Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2
      60
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      59
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      Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 was introduced in June 2010 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 was introduced in February 2011. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 Highlights

      • 14.2 MP APS-C CCD Sensor
      • 100 - 3,200 Native ISO
      • 9 Focus Points
      • Image Stabilization
      • 2.7" 230k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentamirror) Viewfinder
      • 2.5 fps Continuous Shooting
      • Built-in Flash

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 Highlights

      • 12 MP Micro Four Thirds CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 6,400 Native ISO
      • 23 Focus Points (23 Cross-type)
      • 3.0" 460k dot Fixed Screen
      • 2.6 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • 30 min Video Recording Limit
      • Built-in Flash
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Sony Alpha DSLR-A290
      4. Advantage of Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2
      5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses
      6. Screen and Viewfinder
      7. Sensor
      8. Photography Features
      9. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
      10. Other Features
      11. Physical Parameters
      12. For Different Types of Photography
      13. Evaluations
      14. Specifications  

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2.

      PROS

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2

      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Video Capture
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Light - 310 g (0.68 lb / 10.93 oz)

      CONS

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2

      •   No Video Capture
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 14.2 Megapixel
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.5 fps
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 290 shots
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12 Megapixel
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.6 fps
      •   Low DxO Overall Score - 54
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 300 shots


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2

      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Screen Size - 2.7"
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 66
      •   Weight - 549 g (1.21 lb / 19.37 oz)
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   23 Focus Points
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec

      Advantage of Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      Sony DSLR-A290
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 over Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2.

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2
      Larger Sensor APS-C vs Micro Four Thirds
      Higher Sensor Resolution 14.2 Megapixel vs 12 Megapixel
      Max Image Resolution 4592 x 3056 vs 4000 x 3000
      Phase Detection for Autofocus vs
      Image Stabilization Sensor Shift vs
      Viewfinder Optical (pentamirror) vs
      Higher DxO Low Light ISO 615 vs 506
      Higher DxO Color Depth 22.6 vs 21.2
      Higher DxO Dynamic Range 11.5 vs 10.3
      Higher DxO Overall Score 66 vs 54
      Orientation Sensor vs

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Sony Alpha DSLR-A290.

      Sony DSLR-A300
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A390
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A850
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      24.6 MP

      Sony DSLR-A330
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A350
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A100
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A200
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A580
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      APS-C

      16.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A230
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A900
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      24.6 MP

      Sony DSLR-A550
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A560
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Advantage of Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2

      Panasonic GF2
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 over Sony Alpha DSLR-A290.

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2
      Video Capture vs
      Higher Native ISO 3,200 vs 6,400
      More Focus Points 9 vs 23
      Tracking Autofocus vs
      Contrast Detection for Autofocus vs
      Touch Screen vs
      Larger Screen 2.7" vs 3.0"
      Higher Resolution Screen 230k dot vs 460k dot
      Live View vs
      Lower Min Shutter Speed 30 sec vs 60 sec
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 2.5 fps vs 2.6 fps
      Built-in Microphone vs Stereo
      Lighter 549 g (1.21 lb / 19.37 oz) vs 310 g (0.68 lb / 10.93 oz)
      Longer Battery Life 290 shots vs 300 shots

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2.

      Panasonic GF3
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      Micro Four Thirds

      12 MP

      Panasonic GF5
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      Micro Four Thirds

      12.1 MP

      Panasonic GF6
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      Micro Four Thirds

      16 MP

      Panasonic GF7
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      Micro Four Thirds

      16 MP

      Panasonic GF8
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      Micro Four Thirds

      16 MP

      Panasonic GF1
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      Micro Four Thirds

      12 MP

      Panasonic G3
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      Micro Four Thirds

      16 MP

      Olympus OM-D E-M10
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      Micro Four Thirds

      16.1 MP

      Leica M9
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      Full Frame

      18.0 MP

      Olympus PEN E-PL2
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      Micro Four Thirds

      12 MP

      Olympus PEN E-PM1
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      Micro Four Thirds

      12.3 MP

      Leica M Edition 60
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      Full Frame

      23.7 MP

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2
        Face Detection
        Live View Autofocus
        Built-in Flash
        HDMI Output Mini Type C
      WEAKNESSES Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2
        Low Resolution Sensor14.2 Megapixel12 Megapixel
        Timelapse Recording
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        Low Resolution Screen230k dot460k dot
        Low Max Continuous Shooting2.5 fps2.6 fps
        No Microphone Input
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi
        No Built-In Bluetooth
        No Environmental Sealing
        Short Battery Life290 shots300 shots

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 has a 2.7" screen with 230k dot resolution and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 has a 3.0" screen with 460k dot resolution. Both have Fixed screens. Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 also features touchscreen which has advantages such as easy menu navigation, intuitive controls, quick setting adjustment


      Optical (pentamirror) Viewfinder on Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 has a built-in Optical (pentamirror) viewfinder. It has a 95% coverage and 0.83x (0.55x 35mm equivalent) magnification. There is no built-in or optional viewfinder available on Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2.

