Sony A390L DSLR Sony DT 18 55mm F3 5 5 6 SAM Review | 108 Data compared

The ⁠Pocket-lint review evaluates the Sony Alpha 390 as an affordable, 14.2-megapixel entry-level DSLR designed primarily for first-time buyers. The camera's main pros include its class-leading "Quick AF Live View" system and a 2.7-inch tilt-angle LCD screen that facilitates vertical shooting. It features "SteadyShot INSIDE" sensor-shift image stabilisation that works across lenses, and an expanded Alpha lens mount compatible with older Minolta glass. On the performance side, the A390 delivers evenly exposed images with natural colours and acceptable noise control throughout its ISO 100–3200 range. Most notably, Sony replaced the uncomfortably sunken grip of the previous A380 with a full, substantial hand grip, significantly improving long-term handling and ease of use.

The Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 is a budget-friendly 14.2-megapixel entry-level digital SLR that serves as a minor refresh of its predecessor, the A380. A standout feature is its 'Quick AF Live View' mechanism, which utilizes a dedicated secondary sensor in the pentaprism to deliver fast autofocus and a seamless live image without noisy mirror flipping. This mode is enhanced by a tilting 2.7-inch LCD screen that simplifies low-level and macro photography. In terms of performance, the camera yields great exposure accuracy, vivid, highly saturated colours, and includes a built-in 'SteadyShot Inside' image stabilization system that moves the sensor to counter hand shake. Despite these benefits, the A390 suffers from significant design flaws, particularly its awkward handling and cheap, plasticky build quality. The physical grip sits too close to the lens flange, leaving little room for fingertips, and the tilting screen mechanism makes the rear navigational buttons difficult to press. Furthermore, its autofocus motor lacks the refinement found in rival Canon and Nikon models, there is no visual stabilization within the viewfinder, and the camera completely lacks a movie recording mode. Reviewers...

The DPReview quick review of the Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 identifies the camera as an ergonomic update to the A380, featuring a 14.2-megapixel CCD sensor, a 2.7-inch tilting LCD, and a newly designed, more comfortable handgrip. Pros include the improved grip, the fast AF Live View system, and built-in SteadyShot stabilization, making it accessible for beginners. Conversely, the review highlights significant cons, including a tendency to overexpose in bright light, poor high ISO performance, and a small, restrictive optical viewfinder. The camera is noted as having limited competitiveness in its class due to these performance limitations compared to CMOS alternatives.

The ePHOTOzine review highlights the 14.2-megapixel Sony Alpha A390 as a budget-friendly, lightweight entry-level DSLR featuring a comfortable, redesigned rubberized grip. A key strength is the Fast AF Live View system, which, paired with a 2.7-inch tilting screen, allows for rapid, accurate autofocus during low- or high-angle shooting. Conversely, the review notes the A390 is essentially a rebranded A380 with no significant internal hardware upgrades, resulting in a lack of innovation. While offering decent image quality, the camera is critiqued for its "plasticky" feel, slightly chunky design compared to competitors, and a menu-dependent control system that lacks dedicated external buttons.

The Digital Photography School review portrays the Sony A390 as an exceptionally user-friendly, entry-level DSLR specifically tailored for beginners stepping into interchangeable lens photography. It features a 14.2-megapixel CCD sensor capable of capturing great overall image quality, crisp definition, and excellent color accuracy. Operating the camera is simple and fuss-free, owing to an intuitive control layout, a handy optical finder screen display that teaches new photographers how settings change exposure, and an instant, rapid startup time. A major highlight praised by the reviewer is the swing-and-tilt LCD monitor paired with a built-in SteadyShot image stabilization system that moves the camera's sensor to counteract blur, saving users money since they do not need stabilization built directly into their lenses.

The Sony A390 is a compact, entry-level 14-megapixel DSLR from 2010 that remains highly valued by the reviewer for its exceptional, realistic colour reproduction, which rivals or surpasses modern high-end cameras due to its older internal processing and sensor color filter array. A standout capability is its innovative live-view system, allowing full-speed phase-detect autofocus while using the tilting rear LCD screen. This feature, combined with 3-stops of in-body image stabilization (IBIS) and convenient SD card compatibility, makes the camera highly effective and ergonomic for capturing static subjects low to the ground, such as feeding squirrels. However, the camera suffers from notable limitations in speed, physical controls, and performance. The autofocus system relies on just 9 points and is too slow to track subjects in motion, lacking continuous focus capabilities. Manual operation is restricted by a lackluster single-dial layout, forcing the photographer to toggle between aperture and shutter adjustments using the exposure compensation button. Furthermore, the maximum shutter speed of 1/4000th and slow burst shooting restrict its use in bright sunlight with fast lenses or for fast-paced action photography.

The Sony Alpha A390 serves as a re-bodied, entry-level replacement to the A380, featuring a redesigned handgrip that significantly improves ergonomics and holding comfort. The 14.2-megapixel CCD camera is praised for solid, detailed images and its industry-leading Quick AF Live View system, which works effectively with the 2.7-inch tilt-angle screen. Conversely, the review notes the camera lacks major innovations, retaining a somewhat plasticky, cramped body design with a poorly positioned d-pad. Performance limitations include a slow 2.5fps burst rate, a lack of a dedicated AF assist lamp, and loud autofocus operation.

The Sony A290 and A390 are entry-level, 14.2-megapixel APS-C DSLR cameras positioned in the mid-price range at around $500 to $550, targeting beginners and photography newbies. In his review, Steve Huff highlights several prominent advantages of these models, including good overall image and colour quality, particularly when shooting in RAW mode to avoid soft JPEG processing. The A390 variant offers excellent functionality for its price tier, featuring a helpful tiltable 2.7-inch LCD screen and a convenient live-view switch for an extra $50 over the base A290 model. Additional pros include built-in "SteadyShot INSIDE" image stabilization that benefits all attached A-mount lenses, an intuitive Eye-Start autofocus system, "fantastic" battery life, and a respectable kit zoom lens that outperforms Sony’s mirrorless equivalents in distortion control. Conversely, the review outlines major drawbacks that ultimately keep these DSLRs from being highly recommended over contemporary competitors. Both cameras suffer from a bulky, cheap plastic feel, uncomfortable and small viewfinders that suffer from distracting light leaks, and poor high ISO performance where image noise becomes noticeably apparent immediately after ISO 400. Furthermore, the omission of any...