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9.3 out of 10

Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

14.2 megapixels

Information found in: from 85 sources in 24 countries

Great Deal: $649.00

  • User Score (208)
    9.0 9.0 from 208 reviewers
  • Expert Score (9)
    8.2 8.2 from 9 reviewers
  • Design (3)
    9.1 9.1 from 3 reviewers
  • Value for money (8)
    10 10 from 8 reviewers
  • Features (13)
    8.6 8.6 from 13 reviewers
  • Ease of use (13)
    10 10 from 13 reviewers
  • Performance (4)
    8.7 8.7 from 4 reviewers
  • Picture quality (13)
    9.2 9.2 from 13 reviewers
  • Durability (2)
    9.8 9.8 from 2 reviewers
  • Reliability (4)
    9.8 9.8 from 4 reviewers
  • Overall quality (6)
    8.7 8.7 from 6 reviewers
  • Display (6)
    9.6 9.6 from 6 reviewers
  • Video quality (2)
    9.8 9.8 from 2 reviewers
  • Ergonomics (3)
    7.6 7.6 from 3 reviewers
  • Portability (3)
    8.3 8.3 from 3 reviewers
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  • Best Deals

BuyDig.com In Stock (Z) $649.00 SEE IT
Beach Camera.com In Stock (S) $689.00 SEE IT

Prices from Shopzilla (Z), Shopping.com (S)

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  • Score Distribution

Experts:
9-10
(2)
7-8
(7)
5-6
(0)
3-4
(0)
1-2
(0)
Users:
9-10
(36)
7-8
(33)
5-6
(1)
3-4
(0)
1-2
(1)

  • Expert Reviews

  1. What Digital Camera

    What Digital Camera
    8.4/10
    2 March 2011

    The official Sony Store lists the A290 at £410, however if you shop around it's possible to pick one up from a reputable retailer for around £330. For that price there are few other DSLRs on the market. The 10.1MP Canon 1000D is perhaps the nearest competitor in terms of price, and for the extra £30 it costs, you will gain live view functionality but at the expense of a smaller screen and a lower overall resolution. Read more

    • Ultra-affordable
    • Limited features

  2. Digitaltrends

    Digitaltrends
    30 July 2011

    We haven't had a chance to fully test this product yet, but we've assembled this helpful overview of relevant information on it. Read more

  3. Imaging Resource

    Imaging Resource
    2 July 2010

    The Sony Alpha A290 is based around a Sony Bionz image processor, and an APS-C sized (23.5 x 15.7mm), 14.2 effective megapixel image sensor. The sensor is mounted on a moveable platter, allowing it to provide for in-body SteadyShot image stabilization, and resides behind a Sony A lens mount that's also compatible with Minolta and Konica Minolta-branded AF lenses. The Alpha A290 is capable of shooting at 2.5 frames per second when using the optical viewfinder. Read more

  4. REVIEW STREAM

    REVIEW STREAM
    4 weeks ago

    It took me a while to take in everything this camera does but it is actually quite simple to use. I would recommend putting an hour or two aside to have a read of the manual that comes with this camera, especially if you are new to SLR cameras as I was. Read more

  5. Digital Review

    Digital Review
    8 June 2010

    Both the Sony Alpha A290 and the A390 now feature an enhanced grip design and the same 14.2 megapixel resolution sensor. The Sony Alpha A390 features Sony's Quick Live View AF and a tiltable 2.7-inch LCD screen with 230K resolution. The Sony Alpha A290 features a fixed 2.7-inch LCD with the same 230K resolution. Upper control areas of both models have also been revised with a clear, uncluttered new button layout. Read more

  • User Reviews

  1. best for begining

    Amazon
    10/10
    Reviewer: johnnyg, Amazon
    6 July 2011

    i needed an slr for my photography class and i learned so much and the prices here are so great and save me a large amount of money. i have always used sony and i always will. Read more

  2. Great Camera

    J&R
    10/10
    Reviewer: WET, J&R
    4 February 2011

    I had a point and shoot camera for ever. Love this camera. Better quality and alot faster. Read more

