Sony Alpha 290 vs Sony Alpha 390 — Which Is Better?
Side by side47 specifications |
Sony · DSLR · 14.2 MP · APS-C
Sony Alpha 290
40
SCORE
|
Sony · DSLR · 14.2 MP · APS-C
Sony Alpha 390
40
SCORE
|
|---|---|---|
 |  | |
| General | ||
Read the General ComparisonGeneralThe Sony Alpha 290 and Sony Alpha 390 are APS-C DSLRs launched in 2010 and announced within the same month. They measure the same 128 x 97 x 86 mm and weigh the same 549 g, so neither is a lighter or more compact carry for travel and everyday shooting. | ||
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. |
2010 | 2010 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. |
June 1, 2010 | June 9, 2010 |
| Camera type |  DSLR | DSLR |
| Camera size | 128 x 97 x 86 mm | 128 x 97 x 86 mm |
| Camera weight | 549 g | 549 g |
| Optics | 46/100 | 46/100 |
Read the Optics ComparisonOpticsImage capture is a similarity here: both cameras pair a 14.2 megapixel APS-C CCD sensor with the Bionz processor, so neither gives you extra pixels for cropping a distant subject or larger prints. Both also have in-body stabilisation, which steadies handheld shots in dim interiors with any Sony Alpha DT lens you mount. The shooting package is shared as well, from the 9-point autofocus layout and 2.5 fps continuous rate to the 100 to 3200 ISO range, so neither is set up differently for fast subjects or dim venues. | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
14.2 MP050 | 14.2 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. |
4592 x 3056 | 4592 x 3056 |
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 | 15.7 x 23.5 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |
 APS-C | APS-C |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. |
2.5 fps045 | 2.5 fps045 |
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 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. |
10030200 | 10030200 |
Max ISO ⓘ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. |
32003003280000 | 32003003280000 |
Min 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. |
10030200 | 10030200 |
Max 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. |
32003003280000 | 32003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. |
3044080 | 3044080 |
Max 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. |
400080032000 | 400080032000 |
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. |
90300 | 90300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |
 Yes | Yes |
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) |
| Viewfinder dots | N/A | N/A |
| Video | ||
Read the Video ComparisonVideoNeither the Alpha 290 nor the Alpha 390 records video or offers a built-in timelapse mode. Anyone who wants clips alongside stills, even basic ones, needs to look at other cameras entirely. | ||
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |
✗ | ✗ |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |
N/A | N/A |
Max video format ⓘVideo resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. |
N/A | N/A |
Max video frame rate ⓘHow many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. |
N/A | N/A |
Timelapse 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. |
✗ | ✗ |
Video file format ⓘDifferent cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. |
N/A | N/A |
| Features | 34/100 | 34/100 |
Read the Features ComparisonFeaturesFraming options are identical, and that helps with awkward angles: each camera has a tilting 2.7-inch LCD with 230,400 dots plus live view, so waist-level or overhead compositions work the same way on both. Flash options also match, with a built-in unit and support for an external flash on either body for indoor portraits and fill light outdoors. Neither offers GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, a touchscreen or weather sealing, so geotagging and wireless transfer are off the table on both. | ||
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |
 Yes | Yes |
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. |
 Yes | Yes |
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 dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. |
2304001150001500000 | 2304001150001500000 |
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. |
 Yes | Yes |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |
 Yes | Yes |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. |
✗ | ✗ |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |
✗ | ✗ |
| Storage & battery | 16/100 | 13/100 |
Read the Storage & battery ComparisonStorage and BatteryThe Alpha 290 holds the advantage for a long day of shooting: its NP-FH50 battery is rated at 290 shots against 230 on the Alpha 390, a 60-shot lead on the rating. Storage is otherwise a shared setup: each takes SD or SDHC cards alongside Memory Stick Pro Duo and Pro-HG Duo media in a single slot. Neither supports USB charging, so a separate charger belongs in your bag either way. | ||
| Memory card | SD / SDHC, Memory Stick Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo | SD / SDHC, Memory Stick Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo |
| Dual memory card slots | ✗ | ✗ |
| Battery type | NP-FH50 | NP-FH50 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. |
290 shots1505000 | 230 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✗ | ✗ |
Read: Verdict
Verdict
These two are closely matched stills cameras, and the battery rating is the practical tiebreaker. The Alpha 290's higher rating makes it the pick for a long day of sightseeing or an afternoon of family photos when you want the lowest risk of running low.
For shorter outings near a charger, the Alpha 390 does the same job: it shares the 14.2 megapixel resolution, in-body stabilisation and Sony Alpha DT lens system, so landscapes, portraits and everyday snapshots lose nothing by choosing it.