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Products in this category are evaluated mathematically under Frontumo Cameras Methodology v1.0 using verified laboratory benchmarks, technical specifications, and authentic consumer ratings with 0% commercial bias.
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Sony A290 DSLR Review | 108 Data compared

Avg. price:~£130Sensor size:APS-CWeight:508 gBattery life (CIPA):500 shots

Sony A290 DSLR Review: Compare 108 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Cameras category and whether it is worth buying.

4.6

Overall score

Score
4.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the camera's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best cameras on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

90%

4.6

Technical score

10%

?

User score

â–¼Worse than 75% of cameras
4.6

Technical score

Technical score
4.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Cameras category across these key areas: Sensor & Image, Photo Features, Video & Audio, Display & Design, Battery & Power, Connectivity & Storage.
When it matters
When you want to compare cameras based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

28%

5.6

Sensor & Image

25%

5.4

Photo Features

18%

2.3

Video & Audio

14%

4.0

Display & Design

8%

6.3

Battery & Power

7%

2.6

Connectivity & Storage

â–¼Worse than 67% of cameras
?

User score

User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera.
When it matters
When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

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Technical Specifications of camera Sony A290 DSLR

Technical score
Technical score
4.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Cameras category across these key areas: Sensor & Image, Photo Features, Video & Audio, Display & Design, Battery & Power, Connectivity & Storage.
When it matters
When you want to compare cameras based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

28%

5.6

Sensor & Image

25%

5.4

Photo Features

18%

2.3

Video & Audio

14%

4.0

Display & Design

8%

6.3

Battery & Power

7%

2.6

Connectivity & Storage

4.6
User score
User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera.
When it matters
When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the camera.
When it matters
When you want to see which cameras attract the most buyer attention and review activity.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Popularity:
Sony A290 DSLR has a popularity score of 1, which is lower than 51.3% of cameras.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
6.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the camera's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you want to know how much overall quality you get for the price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

60%

4.6

Overall score

40%

9.8

Price

6.2
Sensor size
APS-C
Sensor size
APS-C
This camera uses a sensor classified as APS-C; it is larger than the sensor in 57.4% of cameras and the same size as the sensor in 25.7% of cameras.
Main camera megapixels
14.2 MP
Main camera megapixels
14.2 MP
This camera has a sensor resolution of 14.2 MP, which is lower than that of 73.3% of cameras and equal to that of 2.1% of cameras.
Main camera pixel size
5.09 µm
Main camera pixel size
5.09 µm
This camera has sensor pixels measuring 5.09 µm, which are larger than those in 83.6% of cameras and the same size as those in 0.1% of cameras.
Base ISO
100
Base ISO
100
This camera has a base ISO of 100 which is higher than that of 19.9% of cameras and equal to that of 52.4% of cameras.
Max ISO
ISO 3200 ISO
Max ISO
ISO 3,200
This camera reaches a maximum sensitivity of ISO 3,200, which is lower than that of 62.9% of cameras and equal to that of 22.7% of cameras.
Show more
Lens mount
Sony A
Built-in focus motor
yes
Built-in focus motor
yes
This camera has a built-in focus motor. 10.9% of cameras have a built-in focus motor.
N. of focus points
9
N. of focus points
9
This camera has 9 focus points, fewer than the number offered by 67.1% of cameras and equal to the number offered by 26% of cameras.
Phase-detection autofocus (photos)
yes
Phase-detection autofocus (photos)
yes
This camera supports phase-detection autofocus for photos. 37.3% of cameras support phase-detection autofocus for photos.
AF tracking
yes
AF tracking
yes
This camera supports AF tracking. This feature is available on 88% of cameras.
Show more
Max video resolution
N/A
Video bitrate
N/A
Video bit depth
N/A
Video chroma subsampling
N/A
Video codecs
N/A
Show more
Type
dslr
Weight
508 g
Weight
508 g
This camera weighs 508 g which is heavier than 64.1% of cameras and equal to the weight of 0.2% of cameras.
Width
128.1 mm
Width
128.1 mm
This camera has a width of 128.1 mm which is wider than 67.8% of cameras and equal to that of 0.2% of cameras.
Height
97.1 mm
Height
97.1 mm
This camera has a height of 97.1 mm which is taller than 79% of cameras and equal to that of 0.3% of cameras.
Thickness
79.6 mm
Thickness
79.6 mm
This camera has a thickness of 79.6 mm which is thicker than 76.7% of cameras.
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Battery life (CIPA)
500 shots
Battery life (CIPA)
500 shots
This camera has a CIPA-rated battery life of 500 shots, which is longer than that of 79.1% of cameras and equal to that of 3.6% of cameras.
Battery capacity
900 mAh
Battery capacity
900 mAh
This camera has a battery capacity of 900 mAh which is smaller than the batteries in 77.8% of cameras and equal to those in 0.7% of cameras.
Removable battery
yes
Removable battery
yes
This camera has a removable battery, and 98.7% of cameras include one.
USB Power Delivery (PD)
no
USB Power Delivery (PD)
no
This camera does not support USB Power Delivery. 10.1% of cameras support USB Power Delivery.
Wi-Fi connectivity
no
Wi-Fi connectivity
no
This camera does not support Wi-Fi. 47.9% of cameras include this feature.
Wi-Fi version
N/A
Bluetooth connectivity
no
Bluetooth connectivity
no
This camera does not have Bluetooth. 22.7% of cameras support Bluetooth.
Bluetooth version
N/A
USB Type-C
no
USB Type-C
no
This camera does not include USB Type-C. 14.6% of cameras use USB-C.
Show more

