Sony A290 DSLR Sony DT 18 55mm F3 5 5 6 SAM Review | 108 Data compared

The ⁠WIRED Sony Alpha a290 review rates the 14.2-megapixel camera a 7/10, highlighting it as a budget-friendly, entry-level DSLR priced at £400 that is specifically tailored for beginners making the leap from compact digital cameras. The reviewer praises its small, lightweight design which is excellent for one-handed shooting, alongside its helpful onscreen guides and a wide variety of compatible lenses. In good lighting conditions, the camera captures sharp photos with bright, vivid default colours. Additionally, it packs useful introductory features like built-in optical image stabilisation (SteadyShot), a handy built-in flash, and an HDMI output for photo playback on HDTVs. However, the review points out several significant limitations that make it less appealing to advanced users. Its low-light performance is strictly average; noise visibly creeps in at its maximum ISO 3200 limit despite the BIONZ image processor. The camera's exterior construction is criticized for having an unflattering, cheap, and plasticky feel. Crucially, the a290 entirely lacks a Live View mode and has no video recording capabilities whatsoever, requiring users who want Live View to upgrade to the sister model, the a390,...

The Sony A290 and A390 are 14.2-megapixel entry-level DSLRs that offer a straightforward photography experience, specifically targeting beginner shooters. While both cameras feature a CCD sensor, a BIONZ image processor, and an "Eye-Start" autofocus system that activates when looking through the viewfinder, the A390 justifies its slightly higher price tag by adding a tiltable 2.7-inch LCD screen and a dedicated live-view switch. The cameras deliver good overall image quality and color reproduction, featuring built-in "SteadyShot INSIDE" body stabilization that applies to any attached Alpha-mount lens. However, their JPEG files tend to be soft, making it highly recommended to shoot in RAW mode to achieve the best results. Despite delivering solid image performance, the reviewer notes several prominent physical and technical drawbacks. Both bodies suffer from a somewhat bulky, cheap, and plasticky handgrip feel, paired with small, uncomfortable optical viewfinders that let in distracting light leaks. Performance-wise, high ISO capabilities are lacking, with visible noise disrupting image quality at any setting past ISO 400. Additionally, the cameras completely lack video or HD recording capabilities, prompting the reviewer to suggest alternative options...

The Sony Alpha A290 is a budget-friendly, 14.2-megapixel APS-C CCD camera designed for beginners, featuring a 2.7-inch LCD, SteadyShot Inside stabilization, and an improved, more ergonomic body with a deeper grip. It is praised for good image quality and an intuitive interface, though performance suffers at higher ISOs with notable noise above 400. Significant drawbacks include the absence of live view, no HD video capabilities, a somewhat flimsy build, and an underexposing metering system.

The Sony Alpha A290 is reviewed as a highly capable, budget-friendly, entry-level DSLR camera that delivers excellent image value despite its basic physical build. A major pro is its 14.2-megapixel CCD sensor, which produces "silky smooth" image quality at lower ISO settings (below ISO 800). The camera features integrated sensor-shift image stabilisation to counter shaky hands, twin card slots for SD and Memory Stick Pro cards, and an intuitive navpad and front jog dial that make accessing core settings like ISO, autofocus, and continuous shooting very efficient. For beginners, the 2.7-inch display includes a useful graphic guide with sliding scales for shutter speed and aperture to explain how different settings affect moving or still subjects. However, the camera comes with several notable cons regarding its performance and physical ergonomics. The all-plastic finish feels uninspiring and uncomfortably awkward to hold for individuals with larger hands due to the tight grip design. Its continuous burst mode performance is slow, peaking at just under 2 frames per second (fps), making it largely unsuitable for capturing fast-moving wildlife, even though its deep buffer can...

The Trusted Reviews evaluation of the Sony Alpha A290 identifies it as a budget-friendly, entry-level DSLR featuring a 14.2-megapixel APS-C CCD sensor capable of resolving high detail. Key pros include effective SteadyShot Inside sensor-shift image stabilisation, a secure handgrip, and an intuitive, beginner-friendly interface with an on-screen Help Guide. Conversely, the review notes the camera lacks Live View and video recording, relying on a small 95% field-of-view optical viewfinder, with build quality feeling plasticky. Other cons include a low-resolution 2.7-inch LCD screen and a slow 2.5 frames-per-second continuous shooting speed.