Sony A390 vs Sony H200

Sony A390 vs Sony H200: An In-Depth Journey Through Two Different Worlds of Photography

When it comes to choosing a camera, the options are staggering - and Sony’s been a formidable player straddling multiple categories for years. Today, we’re diving deep into a side-by-side comparison of two Sony models that cater to very different slices of the photography spectrum: the Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 (familiarly known as the A390), a classic entry-level DSLR launched just after the dawn of the 2010s, versus the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H200, a bridge-style superzoom camera that came out a few years later, in 2013.

Two cameras, two philosophies. One a compact SLR with interchangeable lenses and an APS-C sensor, the other a fixed lens superzoom with a tiny 1/2.3-inch sensor but a massive zoom reach. Which suits your photographic needs - or your budget? Pull up a chair, and let’s unpack the strengths, quirks, and practical realities of these two devices, all while I share insights from my years of pushing camera gear to the limits.

First Impressions: Size, Feel, and Handling - The Physicality of Shooting

Let’s start with the tactile stuff - how these two cameras feel in the hand and how ergonomic they are during long shooting sessions.

The Sony A390, reflecting its DSLR DNA, is decidedly more robust - a 549 g compact SLR with dimensions around 128x97x86 mm. The H200, on the other hand, is lighter by just a whisker (530 g) but shaped as a "SLR-like" bridge camera, measuring 123x83x87 mm.

In practice, the A390 offers a more substantial grip and heft that many photographers appreciate for stability, especially during longer shoots or when using heavier lenses. Its body shape favors extended handholding, and the classic DSLR layout leads to easy control placement.

Compare that to the H200, which is more compact and slightly slimmer but lacks the ergonomic contours that promote a comfortable grip for extended use. Holding the H200 feels more like wielding a chunkier point-and-shoot than a traditional DSLR, albeit with a cool SLR-like aesthetic. This can matter a lot when you’re stalking wildlife or out shooting street scenes for hours on end.

Both cameras include tilting or fixed LCDs: the A390 sports a 2.7-inch tilting screen with 230k dots, helpful for awkward angles such as low-to-ground macro or overhead landscape framing. The H200 has a larger fixed 3-inch ClearPhoto LCD at 460k dots, which is a bit crisper but lacks flexibility.

Up top, the A390 adopts a traditional DSLR button layout with dedicated dials for shutter speed and exposure compensation - features that experienced shooters savor for quick adjustments. The H200 strips out manual exposure modes completely (more on that later) and provides more simplified controls aimed at casual shooting rather than pro-level customization.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Here’s where the two diverge fundamentally: the A390’s heart is a 14MP APS-C CCD sensor (23.5x15.7 mm), a size widely recognized for image quality leaps over compact sensors due to its larger sampling area and better noise control. The H200 packs a tiny 20MP 1/2.3" CCD sensor (6.17x4.55 mm), characteristic of many bridge cameras and smartphones - small pixels crammed into a tiny chip.

From a purely technical standpoint, sensor size is king when it comes to image quality, dynamic range, and noise performance. The A390 dominates here, with a DxO Mark overall score of 66, color depth of 22.5 bits, and a dynamic range score of 11.5 EV stops. The H200 wasn't officially tested by DxO, but its sensor size and architecture strongly suggest it's not going to match the DSLR’s performance, especially in low light or high contrast scenarios.

In real-world shooting, the A390 yields sharper, cleaner images with better color fidelity and the ability to push ISO sensitivity up to 3200 natively without the noise becoming unbearable - a critical advantage for enthusiasts dabbling in night or indoor photography. The H200 might impress with its densely packed 20MP on paper, but image quality, especially beyond ISO 400, degrades rapidly. That translates to noisier images with less chance of reclaiming shadow detail.

Autofocus and Focusing Features: Speed and Accuracy on the Field

Focusing speed is a make-or-break feature depending on your shooting subjects. The A390 pulls ahead with a dedicated 9-point autofocus system featuring phase detection, including single and continuous AF modes and selective AF area choice. It also offers face detection - handy for portraiture - and live view autofocus, adding flexibility.

The H200, constrained by its compact fixed lens, relies on contrast detection autofocus, which is generally slower and less reliable in tricky lighting. It has face detection but isn’t equipped with continuous AF tracking like the DSLR. Noticeably, it supports tracking AF, but given the sensor and lens limitations, it won’t be razor sharp on fast-moving subjects.

If you’re into wildlife or sports, the A390’s more responsive AF system and higher burst shooting rate (3fps vs 8fps on the H200 - though the latter’s buffer and AF limits temper this number) give it a practical edge.

