Sony a290 vs Sony NEX-5

This is a full comparison between the cameras Sony a290 and Sony NEX-5. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

These cameras are both manufactured by Sony.

Type of camera

Sony a290 is a DSLR camera while Sony NEX-5 is a Mirrorless camera. More information about their differences will come soon.

Sensors / crop factor

Both these cameras have the same sorts of sensor (called "Sony APS-C") which means that if you compare these cameras side by side the lenses will also have the same experienced focal length. Neither of the cameras has a Full frame sensor which means that you will get a "crop factor" where the camera's sensor size affect the focal length with a multiplier.

** Experienced focal length when using a lens such as a common "50mm f/1.8"

Learn more about crop factor and focal length multiplier here:
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Sony)

Resolution

Both these cameras have the exact same resolution. Sony a290 has a 14 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Sony NEX-5 has 14 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

ISO range

Sony NEX-5 has a larger ISO-range than Sony a290. Sony NEX-5 has an ISO range that stretches from 200 to 12800 while Sony a290 has 100 to 3200.

Autofocus and lens compatibility

Both of these cameras have a built-in autofocus motor. Some lenses, that support autofocus, do not have an autofocus motor of their own but this won't cause any problems with these two cameras.

Here is a complete overview of which lenses work with each camera:
Lens compatibility chart for Sony a290
Lens compatibility chart for Sony NEX-5

Pictures per second

Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Sony a290 can shoot up to 2,5 pictures per seconds and Sony NEX-5 can shoot up to 7 pictures per seconds.

Ability to record movies

It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.

It is only one of these two cameras that support recording movies and movie clips and that is Sony NEX-5. Sadly, the Sony a290 does not support this.

Weight

The weight of the camera can be an extremely important factor, especially if the camera is about to be used, or carried around, for several hours at a time.

Sony a290 weighs 549 gr (equal to 1.21 lb) which is 91% heavier than Sony NEX-5 and its 287 gr (or 0.63 lb).

Sony a290 vs Sony NEX-5 Specs

Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Sony a290 and Sony NEX-5, next to each other. Each category of data is a link to an article covering the subject, giving you a deeper understanding so you can better understand the strengths and weaknesses of the two camera models.

Product	Sony a290	Sony NEX-5
Name	Sony a290	Sony NEX-5
Manufacturer	Sony	Sony
Release Date and Price	Sony a290	Sony NEX-5
Release Year	2010	2010
Release Date	2010-06-09	2010-05-11
MSRP	499 USD	649 USD
Buy it today
Camera Type	Sony a290	Sony NEX-5
Camera Type	DSLR	Mirrorless
Sensor	Sony a290	Sony NEX-5
Sensor Size	APS-C (approx 23.5 x 15.6 mm)	APS-C (approx 23.5 x 15.6 mm)
Sensor Type	CCD	CMOS
Resolution	4592 x 3056 pixels	4592 x 3056 pixels
Megapixels	14 MP	14 MP
Image Processor	Bionz	Bionz
Image	Sony a290	Sony NEX-5
ISO Range	100 - 3200	200 - 12800
White Balance Presets	6	6
Custom White Balance	Yes	Yes
Image Stabilization	Yes (Sensor-Shift)	No
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating	0 stops	0 stops
Uncompressed format	RAW	RAW
Optics & Focus	Sony a290	Sony NEX-5
Autofocus Motor	Yes	Yes
Autofocus	Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Single Continuous	Contract Detect (sensor) Multi Area Selective Single Point Single Continuous LiveView
Focus Points	9	25
Lens Mount	Sony A See Compatible Lenses	Sony E See Compatible Lenses
Focal Length Multiplier	APS-C Sensor (1.5x) 1.5x multiplier Example: 24 mm becomes 36 mm 50 mm becomes 75 mm 100 mm becomes 150 mm 200 mm becomes 300 mm	APS-C Sensor (1.5x) 1.5x multiplier Example: 24 mm becomes 36 mm 50 mm becomes 75 mm 100 mm becomes 150 mm 200 mm becomes 300 mm
Screen & Viewfinder	Sony a290	Sony NEX-5
Articulated LCD	Fixed	Tilting
Screen size	2.7”	3”
Screen dots	230400	920000
Touch screen	No	No
Screen type	N/A	N/A
Live view	No	Yes
Viewfinder Type	Optical (pentamirror)	No Viewfinder
Viewfinder Coverage	95%
Viewfinder Magnification	0.83× (0.55× 35mm equiv.)
Viewfinder Resolution	N/A	N/A
Photography features	Sony a290	Sony NEX-5
Frames per second	2,5 fps	7 fps
Minimum Shutter Speed	30 seconds	30 seconds
Maximum Shutter Speed	1/4000 seconds	1/4000 seconds
Built-in Flash	Yes	No
Built-in Flash Range	10 meters	N/A
External Flash	Yes	Yes
Self-Timer	Yes	Yes
Time-lapse	No	No
Metering modes	Multi Center Weighted Spot	Multi Center Weighted Spot
Exposure Compensation	+/- 2 (at 1/3 EV steps)	+/- 2 (at 1/3 EV steps)
Videography features	Sony a290	Sony NEX-5
Video recording	No	Yes
Video format	N/A	AVCHD
Video resolution	N/A	1440 x 1080 1920 x 1080
Built-in Microphone	No	Yes
Built-in Speakers	No	Yes
Storage	Sony a290	Sony NEX-5
Memory Card	Memory Stick Pro Duo SD/SDHC	Memory Stick Pro Duo SD/SDHC
Connectivity	Sony a290	Sony NEX-5
HDMI Output	Yes	Yes
Microphone Port	No	No
Headphone Port	No	No
Wireless	No	No
Remote Control	Yes (Optional)	Yes (InfraRed (optional))
GPS	No	No
Body & Dimensions	Sony a290	Sony NEX-5
Enviromentally sealed	No	No
Battery	Battery Pack	Battery Pack
Battery Details	Lithium-Ion NP-FH50 rechargeable battery & charger	Lithium-Ion NP-FW50 rechargeable battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA)	290 shots	330 shots
Width	128 mm	111 mm
Height	97 mm	59 mm
Depth	86 mm	38 mm
Weight	549 gram	287 gram