Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 vs Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A900

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290
      65
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      60
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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-A900 and the Sony Alpha DSLR-A290, 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-A900 was introduced in October 2008 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 was introduced in June 2010. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 Highlights

      • 24.6 MP Full Frame CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 6,400 Native ISO
      • 9 Focus Points
      • Image Stabilization
      • 3.0" 922k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
      • 5.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • Wheather Sealed Body

      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
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Sony Alpha DSLR-A900
      4. Advantage of Sony Alpha DSLR-A290
      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-A900 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A290.

      PROS

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A900

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      •   Large Sensor
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A900

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      •   No Video Capture
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   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


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

      AVERAGE

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A900

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      •   Sensor Resolution - 24.6 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 79
      •   Weight - 895 g (1.97 lb / 31.57 oz)
      •   Battery Life - 880 shots
      •   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)

      Advantage of Sony Alpha DSLR-A900

      Sony DSLR-A900
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 over Sony Alpha DSLR-A290.

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 vs Sony Alpha DSLR-A290
      Larger Sensor Full Frame vs APS-C
      Higher Sensor Resolution 24.6 Megapixel vs 14.2 Megapixel
      Higher Native ISO 6,400 vs 3,200
      Max Image Resolution 6048 x 4032 vs 4592 x 3056
      Center Autofocus vs
      Larger Screen 3.0" vs 2.7"
      Higher Resolution Screen 922k dot vs 230k dot
      Top LCD Screen vs
      Higher Viewfinder Coverage 100% vs 95%
      Higher Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent) 0.74x vs 0.55x
      Higher Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) 1/8000 sec vs 1/4000 sec
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 5.0 fps vs 2.5 fps
      Higher Flash Sync Speed 1/250 sec vs 1/160 sec
      Higher DxO Low Light ISO 1431 vs 615
      Higher DxO Color Depth 23.7 vs 22.6
      Higher DxO Dynamic Range 12.3 vs 11.5
      Higher DxO Overall Score 79 vs 66
      Environmental Sealing vs
      Longer Battery Life 880 shots vs 290 shots
      More Storage Slots 2 vs 1

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Sony Alpha DSLR-A900.

      Sony DSLR-A230
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A380
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A300
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A550
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A560
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A700
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      APS-C

      10.24 MP

      Sony DSLR-A500
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      APS-C

      12.3 MP

      Sony DSLR-A200
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A850
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      Full Frame

      24.6 MP

      Sony DSLR-A390
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A450
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A100
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      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 Sony Alpha DSLR-A900.

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 vs Sony Alpha DSLR-A290
      Face Detection vs
      Live View Autofocus vs
      Built-in Flash vs
      Lighter 895 g (1.97 lb / 31.57 oz) vs 549 g (1.21 lb / 19.37 oz)

      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
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      Full Frame

      24.6 MP

      Sony DSLR-A330
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A350
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A100
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A200
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      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-A550
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A560
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A380
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      APS-C

      14.2 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-A900 Sony Alpha DSLR-A290
        Image StabilizationSensor ShiftSensor Shift
        HDMI Output Mini Type C
        Orientation Sensor
      WEAKNESSES Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 Sony Alpha DSLR-A290
        No Video Capture
        Timelapse Recording
        Few Focus Points99
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        No Live View
        No Built-in Microphone
        No Microphone Input
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi
        No Built-In Bluetooth

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 has a 3.0" screen with 922k dot resolution and Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 has a 2.7" screen with 230k dot resolution. Both have Fixed screens.


      Viewfinder

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 has a built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinderSony Alpha DSLR-A290 has a built-in Optical (pentamirror) viewfinder. Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 has 100% coverage with 0.74x magnification and Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 has 95% coverage with 0.83x (0.55x 35mm equivalent) magnification.

      Sensor

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 features a 24.6 megapixel Full Frame CMOS sensor with dimensions of 35.9 x 24 mm and a total area of 861.6 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 6,400. 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 249.6 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 3,200.


      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

      Cameras are equipped with BIONZ processor.


      Lens Mount

      Cameras have Sony A lens mount. Due to Full Frame sensor in Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 its crop factor is equal to 1x, this means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length. 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.


      In-Body Image Stabilization

      The cameras have a built-in Sensor Shift in-body image stabilization (IBIS). This means that you are still getting vibration reduction when cameras are 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-A900 has a Mini Type C HDMI and Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 has an HDMI connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 comes with NP-FM500H battery pack with battery life of 880 shots and Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 comes with NP-FH50 battery pack with battery life of 290 shots.


      External Storage Slots

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 has two card slots - one for Compact Flash (Type I or II), Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo and one for . Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 has a single SD/SDHC, Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 has Electronically controlled Vertical-traverse Carbon Fiber Focal-plane shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/8000 sec on Sony Alpha DSLR-A900, and up to 1/4000 sec on Sony Alpha DSLR-A290. Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 can shoot continuously up to 5.0 fps. Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 can shoot continuously up to 2.5 fps.


      Flash

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 has a built-in flash with maximum range of 10.00 m at ISO 100 and also accepts external flash which can be connected via Hot Shoe. Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 has no built-in flash but an external flash may be connected via Proprietary Hot Shoe (compatible w/ Sony & Minolta flashes). The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/250 sec on Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 and 1/160 sec on Sony Alpha DSLR-A290.

      Physical Parameters

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 body has dimensions of 156 x 117 x 82 mm (6.14 x 4.61 x 3.23") and Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 body has dimensions of 128 x 97 x 86 mm (5.04 x 3.82 x 3.39"). Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 weighs 895 g (1.97 lb / 31.57 oz) and Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 weighs 549 g (1.21 lb / 19.37 oz).

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A900

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      156 mm

      117 mm

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      128 mm

      97 mm

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      117 mm

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      97 mm

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      82 mm

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      86 mm

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      Size comparisons of Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 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-A900

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      GOOD
      82
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      AVERAGE
      64
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A900

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      AVERAGE
      68
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Battery Life - 880 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      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

      Wildlife Photography

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A900

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      AVERAGE
      69
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Battery Life - 880 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      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

      Portrait Photography

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A900

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      GOOD
      78
      •   Large Sensor
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor
      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

      Street Photography

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A900

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      GOOD
      81
      •   Large Sensor
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 895 g (1.97 lb / 31.57 oz)
      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)

      Travel Photography

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A900

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      GOOD
      80
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 895 g (1.97 lb / 31.57 oz)
      •   Battery Life - 880 shots
      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

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 and give them scores of 65 and 60 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-A900

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      OVERALL
      65
      OVERALL
      60

      Sensor

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A900

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      GOOD
      74
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Sensor Resolution - 24.6 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 79
      GOOD
      71
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 14.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 66

      Photo

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A900

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      GOOD
      76
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      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

      Video

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A900

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      BAD
      0
      •   Image Stabilization
      BAD
      0
      •   Image Stabilization

      Focusing

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A900

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      GOOD
      71
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      GOOD
      75
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A900

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      GOOD
      73
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      AVERAGE
      64
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 2.7"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot

      Connectivity

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A900

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      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
      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

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A900

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      GOOD
      74
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 895 g (1.97 lb / 31.57 oz)
      •   Battery Life - 880 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      BAD
      39
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 549 g (1.21 lb / 19.37 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 290 shots


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

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