• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • 1/2.33 inch 28.2mm2
  • 14.1 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 600.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Sony DSLR-A290 advantages over Leica V-LUX 2

  • Less expensive
    $500 vs $850 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1/2.33 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.16 vs 1.42 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    3200 vs 1600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Leica V-LUX 2 advantages over Sony DSLR-A290

  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • More dots on screen
    460k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • 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 Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • 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
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • 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

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Nikon D5000

Sony DSLR-A290
Nikon D5000
  • $500
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Tiltable Screen

Compare Sony DSLR-A290 vs Nikon D5000

Leica V-LUX 2
Nikon D5000
  • $850
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • More dots on screen
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Leica V-LUX 2 vs Nikon D5000

Compared to Canon T1i

Sony DSLR-A290
Canon T1i
  • $500
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Less expensive
  • $900
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup

Compare Sony DSLR-A290 vs Canon T1i

Leica V-LUX 2
Canon T1i
  • $850
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $900
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Leica V-LUX 2 vs Canon T1i

Compared to Sony DSLR-A390

Sony DSLR-A290
Sony DSLR-A390
  • $500
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • More viewfinder magnification
  • $507
  • APS-C
  • Tiltable Screen

Compare Sony DSLR-A290 vs Sony DSLR-A390

Leica V-LUX 2
Sony DSLR-A390
  • $850
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • More dots on screen
  • Longer exposure
  • $507
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare Leica V-LUX 2 vs Sony DSLR-A390

Compared to Panasonic DMC-FZ100

Sony DSLR-A290
Panasonic DMC-FZ100
  • $500
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $500
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Tiltable Screen
  • More dots on screen

Compare Sony DSLR-A290 vs Panasonic DMC-FZ100

Leica V-LUX 2
Panasonic DMC-FZ100
  • $850
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Slow-motion videos
  • $500
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Shoots 60p video

Compare Leica V-LUX 2 vs Panasonic DMC-FZ100

Compared to Panasonic FZ150

Sony DSLR-A290
Panasonic FZ150
  • $500
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $498
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Tiltable Screen
  • More dots on screen

Compare Sony DSLR-A290 vs Panasonic FZ150

Leica V-LUX 2
Panasonic FZ150
  • $850
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • More pixels
  • Longer exposure
  • $498
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Shoots 1080p video

Compare Leica V-LUX 2 vs Panasonic FZ150

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