Sony A290 vs Sony NEX-5T

Choosing Between Sony A290 and Sony NEX-5T: An Expert Comparison for Enthusiasts and Professionals

Selecting a digital camera demands a nuanced understanding of technical specifications, real-world performance, intended photographic applications, and workflow integration. Both the Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 (A290) and the Sony Alpha NEX-5T (NEX-5T) serve entry-level photographers but represent fundamentally different design philosophies: the A290 is a traditional DSLR introduced in 2010, while the NEX-5T, launched three years later, is a compact mirrorless system emphasizing portability and advanced autofocus technology. This article dissects these two models with comprehensive coverage of their capabilities, technical underpinnings, and suitability across photographic disciplines.

Physical Design and Handling: DSLR Bulk Versus Mirrorless Portability

At the outset, the difference in body size and ergonomics is notable. The A290 adheres to the traditional compact SLR form factor, with dimensions of approximately 128 x 97 x 86 mm and a weight of 549g. This heft arises largely from its pentamirror optical viewfinder assembly, internal mechanical shutter, and larger grip. The build is plastic-based, typical for entry-level DSLRs, offering acceptable but limited robustness and absent any weather sealing.

Conversely, the NEX-5T features a rangefinder-style mirrorless body much smaller in all axes at 111 x 59 x 39 mm and nearly half the weight at 276g. This drastic reduction reflects the elimination of a reflex mirror and optical pentaprism/pentamirror, replaced with electronic imaging technologies. The reduced bulk enhances portability, particularly advantageous for travel, street, and casual day-to-day shooting. However, smaller bodies often lead to compromises in grip comfort and control layout.

Control interfaces follow a similar trajectory; the A290 employs traditional DSLR controls with mode dials, buttons, and a basic top LCD absence, relying on an optical viewfinder to frame. The NEX-5T, by contrast, simplifies physical controls and shifts many settings into touchscreen-based menus on a 3.0-inch tilting TFT LCD with touch capability - an industry progression favoring intuitive scene composition and settings adjustment flexibility but with a learning curve for users accustomed to tactile dials.

Sensor Architecture and Image Quality: CCD Versus CMOS in APS-C Realm

Both cameras utilize APS-C size sensors with similar dimensions (23.5x15.7 mm for A290 CCD; 23.4x15.6 mm for NEX-5T CMOS), maintaining a consistent crop factor of 1.5x relative to full-frame.

However, the Sony A290 employs an older CCD sensor delivering 14 megapixels, while the NEX-5T incorporates a more modern 16MP CMOS sensor. This difference is critical in both image quality and performance domains.

• Dynamic Range & Color Depth: DXO Mark data assigns the NEX-5T an overall image quality score of 78 with superior 13.0 EV dynamic range and 23.6-bit color depth, compared to the A290’s 66 overall, 11.5 EV dynamic range, and 22.6-bit color depth. This gap manifests in the NEX-5T’s ability to better retain highlight and shadow detail and richer color tonality, especially relevant for landscape and portrait photographers demanding nuanced tonal gradation.

• High ISO & Low-Light Performance: The CCD sensor’s inherent readout approach restricts high ISO usability on the A290, capping at ISO 3200 natively with a DXO low-light ISO rating of 615. In contrast, the NEX-5T’s CMOS sensor facilitates lower noise levels and more usable images up to ISO 25600, reflected in a DXO low-light ISO of 1015. This difference confers a tangible advantage in event, street, sports, and astro photography under challenging light.

• Resolution & Native Aspect Ratios: Both models preserve standard 3:2 and 16:9 aspect ratios with maximum resolutions near 4600x3056 (A290) and 4912x3264 (NEX-5T), providing ample detail for professional prints and cropping latitude.

Given these metrics, users prioritizing superior image fidelity and more versatile ISO performance will find the NEX-5T’s sensor technology markedly advantageous.

Autofocus Systems: Contrast-Phased Hybrid Versus Traditional Phase Detection

Autofocus (AF) performance critically influences usability across all photographic fields, from rapidly changing sports action to precise macro work.

• Sony A290 AF: Implements a 9-point phase-detection AF system without cross-type points data available. It supports single, continuous AF, selective AF area modes, and face detection but lacks tracking capabilities. This AF config is representative of entry-level DSLRs of its era - adequate for controlled shooting environments but struggles with fast-moving subjects or low contrast scenes.

• Sony NEX-5T AF: The NEX-5T marks a significant advancement, boasting a hybrid AF system combining contrast-detection and phase-detection AF with 99 focus points including 25 cross points. It supports continuous AF, tracking AF, selective AF, face detection, and touch-to-focus via its articulated touchscreen. This results in quicker, more accurate focus acquisition, especially tracking moving subjects, benefiting wildlife, sports, and event photographers.