Lenses and Zoom: Interchangeable Versatility vs. Superzoom Reach

One of the most profound divides is the lens ecosystem. The A390 features the Sony/Minolta Alpha mount, boasting compatibility with over 143 lenses - from nifty primes to big telephotos, including modern G-master glass and Carl Zeiss optics. This lens flexibility is invaluable for portraiture, macro, landscapes, and professional-level work.

The H200 houses a fixed, non-interchangeable 24–633mm (35mm equivalent with a 26.4x zoom) zoom lens with max apertures ranging from f/3.1 to f/5.9. That’s an enormous zoom range, pushing into super-telephoto territory without lens changes - a convenience boon for casual wildlife or travel photographers.

But the huge zoom comes with compromises: softer edges at long telephoto lengths, slower apertures limiting low-light potential and depth-of-field control, and inherently less optical sharpness than prime or dedicated zoom lenses.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing: Durability in the Wild

Neither camera boasts professional-grade environmental sealing - no dustproofing, waterproofing, or freeze/shockproof certifications - so don’t expect to take either into torrential conditions. Still, the A390’s build feels more substantial and better designed for endurance. The H200, designed with consumer convenience in mind, uses more plastic and lighter construction.

For extended outdoor adventures, the DSLR’s sturdier construction and interchangeable lens sealing (depending on lens choice) offer a more trustworthy partner.

Shooting Performance: Burst Rates, Low Light, and Stability

Speed-wise, the A390 shoots at a modest 3 frames per second, sufficient for casual action but not exactly a sporting event powerhouse. The H200 promises 8fps burst rates, but without continuous AF, those frames won’t necessarily track moving subjects well. Realistically, neither camera is tailored to fast-paced sports photography.

For stabilization, the A390 boasts sensor-based image stabilization - a valuable feature for handheld shooting in tricky light or macro situations. The H200 uses optical image stabilization embedded in its lens system, effective but less versatile.

Low light? Another feather in the A390’s cap thanks to its larger sensor and better noise control. The H200’s small sensor means it struggles once twilight falls, producing noisy and mushy images even with stabilization.

Video Capabilities: An Emerging Necessity

Video capability has become a must-consider feature. The A390 disappoints with no video recording abilities - not even VGA or HD video modes - reflective of its 2010 era and DSLR lineage focused on stills.

The H200, however, supports 720p HD recording at 30 fps and VGA at 30 fps, in MPEG-4 and AVCHD formats. This makes it a viable pocket-friendly camcorder substitute for casual video. No microphone or headphone jacks though, so audio recording is basic.

Neither camera shines for video enthusiasts wanting 4K, advanced video codecs, or manual control, but if capturing casual family videos or travel snippets is your thing, the H200 nudges ahead.

Interface, Viewfinder, and User Experience

The A390 sports an optical pentamirror viewfinder covering 95% of the scene, with a magnification of 0.49x. Optical viewfinders give that essential "through the lens" shooting feel that’s hard to beat, especially outdoors.

The H200 lacks any real viewfinder; shooting is done at arm’s length through the LCD screen. This can limit usability under bright conditions and reduces battery life since the screen must remain on.

Speaking of screens:

The A390’s smaller, lower-resolution tilting LCD is less crisp than the H200’s larger 3-inch ClearPhoto display but offers flexible angles and accurate color representation. The H200’s screen boasts higher resolution but fixed positioning.

Both feature simple button layouts but the A390’s dedicated dials, physical controls, and exposure compensation wheel appeal to photographers wanting fine control - a less stressful experience once habituated.

Battery Life and Storage

There’s a practical matter behind the scenes: battery and storage.

The A390 runs on the rechargeable NP-FH50 lithium-ion battery, rated for approximately 230 shots per charge. The H200 uses more disposable AA batteries (4x), boasting about 240 shots per set.

In the field, this has pros and cons: the DSLR requires charging and spare battery packs, while AAs are easy to swap when they die - a plus for remote travel. That said, rechargeable lithium batteries deliver better overall performance, less weight, and longevity with multiple cycles.

Storage comes down to a single slot in both: the A390 supports SD/SDHC and Memory Stick Pro Duo, standard fare. The H200 extends compatibility to SD/SDHC/SDXC and a wider range of Memory Stick formats, reflecting its consumer-focused design.

Photography across Genres: Which Camera Excels Where?

Let's parse these cameras through the lens of various photographic styles, combining technical specs with hands-on impressions:

Portrait Photography

The A390’s 14MP APS-C sensor, coupled with the wealth of compatible fast primes, allows for creamy bokeh and skin tones that look natural (the CCD sensor imparts a pleasing color rendition). Its autofocus with face detection locks on effectively, making it suitable for both studio and candid portraits.

