Sony A390 vs Sony A900: A Detailed DSLR Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts and Professionals

Sony’s DSLR lineup spans a broad spectrum of user needs and budgets, and no two models better exemplify this range than the entry-level Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 (A390) and the pro-grade Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 (A900). Despite sharing a brand and some technological foundations, these two cameras address profoundly different photographic ambitions and operational expectations. Drawing upon extensive hands-on testing and technical evaluation, this article dissects every pertinent aspect of both cameras to illuminate their real-world performance, strengths, and compromises spanning all major photographic domains.

First Impressions: Size, Ergonomics, and Build Quality

At first glance, the physical contrast between the Sony A390 and A900 is striking. The A390 is a compact SLR system tailored for entry-level photographers, featuring lightweight construction and simplified handling. In comparison, the A900 is a substantial mid-size DSLR engineered for professional reliability and high-volume shooting.

Ergonomics and Handling

• Sony A390: Weighing just 549 grams with dimensions of 128 x 97 x 86 mm, its compact body favors photographers prioritizing portability and ease of use. The grip is smaller and more contoured for casual users or those new to DSLRs, but the reduced heft can limit stability with heavier lenses during extended handheld sessions.

• Sony A900: At 895 grams and measuring 156 x 117 x 82 mm, this robust camera provides an assertive handgrip and substantial heft, which enhances steadiness especially when paired with substantial professional lenses. The build quality is noticeably superior, incorporating serious environmental sealing absent in the A390, making it a better companion in challenging conditions.

Both cameras share a familiar Sony/Minolta Alpha lens mount that supports an extensive ecosystem of 143 lenses, from affordable primes to top-tier optics.

Construction and Weather Resistance

• A900: Weather sealing adds a critical layer of protection against moisture and dust, aligning with its designation for advanced users operating outdoors or in demanding environments.

• A390: Lacks weather sealing and shockproof features, reflecting its target market where ruggedness is less imperative.

User Interface and Control Layout

Control schemes reflect their intended user classes.

• Sony A390: The top-deck favors straightforwardness with a small, tilting 2.7-inch LCD of 230k dots, lacking touchscreen functionality but providing critical shooting information. Dedicated controls are present but minimal, requiring frequent menu navigation for more complex settings. The pentamirror optical viewfinder covers ~95% of the frame with 0.49x magnification, typical for entry-tier models.

• Sony A900: Pro users benefit from a larger, 3-inch fixed TFT Xtra Fine color LCD with a high resolution of 922k dots, enhancing image review clarity. Its optical pentaprism viewfinder offers 100% frame coverage and 0.74x magnification, which is instrumental for critical composition. The more extensive, illuminated control ring includes customizable buttons, prioritizing quick access to professional-grade settings like AE bracketing and flash sync.

Sensor and Image Quality: CCD vs CMOS and Resolution Implications

The key technical demarcation between the two cameras lies in their sensor technology and resolution, a foundational determinant of image quality.

• Sony A390 Sensor:

  • 14 megapixels on a 23.5 x 15.7 mm APS-C CCD sensor.
  • Use of CCD technology in 2010 was becoming dated but still delivers impressive color depth (DxO Color Depth 22.5 bits).
  • Dynamic range scored 11.5 EV, respectable but limited compared to modern standards.
  • ISO sensitivity ranges from 100-3200, with usable low light performance constrained (DxO Low Light ISO rating 607).

• Sony A900 Sensor:

  • 24.6 megapixels on a full-frame 35.9 x 24 mm CMOS sensor.
  • CMOS offers superior high ISO performance and dynamic range due to better noise characteristics and faster readout.
  • Outstanding DxO scores: 23.7 bits for color depth and 12.3 EV dynamic range, with a low light ISO rating of 1431. This translates to cleaner images in dim conditions and more detail retention in highlights and shadows.
  • Native ISO extends to 6400, enabling versatile shooting in challenging exposure scenarios.

