Press release -

Comfortable handling and great value from Sony for first-time DSLR usersComfortable handling and great value from Sony for first-time DSLR usersComfortable handling and great value from Sony for first-time DSLR users

Sony adds two new stylish, affordable entry-level cameras to the α (alpha) Digital SLR range.

Ideal for first-time DSLR users, the DSLR-A390 (α390) and DSLR-A290 (α290) offer a dramatic step up in picture quality and creative options from point-and-shoot compact cameras. Just as importantly, they’re incredibly easy to use, even if you’ve never handled a DSLR before.

With a resolution of 14.2 effective megapixels for flawless, low-noise images, both cameras offer the speedy shooting responses that are prized by DSLR users.  The α390 adds the extra benefit of Quick AF Live View. This unique system teams the convenience of live image preview on the tilt-angle Clear Photo LCD with speedy, accurate phase-detection autofocus.

The most affordable new DSLR from Sony, the α290 offers the same 14.2 effective megapixel resolution as the α390 in a compact body that weighs just 456g (excluding battery and media).

Both cameras feature a sturdy new grip design that allows even more comfortable handling. The upper control area of both models has also been revised with a clear, uncluttered new button layout.

Even DSLR novices will find it brilliantly simple to explore the generous creative features of both new cameras. The intuitive Graphic Display makes it easy to understand the relation between shutter speed and aperture, plus the effects of your chosen exposure settings on the final picture. The Help Guide offers clear, concise explanations of camera functions, illustrated by a sample image to show the results you’ll achieve. Quick access to shooting and playback function menus is streamlined by colourful on-screen icons.

The α390 and α290 both include a mini-HDMI terminal for direct connection to any HD Ready TV (requires optional cable). Support for PhotoTV HD ensures even better-looking still image reproduction on compatible BRAVIA™ models.  BRAVIA™ Sync allows control of slideshow and other camera playback functions in comfort using your TV remote.

The stylish, easy to use new α390 and α290 DSLR cameras from Sony will be available from summer 2010.

Key features

DSLR-A390 (α390)

DSLR-A290 (α290)

Type

Digital SLR camera with built-in flash and interchangeable lenses

Digital SLR camera with built-in flash and interchangeable lenses

Lens compatibility

Sony A-mount lens, Minolta and Konica Minolta AF lens

Sony A-mount lens, Minolta and Konica Minolta AF lens

Image sensor

14.2 effective megapixels

14.2 effective megapixels

Recording

Memory Stick PRO Duo/Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo/Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX

SD memory card/SDHC memory card

Memory Stick PRO Duo/Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo/Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX

SD memory card/SDHC memory card

White balance

Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Flash, Custom

Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Flash, Custom

Autofocus system

TTL phase detection system; CCD line sensors (Centre-cross 9 points)

TTL phase detection system; CCD line sensors (Centre-cross 9 points)

Auto Exposure system

40-segment honeycomb-pattern SPC

40-segment honeycomb-pattern SPC

Viewfinder

Fixed eye-level, penta-Dach-mirror

Fixed eye-level, penta-Dach-mirror

LCD monitor

6.7cm (2.7-inch) TFT (Clear Photo LCD)

6.7cm (2.7-inch) TFT (Clear Photo LCD)

Line view

Quick AF Live View (Pentamirror tilt system)

No

Shutter

Electronically-controlled, vertical-traverse, focal-plane type

Electronically-controlled, vertical-traverse, focal-plane type

SteadyShot

Image-sensor shift mechanism

Image-sensor shift mechanism

Built-in flash

Auto pop-up – GN 10 at ISO 100 coverage up to 18mm

Auto pop-up – GN 10 at ISO 100 coverage up to 18mm

Drive

Single, Continuous, Self-timer (10/2 sec. delay selectable), Self-timer (Cont.), Remote Commander

Single, Continuous, Self-timer (10/2 sec. delay selectable), Self-timer (Cont.), Remote Commander

Interface

USB2.0 Hi-speed (mass-storage, PTP), HDMI  mini connector (Type C)

USB2.0 Hi-speed (mass-storage, PTP), HDMI  mini connector (Type C)

Print

Exif Print, Print Image Matching III, PictBridge

Exif Print, Print Image Matching III, PictBridge

Power

Approx. 500 images with viewfinder, approx. 230 images in live view mode (CIPA standard)

Approx. 500 images with viewfinder (CIPA standard)

Weight

549g (including battery and Memory Stick Pro Duo)

508g (including battery and Memory Stick Pro Duo)

Dimensions

Approx. 128.1 x 97.1 x 83.5mm (W/H/D, excluding protrusions)

Approx. 128.1 x 97.1 x 79.6mm (W/H/D, excluding protrusions)

Operating temperature

32 - 104 degrees F (0 - 40 degrees C)

32 - 104 degrees F (0 - 40 degrees C)

-ENDS-

For more information, please contact;

For further information contact;

Leila Labban at Borkowski

+44 (0)20 7404 3000 / di@borkowski.co.uk

Aimee Lake at Sony UK Limited

+44 (0) 1932 816451 / aimee.lake@eu.sony.com

Alternatively please visit: http://presscentre.sony.uk

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