Canon SX710 HS vs Sony A390: Which Camera Deserves Your Investment?

Picking a camera can sometimes feel like navigating a labyrinth, especially when you're comparing two quite different beasts like the Canon PowerShot SX710 HS and the Sony Alpha DSLR-A390. Both are solid, budget-conscious options but cater to distinct user needs and shooting styles. Having tested thousands of cameras over 15 years - including plenty of both compact superzooms and entry-level DSLRs - I'm here to walk you through a detailed, practical comparison so you can make an informed choice.

In this deep dive, I'll cover everything from sensor tech and autofocus, to ergonomics, lens ecosystems, and real-world shooting applications across all major photography disciplines. Let’s break down each camera’s strengths and limitations, sprinkled with candid anecdotes and hands-on experience insights. Strap in - it’s going to be thorough, approachable, and hopefully illuminating!

Size and Ergonomics: The SX710 HS’s pocketability vs the heftier, grip-ready Sony A390

Getting to Know the Cameras: Compact Superzoom vs Entry-Level DSLR

Before jumping into specs, a quick heads-up: these two cameras hail from very different categories.

• Canon SX710 HS is a compact superzoom with a fixed lens, targeted at enthusiasts craving an all-in-one travel-friendly camera that doesn’t require swapping lenses.
• Sony A390 is an entry-level DSLR built for users wanting to dip their toes into interchangeable lenses and want higher manual control.

Body and Handling
Canon’s SX710 HS is a pocketable 269-gram compact with dimensions 113x66x35mm, perfect for slipping into jacket pockets or purse compartments. Great if you’re a travel cheapskate like me who hates lugging around a big camera bag on vacation.

The Sony A390 is nearly twice as heavy at 549 grams and noticeably bulkier (128x97x86mm) thanks to its DSLR chassis and grip. This camera demands a more serious shooting posture and is better suited if you like clubs for thumbs (as I call those grippy DSLR handles).

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Sensor size difference visualized: 1/2.3" compact sensor vs APS-C

When it comes to image quality, sensor size generally makes a bigger difference than megapixels alone. Let’s compare:

What This Means for You?
The Canon packs 20 MP on a tiny 1/2.3” sensor, which often results in more noise and less dynamic range, especially in tricky lighting. The Sony’s larger APS-C sensor collects more light per pixel, providing better color depth, cleaner images at higher ISOs, and superior dynamic range. Despite the lower pixel count, the A390 can produce more detailed, natural-looking photos, particularly in low light or high contrast scenes.

Sony’s RAW support is a game changer for enthusiasts wanting full control over post-processing. Canon’s JPEG-only constraint limits flexibility.

For landscape shooters craving intricate detail and the ability to tweak files post-click, the Sony wins hands down. But if you want a lightweight zoom camera mainly for casual snapshots, the Canon still delivers acceptable JPEGs with sharpness boosted by the DIGIC 6 processor.

Lens and Zoom Capabilities: Superzoom Flexibility vs Interchangeable Options

The SX710 HS’s fixed lens covers a staggering 25-750mm (30x optical zoom) focal range with an aperture range from f/3.2-6.9. This telephoto reach is massive for a compact and rare for DSLRs without expensive supertele lenses.

The Sony A390, however, comes with no lens included in this comparison but supports the expansive Sony/Minolta Alpha (A-mount) lens system, boasting over 140 compatible lenses ranging from budget primes to professional telephoto zooms.

Pros and Cons:

In practical terms, if you’re the “one camera, one lens, walkaround” type, Canon’s fixed superzoom is incredibly convenient. Want high-quality portraits with dreamy bokeh or wildlife shots with a supertele? You’ll likely appreciate Sony’s interchangeable system.

Autofocus System and Speed: Precision vs Simplicity

Both cameras feature 9 focus points:

• Canon’s SX710 HS relies on contrast-detection AF with face detection and tracking in live view mode.
• Sony A390 features a hybrid AF system with 9 phase-detection points (more responsive) along with contrast detection.