Full-frame resolution combined with Sony’s Bionz processor elevates the A900’s image quality markedly over the A390.

Autofocus System and Shooting Speed: Speed vs Simplicity

Autofocus (AF) is critical across genres from wildlife to portraiture.

• Both cameras utilize nine autofocus points with phase-detection sensors, but the implementation and responsiveness differ.

• Sony A390:

  • AF includes face detection and live view contrast-detection, benefiting casual shooters framing portraits or street scenes.
  • Continuous shooting rate maxes out at 3 fps, sufficient for moderate action but limited for fast-paced subjects.
  • Focus tracking is unavailable, which can frustrate users shooting sports or wildlife.

• Sony A900:

  • Offers sophisticated AF with 9 phase detection points, center-weighted AF for precision, and some AF tracking capabilities, though not as advanced as later pro models.
  • Burst rate reaches 5 fps; paired with large buffer capacity, it is more suitable for wildlife and sports photographers needing rapid consecutive frames.
  • Face detection is absent but professional users often prioritize manual override and selective AF point control over automated face detection.

Neither camera has eye or animal eye AF, a feature now common but unavailable in these legacy models.

Video Capabilities: Limited to Nonexistent

Both the Sony A390 and A900 are primarily stills cameras with no video recording functionality. This restricts their relevance in hybrid photo/video workflows evident in current market offerings.

The absence of microphone and headphone ports and H.264 or AVCHD codecs confirms their design limitations for video.

Photography Genres Tested: Strengths and Weaknesses

Portrait Photography

• Sony A390: Face detection enhances subject isolation for casual portraits. The APS-C sensor’s 1.5x crop factor can leverage telephoto primes, but the smaller sensor and lack of fast AF tracking limit its flexibility when working with moving subjects. The sensor-based image stabilization helps in lower-light conditions but optical lenses dominate bokeh quality.

• Sony A900: Superior full-frame sensor offers smoother tonal gradation and more natural skin tones, enhanced by higher resolution and better dynamic range to preserve detail in highlights and shadows. Eye-catching bokeh is possible with the right full-frame glass, and precise manual AF with selectable points assists critical focus on eyes.

Landscape Photography

• A900 clearly wins due to its wider dynamic range, higher resolution, and weather sealing. Its lower noise at base and high ISO allow flexible ISO settings for long exposures typical in landscapes.

• A390 can perform well on a budget and lightweight tripod use but struggles with dynamic range in high contrast scenes. No weather sealing restricts outdoor shooting in harsh conditions.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• A900’s better AF speed, larger sensor, full-frame field of view, and higher burst frame rate make it the obvious choice for tracking fast-moving subjects.

• A390’s slower AF and burst speed, combined with crop factor limitations, may frustrate wildlife and sports photographers requiring sharp tracking and quick capture.

Street Photography

• Sony A390: Smaller size and lighter weight encourage discreetness and easier all-day carry, crucial for street shooters. Face detection helps spontaneous portrait candidness.

• Sony A900: Despite its superior image quality, the size and loud shutter can be less appealing for street photographers requiring discretion.

Macro Photography

Neither camera has specific macro aids such as focus stacking or bracketing. However:

• The A900 benefits from higher resolution and better noise performance for detailed macro work.

• The smaller form factor of the A390 helps when maneuvering close to subjects in tight spaces.

Night and Astrophotography

• The A900’s low noise CMOS sensor and up to ISO 6400 allow longer exposures with reduced noise, advantageous for night sky capture.

• The A390’s CCD sensor suffers from higher noise at elevated ISOs, limiting astrophotography unless coupled with long exposures and lower ISO settings.

LCD Screen and User Interface Revisited

Screen size and quality markedly affect usability:

• A900’s 3-inch 922k-dot TFT is notably superior for critical examination of focus and exposure.

• A390’s 2.7-inch 230k-dot tilting LCD lacks the resolution and touch capability, making precise on-the-spot image review and live view focusing more challenging.

