The Sony Alpha A390 Digital SLR with 18-55mm Lens is a compact DSLR designed around a 14.2 (effective) megapixel APS-C format CCD sensor, that utilizes a Sony BIONZ image processor to capture and process image files as RAW, JPEG, or RAW+JPEG, at speeds of up to 2.5 frames-per-second. The Alpha A390's body design is stylish, with an intuitive button layout for easy operation. In addition, the lightweight body and revised grip make the camera more comfortable to hold and carry. Files can be stored onto Memory Stick PRO Duo or SD/SDHC memory cards.
For indoor snapshots or for eliminating 'raccoon eyes' when shooting portraits outdoors on sunny days, the Alpha A390 has a built-in pop-up flash (guide number 10 in meters @ ISO 100). There's also a hot-shoe for use with Sony dedicated TTL flashguns and other Sony-compatible flashguns.
For composing images, the A390's eye-level pentamirror viewfinder shows 95% of the total image area. A rear-mounted tiltable 2.7" TFT Clear Photo LCD features Live View with Quick Auto Focus, which lets you compose and shoot pictures in real-time using the LCD, just as you would with a point-and-shoot camera. In addition, the LCD display tilts up or down for low or high-angle shooting situations, such as capturing a child's first steps or shooting over a crowd.
To facilitate sharp, well-exposed images, the Sony Alpha A390 utilizes a 9-point autofocus (AF) system that can be used in single or multi-shot mode. There's also an 'eye-start' mode which kick-starts the AF system when you raise the camera to your eye. For on-the-nose exposure readings, the A390 features a 40-segment honeycomb-pattern SPC TTL metering system and Sony's D-Range Optimizer for balanced shadow and highlight details.
Other features of the Sony Alpha A390 include a Dust Reduction system, ISO settings that can be adjusted from a native 100 through an extended ISO 3200, a wide selection of shooting modes, an easy-to-read, easy-to-use menu interface, on-screen help guide and Sony SteadyShot INSIDE image stabilization system for sharper imagery when shooting under low-light conditions with all Sony, Minolta, and Konica AF-mount lenses.
The included Sony SAL-1855 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 DT AF lens has an equivalent focal length of 27-82.5mm in the 35mm/full frame standard. This is the perfect starter lens, allowing you to shoot close-up and distance subjects. The Sony Alpha A390 powers off a Sony NP-FH50 lithium-ion battery, which can capture 500-plus images-per-charge.
