The Sony A290 and A390 are two new 14.2-megapixel DSLR cameras targeted at the entry-level market. The main difference versus the existing Sony A230 and A380 is a redesigned right-hand grip (one of our most important criticisms levelled against the previous generation of Sony’s entry-level DSLRs concerned the rather uncomfortable handgrip). As regards the A290, the 14-megapixel sensor is also a novelty, given that the A230 had a 10-megapixel imager. In virtually all other areas, the Sony A290 and A390 are identical to their respective predecessors, with the A390 boasting Live View with fast autofocus (though no movie mode), and the A290 trading in Live View for a bigger optical viewfinder. Available this summer, the Sony A290 and A390 are priced at €450 and €500, respectively, including a Sony DT 18-55mm SAM kit zoom in each case.

Sony Press Release

More style and value by Sony for first-time DSLR users Easy-to-use DSLR-A390 and DSLR-A290 with 14.2 megapixels

• 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

The ? (Alpha) digital SLR range from Sony grows further with two stylish, affordable new entry-level cameras.

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 beautifully 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 an attractive new grip design that allows even more comfortable handling. Upper control areas of both models have 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 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 digital SLR cameras by Sony are available from summer 2010.

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