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Sony α290

Overview
Type	Digital single-lens reflex camera
Lens
Lens	Interchangeable, Sony α / Konica Minolta A mount
Sensor/medium
Sensor	14.0 effective megapixels 23.5 × 15.7 mm CCD
Maximum resolution	4592 × 3056 pixels
Film speed	Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200
Storage media	SD, SDHC, Memory Stick PRO Duo, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX
Focusing
Focus areas	9-points, center cross-type
Flash
Flash	Built in
Shutter
Shutter speed range	30s to 1/4000s (1/1 stops), including Bulb setting
Continuous shooting	2.5 frames per second (JPEG, JPEG+RAW, RAW)
Viewfinder
Viewfinder	95% coverage, 0.83x
Image processing
White balance	2500–9900 Kelvin
General
LCD screen	230.4k pixel , 2.7-inch LCD
Battery	Lithium-ion battery pack, Model NP-FH50
Weight	456 g (16.1 oz) (without battery)
Made in	Japan or Thailand

The Sony α290 (DSLR-A290) is a Sony entry-level digital single-lens reflex camera (DSLR) introduced in 2010. The 14.0 megapixel α290 is available in the United States in two kit versions, one with a DT 18-55mm SAM (smooth-autofocus-motor) Sony lens and the other with the same DT 18-55mm SAM lens and a DT 55-200mm SAM Sony lens.

The Sony α290 has a 9-point AF system and takes all Sony α/Minolta AF mount lenses. The 14.0 megapixel APS-C (23.5 mm × 15.7 mm) sized CCD sensor has a max ISO of 3200, however when using ISO 800 the photos start to get noisy and 1600 and 3200 have very bad noise. The Sony α290 has a BIONZ image processor and can take approximately 2.5 frames per second. The Sony α290 includes Creative Style, or preset color settings; BRAVIA Sync with a built in HDMI plug, and anti-dust technology. The Sony α290's anti-dust system is a charge protection coating on a low pass filter and image-sensor shift mechanism. The α290 also features Sony's SteadyShot INSIDE in-body stabilization.

The Sony α290 takes the Sony NP-FH50 rechargeable battery and can take about 500 photos on a full charge (according to Sony). The viewfinder on the Sony α290 has a 95% field of view and has .83x magnification (with a 50 mm lens at infinity) is arguably superior to its sister, the Sony α390, which is almost the same camera except its bigger-tilt screen and live preview.

A disadvantage to the Sony α290 is its proprietary hot shoe, or where an external flash unit attaches. The Sony α290, like all other Sony Alpha DSLRs, has the iISO flash shoe.

The Sony α290 officially succeeded the Sony α 230, and brought about the return of several features. It also includes a new "HELP" system, to assist new users. Like the α230, the α290 will take both a Memory Stick PRO Duo or an SD/SDHC card.

The camera weighs approximately 456 grams (16.1 oz) without the battery, memory card, lens and other accessories and has the approximate dimensions of 128 mm × 97 mm × 86 mm (W/H/D).

The Sony α290 has a standard USB 2.0 port along with its mini HDMI port. The camera sends a review image to HDMI output immediately after taking a photo. There is no need to switch to playback mode to review.

The flash on the α290 is a standard pop-up with a recycling time of approximately 4 seconds. The hot shoe is, like most other Sony Alpha camera, a proprietary iISO.

The Sony α290 has a capability to work with infrared remote control and also wired remote. Remote control is sold separately, and is enabled through the Drive mode menu by selecting 'Remote Commander'.

The Sony α290 has a capability to take power from AC Power Supply, model AC-PW10AM. This power supply is sold separately.

References

1. C|Net Review of the Sony α230
2. Sony-Style: Sony α230 single lens kit Specs

External links

• http://mhohner.de/sony-minolta/onebody/a290
• http://www.letsgodigital.org/en/26318/sony-alpha-290/

Media related to Sony DSLR-A290 at Wikimedia Commons

• Sony A-mount DSLR cameras
• Digital cameras with CCD image sensor