Sony a33 vs Sony a290

This is a full comparison between the cameras Sony a33 and Sony a290. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

These cameras are both manufactured by Sony.

These two camera models were both released 2010.

Camera Released
Sony a33 2010
Sony a290 2010

Type of camera

Sensors / crop factor

Both these cameras have the same sorts of sensor (called "Sony APS-C") which means that if you compare these cameras side by side the lenses will also have the same experienced focal length. Neither of the cameras has a Full frame sensor which means that you will get a "crop factor" where the camera's sensor size affect the focal length with a multiplier.

Camera Focal length, 50mm f/1.8 **
Sony a33 75 mm
Sony APS-C sensor
Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5
Sony a290 75 mm
Sony APS-C sensor
Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5

** 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:
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Sony)

Resolution

Both these cameras have the exact same resolution. Sony a33 has a 14 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Sony a290 has 14 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Camera Megapixels
Sony a33 14 MP
14033152 pixels
4592 x 3056
Sony a290 14 MP
14033152 pixels
4592 x 3056

ISO range

Sony a33 has a larger ISO-range than Sony a290. Sony a33 has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 12800 while Sony a290 has 100 to 3200.

Camera ISO Range
Sony a33 100-12800
Sony a290 100-3200

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 Sony a33
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. Sony a33 can shoot up to 7 pictures per seconds and Sony a290 can shoot up to 2,5 pictures per seconds.

Camera FPS (Frames per second)
Sony a33 7
Sony a290 2,5

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 Sony a33. 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 10% heavier than Sony a33 and its 500 gr (or 1.1 lb).

Camera Weight
Sony a33 500 gr
1.1 lb
Sony a290 549 gr
1.21 lb

Sony a33 vs Sony a290 Specs

Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Sony a33 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
Sony a33
Sony a290
Name Sony a33 Sony a290
Manufacturer Sony Sony
Release Date and Price
Sony a33
Sony a290
Release Year 2010 2010
Release Date 2010-08-24 2010-06-09
MSRP 949 USD 499 USD
Buy it today
Camera Type
Sony a33
Sony a290
Camera Type SLT DSLR
Sensor
Sony a33
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 4592 x 3056 pixels 4592 x 3056 pixels
Megapixels 14 MP 14 MP
Image Processor Bionz Bionz
Image
Sony a33
Sony a290
ISO Range 100 - 12800 100 - 3200
White Balance Presets 6 6
Custom White Balance Yes Yes
Image Stabilization Yes
(Sensor-Shift)
Yes
(Sensor-Shift)
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating 0 stops 0 stops
Uncompressed format RAW RAW
Optics & Focus
Sony a33
Sony a290
Autofocus Motor Yes Yes
Autofocus Phase Detect
Multi Area
Selective Single Point
Single
Continuous
Face Detection
LiveView
Phase Detect
Multi Area
Selective Single Point
Single
Continuous
Focus Points 15 9
Lens Mount Sony A

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
Sony a33
Sony a290
Articulated LCD Fully articulated Fixed
Screen size 3” 2.7”
Screen dots 921000 230400
Touch screen No No
Screen type N/A N/A
Live view Yes No
Viewfinder Type Electronic Optical (pentamirror)
Viewfinder Coverage 100% 95%
Viewfinder Magnification 1.1× (0.73× 35mm equiv.) 0.83× (0.55× 35mm equiv.)
Viewfinder Resolution N/A N/A
Photography features
Sony a33
Sony a290
Frames per second 7 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 10 meters 10 meters
External Flash Yes Yes
Self-Timer Yes Yes
Time-lapse No No
Metering modes Multi
Center Weighted
Spot
Multi
Center Weighted
Spot
Exposure Compensation +/- 2 (at 1/3 EV steps) +/- 2 (at 1/3 EV steps)
Videography features
Sony a33
Sony a290
Video recording Yes No
Video format MPEG4
H.264
AVCHD
N/A
Video resolution 1440 x 1080
1920 x 1080
N/A
Built-in Microphone Yes No
Built-in Speakers No No
Storage
Sony a33
Sony a290
Memory Card Memory Stick Pro Duo
SD/SDHC
Memory Stick Pro Duo
SD/SDHC
Connectivity
Sony a33
Sony a290
HDMI Output Yes Yes
Microphone Port No No
Headphone Port No No
Wireless Yes
Eye-Fi Connected
No
Remote Control Yes (Optional) Yes (Optional)
GPS No No
Body & Dimensions
Sony a33
Sony a290
Enviromentally sealed No No
Battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery Details Rechargeable NP-FW50 battery & charger
Lithium-Ion NP-FH50 rechargeable battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA) 270 shots 290 shots
Width 124 mm 128 mm
Height 92 mm 97 mm
Depth 85 mm 86 mm
Weight 500 gram 549 gram