Sony Alpha DSLR-A390L with 18-55mm lens Reviews: Digital SLR Camera

Here’s a list of the questions other shoppers have asked owners of the Sony Alpha DSLR-A390L with 18-55mm lens

1. what is the difference from the ac390L and the ac390 as i can not find it listed on sony web site. is it a discontinued product
   
   Philip asked on 09 Jan 2011
   1. They are both the same camera, but the ac390L has a extra lense in it as a bundle. Hope this was helpful.
      
      Samuel replied on 09 Jan 2011

       
2. What is the main difference between the Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 and the A290.
   Is this camera good for beginners?
   Thanks x
   
   jersalliana asked on 22 Jan 2011
   1. The A390 has a lot better image quality and functions and yes it is very good for beginners. Hope this information was helpful.
      
      Samuel replied on 22 Jan 2011

       
3. Hi, when did the A390 launch, and what are the main differences from the A380.
   
   Nic asked on 04 Feb 2011
   1. About 4 months ago and it has better Image quality and improved autofocus functions and many other functions
      
      Samuel replied on 04 Feb 2011

       
4. Hi does the A390 have face detection? and does the flash pop up automatically in low light.
   
   richard asked on 12 Mar 2011
   1. hi the camera doesnt have face detect. the flash pops up when it is needed. it has 9 point focus.the steady shot is built in. i think it isnt very good. if i was you i would buy the canon eos 1000d from jessops!
      
      dan replied on 14 Mar 2011

       
   2. the camera does not have face detection.
      
      the flash does auto pop up when needed, in all low light settings, unless you disable the flash.
      
      mike replied on 14 Mar 2011

       
5. Can pictures be seen on any tv
   
   Allen asked on 23 Apr 2011
   1. Hi Allen,
      my experience with showing pictures on tv is limited
      to my own tv which is a Sony bravia digital model.
      I think that providing the tv has a USB input jack you should have no trouble showing your pics. Hope this helps,
      Regards,
      
      Mark. replied on 25 Apr 2011

       
6. How can I keep the LCD monitor turned on while looking into the viewfinder?
   I have followed the instructions shown on page 125 of the instruction manual.
   It does not work. where am I going wrong?
   
   David asked on 01 May 2011
   1. Sorry David, can't help you with this one. I tend not to use the LCD monitor much myself - always preferred the viewfinder.
      Am still adjusting to this model -had a Sony DSLR previously but this one is a bit different
      Good luck with it
      
      Wendy replied on 01 May 2011

       
   2. Hi David, I tried doing the same thing but doesn't work for me either. Sorry but i don't know why =/
      
      Hifza replied on 02 May 2011

       
   3. David, on the menu, find Auto off w/ VF and set it to off, this works on my camera. Also can I recommend David Busch's Sony Alpha DLSR A390/290 Digital Photography book. It's like a course on using the camera, going from "how to turn it on" to advanced features.
      
      Bill replied on 03 May 2011

       
7. where can I buy David Busch`s A390/290 photo book?\
   
   Jim asked on 18 May 2011
   1. Try Amazon and e-bay, cheapest deals are on at both of them, so most you may spend is £15/-.
      
      Rhythms replied on 18 May 2011

       
8. does this camera contain an intervalometer?
   
   Oliver asked on 26 May 2011
   1. it only has the the standard 10/2 sec single frame option i hope this helps
      
      dan replied on 26 May 2011

       
   2. Hi Oliver,
      dan is spot on,but you could try Gralab products for a sony compatable intervalometer.
      they are at :-
      http://www gralab.com I hope this is of some use.
      
      Mark. replied on 27 May 2011

       
9. Sorry, an intervalometer in a camera is a timer that counts and takes photos at a set time period e.g every 10 seconds. Does this camera contain one?
   
   Oliver asked on 26 May 2011
   1. Yes it does. It has self timers for 10 secs, 3 successive shots after 10 secs (c3) and 3 images with shifted exposure of 0.3 (0.3 c).
      
      Hifza replied on 26 May 2011

       
10. Is the Sony 75-300mm Telephoto Zoom Lens compatible with the Sony a390?
    
    
    Wel asked on 29 May 2011
    1. I only use the lens provided and a compatible TAMRON.
       
       
       Chis replied on 30 May 2011

        
    2. I am not aware of the specs of the lense that you have asked, but all the new 'alpha' models are only compatible with a lenses. so if this lense is an 'a' lense, it will be fine. if not, you may use the mounting accessories depending on the requirements. hope it helps.
       
       rhythmshree replied on 30 May 2011

        
    3. yes. I have the tamron 75-300, but i got it on cost rather than the sony.
       
       mike replied on 31 May 2011

        
11. Does this camera have HDR?
    
    Cole asked on 31 May 2011
    1. hi if you mean bracketing with different exposures yes! and then image stacking in post production .
       
       dan replied on 31 May 2011

        
12. Does this model enables video facilities?
    
    Taufique asked on 04 Jun 2011
    1. No I doesn't, sorry to be the bringer of bad news.
       
       Samuel replied on 07 Jun 2011

        
13. should I should go for the Nikon D3000 or this camera?
    
