Sony A290 vs Sony HX100V: A Hands-On Journey Through Two Sony Worlds

When you’re eyeing a camera that’s entered the decade-long baton race since the introduction of these two models, it pays to look beyond specs sheets and marketing blurbs. The Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 (or simply the A290) and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX100V sit in very different segments but compete in surprising ways for enthusiast attention. I’ve spent enough time with both, digging deep into the nuances and quirks of each, to offer a detailed, down-to-earth comparison that helps you decide which Sony suits your photographic personality better.

Sony A290 and HX100V: Worlds Apart on First Touch

At a glance, they're siblings only by brand: the A290 sports a traditional entry-level DSLR form factor, while the HX100V struts a bridge-camera style body - sort of a techy hybrid between a compact and an SLR. The A290’s heft (549g) and chunkier grip feel more robust and DSLR-like, suiting those who crave that tactile heft. The HX100V is slightly heavier (577g) but more compact in footprint, making it reasonable for travel or casual carry - even with its pronounced zoom lens.

Ergonomically, the A290 clings to conventional DSLR controls but is a bit barebones - the smaller 2.7-inch fixed screen and the absence of live view makes it feel a little 'old school' given this camera’s 2010 launch date. In contrast, the HX100V’s 3-inch tilting XtraFine LCD delights with much higher resolution (921k dots) and TruBlack technology, which - believe me - makes a visible difference under sunlight. The HX100V also offers an electronic viewfinder, a modern convenience, while the A290 sticks to an optical pentamirror viewfinder offering about 95% frame coverage.

If you’re a tactile, traditionalist photographer fond of optical viewfinders and DSLR ergonomics, the A290 will please. But those leaning toward grab-and-go versatility and more modern LCD tech might appreciate the HX100V’s user interface - albeit with some caveats ahead.

Under the Hood: Sensor and Image Quality Realities

The heart of any camera is, of course, its sensor - and here the stories must diverge. The Sony A290 boasts an APS-C sized CCD sensor measuring 23.5x15.7mm, with a resolution of 14 megapixels. On the other hand, the HX100V’s sensor is a much smaller 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor (6.17x4.55mm) delivering 16 megapixels.

Why does sensor size matter? Big time. Larger sensors like the A290’s APS-C capture more light, contributing to better dynamic range, lower noise at higher ISOs, and richer color depth. The A290’s DxO Mark score of 66 confirms respectable performance for a 2010 entry-level DSLR. It shines with excellent color depth (22.6 bits) and a dynamic range of 11.5 stops, quite commendable for its era. Low light performance is fair, topping around ISO 615 before noise becomes apparent.

In contrast, the HX100V, despite its newer BSI-CMOS sensor technology, is hampered by the tiny sensor size and enormous 30x zoom (equivalent focal length 27-810mm) which demands compromises in noise and image quality. DxO Mark hadn’t tested the HX100V, but based on similar sensors, it is expected to fall short of the A290 in low-light performance, dynamic range, and color fidelity. However, the HX100V’s sensor technology is CMOS with backside illumination (BSI), which somewhat improves light sensitivity compared to front-side illuminated CCDs.

Handling the image output of both showed their respective strengths clearly: The A290’s photos boast noticeably better tonal gradations and shadow detail, vital in portrait and landscape work, while the HX100V excels in versatility - capturing distant subjects with surprising sharpness, albeit with more noise and less subtle color rendition.

Resolution and Detail: The Real-World Verdict

While the A290 has 14MP and the HX100V has 16MP, those extra pixels on the HX100V come from a far smaller sensor, resulting in smaller individual photosites. Practically, that means the A290 produces crisper, cleaner detail in high-contrast and complex texture areas. This was particularly noticeable when comparing landscape shots with intricate foliage and cityscape details.

For portraits, the A290’s larger sensor also yields smoother skin tones with minimal artifacts - benefiting from the CCD’s color signature and greater color depth. The HX100V’s images felt slightly more clinical and sometimes harsher in highlight areas, especially when pushing exposure compensation or in bright, sunny conditions.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Catching the Action

If capturing fleeting moments precisely is key, autofocus and burst rate become deal-breakers. The A290 employs a 9-point phase-detection autofocus system, with face detection and multi-area AF. Although respectable for an entry DSLR from 2010, it lacks advanced tracking modes. It supports continuous AF during burst shooting but maxes out at a modest 3 frames per second (fps). In practice, focusing on stationary or slowly-moving subjects is easy; tracking fast action, less so.

The HX100V, being a bridge camera with smaller sensor and contrast-detection autofocus only, offers 9 focus points as well, but AF speed is generally slower and less accurate, especially for moving subjects. However, it has continuous shooting at 10 fps, impressive on paper but complicated by its autofocus system: the HX100V does not offer continuous AF during bursts, relying on focus lock from the first frame. Hence, shooting sharp photos of fast-moving subjects is challenging.

