DSLR-A290L | Sony α290 DSLR Camera and Lens | Sony

Sony α290 DSLR Camera and Lens

Model number: DSLR-A290L

Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars

Model Features: 14.2 megapixel, SteadyShot INSIDE™ image stabilization, on-screen Help Guide, Graphic Display, 2.7" Clear Photo LCD Plus™ display, high sensitivity ISO 3200, HDMI™ terminal, 18-55mm zoom lens

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Position 1 Overview
Position 2 Features
Position 3 Specifications
Position 5 Reviews
Position 6 Accessories
Position 7 Compatability

Why α DSLR

Sony α DSLR's responsiveness, versatility and image quality helps capture those moments that other cameras often miss. The α290 makes shooting with a DSLR easy and fun with its compact and lightweight design, intuitive controls and flexible system options.
Easy Shooting Mode Selection

It's never been easier to capture the perfect shot. The mode dial on top of the α290 offers instant access to 6 Scene Selection modes, each with a user-friendly Help Guide and example photo. You can even customize the user interface and choose from four background colors.
Significantly Reduced Camera Shake

Equipped with SteadyShot® INSIDE image stabilization, the α290 compensates for shaky hands so you can capture crisp, sharp images at shutter speeds 2.5–3.5 steps slower than would otherwise be possible without using a flash or tripod. It also works together with an anti-static coating on the low-pass filter to help keep the image sensor clean.
Improve Your Skills as You Shoot

A unique Graphic Display helps you hone your photographic skills by making it much easier to understand how aperture and shutter speed adjustments will affect your results.
Perfection at Every Click

Shoot in rich detail and true-to-life color. Featuring large, APS-C type CCD sensors, image detail is truly amazing. Plus, the high-speed BIONZ image processing engine delivers enhanced color reproduction, rich tonal graduation and remarkable clarity.
Optimal Exposure in Any Virtually Light

Adopted from our top-of-the-line α900, the α290 features an advanced Dynamic Range Optimizer that helps you take beautiful photos in difficult lighting conditions. Choose from Standard mode, which optimizes exposure for the scene overall, or Advanced mode, which can be used to bring out rich shadow and highlight detail.

Capture life's moments with the extremely light and easy-to-use Sony α290 digital SLR camera. Brimming with features, the α290 features 14.2 megapixel resolution, high sensitivity (ISO 3200), and advanced noise reduction. Plus, Eye-Start Autofocus and pop-up flash help you shoot faster while SteadyShot INSIDE™ in-camera image stabilization works with virtually every lens. In addition to the on-screen Help Guide and convenient Creative Style settings, the α290L has a bright 2.7" LCD and comes with an 18-55mm standard zoom lens.

SteadyShot INSIDE™ in-camera image stabilization

Image stabilization helps you take blur-free shots by compensating for camera shake. Typical DSLR systems build image stabilization into selected lenses only. SteadyShot INSIDE™ image stabilization is built into the camera body itself. You'll reduce blur with every a-mount lens, including macro and wide-aperture standard zoom lenses.

Integrated on-screen Help Guide and Graphic Display

An integrated on-screen Help Guide and Graphic Display help take the complexity out of DSLR photography. The Help Guide offers clear, concise explanations of various modes and settings, while the Graphic Display helps you understand the relationship between aperture and shutter speed, as well as the effect each has on photographic results.

High sensitivity (ISO 3200) for superior noise reduction

A broad sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 3200 enables you to capture beautiful color images even in very dim light -- High ISO Noise Reduction technology reduces picture noise artifacts at high-sensitivity ISO 1600 and ISO 3200 settings by eliminating noise from RAW data after analog-to-digital conversion.

Up to 2.5 fps continuous shooting

Continuous Shooting lets you shoot at up to 2.5 fps (frames per second) while viewing your subject through the optical viewfinder so you never lose track of the action.