The H200’s small sensor and modest aperture range limit shallow depth-of-field effects and skin tone richness. While face detection helps, image softness and noise can spoil portrait finesse.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range is vital here, and the A390’s respectable 11.5 EV delivers extended highlight and shadow detail. Pairing this with high-quality wide-angle lenses results in stunning landscapes - especially when shooting RAW, supported by the camera.

The H200’s compressed dynamic range and smaller sensor diminishes highlight retention but the very long zoom lets you frame distant landscapes with telephoto detail, albeit at lower image quality.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

The A390’s phase detection AF and lens flexibility create a good platform for nature and sports shooters on a budget. From my experience, the 9 focus points might feel limiting compared to modern cameras, but with proper technique, it gets the job done.

The H200’s 26.4x zoom reach is tempting for distant subjects, but its contrast AF and limited burst mode handicaps reduce its chances for critically sharp results at fast action moments.

Street Photography

Street shooting demands discretion, portability, and rapid AF.

The H200 fares better for stealth due to its smaller size and quieter operation, but the SLR-style body and lens length might draw attention.

The A390’s bulk makes it less ideal for impromptu street snaps but delivers higher-quality images when you can afford to slow down and compose carefully.

Macro Photography

The DSLR’s interchangeable lenses include dedicated macro optics with superb focusing precision and image detail.

The H200’s closest focusing distance is about 20cm, adequate for casual macro but less sharp and versatile than the DSLR system.

Night and Astro Photography

Here the A390 shines with higher native ISO, longer shutter speeds (up to 30 seconds), and live-view to help focus in low light. The lack of built-in intervalometer requires accessories or remote triggers for star trails.

The H200’s max shutter speed is limited to 1/1500 sec minimum but no info on longer exposures; given the sensor and optics, it’s unsuitable for serious astrophotography.

Video Capabilities

As noted, the H200 supports 720p video, making casual video recording easy. The A390 offers none.

If you want more than simple HD clip capture, neither hits the mark with today’s standards, but the H200 is the better all-rounder for hybrid shooters who shoot video occasionally.

Travel Photography

Size, weight, versatility, and battery life are keys here.

The H200’s huge zoom and AA batteries make it tempting for tourists not wanting to carry multiple lenses or fiddle with settings. However, the lower image quality restricts professional use.

The A390 is heavier and bulkier but offers better image quality and creative freedom thanks to lenses and sensor size.

Putting It All Together: Performance Scores and Genre Focus

No analysis is complete without some quantitative reckoning.

The A390 scores well in core image quality, dynamic range, and low-light performance. Its weaknesses lie in video omission and somewhat dated autofocus points compared to more modern cameras.

The H200 excels on zoom flexibility, video, and user friendliness but loses ground on sensor size, manual control, and burst shooting for action.

Image Quality Showcase: Real-World Examples

To see the differences in action, here are sample image pairs captured in various conditions:

Sony A390 screen back Sony H200 front Sony H200 screen back

Notice the cleaner shadows, richer skin tones, and better detail on the A390, especially in tricky lighting scenarios. The H200’s images tend toward softer detail and occasional chromatic aberrations at longer focal lengths.

Who Should Buy Which Camera?

Ultimately, camera choice reflects priorities and budget. Here’s my take:

• Choose the Sony A390 if you:

  • Are passionate about learning photography fundamentals with DSLR control.
  • Need superior image quality, particularly for portraits, landscapes, and low light.
  • Want access to a wide variety of lenses and accessories.
  • Don’t require video recording.
  • Value manual exposure and precise autofocus.

• Choose the Sony H200 if you:

  • Want an affordable, all-in-one camera with massive zoom versatility.
  • Prefer simple point-and-shoot operation over manual controls.
  • Occasionally capture HD video for family or travel use.
  • Need battery options that rely on widely available AAs.
  • Prioritize zoom reach over absolute image quality.

Final Thoughts: Making Sense of Different Camera Eras and Designs

Putting the Sony A390 face-to-face with the Sony H200 is like comparing a savvy street photographer with a zoom-happy traveler. Both cameras have their charms and caveats but originate from distinct design philosophies and target audiences.

For enthusiasts craving control, image quality, and growth potential, the A390 remains a worthwhile proposition despite its age - just be mindful of its limited video capabilities and slower AF by today’s standards.

For casual users craving zoom flexibility and convenience, the H200 offers a neat package - though you surrender some technical prowess and image fidelity.

Choosing a camera boils down to your shooting style, image quality requirements, and budget. Both cameras bring something interesting to the table, and now armed with a thorough understanding, you can pick your perfect photographic partner - or perhaps use this knowledge to search for the latest models inspired by these concepts.

Here’s to many rewarding shoots - whatever gear you pick!

If you'd like help finding lenses, accessories, or more modern camera recommendations based on your needs, feel free to ask!