Sony Alpha 290 vs Alpha 350 Comparison
Sony Alpha 290
Sony Alpha 350
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Brand | Sony | Sony | |
Model | Alpha 290 | Alpha 350 | |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2010 | 2008 | |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | 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.
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Optics
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Sony Alpha 290
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Sony Alpha 350
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Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 14.2 MP | 14.2 MP | |
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Image Resolution Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 4592 x 3056 px | 4592 x 3056 px | |
Sensor Type The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | CCD | CCD | |
Sensor Size The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 15.8 x 23.6 mm | 15.8 x 23.6 mm | |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  APS-C | APS-C | |
Frame Rate The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 2.5 fps | 3 fps | |
Lens Mount The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Sony Alpha DT | Sony Alpha DT | |
Image Processor The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | Bionz | Bionz | |
Aspect Ratio The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |  3:2 | 3:2 | |
Minimum ISO (Native) Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 100 | 100 | |
Maximum ISO (Native) Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. | 3,200 | 3,200 | |
Minimum ISO (Expanded) Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 100 | 100 | |
Maximum ISO (Expanded) Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 3200 | 3200 | |
Minimum Shutter Speed The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 30 s | 30 s | |
Maximum Shutter Speed The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. | 1/ 4000 s | 1/ 4000 s | |
Autofocus Points Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 9 | 9 | |
In-body Stabilization In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |   | | |
Viewfinder Type The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. | 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.
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Video
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Sony Alpha 290
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Sony Alpha 350
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Video Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |   | | |
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Time-Lapse Built In A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |  | |
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.
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Features
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Sony Alpha 290
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Sony Alpha 350
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Built-in Flash A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |  | | |
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External Flash External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |  | | |
GPS GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. |  | | |
Weather Sealing Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |  | | |
Screen Type | LCD | LCD | |
Touch Screen Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |  | | |
Screen Size |  2.7" | 2.7" | |
Screen Resolution Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 230,400 dots | 230,000 dots | |
Flip Screen A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |  | | |
Live View Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |  | | |
Wi-Fi |  | | |
Bluetooth Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |  | | |
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.
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Storage and Battery
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Sony Alpha 290
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Sony Alpha 350
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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 | |
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Dual Memory Card Slots |  | | |
Battery Type | NP-FH50 | NP-FM500H | |
Battery Life Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 290 shots | 730 shots | |
USB Charging |  | |
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DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
Sony Alpha 290
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Sony Alpha 350
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Overall Score DXOMARK overall sensor score. | |||
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Portrait (Color Depth) As described by DXOMARK 'The Portrait score in our camera sensor reviews defines color depth performance and its unit is a number of bits. A color depth of 22 bits is excellent; differences below 1 bit are barely noticeable.' | 22.6 bits | 22.6 bits | |
Landscape (Dynamic Range) As described by DXOMARK 'The Landscape score in our camera sensor tests defines the maximum dynamic range of the camera sensor and its unit is an exposure value (EV). A value of 12 EV is excellent with differences below 0.5 EV usually not noticeable.' | 11.5 EVs | 11.5 EVs | |
Sports (Low-Light ISO) Described by DXOMARK as 'The maximal value of ISO sensitivity needed to reach a given value of Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). The greater the value, the better' | 615 | 595 |
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Scores
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Sony Alpha 290
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Sony Alpha 350
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Sony Alpha 290 vs Alpha 350 – Our Verdict
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:
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User Scores
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Sony Alpha 290
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Sony Alpha 350
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B&H photo video |
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