha 290’s 290 shots, using the NP-FM500H battery type.

In contrast, the Alpha 290 only has one memory card slot and accepts SD / SDHC cards alongside Memory Stick Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo. Its battery life is significantly shorter, relying on the NP-FH50 battery type. There is no apparent advantage for the Alpha 290 in storage and battery aspects.

Taking these factors into account, the Sony Alpha 350 proves to be a superior choice for photographers seeking extended battery life and more storage options. The Alpha 290 falls short in this comparison, offering limited memory card compatibility and a shorter battery life.

Storage and Battery
Storage and Battery
16%
65%
Memory Card
SD / SDHC, Memory Stick Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo
Compact Flash (Type I or II), Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo, UDMA Mode 5, Supports FAT12 / FAT16 / FAT32
Dual Memory Card Slots
Battery Type
NP-FH50
NP-FM500H
Battery Life
290 shots
730 shots
USB Charging
DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK
Overall Score
66%
65%
Portrait (Color Depth)
22.6 bits
22.6 bits
Landscape (Dynamic Range)
11.5 EVs
11.5 EVs
Sports (Low-Light ISO)
615
595
Scores

Sony Alpha 290 vs Alpha 350 – Our Verdict

Sony Alpha 290 vs Alpha 350 Comparison image.

Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Sony Alpha 290 or the Sony Alpha 350:

User Scores
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