a290
Latest
Sony Alpha A390 and A290 DSLRs hands-on
While Sony may have its pricey NEX-VG10 camcorder sucking up the limelight at yesterday's showcase, let's not forget the electronic giant's more humble photographic devices. Just a few steps away we stumbled upon these near-identical Alpha A390 and A290 entry-level DSLRs, with the former donning a tilting LCD and live view capability to live up to its bigger price tag. We can't comment on picture quality due to the lack of sample shots, but we were certainly impressed by both cameras' build quality -- kudos to Sony for the much improved grip, and we also liked the firm chassis (plus its various knobs and flaps) that didn't feel cheap despite sounding hollow. On a similar note, the 2.7-inch LCD looked sharp and served us well for all purposes, although we didn't get to test it outdoor. What really bewildered us was the lens continuously auto-focusing while the camera remained stationary -- that couldn't be good for the battery, and we'd like to see how battery life fares in upcoming reviews. Anyhow, enjoy our hands-on photos.%Gallery-97621%
Sony's value-minded A290 DSLR gets official, drags big bro A390 on stage
Sony's A290 DSLR may not have been the hottest of this summer's Vietnamese leaks, but nevertheless it was about a month ago that the entry-level shooter was spied over there, and now we know when it'll be coming over here -- roughly, at least. Sony has made the 14.2 megapixel A290 official, along with its A390 sibling. Both offer Memory Stick and SDHC storage, HDMI output, and 2.7-inch LCDs, but only the A390's does that groovy tilt and swivel thing. Also, the A390 is the only one that can do live view, letting you free yourself from squinting through the viewfinder. Other than that, the two share identical specs, and while their price surely won't be the same, Sony's not quite ready to tell us what that will be. Both are set to release this summer, which, you know, is right about now. Full PR details after the break. %Gallery-94765%
Sony's entry-level A290 DSLR smiles for the camera
Sony hasn't seen fit to fully announce the successor to its current entry-level Alpha model, the A230, but Tinhte forum member dt0306 has posted what looks to be conclusive proof of its existence -- not to mention shots at every angle and detailed specs. This re-designed model now packs a 14 megapixel CCD with a BIONZ image processor, along with the same maximum 3200 ISO, 2.7-inch LCD, and 2.5fps maximum shooting speed of the A230. Storage is handled by Memory Stick or SDHC, and there's even a price mentioned: 9,990,000 VND, or about $530 including the 18 - 55mm lens that the A230 comes mated to. There's no telling what the domestic MSRP will really be whenever this kit releases here, but we're not sure that a couple of extra megapixels and a new body warrants much of a premium.