Sony A290 DSLR vs the average camera

246810TotalDisplay & DesignSensor & ImagePhoto FeaturesVideo & AudioBattery & PowerConnectivity & Storage
  • In-body stabilization
    Sensor-shift stabilization
    yes
    This camera supports in-body stabilization, the average camera does not.
  • Phase-detect AF for photos
    Phase-detection autofocus (photos)
    yes
    This camera supports phase-detection autofocus for photos, the average camera does not.
  • 1.75 µm larger sensor pixels
    Main camera pixel size
    5.09 µm
    This camera has larger sensor pixels than the average camera (5.1 µm vs 3.34 µm). The average sensor pixel size is 3.34 µm.
    5.09 µm vs 3.34 µm
  • Sensor cleaning system
    Sensor cleaning system
    yes
    This camera includes a sensor cleaning system, the average camera does not.
    Sensor-shift dust reduction.
  • 170 shots more shots per charge
    Battery life (CIPA)
    500 shots
    This camera has longer battery life than the average camera (500 shots vs 330 shots). The average camera delivers 330 shots per charge.
    500 shots vs 330 shots
  • Better viewfinder type
    Viewfinder type
    optical
    This camera uses a more advanced viewfinder than the average camera (optical vs none).
    Pentamirror optical viewfinder.
    optical vs none
  • Built-in AF motor
    Built-in focus motor
    yes
    This camera has a built-in focus motor, the average camera does not.
  • 0.05 x more viewfinder magnification
    Viewfinder magnification
    0.83 x
    This camera has a higher viewfinder magnification than the average camera (0.8 x vs 0.78 x). The average camera has a viewfinder magnification of 0.78 x.
    0.83 x vs 0.78 x
  • 2.23x cheaper
    Sony A290 DSLR is cheaper than the average camera (£130 vs £290).
    £130 vs £290
  • Better viewfinder type
    Viewfinder type
    optical
    This camera uses a more advanced viewfinder than the average camera (optical vs none).
    Pentamirror optical viewfinder.
    optical vs none
  • 0.05 x more viewfinder magnification
    Viewfinder magnification
    0.83 x
    This camera has a higher viewfinder magnification than the average camera (0.8 x vs 0.78 x). The average camera has a viewfinder magnification of 0.78 x.
    0.83 x vs 0.78 x
  • 1.75 µm larger sensor pixels
    Main camera pixel size
    5.09 µm
    This camera has larger sensor pixels than the average camera (5.1 µm vs 3.34 µm). The average sensor pixel size is 3.34 µm.
    5.09 µm vs 3.34 µm
  • Sensor cleaning system
    Sensor cleaning system
    yes
    This camera includes a sensor cleaning system, the average camera does not.
    Sensor-shift dust reduction.
  • In-body stabilization
    Sensor-shift stabilization
    yes
    This camera supports in-body stabilization, the average camera does not.
  • Phase-detect AF for photos
    Phase-detection autofocus (photos)
    yes
    This camera supports phase-detection autofocus for photos, the average camera does not.
  • Built-in AF motor
    Built-in focus motor
    yes
    This camera has a built-in focus motor, the average camera does not.
  • 170 shots more shots per charge
    Battery life (CIPA)
    500 shots
    This camera has longer battery life than the average camera (500 shots vs 330 shots). The average camera delivers 330 shots per charge.
    500 shots vs 330 shots
  • More versatile card slots
    Memory card slot types
    Memory Stick Duo + SD
    This camera uses more versatile card slots than the average camera (Memory Stick Duo + SD vs SD). The average camera supports SD memory card slot types.
    Memory Stick Duo + SD vs SD
  • Worse low-light autofocus
    AF low-light sensitivity
    0
    This camera has a worse low-light AF sensitivity than the average camera (0 EV vs -4 EV). The average camera reaches a low-light AF sensitivity of -4 EV.
    0 vs -4
  • 0.3 in smaller screen diagonal
    Screen size
    2.7 in
    This camera has a smaller screen than the average camera (2.7 in vs 3 in). The average camera has a screen size of 3 in.
    2.7 in vs 3 in
  • 5 % lower viewfinder coverage
    Viewfinder coverage
    95 %
    This camera has a lower viewfinder coverage than the average camera (95 % vs 100 %). The average camera has viewfinder coverage of 100 %.
    95 % vs 100 %
  • 2 fewer microphones
    N. of microphones
    0
    This camera has fewer microphones than the average camera (0 vs 2). The average camera has 2 microphones.
    0 vs 2
  • Lacks HDR mode
    HDR mode
    no
    This camera does not support HDR mode, the average camera does. 55.1% of cameras include HDR mode.
  • Lower RAW bit depth
    RAW bit depth
    12-bit
    This camera supports lower RAW bit depth than the average camera (12-bit vs 14-bit). The average camera supports 14-bit RAW capture.
    12-bit vs 14-bit
  • No continuous video AF
    Continuous autofocus (video)
    no
    This camera does not support continuous autofocus in video, the average camera does.
    no video recording
  • 3.2 fps slower mechanical burst
    Continuous shooting (mechanical)
    2.5 fps
    This camera has a slower mechanical burst than the average camera (2.5 fps vs 5.7 fps). The average camera reaches 5.7 fps.
    2.5 fps vs 5.7 fps
  • 93% less popular
    Sony A290 DSLR is less popular than the average camera (1 vs 1.9).