    • Easy To Use, Good Image Quality, Good Image Stabilization, Large Clear LCD

  3. Great for Beginners

    CameraWorld.com
    8.0/10
    Reviewer: alm155, CameraWorld.com
    8 May 2011

    This camera is great for first time SLR buyers. It's easy to use and understand. Within a week of purchase I felt that I knew what I was doing. Read more

    • Easy To Use, Fast / Accurate Auto-Focus, Good Image Quality, Good Image Stabilization, Large Clear LCD
    • Lag / Shutter Delay, Noisy At High ISO, Short Battery Life

  4. Worth every penny.

    Ebay
    8.0/10
    Reviewer: rajmurty, Ebay
    1 week ago

    Excellent camera for beginners and weekend shooters. Great bang for the buck. Finding it on Ebay for a great bargain was an extra plus. I highly recommend the product to any first time/average user who wants to take some good quality pics without having to know every technical detail. Read more

  5. Great for Beginners

    Ritz Camera
    8.0/10
    Reviewer: alm155, Ritz Camera
    8 May 2011

    Yes, I would recommend this to a friend Read more

    • Easy To Use, Fast / Accurate Auto-Focus, Good Image Quality, Good Image Stabilization, Large Clear LCD
    • Lag / Shutter Delay, Noisy At High ISO, Short Battery Life

  • WikiFreak Description

Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

The Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 is a 14.2 million effective pixels digital SLR that houses a CCD sensor with RGB primary color filter, Anti-dust measures, sensor shake system, and static-free anti-dust coating. The unit also features SteadyShot in-camera stabilization and supports up to 4592 x 3056 (Large, 14.0 MP) resolution still image capture in both RAW and JPEG format. Compatible with Sony Alpha lenses, the Sony a DSLR-A290 has a 9-point focus function, and allows users to adjust…

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Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

The Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 is a 14.2 million effective pixels digital SLR that houses a CCD sensor with RGB primary color filter, Anti-dust measures, sensor shake system, and static-free anti-dust coating. The unit also features SteadyShot in-camera stabilization and supports up to 4592 x 3056 (Large, 14.0 MP) resolution still image capture in both RAW and JPEG format. Compatible with Sony Alpha lenses, the Sony a DSLR-A290 has a 9-point focus function, and allows users to adjust settings such as exposure, whit balance, ISO sensitivity (up to 3200 supported), shutter speed (30 to 1/4000 seconds), aperture, has a D-Range Optimizer (Off, Standard, Advanced), optical viewfinder, and features a 2.7" tilting TFT LCD with 230,400 dots color support. The Sony a DSLR-A290 also features flash modes, continuous shooting mode, USB 2.0 (Hi-Speed) connectivity and HDMI mini connector (Type C). The Sony a DSLR-A290 is powered by a Lithium-Ion battery pack NP-FH50 that provides approximately 500 shots (CIPA standard). It measures 128.1 x 97.1 x 79.5 mm and weighs 456g.

Features

The DSLR-A290 is a digital SLR with 14.2 megapixels image ouput, Quick AF Live View and a 2.7-inch tilt LCD. Constructed in a body with new grip design and revised button layout for optimized handling, an on-screen Help Guide and graphic display, and HDMI output and BRAVIA Sync that allows users to view their images on the big screen. The Graphic Display helps users understand the relation between shutter speed and aperture, and effects of exposure settings on the final picture. Other features include support for PhotoTV HD for optimized image reproduction on compatible BRAVIA™ models and BRAVIA™ Sync which allows control of slideshow and other camera playback functions in comfort using a TV remote.

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  • Manufacturer's Description

Sony α DSLR’s responsiveness, versatility and image quality helps capturethose moments that other cameras often miss. The α290 makes shooting with a DSLR easy and fun with its compact and lightweight design, intuitive controls and flexible system options.It’s never been easier to capture the perfect shot. The mode dial on top of the α290 offers instant access to 6 Scene Selection modes, each with a user-friendly Help Guide and example photo. You can even customize the…

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