A memory card is not included with the camera.
Get a high-capacity memory card so you don't get caught without memory.
The Sony Alpha A290 Digital SLR with 18-55mm Lens is a compact DSLR designed around a 14.2 (effective) megapixel APS-C format CCD sensor that utilizes a Sony BIONZ image processor to capture and process image files as RAW, JPEG, or RAW+JPEG at speeds of up to 2.5 frames-per-second. The Alpha A290 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. Files can be stored onto Memory Stick PRO Duo or SD/SDHC memory cards.
For indoor snapshots or eliminating 'raccoon eyes' when shooting portraits outdoors on sunny days, the Alpha A290 has a built-in pop-up flash (guide number 10 in meters @ ISO 100). There's also a hot-shoe for use with Sony dedicated TTL flashguns and other Sony-compatible flashguns.
For composing images the A290's eye-level pentamirror viewfinder shows 95% of the total image area. A rear-mounted 2.7" TFT Clear Photo LCD allows you to review the images you just photographed.
To facilitate sharp, well-exposed images, the Sony Alpha A290 utilizes a 9-point autofocus (AF) system that can be used in single or multi-shot mode. There's also an 'eye-start' mode which kick-starts the AF system when you raise the camera to your eye. For on-the-nose exposure readings the A290 features a 40-segment honeycomb-pattern SPC TTL metering system and Sony's D-Range Optimizer for balanced shadow and highlight details.
Other features of the Sony Alpha A290 include a Dust Reduction system, ISO settings that can be adjusted from a native 100 through an extended ISO 3200, a wide selection of shooting modes, an easy-to-read, easy-to-use menu interface, on-screen help guide and Sony SteadyShot INSIDE image stabilization system for sharper imagery when shooting under low-light conditions with all Sony, Minolta, and Konica AF-mount lenses.
The included Sony SAL-1855 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 DT AF Lens has an equivalent focal length of 27-82.5mm in the 35mm/full frame standard. This is the perfect starter lens allowing you to shoot close-up and distance subjects. The Sony Alpha A290 powers off a Sony NP-FH50 lithium-ion battery, which can capture 500-plus images per charge.
| Camera Type | Digital SLR Camera |
| Imaging | |
|---|---|
| Resolution | Effective: 14.2 megapixels , Recorded: 14.9 megapixels |
| Sensor | 23.6 x 15.8mm APS-C format CCD sensor |
| Bit Depth | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| File Formats | RAW, RAW+JPEG, JPEG Fine, JPEG Standard |
| File Size | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Color Spaces | Adobe RGB |
| Creative Color Modes | Standard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, Night view, Sunset, & Black/White |
| Image Stabilization | Optical Image Stabilization (Sony SteadyShot INSIDE) |
| Crop Factor | 1.5 |
| Optics | |
|---|---|
| Lens | Interchangeable Lens System |
| Zoom | 18-55mm |
| Lens Mount | Sony a lens, Minolta and Konica Minolta AF lens |
| Focus Type | Auto, Manual |
| Focus Range | 0.82' (0.25m) to infinity |
| Accessory Lens/Filter Mount | 55mm |
| Shooting Controls | |
|---|---|
| Sensitivity | ISO 100-3200 |
| Shutter Speeds | 1/4000 second - 30 sec, bulb |
| Metering | TTL metering w/ 40-segment honeycomb-pattern SPC |
| Exposure Modes | Auto, Auto Flash Off, Program Auto, Aperture priority, Shutter priority, Manual |
| White Balance | Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Flash, Custom |
| Mirror Lock-Up | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Burst Capability | Up to 2.5 fps |
| Self Timer | Yes |
| Interval Recording | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Remote Control | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Flash | |
|---|---|
| Built-in Flash | Yes |
| Effective Flash Range | 10 meters |
| External Flash Connection | Hot Shoe |
| Dedicated Flash System | Sony TTl Dedicated Flash System |
| Max Sync Speed | 1/160 second |
| Memory | |
|---|---|
| Built-in Memory | No |
| Memory Card Type | Memory Stick PRO Duo, SD and SDHC memory cards |
| Still Images per GB | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| A/V Recording | |
|---|---|
| Video Recording | No |
| Video Resolution | N/A |
| Video Clip Length | N/A |
| Audio Recording | No |
| Viewfinder/Display | |
|---|---|
| Viewfinder Type | Fixed eye-level, penta-Dach-mirror |
| Viewfinder Coverage | 95% |
| Display | 2.7" TFT Photo Clear LCD |
| Connectivity/System Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Connectivity | USB 2.0, HDMI mini connector (Type C) |
| System & Software Requirements |
PC: Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional, XP SP2, Vista Mac: OS X (v10.4) or later |
| Environmental | |
|---|---|
| Operating/Storage Temperature | Operating: 32 - 104°F (0 - 40°C) |
| Weatherproofing | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Durability | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Power | |
|---|---|
| Battery Type | NP-FH50 Li-ion |
| Power Adapter | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 5 x 3.8 x 3.13" (128 x 97 x 79.6mm) |
| Weight | Body only: 1.00 lbs (456g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
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Most Liked Positive Review
Simple to use entry level camera
I bought this camera as a backup to my sony a700. Its easy to use and has a handy in camera guide. It is pretty light, however it has a plastic cheap feel to...Read complete review
I bought this camera as a backup to my sony a700. Its easy to use and has a handy in camera guide. It is pretty light, however it has a plastic cheap feel to it. The kit lens with it seems pretty good. I found most of the functions simple to use and liked the brief explanations of how each mode works. I found the continuous advance drive to being no different than the single advance mode if you are fast on the shutter button. The battery seems to last a good time and I like the ability to use different memory cards.