    1 vs 1.93
  • 0.3 in smaller screen diagonal
    Screen size
    2.7 in
    This camera has a smaller screen than the average camera (2.7 in vs 3 in). The average camera has a screen size of 3 in.
    2.7 in vs 3 in
  • 5 % lower viewfinder coverage
    Viewfinder coverage
    95 %
    This camera has a lower viewfinder coverage than the average camera (95 % vs 100 %). The average camera has viewfinder coverage of 100 %.
    95 % vs 100 %
  • 113 g heavier
    Weight
    508 g
    This camera is heavier than the average camera (508 g vs 395 g). The average camera weighs 395 g.
    508 g vs 395 g
  • 23.2 mm taller body
    Height
    97.1 mm
    This camera is taller than the average camera (97.1 mm vs 73.9 mm). The average camera has a height of 73.9 mm.
    97.1 mm vs 73.9 mm
  • 33.6 mm thicker
    Thickness
    79.6 mm
    This camera is thicker than the average camera (79.6 mm vs 46 mm). The average camera has a thickness of 46 mm.
    79.6 mm vs 46 mm
  • 8.2 mm wider
    Width
    128.1 mm
    This camera is wider than the average camera (128.1 mm vs 119.9 mm). The average camera has a width of 119.9 mm.
    128.1 mm vs 119.9 mm
  • Lacks HDR mode
    HDR mode
    no
    This camera does not support HDR mode, the average camera does. 55.1% of cameras include HDR mode.
  • Lower RAW bit depth
    RAW bit depth
    12-bit
    This camera supports lower RAW bit depth than the average camera (12-bit vs 14-bit). The average camera supports 14-bit RAW capture.
    12-bit vs 14-bit
  • Lower sensor resolution
    Main camera megapixels
    14.2 MP
    This camera has a lower sensor resolution than the average camera (14.2 MP vs 16.2 MP). The average camera has a sensor resolution of 16.2 MP.
    14.2 MP vs 16.2 MP
  • 0.9 points lower DxOMark Landscape score
    DxOMark landscape score
    11.5 points
    This camera has a lower DxOMark landscape score than the average camera (11.5 points vs 12.4 points). The average camera scores 12.4 points.
    11.5 points vs 12.4 points
  • 3,200 ISO lower maximum sensitivity limit
    Max ISO
    3,200 ISO
    This camera has a lower maximum sensitivity than the average camera (3200 ISO vs 6400 ISO). The average camera reaches a maximum sensitivity of 6400 ISO.
    3,200 ISO vs 6,400 ISO
  • 3 older
    Release date
    2010
    This camera is older than the average camera (2010 vs 2013). The average camera was released in 2013.
    June 2010
    2,010 vs 2,013
  • 7 points lower DxOMark sensor score
    DxOMark sensor score
    66 points
    This camera has a lower DxOMark sensor score than the average camera (66 points vs 73 points). The average camera has a DxOMark sensor score of 73 points.
    66 points vs 73 points
  • 228 points lower DxOMark Sports score
    DxOMark sports score
    615 points
    This camera has a lower DxOMark sports score than the average camera (615 points vs 843 points). The average camera has a DxOMark sports score of 843 points.
    615 points vs 843 points
  • 0.4 points lower DxOMark Portrait score
    DxOMark portrait score
    22.6 points
    This camera has a lower DxOMark portrait score than the average camera (22.6 points vs 23 points). The average camera scores 23.0 points.
    22.6 points vs 23.0 points
  • Worse low-light autofocus
    AF low-light sensitivity
    0
    This camera has a worse low-light AF sensitivity than the average camera (0 EV vs -4 EV). The average camera reaches a low-light AF sensitivity of -4 EV.
    0 vs -4
  • 3.2 fps slower mechanical burst
    Continuous shooting (mechanical)
    2.5 fps
    This camera has a slower mechanical burst than the average camera (2.5 fps vs 5.7 fps). The average camera reaches 5.7 fps.
    2.5 fps vs 5.7 fps
  • 1 stops less CIPA-rated stabilization
    Image stabilization rating (CIPA)
    3 stops
    This camera offers less CIPA-rated stabilization than the average camera (3 stops vs 4 stops). The average camera reaches 4 stops.
    3 stops vs 4 stops
  • 14 fewer AF points
    N. of focus points
    9
    This camera has fewer focus points than the average camera (9 vs 23). The average camera offers 23 focus points.
    9 vs 23
  • No manual exposure control
    Manual exposure
    no
    This camera does not support manual exposure, the average camera does. 72% of cameras support manual exposure controls.
  • 50,000 fewer shutter cycles
    Shutter durability rating
    50,000
    This camera has a lower shutter durability than the average camera (50,000 vs 100,000). The average camera is rated for 100,000 shutter cycles.
    unofficial estimate
    50,000 vs 100,000
  • 2 fewer microphones
    N. of microphones
    0
    This camera has fewer microphones than the average camera (0 vs 2). The average camera has 2 microphones.
    0 vs 2
  • No continuous video AF
    Continuous autofocus (video)
    no
    This camera does not support continuous autofocus in video, the average camera does.
    no video recording
  • 220 mAh smaller battery capacity
    Battery capacity
    900 mAh
    This camera has a lower battery capacity than the average camera (900 mAh vs 1120 mAh). The average camera has a battery capacity of 1120 mAh.
    900 mAh vs 1,120 mAh
  • Older HDMI version
    HDMI version
    1.3
    This camera uses HDMI 1.3, while the average camera uses HDMI 1.4.
    1.3 vs 1.4

