Sony A390 vs Sony HX30V: An In-Depth Comparison from My Professional Experience

As someone who has tested hundreds of cameras over the past 15 years, I approach every comparison with a blend of technical rigor and real-world practicality. Two cameras that often come up in discussions about versatile, budget-friendly options are the Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 (A390) and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX30V (HX30V). Both hail from respected Sony lineages but are fundamentally different tools - one a DSLR with interchangeable lenses, the other a compact superzoom with a fixed lens.

In this article, I walk you through a comprehensive, hands-on comparison of these two distinct cameras, illustrating how they perform across a spectrum of photography disciplines. Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast eyeing a lightweight travel companion or an aspiring professional searching for a reliable entry-level DSLR, my goal is to give you the nuanced, honest insights to pick the right match.

Form Factor and Handling: Size Isn’t Just a Number

Sony A390: As a classic entry-level DSLR, the A390 is solid and reassuringly tactile. Its 128 x 97 x 86 mm dimensions and 549g weight reflect a substantial grip and balanced feel that photographers appreciate during long shoots. The ergonomics are well thought out - controls are reasonably spaced, and the iconic DSLR heft gives a sense of purpose in-hand. Its tilting 2.7-inch screen (230k dots) aids composition from unusual angles but is a bit small by today’s standards.

Sony HX30V: In contrast, the HX30V is a compact marvel built for portability. Measuring just 107 x 62 x 35 mm and tipping scales at 254g, it fits comfortably in any pocket or small bag. The fixed lens design and compact body offer ease of use and discretion - ideal for street, travel, or casual shooting. The 3-inch 922k dot "XtraFine TruBlack" LCD is vibrant and crisp, markedly superior to the A390’s screen for image review and menu navigation.

Ergonomically, this camera is less about grip comfort (as expected with compacts) and more about intuitive simplicity. While it lacks a viewfinder, the screen size and resolution compensate somewhat for composing shots in bright daylight.

Controls and User Interface

The A390 sports traditional DSLR controls, with dedicated dials for shutter speed, aperture (via lens/kit lens), and exposure compensation, plus a mode dial for manual, aperture priority, shutter priority, and program auto modes. This level of manual control empowers photographers to learn and refine their craft - something I emphasise when testing cameras for educational usability.

The HX30V, on the other hand, simplifies exposure control. Manual shooting is possible, but it lacks dedicated dials for settings like shutter priority or aperture priority, limiting creative control somewhat. Its primary strength lies in automatic and scene modes, aided by its impressive 20x zoom lens that is unmatched in this price segment.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

The sensor technology and size fundamentally influence image quality, and here the two Sony cameras differ sharply.

• Sony A390:

  • Sensor type: APS-C CCD
  • Sensor size: 23.5 x 15.7 mm (368.95 mm²)
  • Resolution: 14 MP (4592 x 3056 pixels)
  • Native ISO: 100-3200
  • RAW capture: Yes

• Sony HX30V:

  • Sensor type: 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS
  • Sensor size: 6.17 x 4.55 mm (28.07 mm²)
  • Resolution: 18 MP (4896 x 3672 pixels)
  • Native ISO: 100-12800
  • RAW capture: No

The A390’s large APS-C sensor is a standout asset on paper and in practice. Larger sensor area means better light capture, leading to greater dynamic range, superior low-light performance, and more pleasing noise characteristics. CCD technology tends to deliver natural colors but is less energy-efficient and slower readout-wise compared to CMOS.

In contrast, the HX30V’s small 1/2.3-inch sensor cannot match the DSLR’s low-light sensitivity or dynamic range, despite its higher megapixel count. However, the Backside Illuminated (BSI) CMOS design somewhat mitigates these shortcomings, improving light gathering especially in shadows. The tradeoff: more noise and less latitude for post-processing.

Practically, the A390 shines in controlled lighting, landscapes, and portraits demanding fine detail or subtle tones. The HX30V delivers respectable everyday snaps but struggles under dim or high-contrast conditions.

Viewing Experience: LCD and Viewfinder

The A390’s optical pentamirror viewfinder covers 95% of the scene at 0.49x magnification. It provides a direct, natural view of your composition - still preferred by many photographers for tracking fast action or shooting in bright light. However, the viewfinder lacks electronic overlay information or focus confirmation, which can be a slight inconvenience.

The HX30V dispenses with a viewfinder altogether, relying solely on its large LCD. The 3.0-inch XtraFine TruBlack LCD boasts a high resolution of 922k dots, offering excellent clarity and contrast, which aids framing and reviewing images indoors and outdoors.

From my experience, the lack of a viewfinder in the HX30V is a noticeable drawback in harsh daylight or fast-paced scenarios where eyeball-contact framing helps stabilize shooting. Conversely, the A390’s optical viewfinder supports more deliberate composition but doesn’t offer live exposure histograms or focus peaking like modern electronic viewfinders.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance

AF systems differentiate cameras profoundly in real-world use:

• Sony A390:

  • 9 focus points, Phase Detection AF
  • Continuous AF: Yes
  • Face Detection: Yes
  • Burst rate: 3 fps

• Sony HX30V:

  • 9 focus points, Contrast Detection AF
  • Continuous AF: No
  • Face Detection: Yes
  • Burst rate: 10 fps

The A390’s dedicated phase-detection AF module is a legacy DSLR strength, delivering fast, accurate focusing in good light and continuous AF tracking - helpful for portraits, sports, or wildlife, though its 3fps burst is modest.

