Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro vs Sony a290

This is a full comparison between the cameras Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro and Sony a290. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro is manufacturered by Fujifilm but Sony a290 is from Sony. Both Fujifilm and Sony are well known brands though.

Type of camera

Both these cameras are DSLR cameras. No difference there.

Sensors / crop factor

These cameras have different sensors. Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro has a "Fujifilm APS-C"-sensor while Sony a290 has a "Sony APS-C"-sensor, and their difference in sensors will also affect the crop factor and experience focal length. See the table below.

** Experienced focal length when using a lens such as a common "50mm f/1.8"

Learn more about crop factor and focal length multiplier here:

Resolution

Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro has a 6 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Sony a290 has 14 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Sony a290 has a 16 % larger resolution than Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro. This could give you more details in the picture but also a possibility to crop more in the pictures, afterward while editing the pictures, if needed that is.

ISO range

Sony a290 has a larger ISO-range than Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro. Sony a290 has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 3200 while Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro has 100 to 1600.

Autofocus and lens compatibility

Both of these cameras have a built-in autofocus motor. Some lenses, that support autofocus, do not have an autofocus motor of their own but this won't cause any problems with these two cameras.

Here is a complete overview of which lenses work with each camera:
Lens compatibility chart for Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro
Lens compatibility chart for Sony a290

Pictures per second

Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro can shoot up to 1,5 pictures per seconds and Sony a290 can shoot up to 2,5 pictures per seconds.

Ability to record movies

It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.

Though, neither Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro or Sony a290 can shoot movies so if that is a functionality that you are really looking for you should look elsewhere.

Weight

The weight of the camera can be an extremely important factor, especially if the camera is about to be used, or carried around, for several hours at a time.

Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro weighs 930 gr (equal to 2.05 lb) which is 69% heavier than Sony a290 and its 549 gr (or 1.21 lb).

Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro vs Sony a290 Specs

Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro and Sony a290, next to each other. Each category of data is a link to an article covering the subject, giving you a deeper understanding so you can better understand the strengths and weaknesses of the two camera models.

Product	Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro	Sony a290
Name	Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro	Sony a290
Manufacturer	Fujifilm	Sony
Release Date and Price	Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro	Sony a290
Release Year	2004	2010
Release Date	2004-02-05	2010-06-09
MSRP	N/A	499 USD
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Camera Type	Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro	Sony a290
Camera Type	DSLR	DSLR
Sensor	Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro	Sony a290
Sensor Size	APS-C (approx 23.5 x 15.6 mm)	APS-C (approx 23.5 x 15.6 mm)
Sensor Type	CCD	CCD
Resolution	4256 x 2848 pixels	4592 x 3056 pixels
Megapixels	6 MP	14 MP
Image Processor		Bionz
Image	Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro	Sony a290
ISO Range	100 - 1600	100 - 3200
White Balance Presets	7	6
Custom White Balance	Yes	Yes
Image Stabilization	No	Yes (Sensor-Shift)
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating	0 stops	0 stops
Uncompressed format	RAW	RAW
Optics & Focus	Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro	Sony a290
Autofocus Motor	Yes	Yes
Autofocus	Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Single Continuous	Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Single Continuous
Focus Points	N/A	9
Lens Mount	Nikon F See Compatible Lenses	Sony A See Compatible Lenses
Focal Length Multiplier	APS-C Sensor (1.5x) 1.5x multiplier Example: 24 mm becomes 36 mm 50 mm becomes 75 mm 100 mm becomes 150 mm 200 mm becomes 300 mm	APS-C Sensor (1.5x) 1.5x multiplier Example: 24 mm becomes 36 mm 50 mm becomes 75 mm 100 mm becomes 150 mm 200 mm becomes 300 mm
Screen & Viewfinder	Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro	Sony a290
Articulated LCD	N/A	Fixed
Screen size	2”	2.7”
Screen dots	235000	230400
Touch screen	No	No
Screen type	N/A	N/A
Live view	No	No
Viewfinder Type	Optical (pentaprism)	Optical (pentamirror)
Viewfinder Coverage	94%	95%
Viewfinder Magnification		0.83× (0.55× 35mm equiv.)
Viewfinder Resolution	N/A	N/A
Photography features	Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro	Sony a290
Frames per second	1,5 fps	2,5 fps
Minimum Shutter Speed	30 seconds	30 seconds
Maximum Shutter Speed	1/4000 seconds	1/4000 seconds
Built-in Flash	Yes	Yes
Built-in Flash Range	15 meters	10 meters
External Flash	Yes	Yes
Self-Timer	Yes	Yes
Time-lapse	Yes	No
Metering modes		Multi Center Weighted Spot
Exposure Compensation	N/A	+/- 2 (at 1/3 EV steps)
Videography features	Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro	Sony a290
Video recording	No	No
Video format	N/A	N/A
Video resolution	N/A	N/A
Built-in Microphone	No	No
Built-in Speakers	No	No
Storage	Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro	Sony a290
Memory Card	Compact Flash	Memory Stick Pro Duo SD/SDHC
Connectivity	Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro	Sony a290
HDMI Output	No	Yes
Microphone Port	No	No
Headphone Port	No	No
Wireless	No	No
Remote Control	Yes (Optional)	Yes (Optional)
GPS	No	No
Body & Dimensions	Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro	Sony a290
Enviromentally sealed	Yes	No
Battery	Battery Pack	Battery Pack
Battery Details		Lithium-Ion NP-FH50 rechargeable battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA)	N/A	290 shots
Width	148 mm	128 mm
Height	135 mm	97 mm
Depth	80 mm	86 mm
Weight	930 gram	549 gram