• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • APS-C 357.3mm2
  • 20.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 16,000

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Differences

Sony DSLR-A390 advantages over Sony QX1

  • Rear display
    Yes vs No
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • 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
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.16 vs 4.25 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Sony QX1 advantages over Sony DSLR-A390

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Higher effective ISO
    1,063 vs 607 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • More dynamic range
    12.8 vs 11.5 evs
    Retain detail in highlight and shadows
  • Thinner
    52 mm vs 83 mm
    Thinner
  • Newer
    9 years vs 14 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Lighter weight
    216g vs 549g
    Lighter weight
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    20.1 vs 14.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Higher extended ISO
    16000 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

Common Weaknesses

  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • 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
  • 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

Buy From

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Nikon D5000

Sony DSLR-A390
Nikon D5000
  • $507
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Higher effective ISO
Sony QX1
Nikon D5000
  • $498
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Rear display
  • Lens selection

Compared to Sony DSLR-A290

Sony DSLR-A390
Sony DSLR-A290
  • $507
  • APS-C
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $500
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • More viewfinder magnification
Sony QX1
Sony DSLR-A290
  • $498
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $500
  • APS-C
  • Rear display
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Sony DSLR-A580

Sony DSLR-A390
Sony DSLR-A580
  • $507
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • $900
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Higher effective ISO
Sony QX1
Sony DSLR-A580
  • $498
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $900
  • APS-C
  • Rear display
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Samsung NX2000

Sony DSLR-A390
Samsung NX2000
  • $507
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $680
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Touchscreen
Sony QX1
Samsung NX2000
  • $498
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $680
  • APS-C
  • Rear display
  • Touchscreen

Compared to Samsung NX3300

Sony DSLR-A390
Samsung NX3300
  • $507
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
Sony QX1
Samsung NX3300
  • $498
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Lens selection
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Rear display
  • In-camera panoramas
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