Sony A390 vs Sony TX9: A Thorough Comparative Review for Enthusiasts and Professionals

Selecting the right camera from Sony’s diverse lineup can be a nuanced decision, especially when faced with two radically different models like the Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 (A390) and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX9 (TX9). Announced within the same year (2010), these cameras cater to entirely different users and photographic genres. As someone who has tested thousands of cameras ranging from pro bodies to compact shooters, I’ll walk you through a detailed comparison grounded in hands-on evaluation, technical rigour, and practical experience.

We’ll explore everything from build and handling through sensor technology, real-world performance across genres, and the nuanced considerations that matter to serious photographers. My goal is to empower your purchase decision, leaving no stone unturned.

Size, Handling, and Ergonomics - Size Matters, But Comfort Prevails

Right out of the gate, we’re looking at two very different physical embodiments of photography. The Sony A390 is a classic entry-level DSLR with a dedicated grip, robust controls, and a familiar form factor. Meanwhile, the TX9 is an ultracompact pocket camera designed for portability and ease.

The A390’s body measures 128x97x86mm and weighs 549 grams with battery - quite manageable but decidedly bulkier than the featherweight TX9 at 98x60x18mm and just 149 grams. This size difference is immediately noticeable in hand. The DSLR’s grip and layout afford confidence for longer shoots, especially when using heavier lenses, while the TX9’s slim profile fits seamlessly into a jacket pocket.

Ergonomically, the A390 sports a tilting 2.7-inch LCD with modest 230k-dot resolution, which is serviceable but far from cutting-edge in 2010. The lens mount’s physical interface makes switching lenses swift, a significant advantage for varied shooting scenarios.

The TX9 surprises with a 3.5-inch fixed touchscreen boasting 922k dots, which was quite advanced for its time and makes menu navigation smooth without the need for physical buttons. However, the lack of a traditional viewfinder - optical or electronic - limits compositional options in bright outdoor conditions.

For photographers valuing manual control, the A390’s array of dedicated exposure dials and customizable buttons provides a tactile experience. The TX9’s reliance on touchscreen controls means fewer physical buttons; this may frustrate those wanting quick adjustments in the field but appeals to casual or travel shooters prioritizing simplicity.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality - The Heart of the Matter

The biggest technical leap comes down to sensor size and technology. The A390 features a 14MP APS-C CCD sensor measuring 23.5x15.7mm, while the TX9’s sensor is a tiny 1/2.3” BSI-CMOS measuring just 6.17x4.55mm with a 12MP resolution.

From my testing experience, the APS-C sensor in the A390 offers a substantial advantage in image quality, especially under challenging lighting. CCD sensors, while older technology compared to CMOS, still deliver respectable dynamic range and color depth - DxOMark rates the A390 with a 66 overall score, 22.5 bits of color depth, and 11.5 EV dynamic range. Nikon and Canon APS-C sensors from this era outperform it, but this Sony sensor remains competitive for entry-level DSLRs.

The TX9’s 1/2.3” sensor is constrained physically, limiting dynamic range and noise performance. Although the BSI (Backside Illuminated) design improves low-light sensitivity compared to older CMOS sensors, the dollars saved are evident in high ISO noise and highlight retention. However, the TX9 somewhat compensates by employing computational sharpening and noise reduction in its image processor, Sony’s Bionz, which offers respectable JPEG outputs for web use and casual prints up to 8x10 inches.

If you value uncompressed RAW files, the A390 delivers raw support allowing profound post-processing latitude - essential for landscape, portrait, or professional work. The TX9 does not offer RAW, which inhibits flexibility.

Real-World Sample Images - Seeing is Believing

Let’s put theory to the test. In a variety of scenarios from mundane street scenes to complex lighting setups in portraits and landscapes, the A390 consistently produces richer detail, smoother gradients, and cleaner shadows and highlights than the TX9.