Built-in Pop-Up Flash

The Auto Pop-Up Flash automatically pops up and fires as needed when the camera is set to certain scene selection modes, helping first-time DSLR photographers shoot more effectively. In addition, the 230 features an integrated hot shoe, which lets you expand your lighting options with a range of accessory flashes (sold separately).

BIONZ™ image processor

The advanced BIONZ™ image processor uses hardware-based Large Scale Integrated (LSI) circuitry to enhance images with rich tonal reproduction, reduced noise, and improved white balance and exposure control, for clear, sharp photos even at high sensitivity settings.

Function Guide Display

Function Guide Display provides intuitive and easy to use on-screen menus that can be activated and operated with one hand using the Fn (Function) button and controller button to adjust Flash mode, Autofocus mode, White Balance, Metering mode, AF area and D-Range Optimizer.

Smallest, lightest series body

The 290 features the smallest and lightest body of any Sony® (alpha) series camera for improved portability, as well as an intuitive button layout that allows for easy single-handed operation.

2.7” (diag.) Clear Photo LCD Plus™ display

Review your images and monitor camera settings on the large 2.7” (diag.) Clear Photo LCD Plus™ display, which provides sharp, clear viewing, even in outdoor environments.

9-Point AF Sensor

9-Point Center Cross AF Sensor uses with improved focus control to help bring images into sharp definition more quickly, and predictive focus control automatically calculates the position of fast-moving subjects.

Dynamic Range Optimizer

Dynamic Range Optimizer provides two levels - Standard/Plus to improve results with backlit subjects and recover details hidden in shadows or lost in glare. Normal DRO improves detail using standard gamma curves for fast shot-to-shot response time, while Advanced DRO adjusts dynamic range area-by-area for greater accuracy.

Stamina® Battery power

Stamina® Battery power allows you to take up to 500 shots² on a fully charged NP-FM50 InfoLITHIUM® battery when using the optical viewfinder mode, and you’ll be able to see how much power remains in percentage increments, so you can keep shooting in confidence.

Index and Slide Show Display

Index and Slide Show Display enable you to quickly review your photos using 4, 9 or 25-frame index views, or as an automatic slide show with fade-in/fade-out effect.

Included SAL1855 18-55mm standard zoom lens

The 290 comes with a SAL1855 DT 18-55mm standard zoom kit lens. This newly developed lens employs a Smooth Autofocus Motor (SAM) to deliver smooth and silent autofocus operation, and offers a flexible focal range that allows you to capture everything from wide angle to midrange telephoto shots with ease.

14.2 megapixel resolution for ultra-fine detail

A 14.2 megapixel APS-size CCD image sensor captures your images in stunning detail, giving you the freedom to make large prints and tight crops without sacrificing quality.

HDMI™ terminal with BRAVIA® Sync™ compatibility

An HDMI™ terminal gives you the option of connecting your camera to a compatible HDTV and playing back your images in stunning high definition quality (HDMI cable required, sold separately). In addition, BRAVIA® Sync™ works with compatible Sony® BRAVIA HDTVs to let you control camera playback using the television’s remote (HDMI cable and BRAVIA Sync capable HDTV required, sold separately)1.

Eye-Start Autofocus

Eye-Start Autofocus System begins precision autofocus adjustments the moment you raise the camera to your eye, so the camera is ready to catch the perfect moment.

Creative Style settings

Creative Style settings give you control over how the camera processes your images. Choose from 8 finishing styles, including Standard, Vivid, Potrait, Landscape, Night View, Sunset, B&W, and Adobe RGB, and fine tune them to your personal taste with the ability to adjust contrast, saturation, and sharpness settings.

Anti-Dust Technology

Anti-Dust Technology helps keep the CCD imager clean, resulting in consistently better pictures, by utilizing a static-free anti-dust coating on the CCD filter, as well as an anti-dust vibration that automatically shakes the CCD to help dislodge dust each time the camera is shut off.

PhotoTV HD compatibility

PhotoTV HD compatibility3 lets you automatically create high-resolution thumbnails optimized for viewing on a compatible Sony® BRAVIA® HDTV.

