Digital Camera News and Reviews

Sony Alpha DSLR-A390

CNET UK has reviewed a budget DSLR camera from Sony. The camera is called Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 and is the successor to the Sony Alpha DSLR-A380 DSLR. Let us hear if the Sony camera has improved much from the previous version

Some key features for the Sony Alpha DSLR-A390:
-14.2 megapixel image sensor
-Image stabilization in the camera house
-2.7″ tilting LCD
-Liveview
-Up to 2.5 fps continuous shooting
-ISO sensitivity from 100 to 3200
-Supports SD memory cards

CNET UK ends up giving the Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 a mediocre review with an overall score of 3 stars out of 5 possible. The reviewer has some positive things to say about the camera like the tilting LCD screen, the liveview is very good and you get quite a bit of camera for your money. On the negative side we find that the A390 is very similar to the A380, awkward handling and the body feels very plasticky. It seems like Sony has cut down on their research money as the A390 is extremely similar to the previous DSLR so you should not bother upgrading your A380. On the other hand the A390 is a nice budget DSLR, but there are many other cameras in the same class so go to a store and handle the different cameras before you decide on one.
Read the full review of the Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 camera here.

Sony Alpha A450 DSLR

Photography Blog has reviewed one of the many DSLR cameras from Sony. This mid-range DSLR called Sony Alpha A450 contains a 14.2 megapixel sensor and is able to take pictures up to ISO 12800.

Some key features for the Sony Alpha A450:
-14.2 megapixel CMOS image sensor
-2.7″ LCD screen
-ISO sensitivity from 200 to 12800
-Auto HDR mode
-7 FPS
-Live View
-9-point autofocus sensor system

Photography Blog ends up giving the Sony Alpha A450 a “Recommended” rating with an overall score of 4 out of 5 stars. The Sony DSLR scores highest on image quality and design, a little lower on ease of use and value for your money and scoring lowest on features. The camera from Sony seems to be able to take very good pictures, but it has some shortcomings like small viewfinder, no video mode and you do not really get many features when you look on the price tag. It can be confusing to understand the DSLR camera line-up from Sony and one got to wonder why they have produced this camera when they have so many other DSLR choices.
Read the full review of the Sony Alpha A450 DSLR camera here.

Sony Alpha DSLR-A850

Digital Camera Review has tested the full frame DSLR camera Sony Alpha DSLR-A850. This full frame seems to be targeted at photographers who want a big sensor but are on a smaller budget than professional photographers.

Some key features for the Sony Alpha DSLR-A850:
-24.6 megapixel image sensor
-3″ LCD screen with 921k resoultion
-Viewfinder with 98% coverage
-3fps continous shooting
-Shutter speeds to 1/8000 second
-Nine-point AF with ten supplemental assist points

Digital Camera Review ends up giving the Sony Alpha DSLR-A850 a total score of 4 out 5 stars. The DSLR scores highest on features and getting an overall high score on image and video quality, design, ease of use, performance and value. The A850 seems like a very good DSLR, but the biggest shortcomings in my opinion is that it produces quite a lot of noise at higher ISO levels. If you want a full frame DSLR with lots of megapixels this might be the right choice for you.
Read the full review of the Sony Alpha DSLR-A850 camera here.

Canon EOS Rebel T2i / Canon EOS 550D

CNET UK has tested the Canon EOS Rebel T2i (also known as Canon EOS 550D) DSLR camera. This entry level DSLR from Canon can sport an impressive 18 megapixels, a large LCD screen and ability to record HD movies. It is interesting to see what the quality is on pictures produced from such a massive sensor.

Some key features for the Canon EOS Rebel T2i / Canon EOS 550D:
-18 megapixel image sensor
-3″ LCD screen
-ISO sensitivity 100-12800
-Records full HD movies, 1920 x 1080
-Supports SDXC memory cards
-Size 129 x 97 x 62 mm
-Weighs 530 g

CNET UK ends up giving the Canon EOS 550D a very good rating with an overall score of 8.8 points out of 10. The reviewer really likes the HD movie mode and ISO performance is excellent. The Canon camera also has a great design and menu system. There are not many negative points with the 550D, but the detail in the pictures could be better and the kit lens is not all that good. It seems like Canon has produced another winner camera with the 550D/Rebel T2i, but quality comes with a bit high price tag.
Read the full review of the Canon EOS Rebel T2i / Canon EOS 550D DSLR camera here.