Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 Quick Review
Review based on a production Alpha DSLR-A390
This is the latest in our series of new 'Quick Reviews.' We will be using this format for cameras that are operationally similar and identical in terms of output to models we've already reviewed. We test to confirm the image quality is identical, then concentrate the review on the differences between the two cameras. To learn everything about the camera you are interested in we recommend reading not only the Quick Review but also the full review of the camera that it replaces - in this case the Sony Alpha 380.
The A390 is the replacement to the A380 - itself an upgrade of the A350, launched in 2008. All three cameras share a near-identical feature set, including Sony's still unique Fast AF Live View system.
The A390 is essentially an A380 with some subtle ergonomic changes, specifically a new, more substantial grip, and a reshaped top plate. As a relatively minor upgrade, the A390 was never going to warrant a full, in-depth review, but we're curious to see what Sony has changed in its latest midrange DSLR. When we reviewed the A380, one of our main criticisms of the camera's handling was Sony's change from the bulbous, almost oversized grip of the A350 to the more minimal, somewhat sharp lines of its predecessor. Has Sony taken a welcome step back in the right direction? Read on to find out.
A brief history; Sony/Konica Minolta entry level digital SLR series
- 15/07/05: Konica Minolta Maxxum 5D (6 mp)
- 05/06/06: Sony DSLR-A100 (10 mp)
- 07/01/08: Sony DSLR-A200 (10.2 mp)
- 30/01/08: Sony DSLR-A350 (14.2 mp) / Sony DSLR-A300 (10.2 mp)
- 18/05/09: Sony DSLR-A380 (14.2 mp) / Sony DSLR-A330 (10.2 mp) / Sony DSLR-A230 (10.2 mp)
- 09/07/10: Sony DSLR-A390 (14.2 mp) / Sony DSLR-A290 (14.2 mp)
Compared to Alpha 380 - key differences
There are very few differences between the A390 and its predecessor, but if you can summon the energy, here's a complete list.
- Approximately 6g heavier
- New, more substantial handgrip
- Re-positioned shutter release/on-off switch and control dial
- New texture and color to the top-plate (closer to original A350)
If you're new to digital photography you may wish to read the Digital Photography Glossary before diving into this article (it may help you understand some of the terms used).
Conclusion / Recommendation / Ratings are based on the opinion of the reviewer, you should read the ENTIRE review before coming to your own conclusions.
We recommend to make the most of this review you should be able to see the difference (at least) between X, Y, and Z and ideally A, B, and C.
This article is Copyright 1998 - 2015 and may NOT in part or in whole be reproduced in any electronic or printed medium without prior permission from the author.
15 0 5 Discuss in the forums |
Sony A390 Digital SLR Camera - Black (Discontinued by Manufacturer) | $530.00 |
Sony A390 Digital SLR Camera - Black (Discontinued by Manufacturer) | $530.00 |
4GB 4 GB Memory Stick / Card PRO DUO for Sony Alpha Series DSLR A230 A290 A330 A380 A390 A450 A500 A550 A560 A580 A700 A850 A900 SLT A33 Digital Camera | $12.90 |
Intermediate DSLR Video Studio Broadcast Interview Condenser Shotgun Microphone with Transcend 32GB Class 10 SD Memory Card + Opteka X-GRIP Action Sports Stabilizer Digital Camera Handle Grip + Camera And Lens Cleaning Kit for Sony NEX, Alpha, Cybershot, SLT Series A3000, A3500, A5000, A6000, 7, 7R, 7S, A100, A200, A230, A290, A300, A330, A350, A380, A390, A450, A500, A550, A560, A580, A700, A850, A900, A33, A37, A35, A55, A57, A58, A65, A77 II, A99, HX1, RX1, RX10, RX100 II, HX100, HX100V, | $89.95 |
Beginner DSLR Video Studio Broadcast Interview Mini Microphone with Transcend 32GB Class 10 SD Memory Card + Opteka X-GRIP Action Sports Stabilizer Digital Camera Handle Grip + Camera And Lens Cleaning Kit for Sony NEX, Alpha, Cybershot, SLT Series A3000, A3500, A5000, A6000, 7, 7R, 7S, A100, A200, A230, A290, A300, A330, A350, A380, A390, A450, A500, A550, A560, A580, A700, A850, A900, A33, A37, A35, A55, A57, A58, A65, A77 II, A99, HX1, RX1, RX10, RX100 II, HX100, HX100V, HX200, HX200V, H200, | $64.89 |
Professional DSLR Video Studio Broadcast Interview Microphone with Transcend 32GB Class 10 SD Memory Card + Opteka X-GRIP Action Sports Stabilizer Digital Camera Handle Grip + Camera And Lens Cleaning Kit for Sony NEX, Alpha, Cybershot, SLT Series A3000, A3500, A5000, A6000, 7, 7R, 7S, A100, A200, A230, A290, A300, A330, A350, A380, A390, A450, A500, A550, A560, A580, A700, A850, A900, A33, A37, A35, A55, A57, A58, A65, A77 II, A99, HX1, RX1, RX10, RX100 II, HX100, HX100V, HX200, HX200V, H200, H | $129.89 |
Beginner DSLR Video Studio Broadcast Interview Mini Microphone with Transcend 64GB Class 10 SD Memory Card + Opteka X-GRIP Action Sports Stabilizer Digital Camera Handle Grip + Camera And Lens Cleaning Kit for Sony NEX, Alpha, Cybershot, SLT Series A3000, A3500, A5000, 7, 7R, 7S, A100, A200, A230, A290, A300, A330, A350, A380, A390, A450, A500, A550, A560, A580, A700, A850, A900, A33, A37, A35, A55, A57, A58, A65, A77 II, A99, HX1, RX1, RX10, RX100 II, HX100, HX100V, HX200, HX200V, H200, H300, | $79.95 |
Intermediate DSLR Video Studio Broadcast Interview Microphone with Transcend 64GB Class 10 SD Memory Card + Opteka X-GRIP Action Sports Stabilizer Digital Camera Handle Grip + Camera And Lens Cleaning Kit for Sony NEX, Alpha, Cybershot, SLT Series A3000, A3500, A5000, A6000, 7, 7R, 7S, A100, A200, A230, A290, A300, A330, A350, A380, A390, A450, A500, A550, A560, A580, A700, A850, A900, A33, A37, A35, A55, A57, A58, A65, A77 II, A99, HX1, RX1, RX10, RX100 II, HX100, HX100V, HX200, HX200V, H200, H | $99.95 |
Professional DSLR Video Studio Broadcast Interview Microphone with Transcend 64GB Class 10 SD Memory Card + Opteka X-GRIP Action Sports Stabilizer Digital Camera Handle Grip + Camera And Lens Cleaning Kit for Sony NEX, Alpha, Cybershot, SLT Series A3000, A3500, A5000, A6000, 7, 7R, 7S, A100, A200, A230, A290, A300, A330, A350, A380, A390, A450, A500, A550, A560, A580, A700, A850, A900, A33, A37, A35, A55, A57, A58, A65, A77 II, A99, HX1, RX1, RX10, RX100 II, HX100, HX100V, HX200, HX200V, H200, | $144.89 |
|
|
|
Connect with dpreview
|
Comments