Dual slot Compatiblity for Memory Stick® and SD media

Compatible with high-capacity Memory Stick PRO Duo™, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™ and SD/SDHC media (sold separately) for convenient storage and sharing of your images.

Product Specifications

Recording

Media Type : Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media / , SD and SDHC memory card,
Still Image Mode : JPEG (Standard, Fine), RAW, RAW+JPEG
Still Image Max Effective Resolution : Approx. 14.2 megapixels
Still Image Size 16:9 : L size: 4592x2576 (12M) M size: 3408x1920 (6.5M) S size: 2288x1280 (2.9M)
Still Image Size 3:2 : L size: 4592x3056 (14M) M size: 3408x2272 (7.7M) S size: 2288x1520 (3.5M)

LCD Display

LCD Type : 2.7” TFT Clear Photo™ LCD (230,400 pixels)
Brightness Control : Selectable in 5 steps
Coverage : 100% (Playback)
Customization : Display color (Black, White, Brown, Pink)

Drive System

Drive Mode : Single-shot, Continuous, Self-timer, Self-timer Continuous, Bracketing, Remote Commander

Interface

BRAVIA® Sync™ : Yes, via HDMI with compatible BRAVIA HDTV
HD Output : HDMI (TypeC mini)
Memory Card Slot : Dual memory card slot: Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media SD and SDHC memory card
Tripod Mount : Yes, 1/4"-20
USB Port(s) : USB2.0 Hi-speed (mass-storage, PTP)

Software

Supplied Software : PMB (Picture Motion Browser) Image Data Converter SR Image Data Lightbox SR
Operating System Compatibility : Microsoft Windows XP*SP3/Windows Vista**SP2/Windows 7 / Mac OS X ?v10.4 or later? *64-bit editions and Starter (Edition) are not supported. **Starter (Edition) is not supported.

Camera

Lens Compatibility : Sony A-mount lens
Lens Mount : Sony A-mount
Camera Type : Sony A-mount interchangeable lens digital camera

Optics/Lens

Lens Mount Type : Sony A-mount

Focus Control

Focus System : TTL phase detection system
Focus Points : 9 points
AF Modes : Single-shot AF, Automatic AF, Continuous AF, (AF/MF selectable)
Focus Area : Wide (Up to 3 active focus points glow), Spot, Local (9 local areas selectable)
Focus Sensitivity : 0 EV to +18 EV(at ISO100 equivalent)
Focus Features : Predictive control, Focus lock, Eye-start AF, AF illuminator (Built-in flash, Range: approx. 1-5m)

Flash

Flash Compensation : �2EV (in 0.3-stop increments)
Flash Coverage : 18mm in focal-length of lens attached
Recycling Time : Approx. 4 sec.
Flash Metering System : ADI flash (automatic change for Pre-flash TTL)
Flash Modes : Auto, Fill-flash, Red-eye reduction, Rear sync, Slow sync, Hi-speed sync., Wireless
Flash Type : Built-in, Pop-up Auto
Guide Number : 10 (in meters at ISO100)

Weights and Measurements

Dimensions (Approx.) : Approx. 128.1 x 97.1 x 79.6 mm (W/H/D, excluding protrusions)
Weight (Approx.) : Approx.456 g (without battery, memory card, accessories)

Service and Warranty Information

Limited Warranty Term : 1 Year Parts & Labor

Imaging Sensor

Imaging Sensor : APS-C size CCD sensor (23.6x15.7mm)
Processor : BIONZ™ image processor
Anti Dust : Charge protection coating on Low-Pass Filter and Image Sensor-Shift mechanism
Pixel Gross : Approx. 14.9 megapixels
Effective Picture Resolution : Approx. 14.2 megapixels
Focal Length Conversion Factor : 1.5x
Color Filter System : RGB primary color filters

Viewfinder

Type : Fixed eye-level, penta-Dach-mirror
Diopter Adjustment : -2.5 to +1.0m-1
Field of View : 95%
Focusing Screen : Spherical Acute Matte Screen
Magnification : 0.83x (with 50mm lens at infinity)