In practical use, the NEX-5T’s AF consistently outperforms the A290 in speed and reliability under dynamic conditions. The increased AF coverage and modes allow creative flexibility, like tracking erratic bird movement or autofocus during street portraits where the subject might be off-center.

Viewfinders and LCD Displays: Optical Glass Versus Electronic Interface

The A290 features a traditional optical pentamirror viewfinder offering 95% frame coverage and 0.55x magnification. While invaluable for real-time, lag-free framing with natural colors, its brightness and framing accuracy tend to be inferior to higher-end pentaprisms, and no live histogram or focus peaking assist is available.

The NEX-5T dispenses with an integrated viewfinder, requiring composition solely on its 3.0-inch tilting, high-resolution LCD touchscreen (922k dots) with wide tilt range (180° up, 50° down). Although electronic viewfinders (EVFs) were optional and not standard on this model, the high-resolution screen provides accurate exposure previews, including histograms, live magnification for manual focus, and touch AF control.

For shooting in bright daylight outdoors, the lack of an integrated EVF in the NEX-5T can hamper usability, although tilting the screen mitigates glare issues somewhat. For traditionalists valuing optical through-the-lens viewing, especially in bright conditions or long telephoto work, the A290 remains preferable.

Burst Shooting and Buffer Capabilities

Continuous shooting performance impacts action, wildlife, and sports photography.

• Sony A290: Delivers a modest 3 FPS burst with unspecified buffer depth, consistent with its entry-level DSLR positioning.

• Sony NEX-5T: Offers a notable 10 FPS burst rate, markedly faster, beneficial for capturing fleeting moments or rapid sequences.

In practice, the NEX-5T’s substantially higher fps and improved AF tracking deliver a clear advantage for disciplines requiring fast capture cadence, including sports and wildlife photography.

Lens Ecosystem and Mount Compatibility

Sony A290 screen back Sony NEX 5T front Sony NEX 5T screen back

• Sony A290: Utilizes the Sony/Minolta Alpha (A-mount) system compatible with over 140 lenses. The A-mount benefits from extensive legacy Minolta glass, including diverse primes and telephotos but suffers from a declining new lens portfolio in recent years. Many lenses are bulkier given the DSLR form factor.

• Sony NEX-5T: Employs the Sony E-mount introduced with the mirrorless NEX series. Though younger, E-mount boasts fast-growing lens options tailored for compact bodies, including compact primes, high-speed zooms, and specialized glass. Adaptors allow A-mount lens use albeit with added bulk and sometimes autofocus limitations.

Lens selection influences camera choice: photographers favoring robustness and access to substantial legacy lens collections may prefer the A290, while those prioritizing compactness, autofocus speed, and modern optics should favor the NEX-5T.

Build Quality, Weather Sealing, and Durability

Neither camera offers weather sealing or significant ruggedness enhancements, common for entry-level models.

• The A290’s larger, more traditional DSLR chassis provides slightly better mechanical reliability and protection of internal components by virtue of more robust mounting and sealing against dust ingress via the optical viewfinder assembly.

• The NEX-5T’s smaller footprint is more exposed without sealing, demanding care in moisture or dusty environments.

Neither model targets professional environmental hardening; users requiring all-weather operation should consider higher-tier bodies.

Stabilization: Sensor Shift Versus Absence

The A290 includes sensor-based image stabilization, an uncommon feature in DSLRs of its generation, which helps mitigate camera shake across lenses without stabilization. While limited in efficacy compared to modern stabilization systems, this aids handheld shooting in low light or at telephoto focal lengths.

The NEX-5T, however, lacks in-body stabilization and depends on lens-based optical stabilization, restricting shake compensation to compatible lenses.

For photographers frequently shooting in low shutter speed scenarios without stabilized lenses, the A290’s sensor-shift may offer practical benefits.

Video Capabilities: No Video Versus Full HD Recording

This is an area where the NEX-5T distinctly surpasses the A290.

• Sony A290: Does not support video recording.

• Sony NEX-5T: Offers 1080p full HD video capture at multiple frame rates (60p, 60i, 24p) with AVCHD and MPEG-4 formats. It supports manual exposure control during recording and various flash sync modes but lacks microphone/headphone jacks limiting professional audio capture.

Photographers engaging in hybrid still/video work will find the NEX-5T’s video functionality essential.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

• A290: Limited to basic USB 2.0 and HDMI interfaces, no wireless or NFC connectivity.

• NEX-5T: Supports built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for smartphone pairing and remote control, streamlining image transfer and social sharing workflows.

Advanced connectivity is increasingly valuable for on-the-go photographers and remote shooting, favoring the mirrorless model.

