Fujifilm X-E1 vs Sony a290

This is a full comparison between the cameras Fujifilm X-E1 and Sony a290. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

Fujifilm X-E1 is manufacturered by Fujifilm but Sony a290 is from Sony. Both Fujifilm and Sony are well known brands though.

Type of camera

Fujifilm X-E1 is a Mirrorless camera while Sony a290 is a DSLR camera. More information about their differences will come soon.

Sensors / crop factor

These cameras have different sensors. Fujifilm X-E1 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 X-E1 has a 16 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Sony a290 has 14 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Fujifilm X-E1 has a 14 % larger resolution than Sony a290. 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

Fujifilm X-E1 has a larger ISO-range than Sony a290. Fujifilm X-E1 has an ISO range that stretches from 200 to 6400 while Sony a290 has 100 to 3200.

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 X-E1
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 X-E1 can shoot up to 6 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.

When comparing these two cameras there is only one of them that can shoot movies and that is Fujifilm X-E1. Unfortunately Sony a290 does not support recording movies and movie clips.

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.

Sony a290 weighs 549 gr (equal to 1.21 lb) which is 57% heavier than Fujifilm X-E1 and its 350 gr (or 0.77 lb).

Fujifilm X-E1 vs Sony a290 Specs

Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Fujifilm X-E1 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 X-E1	Sony a290
Name	Fujifilm X-E1	Sony a290
Manufacturer	Fujifilm	Sony
Release Date and Price	Fujifilm X-E1	Sony a290
Release Year	2012	2010
Release Date	2012-09-06	2010-06-09
MSRP	999 USD	499 USD
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Camera Type	Fujifilm X-E1	Sony a290
Camera Type	Mirrorless	DSLR
Sensor	Fujifilm X-E1	Sony a290
Sensor Size	APS-C (approx 23.5 x 15.6 mm)	APS-C (approx 23.5 x 15.6 mm)
Sensor Type	CMOS	CCD
Resolution	4896 x 3264 pixels	4592 x 3056 pixels
Megapixels	16 MP	14 MP
Image Processor	EXR Pro	Bionz
Image	Fujifilm X-E1	Sony a290
ISO Range	200 - 6400	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 X-E1	Sony a290
Autofocus Motor	Yes	Yes
Autofocus	Contract Detect (sensor) Multi Area Center Single Continuous LiveView	Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Single Continuous
Focus Points	N/A	9
Lens Mount	Fujifilm X 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 X-E1	Sony a290
Articulated LCD	Fixed	Fixed
Screen size	2.8”	2.7”
Screen dots	460000	230400
Touch screen	No	No
Screen type	TFT color LCD monitor	N/A
Live view	Yes	No
Viewfinder Type	Electronic	Optical (pentamirror)
Viewfinder Coverage	100%	95%
Viewfinder Magnification		0.83× (0.55× 35mm equiv.)
Viewfinder Resolution	N/A	N/A
Photography features	Fujifilm X-E1	Sony a290
Frames per second	6 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	N/A	10 meters
External Flash	Yes	Yes
Self-Timer	Yes	Yes
Time-lapse	No	No
Metering modes	Multi Spot Average	Multi Center Weighted Spot
Exposure Compensation	+/- 2 (at 1/3 EV steps)	+/- 2 (at 1/3 EV steps)
Videography features	Fujifilm X-E1	Sony a290
Video recording	Yes	No
Video format	H.264	N/A
Video resolution	1280 x 720 1920 x 1080	N/A
Built-in Microphone	Yes	No
Built-in Speakers	Yes	No
Storage	Fujifilm X-E1	Sony a290
Memory Card	SD/SDHC	Memory Stick Pro Duo SD/SDHC
Connectivity	Fujifilm X-E1	Sony a290
HDMI Output	Yes	Yes
Microphone Port	No	No
Headphone Port	No	No
Wireless	No	No
Remote Control	Optional through RR-80	Yes (Optional)
GPS	No	No
Body & Dimensions	Fujifilm X-E1	Sony a290
Enviromentally sealed	No	No
Battery	Battery Pack	Battery Pack
Battery Details	Lithium-Ion NP-W126 rechargeable battery & charger	Lithium-Ion NP-FH50 rechargeable battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA)	350 shots	290 shots
Width	129 mm	128 mm
Height	75 mm	97 mm
Depth	38 mm	86 mm
Weight	350 gram	549 gram