Sony reveals DSLR-A390 and DSLR-A290 budget cameras

Sony added two new budget dSLR cameras to its lineup; the DSLR-A290 and DSLR-A390. Both models feature a 14.2MP sensor and a 2.7" LCD display, one of the main differences between these cameras is that the DSLR-A390 has a tilt LCD with Quick AF Live View mode.

The company says the cameras should be available by the end of the month. The DSLR-A290 is expected to be available for 450EUR (with 18-55 lens) and 650EUR (with 18-55 + 55-200 lens), while the DSLRA-390 should retail for 500EUR (with 18-55 lens) and 700EUR (with 18-55 + 55-200 lens).

The α (Alpha) DSLR camera 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 camera 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 camera 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 camera 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.

A table with the full specifications of these cameras can be found below.

Key features	DSLR-A390 (α390)	DSLR-A290 (α290)
Type	Digital SLR camera with built-in flash and interchangeable lenses	Digital SLR camera with built-in flash and interchangeable lenses
Lens compatibility	Sony A-mount lens, Minolta and Konica Minolta AF lens	Sony A-mount lens, Minolta and Konica Minolta AF lens
Image sensor	14.2 effective megapixels	14.2 effective megapixels
Recording	Memory Stick PRO Duo/Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo/Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX SD memory card/SDHC memory card	Memory Stick PRO Duo/Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo/Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX SD memory card/SDHC memory card
White balance	Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Flash, Custom	Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Flash, Custom
Autofocus system	TTL phase detection system; CCD line sensors (Centre-cross 9 points)	TTL phase detection system; CCD line sensors (Centre-cross 9 points)
Auto Exposure system	40-segment honeycomb-pattern SPC	40-segment honeycomb-pattern SPC
Viewfinder	Fixed eye-level, penta-Dach-mirror	Fixed eye-level, penta-Dach-mirror
LCD monitor	6.7cm (2.7-inch) TFT (Clear Photo LCD)	6.7cm (2.7-inch) TFT (Clear Photo LCD)
Line view	Quick AF Live View (Pentamirror tilt system)	No
Shutter	Electronically-controlled, vertical-traverse, focal-plane type	Electronically-controlled, vertical-traverse, focal-plane type
SteadyShot	Image-sensor shift mechanism	Image-sensor shift mechanism
Built-in flash	Auto pop-up - GN 10 at ISO 100 coverage up to 18mm	Auto pop-up - GN 10 at ISO 100 coverage up to 18mm
Drive	Single, Continuous, Self-timer (10/2 sec. delay selectable), Self-timer (Cont.), Remote Commander	Single, Continuous, Self-timer (10/2 sec. delay selectable), Self-timer (Cont.), Remote Commander
Interface	USB2.0 Hi-speed (mass-storage, PTP), HDMI mini connector (Type C)	USB2.0 Hi-speed (mass-storage, PTP), HDMI mini connector (Type C)
Print	Exif Print, Print Image Matching III, PictBridge	Exif Print, Print Image Matching III, PictBridge
Power	Approx. 500 images with viewfinder, approx. 230 images in live view mode (CIPA standard)	Approx. 500 images with viewfinder (CIPA standard)
Weight	549g (including battery and Memory Stick Pro Duo)	508g (including battery and Memory Stick Pro Duo)
Dimensions	Approx. 128.1 x 97.1 x 83.5mm (W/H/D, excluding protrusions)	Approx. 128.1 x 97.1 x 79.6mm (W/H/D, excluding protrusions)
Operating temperature	32 - 104 degrees F (0 - 40 degrees C)	32 - 104 degrees F (0 - 40 degrees C)