    Ollie asked on 05 Jun 2011
    1. for sure this camera, it is very professional and user friendly
       
       Hassan replied on 06 Jun 2011

        
    2. I'm delighted with it, it does everything I want & the picture quality is great
       
       Wendy replied on 07 Jun 2011

        
    3. I feel you need to decide on what type of photography you do, your budget and what you want to achieve. I chose the Sony as it was within my budget, was a SLR, I can put my filters on the lens and the 390 has LiveView (the LCD view finder). The 390 does what I want to do with my photography and I'm happy with it. One advantage is the 390 has image stabilsation in the body not the lens.
       
       David replied on 07 Jun 2011

        
14. i am new usuar for dslr which one i should buy for now??? a 580 or a 390??? i am a learner so suggest me!!!!!!!
    
    razee asked on 09 Jun 2011
    1. Hi Razee, rhe a580 is an evolution level on from the 390 and has 16.2 MP (giving a greater opportunity to enlarge with cleaner and crisper results. The a580 also has the ability to record 1080p High Definition movies (not that I had ever used this in other cameras I owned).
       
       I would sooner own the 580, but time and cost were against me when I made my purchase. The a390 is a superb camera, but if I had the choice and could find a 580 at the right price I would upgrade.
       
       I hope that has helped.
       
       Regards
       Eddie
       
       Edward replied on 09 Jun 2011

        
    2. Just noticed the a580 also does panorama shots which is another bonus. As a beginer you might not want these, but as you learn they would be there for you, with no need to upgrade to anything better.
       
       regards
       Eddie
       
       Edward replied on 09 Jun 2011

        
    3. I am also a new DSLR user, so not very qualified to advise as between cameras. There are a number of websites which offer reviews, e.g. http://www.photoclubalpha.com/2010/12/22/the-alpha-580-a-three-way-view/ .
       Reading that, it seems to me that the 580 is a mid-level camera, rather than entry level. The display screen on the rear tilts, so that you can see what you are shooting even with the camera held above your head or down by your waist.
       The 580 costs around £460. I got my 390, with 18-70mm lens, UV filter and bag, for £400 at Jessops (UK shop). I think that is good value for a really good entry level DSLR camera.
       I neglected to include in review that the 'Steady Shot' anti blur stabiliser is in the camera body, not the lens – so it will operate with a different lens fitted. Sony alphas take Minolta lenses, available at lower cost including on eBay apparently.
       
       Steve replied on 09 Jun 2011

        
    4. I would strongly suggest to go for a390. it is a very good model with great feature for the money, and if you are new, it will be enough.
       
       Shree replied on 09 Jun 2011

        
15. Like the nikon d90 can you see how many `shots` photo`s the camera has taken. I bought it second hand and was just curious, any ideas, thanks Gary.
    
    Gary asked on 21 Jun 2011
    1. Hi Gary,
       If you go into the Menu and Set-up, then file number it will hopefully be set to series, in which case it will have recorded each shutter release up to 9999. You will see the number on the playback screen top left corner, when recording data is dispayed, it will show 100-then number of file. If the previous owner has been in the menu and done a reset on the file number then without finding a software download you wont be totally certain of the number of shutter releases.
       Hope you find this of use,
       Chris.
       
       christopher replied on 21 Jun 2011

        
    2. Hi Gary,
       have attached a link to exiftool for software down load which may be of use to you.
       Chris.
       http://www.sno.phy.queensu.ca/~phil/exiftool/TagNames/Sony.html
       
       christopher replied on 21 Jun 2011

        
16. hi is the manual focus any good on this lense?
    
    k asked on 16 Jul 2011
    1. Yes I've had no probems except remember to keep your fingers away from the various buttons whilst you focus otherwise you don't get what you hoped for.
       The only real problem with the camera is that it needs nimble digits thumbs especially
       
       Brian replied on 16 Jul 2011

        
    2. I have had no tachnical problems with manual focus with my lenses, however be mindful of where your finger are! All my errors have been due to carelessly touching other buttons during shooting/focussing.
       
       Colin replied on 16 Jul 2011

        
17. Hi, can't we make videos with this camera?
    
    vitor asked on 05 Jan 2012
    1. Hi. This is one of the few cameras these days that doesn't have video. Frankly, I much prefer to use my Sony video which is small, quick and simple to use, gives excellent quality, uses a memory stick and uses the same battery as the A390. If you want HD video and don't want to spend a lot, why not look out for a used one? Good luck!
       
       Philip replied on 05 Jan 2012

        
18. hi i am first time use A390l can't we make videos with this camera?
    upen
    
    upen asked on 18 Feb 2012
    1. this camera has a slow or fast shtter speed to take photos of moving things but will not take a movie as a video camera would
       
       stephen replied on 21 Feb 2012

        
19. Any tips on taking black & white pictures with my Sony SLR , for a starter. ?
    
    Seamus asked on 25 Mar 2012
    1. I prefer shooting in colour and editing them to b/w afterwards in Photoshop. If you don't have Photoshop or any other image editing software I'd set the camera settings to b/w and change the contrast etc. in the camera.
       
       Sandra replied on 26 Mar 2012

        
    2. Hi, just set your camera to b/w and shoot away to your hearts content .You can play with the settings or just use on auto and get some very good results. Good luck!!!
       
       phil replied on 26 Mar 2012

        
    3. I nearly always shoot in colour, and then use Photoshop Elements on my computer to either desaturate the colour or use the auto b&w facility. That said, the previous advice, you have, seems sound. Good luck.
       
       
       Denis replied on 29 Mar 2012

        

Got a question? Get an answer from someone who actually owns the product.
We'll publish your question and the answer here to help other shoppers.