Sony's ultra-basic A-mount DSLR — 14.2MP CCD at the absolute entry level of photography.
The Sony Alpha A290 was released approximately 2010 as an entry-level APS-C DSLR in Sony's Alpha lineup, featuring a 14.2MP APS-C CCD sensor. It was positioned as an accessible budget body for the Sony Alpha A-mount system. Sony A mount.
14.2MP APS-C CCD sensor. ISO 100-3200. 2.7-inch LCD. Nine AF points. At approximately 475g with battery and card. No video recording. No LiveView. Optical viewfinder only. No in-body image stabilisation (SteadyShot). Sony A mount.
The CCD sensor delivers accurate colour at base ISO; however, high-ISO performance is limited relative to later APS-C CMOS designs, and the A290 was among the last Sony Alpha bodies to omit video recording and LiveView — both of which became standard in the subsequent generation. The Minolta A-mount mechanical and electrical compatibility means legacy Minolta AF lenses are usable on the A290.
On the used market the Sony Alpha A290 is a legacy budget DSLR suitable for learning photography on the Sony/Minolta A-mount system. Condition checks: sensor for dead pixels (important in aged CCD sensors), shutter actuation count, LCD condition, NP-FM500H battery health. No video recording capability.