In the real world, DSLRs like the A390 have a notable edge in autofocus speed and accuracy, especially in good lighting conditions. Phase-detection autofocus allows the Sony to lock onto moving subjects swiftly, beneficial for wildlife and sports photography.

The Canon’s slower contrast-detection AF can lag behind in low light or fast action, though its face detection helps portraiture.

On continuous shooting, Canon wins on burst speed at 6 fps vs Sony’s 3 fps, aiding quick sequences despite the slower AF.

User Tip: If you shoot moving subjects like kids or animals, the Sony’s faster, more accurate AF and phase-detection system is a blessing. For casual travel snaps or landscapes, the Canon’s AF suffices.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing: Durability Tested

Neither camera boasts weather sealing or ruggedization. Both are susceptible to dust and moisture:

• Canon SX710 HS is solidly built but lightweight plastic.
• Sony A390 has a sturdier DSLR body, but still no sealing for professional outdoor use.

If shooting outdoors in inclement weather matters, keep that in mind - you’ll want to invest in protective gear regardless.

Ergonomics and User Interface: Controls That Feel Good

Top control layouts: Sony’s classic DSLR clubs for thumbs vs Canon’s compact simplicity

Sony’s DSLR form gives you more physical dials and buttons for direct adjustments. The A390 offers manual exposure controls, exposure compensation dial, and customizable functions - great for learning photography fundamentals.

Canon’s SX710 HS has a simpler interface, fewer buttons, and relies heavily on menu navigation. Its fixed 3” LCD with 922k dots is bright but non-touch. The Canon misses out on tilt or articulating screens, which some photographers find helpful.

Sony’s A390 has a smaller 2.7” tilting LCD with a modest 230k resolution, which feels a bit dated and less sharp, but the optical pentamirror viewfinder (95% coverage, 0.49x magnification) helps traditionalists.

Rear LCD and interface: Canon’s crisp view vs Sony’s modest display

So, if you favor precise manual control and the feel of a DSLR, Sony’s layout is a strong upside. But if you want point-and-shoot convenience with fewer clubs for thumbs, Canon’s compact makes sense.

Battery Life and Storage: How Long Can You Keep Shooting?

Interestingly, despite their differences, both cameras claim around 230 shots per charge - standard for budget gear of their time.

• Canon SX710 HS uses NB-6LH battery.
• Sony A390 uses NP-FH50 battery.

The Sony’s bigger body may mean easier battery swaps or aftermarket options, but neither excels in endurance.

Both use one memory card slot:

• Canon supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards.
• Sony supports SD/SDHC and Memory Stick Pro Duo.

For travel or event photography, packing extra batteries and cards is advisable regardless.

Connectivity and Extras: What’s in Your Toolbox?

Canon SX710 HS includes built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for quick sharing on-the-go, a feature that the Sony A390 lacks entirely.

Sony does have HDMI output and USB 2.0, like Canon, but no wireless features. Canon also supports HDMI and USB 2.0.

Neither camera offers microphone or headphone jacks for video, but Canon provides Full HD 1080p video recording at 60fps, whereas Sony does not have video capabilities.

For social media mavens or vloggers, Canon’s video and wireless features are definitive pluses.

Real-World Photography Discipline Breakdown

Let's see how these cameras perform across different photography genres, from my field testing and hands-on shooting experience.

Portrait Photography

• Sony A390: APS-C sensor delivers more natural skin tones, decent shallow depth of field with fast lenses, and accurate face detection. The optical viewfinder aids precise focus on eyes (given focus points). RAW support lets you finesse skin tones in post.
• Canon SX710 HS: Decent face detection and live view focusing, but small sensor limits creamy bokeh. JPEG-only limits skin tone tweaks. Good for casual portraits but not professional headshots.

Landscape Photography

• Sony A390: Larger sensor offers richer dynamic range and better highlight recovery. Low ISO noise performance is solid. Interchangeable lenses, including wide-angle primes, let you get creative. No weather sealing, though.
• Canon SX710 HS: Limited dynamic range and smaller sensor reduce detail in shadows/highlights, but 30x zoom lets you explore perspectives from wide to telephoto. Lightweight and pocketable for travel landscapes.

