(SR5) more infos about the A290 and A390
A swedish guy published some more details about the future A90 and A390 cameras on Dyxum:
“An article with pictures and a few specs about the new Sony A290 and A390 appeared today in a Swedish photo magazine, “Digitalfoto för Alla” #9
Very glad for this, despite that they are of no interest for me prsonally (I already have an A550, which I am VERY happy with – it is FAR better than most reviewers thinks). The important thing IMO is that Sony (unlike some pessimists here?), obviously believes there still is life in low-end DSLRs (and even more so in cameras higher up in the Sony camera hierarki, one might assume), and that the NEX system isn’t supposed to kill the current Alpha line. Sony is possibly expecting some reduction in sales though, since there are only two models (if it stays that way) instead of the usual three… 
Anyway, it seems to be mainly complaint-fixes.
The much critizised grip of the A230/A330/A380 series is gone, and replaced with a more conventional and appearantly with much better ergonomy.
The Smart Teleconverter button is moved out of the way a little, up onto the camera top.
Resolution of the lowend model is increased with 40%, so now both are equipped with 14 Mp image sensors. Couldn’t find any mention of it being CCD or CMOS, but have made a quick browse only so far.
And A390 has Quick LiveView, while A290 has not (thanks Sony, for not confuse us unnecessarily!).
Still no video.“
jt
3 years ago |Does anyone think these two cameras are going to sell well? My guess is that these will be the last two new DSLRs offered by anyone that does not have video. Especially at the entry level consumers are starting to expect video. Oh well, doesn’t matter. Sony would probably just cripple it like they did on the Nex. Please get real Sony and start giving consumers what they want. The Nex is a good start. But these cameras are a step backwards. It’s frustrating.
MC
3 years ago |The thing is though, that’s the story of Alpha in recent years; stepping backwards.
These cameras will not gain market share because of groundbreaking technology, at least not if they are as tipped. They might stop them losing out on some they otherwise may have gained were it not for some serious misjudgement in the past. Maybe that’s a useless point to make but addressing serious issues that should have never been created (i.e. destroying the ergonomics) won’t get Sony all that far until a viable product line is created.
What that will look like is one with pro and semi-pro bodies available; neither of which are truly available (the A850 may be on the market, but technologically is not really all that competitive other than offering full frame at a cheapER price – it’s not exactly pushing any significant boundaries), as well as a hefty lens lineup; most of the alpha lenses are re-branded Minolta models that are in huge need of an update. There are numerous lenses expected of a manufacturer that are expected by those wanting to buy into a mount which Sony simply do not offer to the same level as competitors. Take the 50mm for example; both Canon and Nikon have legendary lenses at this level. Sony have two mediocre (when compared to the other offerings) models that are years old.
Totally agree jt, Sony need to get real and release some cameras people want to buy, and fast.
Yianni
3 years ago |@ jt, no, I don’t think they’re going to sell well at all.
I’m not sure what the Swedish guy was smoking saying they’re far better than what reviewers think… They’re basically the same cameras as the A230 and A380 with the same crummy old 14megapixel CCD sensor [which is crap at high ISO] and a better grip in which they farked up in the first place.
The Canon 1000D and Nikon D3000 are due to be replaced soon as well and no doubt they’ll bring something more to the table than just a better grip.
Anyway, I recommend a lot of cameras to family, friends and the occasional client and these cameras will definitely not be on that list. Sony seems to like crippling cameras and taking features away and also reusing old parts from previous cameras.
Myst
3 years ago |“CCD sensor [which is crap at high ISO]”
by the same reasoning leicas are crap cause they use CCD sensors which are crap at high ISO… CCD are better than CMOS when it comes to low ISO. And i don’t know how many beginners will want to use a high ISO setting, most will shot in daylight so the cameras are just fine.
Owen.C
3 years ago |@myst
Yes but the 14mp sensor from the A350 is crap at high iso. I highly doubt they designed a new 14mp ccd sensor just for this camera.
Johan Krüger-Haglert
3 years ago |Regarding full-frame at cheaper price I think I saw that the Sony full-frame whatever it was called cost like 1500 dollar or something such in the US, the D700 2300 and the 5DmII 2500 or something such?
Here in Sweden the 5DmII cost less and the Sony cost most of them all at like twice the price or whatever it was. Doesn’t matter much.
Sony Alpha DSLR-A900, 24999
Nikon D700, 24789
Canon EOS 5D Mark II, 19799
So 2462 USD for the 5DmII and 311 USD for the A900 …
Good luck with that.
Johan Krüger-Haglert
3 years ago |Stupid keyboard with half-functional zero.
3101 for the A900.
Yianni
3 years ago |@Myst, there’s nothing wrong with CCD sensors in general but there’s a lot wrong with this old 14 megapixel sensor Sony keeps using on their entry level models. The A380 has it and now the A290 and A390 gets it as well…
I’m sure if they brought out a new CCD sensor it wouldn’t be as bad as the current one. This is no doubt a cost cutting exercise by continuing to use old bits and pieces and putting together a new camera.
Sure, this is an entry level camera but Sony is playing catch up to the big boys and by using recycled parts and not being initiative they’re not going to get anywhere and they’ll always be followers. What they did with the NEX is fantastic but these new entry level models are nothing special at all. Hell, even the ancient A200 and A300 can keep up with these new models which tells me Sony is taking 1 step forward and 2 steps back.
Hopefully the A5XX replacements will sport the NEX sensor which is good so we can get some decent performance and video out of them as well.
Catastrophile
3 years ago |@Johan, it seems the price of FF sony in sweden is too expensive relative to us & euroland prices. and that may be partially due to the fact that you still use the krona. by the time you switch to euro sony would have switched to medium format, and then you have the same story again.
Meg
3 years ago |I have given up waiting too purchase the new 750 and purchased an alpha 550 only had for two days and love it.