Image Examples Across Genres

Sony A390 screen back Sony A900 front Sony A900 screen back

Our controlled test captures reveal:

• The A900 produces cleaner shadows, richer gradations, and finer details overall.

• The A390 produces vibrant colors, but shadow noise and dynamic range compression are notable under challenging lighting.

Storage, Battery, and Connectivity Options

• Sony A390: Uses SD/SDHC and Memory Stick Pro Duo cards in a single slot. Battery rated for 230 shots, suitable for casual, short sessions but may require backups for extended use.

• Sony A900: Dual card slots accommodate Compact Flash and Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo, offering redundancy vital for professional reliability. The NP-FM500H battery supports 880 shots, markedly superior for days of shooting without recharge.

Both cameras lack wireless features such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC, and depend on USB 2.0 for data transfer and HDMI for external monitoring.

Flash Systems and Exposure Control

• A390: Combined built-in flash with a 10m range supports fill and creative uses in various flash modes but limited max sync speed of 1/160s.

• A900: No built-in flash reduces bulk but requires external units; max flash sync speed improves to 1/250s, benefiting fill-flash in daylight or faster shutter speeds.

Both support advanced flash modes including wireless and rear curtain sync.

Durability and Professional Reliability

• A900’s environmental sealing and rugged build make it appropriate for professional workflows requiring reliability under adverse conditions.

• A390’s lack of sealing, lighter plastic components, and simplified construction designate it as a casual or entry-level tool, unsuitable for heavy-duty use.

Comprehensive Performance Ratings

• The A900 offers convincing superiority across image quality, speed, and durability metrics.

• The A390 delivers reasonable performance for beginners or budget-conscious users but shows compromises in noise handling and speed.

Photography Discipline Analysis

• Portrait: A900 excels with better tonal fidelity and focus precision.

• Landscape: A900 advantages due to dynamic range and weather resistance.

• Wildlife/Sports: A900 preferred for faster AF and burst rates.

• Street: A390 more portable and discreet, favored for casual use.

• Macro: A900 offers improved resolution benefits.

• Night/Astro: A900 advantages for noise control.

• Video: Neither camera supports video.

• Travel: A390 preferred for size and weight; however, battery life is limited.

• Professional Work: A900 dominates with workflow and durability enhancements.

Final Recommendations: Who Should Choose Which?

Choose the Sony A390 if:

• You are a beginner or enthusiast entering DSLR photography requiring an affordable, compact, easy-to-use system.
• Portability and lower weight are paramount considerations.
• Your primary subjects include portraits, street photography, or casual landscape shots in moderate environments.
• You have limited budget but want full access to the Sony Alpha lens ecosystem.

Choose the Sony A900 if:

• You are an advanced user or professional who demands superior image quality, dynamic range, and high ISO performance.
• You shoot wildlife, sports, landscape, or studio work requiring greater durability and advanced controls.
• You favor full-frame advantages and plan to invest in high-quality lenses.
• Extended battery life, dual card slots, and weather sealing are essential for your workflow.
• Video capabilities are not a priority, but stills quality and speed are.

Conclusion

While both the Sony A390 and A900 share a brand lineage and compatible lens systems, they cater to distinctly different photographers. The A390 offers competent entry-level imaging with portability and simplicity, ideal for newcomers or casual shooters hesitant to commit significant budgets. Meanwhile, the A900 delivers uncompromising image quality, robustness, and advanced features essential for professional results across demanding genres. Select based on your specific needs, budget constraints, and photographic ambitions. Neither camera suits video workflows, so hybrid content creators should look elsewhere.

This comprehensive analysis is based on extensive hands-on testing across genres, sensor benchmarking, AF system evaluation, and field usability trials, aimed at offering an authoritative, user-centric guide to these two legacy Sony DSLRs.

For further technical insights or lens compatibility discussions, feel free to consult our extended resources or reach out with specific use-case questions.