Sony A290 and A390 introduced today

Moderators - I made a search for threads about A390, but found nothing. In case a thread with confirmed infos about these cameras would be hidden somewhere here anyway, please feel free to move this post to a proper place.


An article with pictures and a few specs about the new Sony A290 and A390 appeared today in a Swedish photo magazine, "Digitalfoto för Alla" #9 (possibly published one tad early?)

Very glad for this, despite that they are of no interest for me prsonally (I already have an A550, which I am VERY happy with - it is FAR better than most reviewers thinks). The important thing IMO is that Sony (unlike some pessimists here?), obviously believes there still is life in low-end DSLRs (and even more so in cameras higher up in the Sony camera hierarki, one might assume), and that the NEX system isn't supposed to kill the current Alpha line. Sony is possibly expecting some reduction in sales though, since there are only two models (if it stays that way) instead of the usual three... :-)


Anyway, it seems to be mainly complaint-fixes. :-)

The much critizised grip of the A230/A330/A380 series is gone, and replaced with a more conventional and appearantly with much better ergonomy.

The Smart Teleconverter button is moved out of the way a little, up onto the camera top.

Resolution of the lowend model is increased with 40%, so now both are equipped with 14 Mp image sensors. Couldn't find any mention of it being CCD or CMOS, but have made a quick browse only so far.

And A390 has Quick LiveView, while A290 has not (thanks Sony, for not confuse us unnecessarily!).

Still no video.


Will read the article again a little later, and come back with a few more specs.



Edited by Swede101 - 03 June 2010 at 22:15

The magazine says that Sony has concentrated on user friendliness and comfort for these first-time-buyer cameras. Maybe Sony actually IS listening to Dyxum opinions sometimes? :-)

Introductory prices in Sweden (approximately converted to Euro)
A290 + 18-55 mm 600 Euro
A390 + 18-55 mm 800 Euro
There will also be dual kits with the 55-200 mm too.

Common specs for both A290 and A390:
9 AF points
ISO up to 3200
In-camera SteadyShot
2,7" Screen
Either Memory Stick or SD memory cards (no dual slot, but a single combo slot).
New Help Guide + Tip Function (very clever, says the magazine writer).
HDMI Output

This magazine is rather Canon inclined (some long time Canon-user editors), but they do praise the Quick LiveView highly. "It is far quicker than the Contrast Detect AF used in other cameras. You woun't miss quick moving subjects, which may disappear instantly."

Actually, despite IMO a clear Canon bias, they were perhaps the first to appreciate Sonys Quick LiveView in Sweden (can't write about that now - got to go).

Why no video in this day and age?

travfar wrote: Why no video in this day and age?

because the canon xsi and nikon d3000 does not have video?

I just don't see real changes in all of these models, I'm starting to lose count now

Typical stratification of the market place. They are trying to drive distinct market segments and fill in the cracks with baby steps. Additionally, I think that they are not going to offer video without "in lens" stabilization. This opens the market up further to sell "new" IS (E mount) lenses while increasing the A mount body sales by continued sub-segmentation of the "no video" market. This strategy allows Sony to expand the market and products however, it takes away the very reason I want to use Sony - Minolta Glass.

Big companies are about growth. By sub-segmenting the market on the A mount bodies and using the "video" carrot to drive E mount body/lens sales.

well, from the way things are looking from all the rumors and leaks, we're about to see an A290, A390, A33, A55, A7xx, and possibly an A6xx and 9xx. of course, we won't know for sure if any of this is true or not (though the 290/390 are looking pretty good, and we have all been promised the 7xx by Sony itself) until it's all released (or not) but if it all comes to pass that's SEVEN new SLRs.

How's that for market stratification?

i'd also like to note that the 380 can't be purchased on the US sonystyle site, and the 330 can only be bought with the 18-55. the kit including the 55-200 is "no longer available from SonyStyle". So perhaps the 290/390 are closer than we think.