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Most Liked Negative Review
Great Camera But Imp Feature Missing
This is my first DSLR camera. I graduated from a point and shoot camera. I bought this since this was one of the most basic of DSLR's that I found.
The pictur...Read complete review
This is my first DSLR camera. I graduated from a point and shoot camera. I bought this since this was one of the most basic of DSLR's that I found.
The picture quality of the snaps is great and it is indeed small and light as compared to its other high end cousins. The look and feel of the camera is very good and it is easy to use - especially for someone who is new to DSLR's.
But I fould 1 very important feature missing - the Live View feature.
Since I am very used to a point and shoot camera, I hate to keep looking through the optical view finder to focus on the object.
I would rather recommend buing this camera's advanced version - the Sony A390 since it has the live view feature.
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Reviewed by 22 customers
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Comments about Sony Alpha A290 Digital SLR with 18-55mm Lens:
loved the camera, except for the lcd screen wont give you the live image i would still recoomend this camera defintely worth the price thank you...
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Comments about Sony Alpha A290 Digital SLR with 18-55mm Lens:
I HAVE USED THIS CAMERA EVERYDAY SINCE I HAVE GOTTEN. IT IS WITH ME ALL THE TIME. I AM KNOWN NOW AS THE PHOTOGRAPHER. I KNOW HAVE IRRITATED PEOPLE WITH IT AS WELL. HOWEVER, I APPRECIATE HAVING THIS CAMERA. IT DOES SO MUCH THAT I HAVE NOT EVEN SCRATCHED THE SERVICE. I ONLY USE THE MANUAL MODE AND SHOOT IN B&W. HOWEVER, YOU CAN EDIT THIS TO YOUR SHOOTING STYLE. THERE ARE SO MANY WAYS TO ADJUST AND CALIBRATE THIS THINGS ITS ALMOST OVERWHELMING. I DO NOT LIKE THAT THE BATTERY TAKES THREE HOURS TO CHARGE. IT DOES LAST ENOUGH FOR ME. I JUST WISH IT DIDN'T TAKE THAT LONG FOR A CHARGE.
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Comments about Sony Alpha A290 Digital SLR with 18-55mm Lens:
This is my first DSLR, and though I'm still learning how to use it, I am definitely impressed with what you get for the price. You can't beat Sony DSLR's if simply for the compatibility to older Minolta lenses.
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Comments about Sony Alpha A290 Digital SLR with 18-55mm Lens:
this is my first slr, which I am using mostly for family photographs. Since I do not have another to compare to I don't know how it stacks up to other popular models, but its serving me well. First, it is easy to use and most of the controls are pretty intuitive. I wish the aperture button were in a different place though for faster changes in manual mode. The af speed is decent and the pictures are good. The best part about this camera was the price. If you are looking for a decent slr at a good price...you can't go wrong with this sony.
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Comments about Sony Alpha A290 Digital SLR with 18-55mm Lens:
I really can't think of anything negative to say about this camera. This is my first digital camera, having always used a film SLR. The owners manual is pretty easy to understand and the cameras features are easy to use. I'm getting great photos using the 18-55 lens that comes with it as well as my other lenses that I have for my Minolta SLRs. I also find the editing software that comes with it to be easy to understand and use. Really great camera for the price!
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Comments about Sony Alpha A290 Digital SLR with 18-55mm Lens:
Bought this for my daughter for her high school graduation.
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Comments about Sony Alpha A290 Digital SLR with 18-55mm Lens:
Great and easy to use. However be aware you cannot view from the LCD screen and click a photograph. You have to use the small view finder. I think this is a very big con. No video recording possible.