Sony A390 screen back Sony TX9 screen back

Portraits shot with the DSLR benefit from better skin tone reproduction and a natural bokeh due to the larger sensor and interchangeable lenses capable of wide apertures (e.g., f/1.8 or wider). The TX9, constrained to its fixed lens (25-100mm equivalent, f/3.5-4.6), struggles to isolate subjects with pleasing background blur, producing more clinical, flat images.

Landscape shots from the A390 retain detail in clouds and foliage, showcasing the APS-C sensor’s superior dynamic range, while TX9 landscapes demonstrate hold-your-breath exposures requiring compensation in editing.

Street photography benefits from the TX9’s discrete, compact design and silent operation, but image quality takes a hit in lower light. The DSLR’s louder shutter and heft limit spontaneity outdoors, but it captures finer detail and color accuracy.

Autofocus and Burst Performance - Keeping Up with the Action

Autofocus technology differs drastically between these cameras. The A390 employs a 9-point phase-detection autofocus system with face detection, a decent array for an entry-level DSLR but without advanced tracking or animal eye AF. Continuous autofocus and tracking are basic and can lag on fast-moving subjects.

The TX9 relies on contrast-detection autofocus, supplemented by touchscreen-focus capability, with face detection but no eye detection or advanced subject tracking. While contrast AF tends to be slower and less reliable on moving subjects, the TX9 compensates with a faster burst rate of 10fps at lower resolution, compared to the A390’s 3fps mechanical limit.

For wildlife and sports, neither camera is ideal but the A390’s better autofocus precision and ability to attach telephoto lenses give it a slight edge. The TX9 is best suited for leisurely shooting or snapshots where portability outweighs speed.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance - Durability Matters

Neither the A390 nor the TX9 feature environmental sealing or ruggedized builds. The A390’s compact SLR construction is solid, built for typical use but fragile around weather, dust, and impact prone settings.

The TX9, designed as a sleek ultracompact, has a slim plastic chassis that prioritizes aesthetics over durability. Both cameras require care in adverse environments.

Photographers shooting in the field, landscapes, or professional situations demanding reliability may find these cameras insufficient compared to weather-sealed alternatives.

Display and Interface - Navigating Your Creativity

The A390’s modest 2.7-inch tilting LCD, while useful for high or low-angle compositions, offers only 230k-dot resolution, leading to coarse preview images that make critical focus checking difficult. However, its optical pentamirror viewfinder shows 95% frame coverage and 0.49x magnification - this traditional composing route remains a DSLR staple cherished by many.

In contrast, the TX9 lacks a viewfinder entirely, forcing reliance on its large, vibrant 3.5-inch touchscreen with 922k dots. Touchcapable autofocus frames and intuitive menus grant the compact a user-friendly experience, especially for novices or casual users.

Those used to manual dials and buttons might find the TX9’s minimalistic approach less responsive, while A390 enthusiasts will appreciate physical adjustments and direct feedback.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility - Freedom vs Convenience

Here, the Sony A390 truly shines. Its Sony/Minolta Alpha mount supports roughly 143 lenses ranging from fast primes to heavy telephotos, including manual focus options.

The TX9 has a fixed lens ranging from 25-100mm equivalent with an aperture from f/3.5-4.6 - sufficient for snapshots but lacks the flexibility of interchangeable glass. The lack of raw and manual exposure modes further restricts creative control.

For professionals and serious hobbyists, the interchangeable lens system is non-negotiable for wide-ranging shooting styles.

Battery Life and Storage - Practical Considerations

The A390 uses the NP-FH50 battery rated for approximately 230 shots per charge, which is standard for entry-level DSLRs of its era but on the conservative side by modern standards.

The TX9 employs a smaller NP-BN1 battery, and Sony provides no official battery life rating; from experience, these compact ultracompacts typically deliver 200-300 shots per charge.

Both cameras support SD and Memory Stick formats, but the A390 has the advantage of supporting SDHC cards with higher capacities, important for raw file storage.

Connectivity and Extras - Modern Conveniences?

