Sony has announced two new additions to its Alpha series of DSLRs. The A290 is the base model for the Alpha lineup, featuring a 14.2 megapixel CCD sensor. The A390 offers the same image sensor, but adds Sony’s popular (and effective) quick AF live view function in combination with a 2.7″ tilting LCD. Both cameras otherwise share the same body and controls, which (fortunately) includes a redesigned grip over the predecessor A330 and its siblings.
The A290 and A390 should be available in July 2010 at an initial retail price of $500 and $600, respectively.
More details in the press release below.
Sony Press Release
Comfortable handling and great value from Sony for first-time DSLR usersComfortable handling and great value from Sony for first-time DSLR usersComfortable handling and great value from Sony for first-time DSLR users
09 June 2010
* DSLR-A390 with 14.2 megapixels, Quick AF Live View and 6.7cm (2.7-inch) tilt LCD; DSLR-A290 with 14.2 megapixels
* Compact, stylish body with new grip design and revised button layout for comfortable handling
* Quick AF Live View with tilt LCD (?390) for live image preview with fast, accurate autofocus
* Friendly on-screen Help Guide and Graphic Display
* HDMI output and BRAVIA Sync
Sony adds two new stylish, affordable entry-level cameras to the ? (alpha) Digital SLR range.
Ideal for first-time DSLR users, the DSLR-A390 (?390) and DSLR-A290 (?290) offer a dramatic step up in picture quality and creative options from point-and-shoot compact cameras. Just as importantly, they’re incredibly easy to use, even if you’ve never handled a DSLR 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 ?390 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 from Sony, the ?290 offers the same 14.2 effective megapixel resolution as the ?390 in a compact body that weighs just 456g (excluding battery and media).
Both cameras feature a sturdy new grip design that allows even more comfortable handling. The upper control area of both models has also been revised with a clear, uncluttered new button layout.
Even DSLR 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 ?390 and ?290 both 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.
The stylish, easy to use new ?390 and ?290 DSLR cameras from Sony will be available from summer 2010.
