Sony Alpha A390 - Devon Camera Summary

By Sales Advisor and Photographer Kirsty Burge

With the Alpha A390, Sony has produced a very highly specified , afforadable camera, which competes very aggressively with its peers.
Boasting lots of features, only previously available in higher end models, make using this lightweight Digital SLR a pleasure.

On first inspection, you may think the camera a little ‘bijoux’, but its features are definitely mighty. The juxtaposition of high resolution and a super fast accurate response, prove that the A390 is a force to be reckoned with and its speedy, accurate focussing is leaving other camera brands in the starting blocks!

It has a ‘9 point, centre cross Autofocus system & quick Autofocus live-view’, delivering faster shooting with more accurate focusing via the LCD screen or the viewfinder.
The inbuilt ‘Steadyshot inside’ system, also means you gain an extra 3.5 steps of antishake, meaning you can wave goodbye to motion blur, and welcome, ‘pin sharp’ detail.
For those hard to reach distance shots, you can take advantage of the inbuilt tele-converter, allowing you either 1.4 or 2x closer to your subject.
The A390 is also a great camera for tripod or low-level work, as you can shoot directly from the screen on a horizontal plane, ending forever the photographer’s stoop! Due to the manor in which Sony have developed their live-view, (using a secondary sensor in the pentoprism) you will also find that your shots also benefit from a far better Dynamic-range when using the screen for image composition.

The only downside to this camera that I’ve discovered so far, is the lack of tea making facility… it literally does everything else!

Features

• 14.2 effective megapixels - High-resolution CCD Sensor for detailed images and excellent sensitivity
• 6.9cm (2.7") tilt-angle screen - Clear Photo LCD displays detailed, high-contrast images: with Auto Brightness Control for easy viewing, even in sunlight
• Responsive autofocus - 9-point centre cross AF with EyeStart activation for fast, accurate focusing
• Quick AF Live View - Enjoy the convenience and comfort of live image preview on the tilt-angle-LCD, with fast, accurate autofocus
• SteadyShot INSIDE - Optical image stabilisation gives up to 3.5 steps anti-shake performance with α-mount lenses by Sony or Konica Minolta lenses
• High sensitivity up to ISO 3200 - Low noise imaging up to ISO 3200, plus high-ISO noise reduction for more natural-looking results, even in low light
• BIONZ processor - Powerful processing engine for high-quality, low noise images and responsive shooting performance
• Friendly Help Guide and Graphic Display - Simple on-screen guidance assures easy, intuitive operation, even for first-time DSLR users
• Smart Teleconverter - Gives additional instant magnification of 1.4x or 2x to pull distant subjects closer

What's in the Box - A390Y?

• Alpha A390 Digital SLR Body
• SAL-1855mm SAM lens
• SAL-55-200mm SAM Lens
• SLR Body cap
• Sony Alpha Shoulder Strap
• USB cable
• Sony Battery Charger
• Sony NP-FH50 battery
• Supplied software-Image Data Converter SR; Image Data Lightbox SR & Picture Motion Browser for easy image management

What's in the Box - A390L?

• Alpha A390 Digital SLR Body
• SAL-1855mm SAM lens
• SLR Body cap
• Sony Alpha Shoulder Strap
• USB cable
• Sony Battery Charger
• Sony NP-FH50 battery
• Supplied software-Image Data Converter SR; Image Data Lightbox SR & Picture Motion Browser for easy image management