Connectivity-wise, the A390 is minimalist: USB 2.0 and HDMI ports but no wireless features.

The TX9, ambitious for its category, offers Eye-Fi compatibility (proprietary wireless via Eye-Fi cards), USB 2.0, and HDMI out, but lacks Bluetooth, NFC, or GPS.

Neither model has microphone or headphone jacks, denying advanced video creators professional audio control.

Video Capabilities - DSLR or Compact for Motion?

The A390 is strictly a stills camera - no video recording capabilities whatsoever.

The TX9 stands out here with Full HD 1080p video at 50fps using AVCHD compression, as well as lower 720p and VGA options. Electronic image stabilization works here, and a decent lens zoom range helps for casual video shooting. Audio recordings are limited to built-in microphones.

For basic video needs, the TX9 is the clear winner. Those wanting hybrid photo/video capability should look elsewhere.

Genre-Specific Performance and Recommendations

Let’s wrap up this technical deep-dive by summarizing the cameras’ performance for various photographic disciplines.

• Portrait Photography: The A390’s larger sensor, autofocus face detection, and superior lens choices make it the better tool. The TX9’s fixed, slower lens and limited background separation discourage serious portrait work.

• Landscape Photography: A390 edges out due to dynamic range, resolution, and ability to use wide-angle lenses. TX9 is acceptable for casual landscapes but detail and tonal range suffer.

• Wildlife Photography: Neither is ideal, but the A390’s phase detection AF and tele lenses might serve better in daylight.

• Sports Photography: Both are limited; A390’s 3fps burst rate is slow; TX9’s faster burst is limited by autofocus.

• Street Photography: The TX9’s compact size and silent operation excel here. The A390 is notable for better image quality but less discreet.

• Macro Photography: TX9 offers close macro focusing (as close as 1cm) with effective optical stabilisation. The A390 requires specialized lenses and patience.

• Night/Astro Photography: The A390’s superior sensor and raw files capture night skies better, despite limited high ISO performance from the CCD sensor.

• Video: TX9 wins hands down; A390 offers none.

• Travel Photography: TX9 is ultra-portable and easy to carry. A390 delivers better image quality but is bulkier.

• Professional Work: The A390 is entry-level but raw support and lens choices permit professional applications in constrained budgets. TX9 is strictly consumer-level.

Scoring the Overall Performance

Synthesizing all attributes, here is an approximated rating based on practical experience and testing.

While the A390 delivers superior still image quality and versatility for traditional photography, the TX9 excels as an easy-to-use ultra-compact with surprising video features.

Final Verdict and Who Should Buy What

Having extensively tested both cameras, here are my conclusive, user-tailored recommendations:

Choose the Sony A390 if:

• You value image quality above all, especially for portraits, landscapes, or professional endeavors.
• You want the freedom of interchangeable lenses and manual controls.
• You shoot in diverse lighting conditions requiring RAW files and post-production flexibility.
• You don't mind the extra bulk and want a DSLR experience on a budget.

Choose the Sony TX9 if:

• Ultra-portability and convenience trump all else - perfect for travelers, street photographers, or casual shooters.
• You want Full HD video capabilities alongside still images.
• You prefer touchscreen operation and simple point-and-shoot usability.
• You don’t require RAW format or manual exposure bracketing.

Neither camera is a modern powerhouse by today’s standards, but both represent sound choices in their respective classes and eras. The A390 remains a trustworthy entry-level DSLR for learners wanting technical growth, while the TX9 is a charming pocket companion perfect for capturing life on the go.

For those on tight budgets, the A390 offers superior value at around $500 body-only, especially if you already own or plan to invest in lenses. The TX9, priced higher near $800 in the used market, demands premium for its compact design and advanced video.

In summary: The Sony A390 and TX9 serve two different photographic philosophies - robust traditional DSLR craftsmanship versus sleek compact convenience. Your decision comes down to which attributes best align with your needs and shooting style.

Armed with these insights, I hope your next Sony choice feels informed and right on the money.

Happy shooting!