Sony Alpha A290 shows up early in Vietnam
updated 10:35 am EDT, Fri May 14, 2010
Sony Alpha A290 to replace A230 as entry SLR
Vietnam was home to another early product introduction on Friday as Sony showed a new entry-level Alpha DSLR in the country. The A290 should replace the A230 and will center on an upgrade to the CCD sensor, from 10.2 to 14.2 megapixels. An ergonomic change is in store as the A290 is billed as easier to hold than its ancestor.
The camera would still behave much like the earlier model and would have starter-level performance, including a maximum ISO 3,200 light sensitivity and 2.5FPS in continuous shooting. Sony is still tuning the interface on these entry level cameras to be easier to grasp, with on-screen sliders that put aperture and shutter speed into more easily understood terms.
In Vietnam, the camera will cost the equivalent of $526 with an 18-55mm kit lens. A US release is certain to come but hasn't been detailed. Sony's past practices, an A390 or other slightly higher-end models may follow.
