Sony Alpha 290
Sony · DSLR · 14.2 MP · APS-C
Score Breakdown
Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.
Independent Lab Scores
General | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Sony |
| Model | Alpha 290 |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2010 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | June 1, 2010 |
| Camera type |  DSLR |
| Camera size | 128 x 97 x 86 mm |
| Camera weight | 549 g |
Optics46/100 | |
About the OpticsIn today’s market, the Sony Alpha 290 has modest specifications compared to newer models. Despite this, it remains a viable choice for those seeking a budget-friendly, entry-level DSLR camera. Sony Alpha 290 Overview and OpticsThe Sony Alpha 290’s optics score is 46/100. The camera features 14.2 megapixels, a shooting speed of 2.5, and a CCD sensor type. The processor is Bionz, and the DXOMARK score for the sensor is 66. The sensor size is APS-C, with a Sony Alpha DT lens mount. Image stabilization is available, and the aspect ratio is 3:2. When comparing these specifications to current market offerings, the Sony Alpha 290 falls short. The 14.2-megapixel count is low, with modern cameras boasting higher resolutions. The shooting speed of 2.5 is also below average, as faster shooting speeds are now common. The CCD sensor type is outdated, with many cameras using CMOS sensors for better image quality and low-light performance. The Sony Alpha 290’s optics may not be competitive in today’s market. Its low megapixel count, slow shooting speed, and outdated sensor type limit its appeal. However, the inclusion of image stabilization and a 3:2 aspect ratio are positive aspects of this camera. | |
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 14.2 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 4592 x 3056 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | CCD |
Sensor size ⓘThe sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 15.8 x 23.6 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  APS-C |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 2.5 fps045 |
Lens mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Sony Alpha DT |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | Bionz |
Aspect ratio ⓘThe aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |  3:2 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 10030200 |
Max ISO ⓘRefers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. | 32003003280000 |
Min ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 10030200 |
Max ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 32003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 3044080 |
Max shutter speed ⓘThe maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. | 400080032000 |
Autofocus points ⓘAutofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 90300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |  Yes |
Viewfinder type ⓘThe viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. | Optical (pentamirror) |
| Viewfinder dots | N/A |
Video | |
About the VideoThe Sony Alpha 290 lacks video capabilities. This camera focuses solely on photography, not offering any video recording options. | |
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. | No |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. | N/A |
Max video format ⓘVideo resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. | N/A |
Max video frame rate ⓘHow many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. | N/A |
Timelapse built in ⓘA built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. | No |
Video file format ⓘDifferent cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. | N/A |
Features34/100 | |
About the FeaturesThe Sony Alpha 290 receives a feature score of 34 out of 100. This camera is equipped with a 2.7-inch screen, which has a resolution of 230,400 dots. The screen is not a touchscreen, but it does have a flip screen for added versatility. However, the camera lacks modern connectivity options such as GPS, WiFi, and Bluetooth. In today’s market, the Sony Alpha 290 falls short in terms of features when compared to other cameras. The absence of a touchscreen and the low screen resolution make the camera less user-friendly. Additionally, the lack of GPS, WiFi, and Bluetooth capabilities limits its practicality for sharing and transferring photos. The Sony Alpha 290’s features may not be sufficient for those seeking a camera with modern capabilities and seamless connectivity. However, the flip screen offers a degree of flexibility for those who prioritize composition and framing. | |
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |  Yes |
External flash ⓘExternal flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |  Yes |
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. | No |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. | No |
| Screen type | LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. | No |
| Screen size | 2.7" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 2304001150001500000 |
Flip screen ⓘA flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |  Yes |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |  Yes |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. | No |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. | No |
Storage & Battery16/100 | |
About the Storage & BatteryThe Sony Alpha 290 receives a storage and battery score of 16/100. It offers one memory card slot, supporting SD/SDHC and Memory Stick Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo cards. While these formats are widely available, cameras today often feature multiple slots for added convenience and storage capacity. The Alpha 290’s battery life allows for 290 shots per charge, using the NP-FH50 battery type. This falls short compared to modern cameras, which boast longer battery life. Additionally, the camera lacks USB charging capabilities, limiting its flexibility for on-the-go users. Considering these storage and battery specifications, the Sony Alpha 290 lags behind in today’s competitive camera market. | |
| Memory card | SD / SDHC, Memory Stick Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo |
| Dual memory card slots | No |
| Battery type | NP-FH50 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 290 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | No |