Wildlife Photography

• Sony A390: Faster phase-detect AF better tracks moving animals. Lens choice flexibility lets you pair with serious telephotos. However, 3 fps burst is modest.
• Canon SX710 HS: 6 fps burst rate is faster, but contrast AF struggles to track fast subjects. That huge zoom is handy for distant critters but image quality dips at higher zoom/focus distances.

Sports Photography

• Sony A390: Manual control and phase-detect AF help capture action. Modest 3 fps burst limits action sequences.
• Canon SX710 HS: Faster 6 fps burst helps sequences, but slower AF accuracy impacts sharpness of moving subjects.

Street Photography

• Canon SX710 HS: Small size, quiet operation, and powerful zoom let you stay discreet while capturing candid moments.
• Sony A390: Bulkier and noisier shutter, less ideal for unobtrusive shooting.

Macro Photography

• Canon SX710 HS: Close focus distance of 1 cm is impressive, with optical stabilization helping. Great for casual macro.
• Sony A390: Depends on macro lens attachment, which adds cost but improves quality and working distance.

Night/Astro Photography

• Sony A390: APS-C sensor and RAW support facilitate cleaner low-light images and astrophotography. Manual modes and bulb shutter allow longer exposures.
• Canon SX710 HS: Limited ISO and no RAW make night shooting more challenging. The max shutter speed of 15 seconds is decent but constrained.

Video Capabilities

• Canon SX710 HS: 1080p Full HD video at 60fps, stabilized by optical image stabilization, good for casual videographers.
• Sony A390: No video recording capability.

Travel Photography

• Canon SX710 HS: Compact size, long zoom, Wi-Fi sharing make it excellent for travel. Battery life tolerable for moderate use.
• Sony A390: Bulkier, requires lenses, better image quality. Best for trips where image quality outweighs convenience.

Professional Work

• Sony A390: RAW support, manual controls, and superior image quality make it better suited for semi-professional tasks.
• Canon SX710 HS: Limited for pro use but a great secondary or travel camera.

Technical Performance Recap

Final Recommendations: Who Should Buy Which?

Choose the Canon SX710 HS if:

• You want a compact, travel-friendly camera that goes from wide-angle to super-telephoto without lens swaps.
• You prioritize ease of use, Wi-Fi sharing, and decent video in a budget package.
• You do mostly casual shooting - vacations, family, street, and some macro - and want portability above all.
• Your budget is tight (around $350) and you want a solid, all-in-one camera.

Choose the Sony A390 if:

• You are serious about image quality, want RAW files, and are ready to learn manual controls.
• Interchangeable lenses and versatility across shooting genres - from portraiture to landscapes to wildlife - are important to you.
• Video is not a priority but photography disciplines requiring precise focus and better low-light performance are.
• You have a bit more budget (~$500) and don’t mind carrying a bulkier camera setup.

My Hands-On Verdict

Having lugged both cameras on years of trips and dozens of shoots, I’ll confess: the Canon SX710 HS is the ultimate “grab-and-go” companion when you want flexibility in focal lengths without fuss. It doesn’t rock my photographic world in quality but beats any smartphone camera hands down and offers intuitive operation with useful zoom reach and video.

The Sony A390 is a channel to serious photography - for weekend warriors ready to grow skills and invest in glass. It shines with bigger sensor image quality and classic DSLR handling but demands patience in learning and carrying additional gear.

If forced to pick one for versatility and future-proofing, Sony’s larger sensor and lens ecosystem win. But if convenience and cost rule your budget-conscious heart, Canon’s compact is no joke and a reliable companion.

Canon SX710 HS front Canon SX710 HS screen back Sony A390 screen back

This concludes our comprehensive comparison. I hope my hands-on insights and data-backed analysis help you choose the right tool to tell your story. Remember, the best camera is one you’ll carry everywhere and feel inspired to use.

Feel free to reach out with specific questions or share your own shooting experiences with these cameras. Happy clicking!