Sony A290 vs Sony NEX-7
66 Imaging
54 Features
47 Overall
51
![Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 front Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 front](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/cameras/w300/fronton/Sony-Alpha-DSLR-A290.jpg)
![Sony Alpha NEX-7 front Sony Alpha NEX-7 front](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/cameras/gallery/medium/Sony-Alpha-NEX-7/Sony-NEX-7-front.jpg)
84 Imaging
64 Features
71 Overall
66
Sony A290 vs Sony NEX-7 Key Specs
(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
- Revealed June 2010
- Earlier Model is Sony A230
(Full Review)
- 24MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Tilting Display
- ISO 100 - 16000
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Sony E Mount
- 400g - 120 x 67 x 43mm
- Released December 2011
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/snapchat-218x150.jpg)
Sony A290 vs Sony NEX-7 Overview
Its time to examine more in depth at the Sony A290 and Sony NEX-7, former being a Entry-Level DSLR while the other is a Advanced Mirrorless and they are both sold by Sony. There exists a considerable gap among the image resolutions of the A290 (14MP) and NEX-7 (24MP) but they come with the same exact sensor measurements (APS-C).
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ai-licence-218x150.jpg)
The A290 was revealed 18 months earlier than the NEX-7 making the cameras a generation apart from one another. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Sony A290 being a Compact SLR camera and the Sony NEX-7 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.
Before we go through a step-by-step comparison, below is a concise overview of how the A290 matches up versus the NEX-7 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/iphone-optical-stabilization-218x150.jpg)
Sony A290 vs Sony NEX-7 Gallery
Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 & Sony Alpha NEX-7. The full galleries are viewable at Sony A290 Gallery & Sony NEX-7 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Sony A290 over the Sony NEX-7
A290 | NEX-7 |
---|
Reasons to pick Sony NEX-7 over the Sony A290
NEX-7 | A290 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Released | December 2011 | ![]() | June 2010 | More recent by 18 months |
Display type | Tilting | ![]() | Fixed | Tilting display |
Display sizing | 3" | ![]() | 2.7" | Larger display (+0.3") |
Display resolution | 921k | ![]() | 230k | Clearer display (+691k dot) |
Common features in the Sony A290 and Sony NEX-7
A290 | NEX-7 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Focus manually | ![]() | More exact focus | ||
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither provides selfie screen | ||
Touch display | ![]() | Neither provides Touch display |
Sony A290 vs Sony NEX-7 Physical Comparison
If you're intending to lug around your camera, you will have to think about its weight and measurements. The Sony A290 provides physical measurements of 128mm x 97mm x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") and a weight of 549 grams (1.21 lbs) while the Sony NEX-7 has proportions of 120mm x 67mm x 43mm (4.7" x 2.6" x 1.7") along with a weight of 400 grams (0.88 lbs).
Take a look at the Sony A290 and Sony NEX-7 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.![Camera Size Comparison with Lenses Camera Size Comparison with Lenses](https://pxlmag.com/db/assets/camera-size-comparison-animation.gif)
Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you choose at that time. Here is the front view dimensions comparison of the A290 compared to the NEX-7.
![Sony A290 vs Sony NEX-7 size comparison Sony A290 vs Sony NEX-7 size comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Sony-Alpha-DSLR-A290-vs-Sony-Alpha-NEX-7-size-comparison.jpg)
Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the A290 and NEX-7 is 66 and 84 respectively.
![Sony A290 vs Sony NEX-7 top view buttons comparison Sony A290 vs Sony NEX-7 top view buttons comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Sony-Alpha-DSLR-A290-vs-Sony-Alpha-NEX-7-top-view-buttons-comparison.jpg)
Sony A290 vs Sony NEX-7 Sensor Comparison
Normally, it is difficult to envision the contrast in sensor measurements just by looking through specifications. The visual here may offer you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the A290 and NEX-7.
To sum up, the two cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing but not the same megapixels. You can anticipate the Sony NEX-7 to provide you with extra detail because of its extra 10MP. Greater resolution can also help you crop photos a little more aggressively. The older A290 will be behind with regard to sensor innovation.
