• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 14.1 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 525.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Sony DSLR-A390 advantages over Nikon L120

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.16 vs 1.43 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 4 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Nikon L120 advantages over Sony DSLR-A390

  • Less expensive
    $280 vs $600 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • More dots on screen
    921k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Higher extended ISO
    6400 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

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
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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Buy the Sony DSLR-A390

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon L120

Review Excerpt

  • 21x wide optical zoom; Fast shutter response; Sensor-shift Vibration Reduction; HD video with stereo audio; Smile timer; Very good battery life.

  • Poor autofocus at telephoto; Strong chromatic aberration; Soft video; Sport Continuous mode drops resolution to 3 megapixels; Detail is lost rapidly as ISO rises.

  • Read our Nikon L120 Express Review

The Competition

Compared to Nikon D5000

Sony DSLR-A390
Nikon D5000
  • $507
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Higher effective ISO

Compare Sony DSLR-A390 vs Nikon D5000

Nikon L120
Nikon D5000
  • $226
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Nikon L120 vs Nikon D5000

Compared to Fujifilm S1800

Sony DSLR-A390
Fujifilm S1800
  • $507
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $207
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Higher extended ISO

Compare Sony DSLR-A390 vs Fujifilm S1800

Nikon L120
Fujifilm S1800
  • $226
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Fast startup
  • HDMI out
  • $207
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Nikon L120 vs Fujifilm S1800

Compared to Sony DSLR-A290

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

Compare Sony DSLR-A390 vs Sony DSLR-A290

Nikon L120
Sony DSLR-A290
  • $226
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More dots on screen
  • $500
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Nikon L120 vs Sony DSLR-A290

Compared to Fujifilm S2800HD

Sony DSLR-A390
Fujifilm S2800HD
  • $507
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $229
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Higher extended ISO

Compare Sony DSLR-A390 vs Fujifilm S2800HD

Nikon L120
Fujifilm S2800HD
  • $226
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More dots on screen
  • Wider angle lens
  • $229
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Longer exposure

Compare Nikon L120 vs Fujifilm S2800HD

Compared to Sony DSLR-A580

Sony DSLR-A390
Sony DSLR-A580
  • $507
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • $900
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Higher effective ISO

Compare Sony DSLR-A390 vs Sony DSLR-A580

Nikon L120
Sony DSLR-A580
  • $226
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Lighter weight
  • $900
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Nikon L120 vs Sony DSLR-A580

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