Conversely, the HX30V uses contrast-detection AF, which is slower and may hunt in low light or complex scenes but complemented by its high burst rate of 10fps for quick snapshots. Face detection is effective on both, but the lack of continuous AF on the HX30V limits follow-up focus refinement during tracking.

For subjects like wildlife or sports where focus speed and reliability are critical, the A390 is superior despite its lower frame rate. For travel or street photography, the HX30V’s high burst and zoom flexibility excel at capturing fleeting moments.

Sony A390 screen back Sony HX30V front Sony HX30V screen back

How Do They Perform Across Photography Genres?

I put both cameras through myriad scenarios, reflecting how users typically deploy their gear. Viewing these samples side-by-side reveals strengths and compromises.

Portraits:
The A390’s larger sensor ensures smoother skin tones and more nuanced bokeh, allowing subject isolation with a fast lens (unavailable on HX30V’s fixed lens). Eye detection is basic but usable on both; however, the DSLR’s manual focus and aperture priority offer creative depth control unmatched by the HX30V.

Landscapes:
The wide dynamic range and resolution of the A390 capture detailed skies and subtle shadow gradations with minimal noise. The HX30V’s smaller sensor compresses tonal range, resulting in less flexibility, although in bright daylight it produces vibrant snaps suitable for social sharing.

Wildlife:
While the HX30V’s 20x zoom lens offers 25-500mm equivalent reach, its lens aperture and AF speed limit low-light or fast-action shots. The A390, paired with appropriate telephoto lenses, offers superior autofocus tracking and image quality but at the expense of bulk and cost.

Sports:
The A390’s phase detection AF and manual exposure control deliver better reliability, though its low frame rate of 3fps may lag in fast bursts. The HX30V’s 10fps shooting aids catching moments but lacks advanced focus tracking, often resulting in missed critical moments.

Street Photography:
Compact and quiet, the HX30V excels in discretion and ease of use on candid city streets. The A390 is more conspicuous due to size and shutter sound but grants artistic control and image fidelity.

Macro:
HX30V shines with a minimum focus range of 1 cm enabling impressive close-ups without extra lenses. The A390 requires macro lenses, increasing cost and weight but gives optical advantages for fine detail.

Night and Astrophotography:
The A390’s superior high ISO and dynamic range help in starry skies and low-light scenes. The HX30V’s ISO range is broader nominally but hampered by sensor noise and limited manual controls.

Video:
The HX30V offers 1080p Full HD recording at 60fps with optical stabilization, ideal for handheld shooting. The A390 lacks video capability entirely, which may disqualify it for multimedia creators.

Travel:
Portability and battery life (320 vs 230 shots) favor the HX30V, complemented by built-in GPS tagging - a valuable feature for travel photographers to geographically organize images on the fly.

Professional Work:
Here, the A390’s RAW support, DSLR-grade ergonomics, and lens options make it the better fit despite its dated sensor technology. The HX30V cannot output RAW nor offers professional-grade weather sealing or build quality.

Technical Summary: Strengths and Weaknesses at a Glance

My Practical Recommendations: Matching Cameras to Users

After extensive testing, I feel confident recommending the most suitable camera for specific users and genres.

• For Entry-Level DSLR Learners and Enthusiasts:
  The Sony A390 remains a solid option for photographers wanting to learn core DSLR principles, manual exposure, and enjoy lens interchangeability. Its sensor size and raw capabilities are advantageous for portraits, landscapes, and professional workflows. While aging, it is robust, straightforward, and affordable - ideal for students or hobbyists prioritizing image quality over convenience.

• For Travelers, Street Photographers, and Casual Shooters:
  The Sony HX30V excels for those valuing size, zoom versatility, and video capabilities. Its built-in GPS, Wi-Fi, and high-quality screen enhance ease of use on-the-go. If portability, zoom flexibility, and light video are critical, the HX30V is a compelling choice that won’t intimidate beginners.

• For Wildlife and Sports Enthusiasts:
  The A390 is preferable for its autofocus reliability and DSLR lens options but be mindful of its modest burst rate. The HX30V’s longer zoom and faster burst rate appeal to some but the slower AF may frustrate high-action shooting.

• For Macro, Night, and Astro Photographers:
  If budget permits, the A390 with dedicated macro lenses and manual controls delivers technical superiority. The HX30V’s close focusing distance offers casual macro fun, but it can’t compete in noise control or exposure flexibility for night/astro.

• For Video Creators:
  The HX30V is the only choice in this comparison, offering decent 1080p capture and optical stabilization - a meaningful advantage for multimedia use.

Final Thoughts: Balancing Legacy DSLR Power with Compact Convenience

The Sony A390 and Sony HX30V are fundamentally tailored for different audiences - one a traditional DSLR aimed at enhancing photographic skill, the other a portable superzoom built for ease and versatility. Both cameras bring unique advantages and specific compromises, evident across various photographic disciplines.

During my hands-on tests, I appreciated the A390’s tactile controls, sensor size, and image fidelity, which still hold value despite its decade-old tech. The HX30V impressed me with its zoom reach, compact form, and video capabilities, traits crucial for modern casual photography.

The decision boils down to what you prioritize:

• Image quality, manual control, and lens flexibility: Opt for the A390.
• Portability, superzoom reach, video, and convenience: Select the HX30V.

This comparison synthesizes extensive real-world shooting, lab-like sensor and autofocus evaluations, and long-term usability insight gathered over years of camera testing. I trust it will help you make a confident, personally suitable camera choice.

If you want me to tailor recommendations for a specific shooting style or budget, feel free to reach out!

Happy shooting!

[Image credits: All photos by author; test images and camera bodies pictured illustrate ergonomic and technical points discussed.]