![Sony A290 vs Sony NEX-7 sensor size comparison Sony A290 vs Sony NEX-7 sensor size comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/sensor-compare/Sony-Alpha-DSLR-A290-vs-Sony-Alpha-NEX-7-sensor-size-comparison.png)
Sony A290 vs Sony NEX-7 Screen and ViewFinder
![Sony A290 vs Sony NEX-7 Screen and Viewfinder comparison Sony A290 vs Sony NEX-7 Screen and Viewfinder comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Sony-Alpha-DSLR-A290-vs-Sony-Alpha-NEX-7-screen-back-comparison.jpg)
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/LP3_cut_13f_0212-218x150.jpg)
Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/tiktok-218x150.jpg)
Street Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/maxresdefault-218x150.jpg)
Sports Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/samsung-evo-microsd-cards-featur-218x150.jpg)
Travel Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Approach-to-AI-Generated-Content-218x150.jpg)
Landscape Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/No-Surprise-Pentax-17-Pre-Orders-218x150.jpg)
Vlogging Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/photography-glossary-218x150.jpg)
Sony A290 vs Sony NEX-7 Specifications
Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 | Sony Alpha NEX-7 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand | Sony | Sony |
Model type | Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 | Sony Alpha NEX-7 |
Class | Entry-Level DSLR | Advanced Mirrorless |
Revealed | 2010-06-09 | 2011-12-13 |
Body design | Compact SLR | Rangefinder-style mirrorless |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor | Bionz | Bionz |
Sensor type | CCD | CMOS |
Sensor size | APS-C | APS-C |
Sensor dimensions | 23.5 x 15.7mm | 23.5 x 15.6mm |
Sensor area | 369.0mm² | 366.6mm² |
Sensor resolution | 14 megapixel | 24 megapixel |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 3:2 and 16:9 | 3:2 and 16:9 |
Highest Possible resolution | 4592 x 3056 | 6000 x 4000 |
Maximum native ISO | 3200 | 16000 |
Min native ISO | 100 | 100 |
RAW pictures | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focusing | ||
Autofocus touch | ||
Autofocus continuous | ||
Autofocus single | ||
Autofocus tracking | ||
Selective autofocus | ||
Center weighted autofocus | ||
Multi area autofocus | ||
Autofocus live view | ||
Face detection focus | ||
Contract detection focus | ||
Phase detection focus | ||
Total focus points | 9 | 25 |
Lens | ||
Lens mount type | Sony/Minolta Alpha | Sony E |
Available lenses | 143 | 121 |
Crop factor | 1.5 | 1.5 |
Screen | ||
Range of screen | Fixed Type | Tilting |
Screen diagonal | 2.7 inch | 3 inch |
Screen resolution | 230 thousand dot | 921 thousand dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch display | ||
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | Optical (pentamirror) | Electronic |
Viewfinder coverage | 95% | 100% |
Viewfinder magnification | 0.55x | 0.73x |
Features | ||
Minimum shutter speed | 30s | 30s |
Fastest shutter speed | 1/4000s | 1/4000s |
Continuous shutter speed | 3.0fps | 10.0fps |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Change white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Integrated flash | ||
Flash distance | 10.00 m (at ISO 100) | 6.00 m |
Flash modes | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, High Speed Sync, Rear Curtain, Fill-in, Wireless | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Rear Curtain, Fill-in, Wireless |
Hot shoe | ||
AE bracketing | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Fastest flash sync | 1/160s | 1/160s |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF area | ||
Center weighted | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | - | 1920 x 1080 (60, 24 fps), 1440 x 1080 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps) |
Maximum video resolution | None | 1920x1080 |
Video file format | - | MPEG-4, AVCHD |
Mic jack | ||
Headphone jack | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | Eye-Fi Connected |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environment seal | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 549g (1.21 lb) | 400g (0.88 lb) |
Dimensions | 128 x 97 x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") | 120 x 67 x 43mm (4.7" x 2.6" x 1.7") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall rating | 66 | 81 |
DXO Color Depth rating | 22.6 | 24.1 |
DXO Dynamic range rating | 11.5 | 13.4 |
DXO Low light rating | 615 | 1016 |
Other | ||
Battery life | 290 shots | 430 shots |
Form of battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery ID | NP-FH50 | NPFW50 |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec) | Yes (2 or 10 sec, 10sec (3 or 5 images)) |
Time lapse shooting | ||
Storage media | Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo, SD/SDHC | SD/SDHC/SDXC/Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo |
Storage slots | One | One |
Pricing at release | $600 | $699 |