Sigma DP2x vs Sony A290
86 Imaging
44 Features
31 Overall
38


66 Imaging
54 Features
47 Overall
51
Sigma DP2x vs Sony A290 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 5MP - APS-C Sensor
- 2.5" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 3200
- 320 x 240 video
- 41mm (F) lens
- 280g - 113 x 60 x 56mm
- Revealed February 2011
- Old Model is Sigma DP2s
(Full Review)
- 14MP - APS-C Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 3200
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- No Video
- Sony/Minolta Alpha Mount
- 549g - 128 x 97 x 86mm
- Launched June 2010
- Earlier Model is Sony A230

Sigma DP2x vs Sony A290 Overview
On this page, we will be comparing the Sigma DP2x vs Sony A290, one being a Large Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Sigma and Sony. There exists a significant gap among the sensor resolutions of the DP2x (5MP) and A290 (14MP) but both cameras have the same sensor measurements (APS-C).

The DP2x was revealed 9 months later than the A290 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Both cameras have different body design with the Sigma DP2x being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Sony A290 being a Compact SLR camera.
Before diving into a more detailed comparison, here is a short introduction of how the DP2x scores vs the A290 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Sigma DP2x vs Sony A290 Gallery
The following is a preview of the gallery images for Sigma DP2x and Sony Alpha DSLR-A290. The full galleries are provided at Sigma DP2x Gallery and Sony A290 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Sigma DP2x over the Sony A290
DP2x | A290 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Launched | February 2011 | ![]() | June 2010 | More recent by 9 months |
Reasons to pick Sony A290 over the Sigma DP2x
A290 | DP2x | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Screen dimensions | 2.7" | ![]() | 2.5" | Bigger screen (+0.2") |
Common features in the Sigma DP2x and Sony A290
DP2x | A290 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manually focus | ![]() | Dial precise focus | ||
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Screen resolution | 230k | ![]() | 230k | Equal screen resolution |
Selfie screen | ![]() | No selfie screen | ||
Touch screen | ![]() | Neither offers Touch screen |
Sigma DP2x vs Sony A290 Physical Comparison
For anybody who is intending to lug around your camera frequently, you will have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Sigma DP2x offers physical measurements of 113mm x 60mm x 56mm (4.4" x 2.4" x 2.2") along with a weight of 280 grams (0.62 lbs) while the Sony A290 has dimensions of 128mm x 97mm x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") having a weight of 549 grams (1.21 lbs).
Compare the Sigma DP2x vs Sony A290 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have attached at that time. Underneath is a front view size comparison of the DP2x and the A290.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the DP2x and A290 is 86 and 66 respectively.

Sigma DP2x vs Sony A290 Sensor Comparison
More often than not, it is tough to imagine the difference in sensor measurements merely by going through technical specs. The visual underneath will help give you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the DP2x and A290.
As you can tell, each of these cameras provide the same sensor dimensions albeit different resolution. You should expect the Sony A290 to provide greater detail because of its extra 9 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop photographs more aggressively. The fresher DP2x provides a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.

Sigma DP2x vs Sony A290 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Sigma DP2x vs Sony A290 Specifications
Sigma DP2x | Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Company | Sigma | Sony |
Model | Sigma DP2x | Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 |
Category | Large Sensor Compact | Entry-Level DSLR |
Revealed | 2011-02-08 | 2010-06-09 |
Body design | Large Sensor Compact | Compact SLR |
Sensor Information | ||
Powered by | True II | Bionz |
Sensor type | CMOS (Foveon X3) | CCD |
Sensor size | APS-C | APS-C |
Sensor dimensions | 20.7 x 13.8mm | 23.5 x 15.7mm |
Sensor area | 285.7mm² | 369.0mm² |
Sensor resolution | 5MP | 14MP |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 3:2 and 16:9 | 3:2 and 16:9 |
Maximum resolution | 2640 x 1760 | 4592 x 3056 |
Maximum native ISO | 3200 | 3200 |
Lowest native ISO | 100 | 100 |
RAW photos | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focus | ||
AF touch | ||
AF continuous | ||
AF single | ||
AF tracking | ||
Selective AF | ||
Center weighted AF | ||
Multi area AF | ||
AF live view | ||
Face detect AF | ||
Contract detect AF | ||
Phase detect AF | ||
Number of focus points | - | 9 |
Cross focus points | - | - |
Lens | ||
Lens mounting type | fixed lens | Sony/Minolta Alpha |
Lens focal range | 41mm (1x) | - |
Number of lenses | - | 143 |
Focal length multiplier | 1.7 | 1.5 |
Screen | ||
Range of display | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Display diagonal | 2.5 inches | 2.7 inches |
Display resolution | 230k dot | 230k dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch capability | ||
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | None | Optical (pentamirror) |
Viewfinder coverage | - | 95 percent |
Viewfinder magnification | - | 0.55x |
Features | ||
Lowest shutter speed | 15s | 30s |
Highest shutter speed | 1/2000s | 1/4000s |
Continuous shooting speed | 3.0 frames/s | 3.0 frames/s |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manually set exposure | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Change WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Inbuilt flash | ||
Flash range | 4.30 m | 10.00 m (at ISO 100) |
Flash modes | Forced Flash, Red-Eye Reduction, Slow Synchro | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, High Speed Sync, Rear Curtain, Fill-in, Wireless |
Hot shoe | ||
AEB | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Highest flash sync | - | 1/160s |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF area | ||
Center weighted | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 320 x 240 | - |
Maximum video resolution | 320x240 | None |
Video data format | Motion JPEG | - |
Mic jack | ||
Headphone jack | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environmental seal | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 280 grams (0.62 pounds) | 549 grams (1.21 pounds) |
Physical dimensions | 113 x 60 x 56mm (4.4" x 2.4" x 2.2") | 128 x 97 x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around score | not tested | 66 |
DXO Color Depth score | not tested | 22.6 |
DXO Dynamic range score | not tested | 11.5 |
DXO Low light score | not tested | 615 |
Other | ||
Battery life | - | 290 shots |
Type of battery | - | Battery Pack |
Battery model | - | NP-FH50 |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse shooting | ||
Type of storage | SD/SDHC/MMC | Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo, SD/SDHC |
Storage slots | One | One |
Retail cost | $699 | $600 |