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Comments about Sony Alpha A290 Digital SLR with 18-55mm Lens:
I owned the A100 right when it came out in 2006. I loved that camera. I decided to buy the A290 because it was right around the A100 like i had but a bit simpler which is great for me. I love photography and carry this camera everywhere. It is lighter than my A100 and better quailty because of up to date features. I mainly use it for free lance and sport shooting. Works great for both. I have Minolta lenses and they fit on this great as well. I didnt want to waste the lenses.
I am glad i bough this camera!
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Comments about Sony Alpha A290 Digital SLR with 18-55mm Lens:
I like it so much and it has me intereste din buying another in the futer.
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Comments about Sony Alpha A290 Digital SLR with 18-55mm Lens:
this DSLR camera has a great feeling to it, i felt like a pro using it. the grip was amazing and it was surprisingly light, i took many interesting pictures that my fellow photographers loved! but the only thing that bothered me a little was there is a slight delay time when the camera is over exposed! but am new at this so i think its natural.
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Comments about Sony Alpha A290 Digital SLR with 18-55mm Lens:
I am a novice photographer, new to all sort of cameras, but not new to great investments. I had been very cautious about the purchase of a digital camera. I spent months reading reviews to ensure that I would get the best camera for my dollars.I found the A290 last year and felt that it would be the best camera for me, but I was still very cautious about purchasing the camera. So...it took me a year. The price has been reduced because there have been other cameras that have been released recently. [...]The features are easy to learn and I've been taking tons of photos. Surprisingly, friends and professionals have asked who has taken the pictures and I laugh when they discover that I am the photographer. Buy this camera...you won't be sorry.
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Comments about Sony Alpha A290 Digital SLR with 18-55mm Lens:
Easy to use. Light weight. Great picture quality.
Pros
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Comments about Sony Alpha A290 Digital SLR with 18-55mm Lens:
Its very easy to use specially this is my first slr camera and the quality is superb
Pros
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Comments about Sony Alpha A290 Digital SLR with 18-55mm Lens:
This is a great entry level SLR but it is just that - entry level. Don't expect advanced features you'd find on a higher-end camera. It also makes a decent backup SLR for those that already own an more expensive camera.
The camera takes great snapshots and for the amatuer it will be difficult to find a better quality SLR. The basics are all covered, with plenty of automated features. The manual is easy to understand, and both camera/lens are durable. Quality of photos is excellent.
One of the best things about the camera is the price point. This is in my opinion the best digital SLR available at this price, much better than the equivalents class models from Canon or Nikon.
Another great feature is the battery life. I can easily use this camera for several hundred shots before needing a charge.
What I don't like about the a290:
1. Sony seems to have taken a step backwards by removing some buttons from the body and replacing them with the menu system. Particularly, steady shot (camera stabilization) and some of the flash functionality. These are things I play with quite often, and don't want to manipulate through several menus and "clicks" to choose the right setting.
2. There is minimal flexibilty with certain settings (e.g. bracketing range). That's almost to be expected with a camera in this class.
3. Continuous shooting is poor - it is limited to 3 frames per second whereas similar models from other vendors can go much faster.
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Comments about Sony Alpha A290 Digital SLR with 18-55mm Lens:
Works amazingly well with my old lenses, takes great low-light pictures.
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Comments about Sony Alpha A290 Digital SLR with 18-55mm Lens:
The A290L does a great job with flash pictures as well as low light situations. Built in guide is very helpful while getting started. This camera would be hard to beat for the money.
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Comments about Sony Alpha A290 Digital SLR with 18-55mm Lens:
Great camera, easy to use,easy to store in your pocket.I would recomend this gem to all my friends.It even is HD 1080...and for a great price.
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Comments about Sony Alpha A290 Digital SLR with 18-55mm Lens:
This camera fullfills my personal pictures needs, it is good to use with familiy, friends, and events, good for an amateur photographer.
The thinks that are great about it are that it is light easy to carry and use, friendly to operate, its features helps a lot.
To be perfect I feel like a video feature would've been great!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sony Alpha A290 Digital SLR with 18-55mm Lens:
This is my first DSLR camera. I graduated from a point and shoot camera. I bought this since this was one of the most basic of DSLR's that I found.
The picture quality of the snaps is great and it is indeed small and light as compared to its other high end cousins. The look and feel of the camera is very good and it is easy to use - especially for someone who is new to DSLR's.
But I fould 1 very important feature missing - the Live View feature.
Since I am very used to a point and shoot camera, I hate to keep looking through the optical view finder to focus on the object.
I would rather recommend buing this camera's advanced version - the Sony A390 since it has the live view feature.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sony Alpha A290 Digital SLR with 18-55mm Lens:
I purchased this camera to transition into the dSLR age and still utilize $2000 of Minolta MC/MD lenses, via an adapter sold by B&H. [...] Be aware your MC/MD lenses will only operate with the camera in manual mode but no biggie!! [...]
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