One can never equate compact cameras with the DSLRs – both of them are introduced into the market for different purposes. One cannot expect features like a manual mode, complete with aperture and shutter priority modes, from most compact cameras. As a corollary, one can never expect features like Optical Image Stabilization and the likes, which most compact cameras are equipped with, in a DSLR, right? Wrong! Sony rose above most consumers’ expectations, when it came out with its á-DSLRs, to which the Sony á290 belongs. This 14.2mp DSLR, which comes with a 18mm-55mm wide angle zoom lens, is equipped with Sony’s SteadyShot feature, which makes pictures immune to blur due to movement.
Design and FunctioningThe Sony á290 comes in a sturdy packaging, with the same Magnesium alloy body that all good DSLRs are made of. Though it is rather light at 456g, perhaps the lightest among all the Sony á DSLRs, the Sony á290 is solid and can easily be gripped because of its matte finished outer body. The upper control areas of the Sony á290 have also been revised with a clear, uncluttered new button layout. Even DSLR novices will find it brilliantly simple to explore the generous creative features of this new DSLR. The intuitive Graphic Display makes it easy to understand the relation between shutter speed and aperture, plus the effects of exposure settings chosen by the user on the final picture. The Help Guide offers clear, concise explanations of camera functions, illustrated by a sample image to show the results you’ll achieve. Its Anti-Dust technology helps keep its CCD free of static and dust particles, so that the life of the image sensor is not reduced and it doesn’t need frequent servicing. Sony’s much acclaimed SteadyShot functions allows the user to take blur free images, employing optical stability rather than digital, thereby making pictures immune to effects from shake, especially when the user or the subject is moving. Eye-Start Autofocus System begins precision autofocus adjustments the moment the user raises the camera to his eye to look into the viewfinder, so the camera is ready to catch the perfect moment. This camera is compatible both with MemoryStick Duo/PRO Duo as well as SD/SDHC cards.
