Sony Alpha 390
Sony · DSLR · 14.2 MP · APS-C
Score Breakdown
Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.
Independent Lab Scores
General | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Sony |
| Model | Alpha 390 |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2010 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | June 9, 2010 |
| Camera type |  DSLR |
| Camera size | 128 x 97 x 86 mm |
| Camera weight | 549 g |
Optics46/100 | |
About the OpticsConsidering the camera’s specifications and age, it struggles to compete with more modern DSLR cameras in the market. Nevertheless, the Sony Alpha 390 remains a decent option for those seeking an affordable, entry-level DSLR. Sony Alpha 390 Overview and OpticsThe optics of the Sony Alpha 390 receive a score of 46/100. This camera features 14.2 megapixels and a shooting speed of 2.5 frames per second. It is equipped with a CCD sensor and a Bionz processor. The DXOMARK score for the sensor is 66, and it has an APS-C sensor size. The lens mount is Sony Alpha DT, and it includes image stabilization. The aspect ratio is 3:2. Compared to current market standards, the Sony Alpha 390 falls short in some aspects. The 14.2-megapixel resolution is lower than many modern cameras, and the shooting speed of 2.5 frames per second is also slower than competitors. However, the image stabilization feature is a valuable addition that helps improve image quality. The Sony Alpha 390’s optics are not the most advanced or competitive in today’s market. Despite its limitations, the camera still offers some useful features, such as image stabilization. It may not be the top choice for professionals, but it can be a suitable option for those seeking a basic, reliable camera. | |
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 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 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | 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. | 15.7 x 23.5 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  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 |
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 |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | 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 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 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 |
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 |
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 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 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 |
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 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |  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) |
| Viewfinder dots | N/A |
Video | |
About the VideoThe Sony Alpha 390 lacks video capabilities. This camera solely captures still images. | |
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. | No |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. | 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 |
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 |
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. | No |
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 |
Features34/100 | |
About the FeaturesThe Sony Alpha 390 earned a feature score of 34/100. The camera possesses a 2.7-inch screen with a resolution of 230,400 dots. It does not have a touchscreen, but it does have a flip screen for various shooting angles. Unfortunately, the Alpha 390 lacks modern connectivity features, such as GPS, WiFi, and Bluetooth. Comparing these specifications to today’s market, the Alpha 390 falls behind in terms of screen size, resolution, and connectivity. Many current cameras offer touchscreens, higher resolutions, and various connectivity options. The absence of these features limits the versatility and functionality of the Alpha 390. The Sony Alpha 390 is an entry-level camera with basic features. Its low feature score highlights its limitations when compared to other cameras in the market. Potential buyers should consider these factors before making a decision. | |
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |  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 |
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. | No |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. | No |
| Screen type | LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. | No |
| Screen size | 2.7" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 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 |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |  Yes |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. | No |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. | No |
Storage & Battery13/100 | |
About the Storage & BatteryThe storage and battery score for the Sony Alpha 390 is a mere 13/100. The camera has only one memory card slot, accepting SD/SDHC and Memory Stick Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo cards. This limitation may hinder photographers who require more storage capacity or the flexibility of multiple card slots. The Sony Alpha 390’s battery life is also quite low, providing just 230 shots per charge with its NP-FH50 battery. Furthermore, the camera lacks USB charging capabilities. In comparison to modern cameras, this battery life is considered subpar, as many contemporary models offer longer-lasting batteries and convenient USB charging options. Considering the storage and battery specifications of the Sony Alpha 390, it falls short in meeting the expectations of today’s market. Its limited storage options and inadequate battery life make it a less desirable choice for photographers in need of a reliable and versatile camera. | |
| Memory card | SD / SDHC, Memory Stick Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo |
| Dual memory card slots | No |
| Battery type | NP-FH50 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 230 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | No |