Exposure System

Metering : TTL metering w/ 40-segment honeycomb-pattern SPC
Metering Modes : Multi-segment, Center-weighted, Spot
Metering Sensitivity : EV1 - 20 at ISO100 with F1.4 lens, (EV3 - 20 in spot metering mode)
Exposure Compensation : �2.0 EV (in 0.3 EV steps)
Exposure Settings : Auto, Auto Flash Off, Program Auto (P), Aperture priority (A), Shutter priority (S), Manual (M)
Scene Mode(s) : Scene selection (Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports, Sunset, Night portrait/Night view)
Creative Style : Standard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, Night view, Sunset, B/W Contrast, Saturation, Sharpness
ISO : Auto, 100 to 3200 (in 1 EV steps,Recommended Exposure Index)
White Balance Mode : Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Flash, Custom

Advanced Features

Advanced User Interface : Easy-to-understand Graphic Display and on-screen Help Guide User-friendly function menu
Image Stabilization : SteadyShot INSIDE in-body image stabilization

Power

Battery Type : InfoLITHIUM® NP-FH50 (6.8V)
Number of Still Images : Approx. 500 images with viewfinder

In the Box

NP-FH50 Rechargeable Battery
Software CD-ROM

DT18-55mm SAM Kit Lens
Shoulder strap
USB cable

BC-VH1 Battery Charger
Body cap

Product Profile

Support

Find related product support and help in Sony eSupport

Product Warranty

Limited Warranty

InfoLithium H Series Battery Pack

$59.99
Compact External Flash

$149.99
LCD Protective Cover

$11.99
LCD Viewfinder Hood

$44.99

Zoom Lenses

16-50mm f/2.8 Mid-Range Zoom Lens

$799.99

G Series Lenses

500mm f/4.0 Super Telephoto Lens

$12999.99

Cases, Covers and Straps

Shoulder Strap

$39.99

Cases, Kits & Straps

Soft Carrying Case

$49.99

Alpha DSLR Lens & Accessory Sale

Flash for Alpha DSLR Cameras

$349.99

DSLR-A290L 4.7 5 3 3

I love this camera , she's my baby <3 This camera makes all my dreams come true , it's a great buy for its price and i recommend it . I am in love with this camera! June 14, 2011

Excellent Camera for the price I bought this camera as it was ideal in price. This is my first DSLS and I love it!! I personaly have not heard any other photographers use Sony, but after using this camera myself, I don't understand why a lot don't. The picture quality is wonderful! I love the compact shape and user friendly display. This is a great camera for getting into digital photography. April 5, 2011

First SLR & I Love It!!!! This is my first SLR & i really do love it! The image quality is much better than my other camera (The T90), & the auto focus is unbelievably fast. The viewfinder is pretty good (It could be a little larger) & the viewfinder sometimes is blurry even though the shots are not, but that just requires a switch of scene mode to resolve. The main downside is that the camera does not do well in auto mode & some of the scenes. That is why i use the programmable auto (P) & change the settings of the creative style. This camera is is an excellent choice for someone who is coming from a point-&-shoot that want more out of their digital camera. July 3, 2010

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VIEW FOOTNOTES

1. Requires BRAVIA® Sync feature in each product, including a compatible BRAVIA® HDTV. Please refer to owner’s manual to determine compatibility.

2. When fully charged. Actual results may vary based on product settings, usage patterns and environmental conditions.

3. Compatible BRAVIA® HDTV, and component cable (sold separately) required for PhotoTV HD viewing. Specifications of the BRAVIA HDTV shown vary according to market region.

© 2009 Sony Electronics Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Sony, , BIONZ, BRAVIA, Sync, Clear Photo LCD Plus, SteadyShot INSIDE, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo, InfoLITHIUM, HDNA, and Stamina, are trademarks of Sony. HDMI is a trademark of HDMI Licencing LLC. All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners. Non-metric weights and measurements are approximate and may vary.