• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • APS-C 369.0mm2
  • 14.8 megapixels
  • 45.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Sony DSLR-A290 advantages over Sigma DP2 Merrill

  • Less expensive
    $500 vs $1000 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 500 vs 97 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    18 vs 7 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Sigma DP2 Merrill advantages over Sony DSLR-A290

  • Thinner
    58 mm vs 79 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    355g vs 508g
    Lighter weight
  • More dots on screen
    922k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Doesn't require an AA filter
    Yes vs No
    A unique sensor design provides sharp photos without moiré
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    4.0 fps vs 2.4 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    6400 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Sony DSLR-A350

Sony DSLR-A290
Sony DSLR-A350
  • $500
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
  • $900
  • APS-C
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Sony DSLR-A290 vs Sony DSLR-A350

Sigma DP2 Merrill
Sony DSLR-A350
  • $3194
  • APS-C
  • Newer
  • Lighter weight
  • $900
  • APS-C
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Sigma DP2 Merrill vs Sony DSLR-A350

Compared to Nikon D5000

Sony DSLR-A290
Nikon D5000
  • $500
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Tiltable Screen

Compare Sony DSLR-A290 vs Nikon D5000

Sigma DP2 Merrill
Nikon D5000
  • $3194
  • APS-C
  • Thinner
  • Lighter weight
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Sigma DP2 Merrill vs Nikon D5000

Compared to Canon T1i

Sony DSLR-A290
Canon T1i
  • $500
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Less expensive
  • $900
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup

Compare Sony DSLR-A290 vs Canon T1i

Sigma DP2 Merrill
Canon T1i
  • $3194
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Lighter weight
  • $900
  • APS-C
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Sigma DP2 Merrill vs Canon T1i

Compared to Sony DSLR-A390

Sony DSLR-A290
Sony DSLR-A390
  • $500
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • More viewfinder magnification
  • $507
  • APS-C
  • Tiltable Screen

Compare Sony DSLR-A290 vs Sony DSLR-A390

Sigma DP2 Merrill
Sony DSLR-A390
  • $3194
  • APS-C
  • Thinner
  • Lighter weight
  • $507
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Sigma DP2 Merrill vs Sony DSLR-A390

Compared to Canon T3

Sony DSLR-A290
Canon T3
  • $500
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
  • $199
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup

Compare Sony DSLR-A290 vs Canon T3

Sigma DP2 Merrill
Canon T3
  • $3194
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Thinner
  • $199
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Sigma DP2 Merrill vs Canon T3

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