Battery Life and Storage Media

The A290 uses a high-capacity NP-FH50 battery rated for approximately 290 shots per charge, typical for DSLRs benefiting from optical viewguides which conserve power.

The NEX-5T employs the NP-FW50 rechargeable battery with a slightly higher rating of 330 shots, aided by the electronic display’s power efficiency improvements.

Both cameras offer single SD/Memory Stick slots, but the NEX-5T supports SDXC cards allowing higher-capacity media and faster write speeds.

Practical Real-World Shooting Insights Across Genres

Portraiture: Rendering Skin Tones and Bokeh

The A290’s CCD sensor produces smooth gradations in skin tones, with respectable color depth. However, slower autofocus and only 9 AF points limit precision, especially for critical eye focus.

The NEX-5T’s CMOS sensor and 99-point AF system with face detection and touch AF allow for rapid, accurate focus on eyes, improving portrait sharpness. Modern E-mount lenses frequently feature faster apertures generating superior bokeh gradients.

Landscape: Dynamic Range and Weather Robustness

The NEX-5T’s extended dynamic range and higher resolution offer more latitude for landscape shooters working in varied light, plus tilting LCD facilitates low-angle compositions.

However, neither camera has weather sealing - an important consideration for landscape photographers who shoot outdoors in adverse conditions.

Wildlife and Sports: Speed and Tracking

High frame rate shooting at 10 FPS combined with advanced AF tracking in the NEX-5T significantly outperforms the A290’s conservative 3 FPS without tracking. The NEX-5T's superior burst rate and autofocus make it more suited for capturing fast-moving animals or athletes.

Street Photography: Discreteness and Low Light

The mirrorless NEX-5T’s lightweight, compact body and quiet electronic shutter reduce photographer conspicuousness, advantageous for candid street imagery.

Furthermore, the superior high ISO performance of the NEX-5T allows cleaner images in challenging light, a common street condition.

Macro Photography: Focusing Precision and Stability

Neither camera specializes in macro, lacking focus bracketing or stacking features. The A290’s sensor-shift stabilization provides some help with handheld close-ups.

NEX-5T’s touchscreen AF allows fine focus control for macro lenses, but absence of in-body stabilization relies on stabilized lenses or tripods.

Night and Astrophotography: Noise and Exposure Control

The NEX-5T’s lower noise signature at elevated ISOs and ability to manually control exposures while previewing on an LCD screen favor night and astrophotography where long exposures and high sensitivity are crucial.

Without video modes or advanced exposure aids, the A290’s older sensor technology handicaps low-light creative work.

Video Production

Clearly, video shooters must favor the NEX-5T. The absence of video on the A290 removes it from consideration for multimedia creators.

Travel Photography

The NEX-5T’s portability and wireless features enhance travel convenience. The lack of an optical viewfinder may limit use in bright sun but overall portability wins.

The A290’s DSLR build adds bulk and weight, which can strain traveling photographers, but provides rugged handling and native optical viewing.

Workflow Integration and Professional Viability

• File Handling: Both cameras support RAW capture, crucial for post-processing fidelity.

• Reliability: The A290’s DSLR pedigree implies familiar, sturdy operation compatible with legacy Minolta lenses and professional workflows needing optical viewfinders for critical manual focusing.

• Connectivity: NEX-5T’s wireless features and touchscreen interface suit contemporary digital workflows emphasizing swift image transfer and sharing.

• Battery and Storage: Both cameras present no significant workflow bottlenecks, but single storage slot means frequent card management.

Comprehensive Performance Overview

Synthesizing expertise and DXO Mark benchmarks, the NEX-5T outperforms the A290 overall, particularly in image quality, autofocus, burst speed, video capabilities, and usability features. The A290 remains relevant for those prioritizing traditional DSLR handling and compatibility with extensive A-mount lenses, as well as basic still photography without video demands.

Final Recommendations Based on User Needs and Budgets

Conclusion: Technology Progression and Practical Trade-Offs

The Sony A290 was a competitive DSLR at introduction, capitalizing on established optics and traditional operation. Nonetheless, its CCD sensor and dated AF architecture place it behind more advanced mirrorless contemporaries like the Sony NEX-5T, which integrates newer CMOS technology, superior autofocus, video capabilities, and compact ergonomics.

The NEX-5T’s advantages align with modern photographic practices emphasizing portability, connectivity, and hybrid media creation, while the A290 retains niche appeal where optical viewfinder experience, sensor stabilization, and legacy lens support are decisive.

Prospective buyers must weigh intended use cases - optical viewfinder importance, lens investment, video needs, and mobility preferences - as these factors decisively impact the value proposition of each system.

This detailed, experience-backed comparison offers photographers the granular insights necessary to navigate the nuanced differences between these Sony models and select the camera that best complements their artistic and workflow goals.