For wildlife and sports shooters, that makes the A290 the better choice despite slower raw fps - accuracy beats speed, especially with unpredictable subjects. HX100V’s high burst rate is more suited for casual moments where quick framing adjustments trump sharpness.

Build Quality, Weather Resistance, and Portability

Both cameras are built for consumer to enthusiast levels, but neither is weather sealed or ruggedized. The A290’s polycarbonate body manages decent durability while feeling familiar and robust in hand, though it weighs slightly less than expected for an APS-C DSLR at 549g.

The HX100V, while heavier at 577g, balances size with a design that mimics SLRs but actually provides a more compact, pocketable footprint. This makes it a great travel companion for those wanting reach without lugging multiple lenses.

Neither camera feels particularly shockproof or designed for extreme environments, so cautious outdoor use is advised.

Screens, Viewfinders, and User Experience

Dealing with the interface is an often overlooked but critical aspect. The A290’s small 2.7-inch fixed screen (230k dots) is on the dim and low-res side, frustrating for image review or menu navigation, especially given the era’s trend toward larger displays.

Conversely, the HX100V shines here: its 3-inch tilting LCD with 921k dots resolution enhances composition versatility (especially low or high angle shots), and the XtraFine LCD technology makes it relatively usable even in bright light conditions. The electronic viewfinder (EVF) is inherently different from the A290’s optical viewfinder and can feel laggy or artificial but is handy for framing in direct sunlight.

If you like the optical viewfinder experience, the A290 wins hands down, providing a natural, no-lag view with predictable exposure feedback. But if you’re after screen flexibility and live previewing exposure or histogram overlays, the HX100V is more user-friendly.

Lens Ecosystem and Versatility

This is perhaps the most glaring distinction. The A290 benefits from Sony’s Minolta Alpha mount, supporting over 140 lenses ranging from affordable primes to professional telephotos. This adaptability is a serious asset for those developing a serious photography habit or looking to explore specialized genres such as macro, portraiture, or sports.

The HX100V, meanwhile, has a fixed lens with a jaw-dropping 30x zoom spanning 27-810mm equivalent focal length, with an aperture range from F2.8 (wide) to F5.6 (telephoto). This zoom flexibility is fantastic for travel, wildlife, and casual shooting without the fuss of changing lenses.

The trade-off is optical quality: while generally sharp in the middle of the zoom range, edge softness and chromatic aberrations creep in at extremes, especially at full telephoto reach. Also, no raw shooting on HX100V limits post-processing latitude.

Battery Life and Storage

Battery stamina is a real-world factor that often surprises buyers. Sony rates the A290 at around 290 shots per charge using the NP-FH50 battery, which is adequate but not stellar for DSLR standards - the CCD sensor and older tech are reasonably efficient though.

Sony doesn’t publish exact battery life for the HX100V but typically, bridge cameras with smaller sensors and LCD-focused use can eke out a comparable or higher shot count, especially since it saves only JPEGs. However, heavy use of zoom and video modes can drain battery faster.

Both cameras use a single storage slot supporting SD/SDHC cards, with the A290 offering older Memory Stick Pro Duo compatibility as well. Storage options are straightforward and evolved for their time.

Connectivity and Extras: What You Should Know

The A290 is barebones concerning wireless features - no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC. It does offer USB 2.0 and HDMI out for tethered work or playback.

The HX100V meanwhile includes built-in GPS, which is a handy addition for travel and geotagging, plus Eye-Fi wireless card support, a forward-thinking (for the time) feature to wirelessly transfer images to compatible devices.

No microphone or headphone jacks exist on either, and neither camera supports RAW video capture. However, the HX100V shines with HD video: 1080p at 60fps, MPEG-4 and AVCHD formats offering smooth footage, a step ahead since the A290 does not support video recording at all.

Real-World Photography Across Genres: Pros and Cons

Portraits: Who Nails Skin Tones and Bokeh?

The A290’s APS-C sensor bowls over the HX100V’s tiny sensor in producing creamy background blur, thanks to both sensor size and compatibility with fast lenses. Face detection autofocus on the A290 is handy but a bit dated; it misses animal eye AF and sophisticated tracking features newer cameras boast.

Skin tones from the A290 tend to be warmer, more natural, and forgiving in gentle lighting. The HX100V struggles with subtle tonal transitions and tends to produce flatter, more digital-looking skin, especially at longer zooms.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Detail Crunching

Here, the A290 is king - its larger sensor offers superior dynamic range allowing you to recover shadow and highlight details that the HX100V’s sensor simply cannot capture. When shooting wide-open landscapes in varying light conditions, the A290 holds detail better and avoids aggressive noise reduction that can smudge fine textures.

Weather sealing is absent from both, so pack carefully. The HX100V’s compactness and longer zoom can tempt landscape enthusiasts seeking portability plus reach, but image quality losses at maximum zoom make it less suited for serious landscape fine art.

