Sony a390 vs Sony a290

This is a full comparison between the cameras Sony a390 and Sony a290. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Sony a390

Sony a290

Manufacturing

These cameras are both manufactured by Sony.

These two camera models were both released 2010.

Camera	Released
Sony a390	2010
Sony a290	2010

Type of camera

Both these cameras are DSLR cameras. No difference there.

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.

Camera	Focal length, 50mm f/1.8 **
Sony a390	75 mm Sony APS-C sensor Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5
Sony a290	75 mm Sony APS-C sensor Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5

** 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 a390 has a 14 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Sony a290 has 14 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Camera	Megapixels
Sony a390	14 MP 14033152 pixels 4592 x 3056
Sony a290	14 MP 14033152 pixels 4592 x 3056

ISO range

Both of these cameras offer the exact same ISO range. They both have 100 to 3200.

Camera	ISO Range
Sony a390	100-3200
Sony a290	100-3200

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 a390
Lens compatibility chart for Sony a290

Pictures per second

Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Sony a390 can shoot up to 2,5 pictures per seconds and Sony a290 can shoot up to 2,5 pictures per seconds.

Camera	FPS (Frames per second)
Sony a390	2,5
Sony a290	2,5

Ability to record movies

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

Though, neither Sony a390 or Sony a290 can shoot movies so if that is a functionality that you are really looking for you should look elsewhere.

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.

These two cameras weigh exactly the same so there is no difference there. Please see the details below.

Camera	Weight
Sony a390	549 gr 1.21 lb
Sony a290	549 gr 1.21 lb