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

I
imaging-resource.com
09/06/2010
Summary of the review
S
stevehuffphoto.com
27/08/2010
Summary of the review
T
theregister.com
10/09/2010
Summary of the review
T
trustedreviews.com
14/02/2011
Summary of the review
W
whatdigitalcamera.com
14/02/2011
Summary of the review
W
wired.com
20/08/2010
Summary of the review
T
theregister.com
10/09/2010
Summary of the review
D
digitalkamera.de
05/10/2010
Summary of the review
C
chip.de
08/09/2010
Summary of the review
C
computerbild.de
06/12/2010
Summary of the review
C
connect-living.de
28/09/2010
Summary of the review
C
camerarace.com
21/10/2026
Summary of the review

Third-party reviews

What we like about Sony A290 DSLR

  • Beginner-friendly with helpful onscreen guides and a simplified interface
  • In-body 'SteadyShot' image stabilization works with any attached lens
  • High-resolution 14.2MP sensor delivers sharp images and vivid colors at low ISO
  • Compatible with a wide range of Sony A-mount and older Minolta AF lenses
  • Lightweight and compact body, making it portable for street photography
  • Great value for money as an entry-level DSLR

What we don't like about Sony A290 DSLR

  • Lacks Live View and video recording capabilities entirely
  • Poor low-light performance with noticeable noise starting above ISO 400-800
  • Small and somewhat uncomfortable optical viewfinder with potential light leaks
  • Plasticky and 'cheap' build feel compared to higher-end models
  • Slow continuous shooting speed (approx. 2.5 fps), making it poor for sports
  • Below-average battery life (rated at roughly 290 shots per charge)

Verdict

The Sony Alpha A290 is an entry-level DSLR featuring a 14.2-megapixel APS-C CCD sensor and the BIONZ image processing engine, capable of capturing high-resolution images with an ISO range of 100 to 3200. Key characteristics include Sony's SteadyShot INSIDE sensor-shift image stabilisation, which works with all compatible A-mount lenses, a 9-point phase-detection autofocus system with a centre cross-type sensor, and a 2.7-inch fixed LCD screen with 230,400 dots. Its main pros are its compact and lightweight design, helpful on-screen guides for beginners, and compatibility with a vast range of legacy Minolta and Sony lenses. However, notable cons include the lack of live view, no video recording capabilities, and a relatively slow continuous shooting speed of only 2.5 frames per second.

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