Wildlife: Telephoto Reach and Autofocus Speed

HX100V’s 30x zoom lens brings wildlife into your frame from afar, an obvious advantage to tele-lens fans on a budget or casual observers. But autofocus speed and tracking are clunky, which becomes frustrating when shooting birds or fast animals.

The A290 can host telephoto lenses, but the kit body alone offers no superzoom. With compatible fast telephotos, its autofocus system excels in accuracy and continuous mode, though fps is limited. Sports and wildlife shooters benefit more from the A290 combo, especially if paired with a quality telephoto lens.

Sports Photography: Tracking and Burst Performance

Neither camera is specifically geared for sports photography. The A290’s 3 fps and 9-point AF can get the job done for recreational sports shoots - think weekend soccer or kids on the move - but serious fast-action shooters will feel hamstrung.

The HX100V’s 10 fps burst sounds tempting, but lack of continuous autofocus during bursts means many shots will be out of focus.

Street Photography: Discreteness and Portability

The HX100V edges out for street photography thanks to its smaller size, quiet operation, and zoom flexibility - no lens changes required, able to capture candid shots from a distance without intrusion.

The A290, while more capable optically, is more conspicuous and somewhat slow to grab shots on the fly due to older live-view and quieter operation constraints.

Macro Photography: Focus Precision and Magnification

Neither camera is designed specifically for macro, but the DSLR A290 has the advantage of compatibility with dedicated macro lenses that offer superior magnification and working distances.

The HX100V does have a decent macro mode but struggles to deliver fine detail and bokeh is limited by sensor size and lens constraints.

Night/Astro: High ISO and Exposure Control

The A290 exhibits a distinct upper edge in high ISO performance, though iso 3200 is tops and image quality starts degrading after iso 600 or 800. Its manual exposure modes and aperture/shutter priority allow for creative long-exposures essential for astro work.

The HX100V’s smaller sensor significantly limits low light usability - noise is rampant beyond ISO 400 or 800. Still, its built-in optical stabilization helps. Lack of advanced manual controls and no raw shooting make astro photography a tough sell here.

Video Capabilities: HD and Audio

The A290 lacks video recording altogether, a notable limitation in today’s world.

The HX100V records 1080p HD video at 60fps, a huge plus for casual videographers who want decent quality without complicated setups. However, no mic input limits audio control. Stabilization helps handheld video but expect typical consumer-grade clip quality.

Travel Photography: Versatility and Battery Life

The HX100V is arguably the best all-in-one travel partner between these two. Its massive zoom range, lightweight body, GPS tagging, and better screen tech make it a versatile companion for trips where carrying multiple lenses and camera bodies isn’t practical.

The A290 offers better image quality but demands additional lenses and accessories to cover various focal lengths, adding bulk and complexity.

Sony A290 screen back Sony HX100V front Sony HX100V screen back

Professional and Workflow Considerations

The A290 shoots in RAW format, crucial for professionals needing maximum editing latitude and color accuracy. Its built-in sensor stabilization reduces the need for stabilized lenses, broadening options.

The HX100V shoots JPEG only, limiting post-processing scope, and its fixed lens and smaller sensor inhibit professional usage. Its GPS is a mild professional perk for location data.

Working with the A290’s data files requires established workflows with Sony’s RAW converters or third-party software; HX100V files are simpler but less flexible.

Wrapping Up the Scores and Final Thoughts

Both cameras have loyal niches:

• The Sony A290 shines for those prioritizing image quality, interchangeable lenses, and a traditional DSLR experience.
• The Sony HX100V offers impressive zoom versatility, excellent screen tech, and video features in a compact package, ideal for travel or casual multi-purpose shooting.

From a value perspective, the HX100V is significantly cheaper (~$429 vs ~$600 launch prices) and satisfies a broad user seeking everything-but-the-kitchen-sink functionality without the learning curve or lens investments.

Could the A290 be better for someone? Absolutely - those embarking on DSLR photography to explore creative growth and serious image quality will find its sensor and lens options invaluable.

Those who want one camera with enormous reach, HD video, and GPS in a neat package (at some image quality cost) might lean toward the HX100V.

Recommendations for Different Users

The Bottom Line

Both the Sony A290 and HX100V capture unique value propositions from Sony’s early-2010s efforts. The A290’s DSLR roots and sensor size make it an enduring option for image quality and future system growth, though lacking video and modern interface niceties. The HX100V’s bridge-camera design packs a huge zoom and video punch into a compact, versatile, but sensor-limited form factor.

Putting tech aside, choosing between them depends largely on what you treasure most - is it image quality and creative control, or sheer convenience and all-in-one utility? Hopefully, this extensive, hands-on comparison helps you answer that question with clarity.

Happy shooting - whatever Sony you choose!

Note: All images inserted correspond to their contextual mentions in the article.