Sony Introduces Alpha A290 and A390 DSLR Cameras

Sony Introduces Alpha A290 and A390 DSLR Cameras

Earlier today Sony announced two new DSLR cameras, the A290 and the A390. The Alpha A290 provides beginning photographers with a 14.2 megapixel sensor (the same one found on the A380), a 9 point AF system, 230.4K Dot 2.7 inch LCD display, and Sony’s in-camera image stabilization system, SteadyShot. It does not provide Live View shooting, nor does it offer HD movie recording, despite having an HDMI port on board.

The A390 adds Sony’s well regarded Live View to the mix, as well as offering a tilting LCD, though resolution and size remain the same. Otherwise the two share the same specifications.

Very much intended for first time DSLR consumers, the  A290 and A390 are short on physical controls, instead both look to be largely interface driven. Beefed up relative to the A230 and A380, the A290 and A390 sport a slightly beefier grip, which should aid handling aspects.

The A290 will be available in July, and cost $499 when paired with the 18-55mm kit lens. The A390 checks in at $599, also with the 18-55mm lens

Additional Media

Press the “Play” button to start the slideshows of camera views. Once started you can cycle through the images via your left and right arrow keys.

Press Release

More style and value by Sony for first-time DSLR users

Easy-to-use DSLR-A390 and DSLR-A290 with 14.2 megapixels

• DSLR-A390 with 14.2 megapixels, Quick AF Live View and 6.7cm (2.7-inch) tilt LCD; DSLR-A290 with 14.2 megapixels
• Compact, stylish body with new grip design and revised button layout for comfortable handling
• Quick AF Live View with tilt LCD (α390) for live image preview with fast, accurate autofocus
• Friendly on-screen Help Guide and Graphic Display
• HDMI output and BRAVIA Sync

June 9, 2010: The α (Alpha) digital SLR range from Sony grows further with two stylish, affordable new entry-level cameras.

Ideal for first-time DSLR users, the DSLR-A390 (α390) and DSLR-A290 (α290) offer a dramatic step up in picture quality and creative options from point-and-shoot compact cameras. Just as importantly, they’re beautifully easy to use, even if you’ve never handled a DSLR before.

With a resolution of 14.2 effective megapixels for flawless, low-noise images, both cameras offer the speedy shooting responses that are prized by DSLR users. The α390 adds the extra benefit of Quick AF Live View. This unique system teams the convenience of live image preview on the tilt-angle Clear Photo LCD with speedy, accurate phase-detection autofocus.

The most affordable new DSLR from Sony, the α290 offers the same 14.2 effective megapixel resolution as the α390 in a compact body that weighs just 456g (excluding battery and media).

Both cameras feature an attractive new grip design that allows even more comfortable handling. Upper control areas of both models have also been revised with a clear, uncluttered new button layout.

Even DSLR novices will find it brilliantly simple to explore the generous creative features of both new cameras. The intuitive Graphic Display makes it easy to understand the relation between shutter speed and aperture, plus the effects of your chosen exposure settings on the final picture. The Help Guide offers clear, concise explanations of camera functions, illustrated by a sample image to show the results you’ll achieve. Quick access to shooting and playback function menus is streamlined by colourful on-screen icons.

The α390 and α290 include a mini-HDMI terminal for direct connection to any HD Ready TV (requires optional cable). Support for PhotoTV HD ensures even better-looking still image reproduction on compatible BRAVIA™ models. BRAVIA™ Sync allows control of slideshow and other camera playback functions in comfort using your TV remote.

The stylish, easy to use new α390 and α290 digital SLR cameras by Sony are available from summer 2010.

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1. 

   D says:

   July 10, 2010 at 11:44 pm

   Sony is way behind with these two. They should take a look at the Pentax K-x and all the things it offers (video) for a better price and easy to find batteries. Then, there are also the Canon T1 and the Nikon d5000 both do video.

   reply