      Sensor

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 features a 14.2 megapixel APS-C CCD sensor with dimensions of 23.6 x 15.8 mm and a total area of 372.9 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 3,200. Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 features a 12 megapixel Micro Four Thirds CMOS sensor with dimensions of 17.3 x 13 mm and a total area of 169 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 6,400.


      Here is a sensor size comparison chart where you can see how different sensors compare with each other:

      Sensor size chart
      Sensor Dimensions Area Aspect Ratio Crop Factor
      Image cannot be displayedMedium Format44 x 33 mm1452 mm24:30.79x
      Image cannot be displayedFull Frame36 x 24 mm864 mm23:21x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-H27 x 18 mm486 mm23:21.3x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C23.6 x 15.6 mm368.2 mm23:21.5x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C (Canon)22.3 x 14.9 mm332.3 mm23:21.6x
      Image cannot be displayedMicro Four Thirds17.4 x 13 mm226.2 mm24:32x
      Image cannot be displayed1-inch13.2 x 8.8 mm116.2 mm23:22.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/1.7-inch7.44 x 5.58 mm41.5 mm24:34.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/2.3-inch6.17 x 4.55 mm28.1 mm24:35.6x

      Photography Features

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 is equipped with BIONZ processor and can take pictures up to 4592 x 3056 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4592 x 2576, 3408 x 2272, 3408 x 1920, 2288 x 1520, 2288 x 1280 with 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios. Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 is equipped with Venus Engine FHD processor and can take pictures up to 4000 x 3000 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4000 x 3000, 4000 x 2672, 4000 x 2248, 2992 x 2992, 2816 x 2112, 2816 x 1880, 2816 x 1584, 2112 x 2112, 2048 x 1536, 2048 x 1360, 1920 x 1080, 1600 x 1200, 1600 x 1064, 1600 x 904, 1504 x 1504 with 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios.


      Lens Mount

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 has Sony A lens mount and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 has Micro Four Thirds lens mount. Due to APS-C sensor in Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 its crop factor is equal to 1.5x, this means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 1.5. Due to Micro Four Thirds sensor in Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 its crop factor is equal to 2x, this means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 2.


      In-Body Image Stabilization on Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 has a built-in Sensor Shift in-body image stabilization (IBIS). This means that you are still getting vibration reduction when camera is paired with non-image stabilizied lenses. It also works with lenses with optical image stabilization and in combination can achieve even better compensation.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer. Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 has an HDMI and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 has a Mini Type C HDMI connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 comes with NP-FH50 battery pack with battery life of 290 shots.


      External Storage Slots

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 has a single SD/SDHC, Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo card slot. Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I) card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Shutter speed can go up to 1/4000 sec on Sony Alpha DSLR-A290, and up to 1/4000 sec on Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2. Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 can shoot continuously up to 2.5 fps. Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 can shoot continuously up to 2.6 fps.


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 10.00 m at ISO 100 on Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 and 6.00 m on Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2. They also accept external flash which can be connected via Hot Shoe. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/160 sec on both cameras.

      Physical Parameters

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 body has dimensions of 128 x 97 x 86 mm (5.04 x 3.82 x 3.39") and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 body has dimensions of 113 x 68 x 33 mm (4.45 x 2.68 x 1.3"). Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 weighs 549 g (1.21 lb / 19.37 oz) and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 weighs 310 g (0.68 lb / 10.93 oz).

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2

      128 mm

      97 mm

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      113 mm

      68 mm

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      97 mm

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      68 mm

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      86 mm

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      33 mm

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      Size comparisons of Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2

      AVERAGE
      64
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2

      AVERAGE
      67
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.5 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 290 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      65
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   23 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.6 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 300 shots

      Wildlife Photography

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2

      AVERAGE
      59
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.5 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 290 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      57
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   23 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.6 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 300 shots

      Portrait Photography

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2

      GOOD
      80
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 2.7"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      76
      •   Small Sensor
      •   23 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec

      Street Photography

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2

      GOOD
      80
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 549 g (1.21 lb / 19.37 oz)
      GOOD
      80
      •   Small Sensor
      •   23 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 310 g (0.68 lb / 10.93 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2

      GOOD
      81
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 549 g (1.21 lb / 19.37 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 290 shots
      GOOD
      83
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 310 g (0.68 lb / 10.93 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 300 shots

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 and give them scores of 60 and 59 out of 100 recpectively. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2

      OVERALL
      60
      OVERALL
      59

      Sensor

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2

      GOOD
      71
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 14.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 66
      AVERAGE
      65
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   Low DxO Overall Score - 54

      Photo

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2

      GOOD
      70
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.5 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
      POOR
      53
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.6 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec

      Video

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2

      BAD
      0
      •   Image Stabilization
      BAD
      16
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit

      Focusing

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2

      GOOD
      75
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      AVERAGE
      66
      •   23 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2

      AVERAGE
      64
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 2.7"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      GOOD
      71
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Viewfinder

      Connectivity

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2

      AVERAGE
      57
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      AVERAGE
      65
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2

      BAD
      39
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 549 g (1.21 lb / 19.37 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 290 shots
      POOR
      42
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 310 g (0.68 lb / 10.93 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 300 shots


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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