I am very happy with the camera, it makes great pictures. My brother who is very well versed with SLRs had me first "warned" simply equal Loszuknipsen because he thought it was then only disappointed by the pictures if you are not familiar.
I did it anyway and was thrilled!
When one is surrounded mode one explained on the camera itself, what this is used (eg. Small things for Sport (movement), etc).
For beginners like me, this is determined the perfect camera, because it is very easy to use and can quickly familiar with it! I also have with my 18-55mm lens smallest insects, spiders photographed etc and the pictures turned out really great to my surprise! Daweil I would also like no other lens down to make me start off quite familiar with my alpha me (with a lens)
The one star less there because the camera does not have Live View. That would be quite handy especially when you want to photograph, for example, very small animals.
What could disrupt many others is the lack of film function .... that bothers me personally rather less ..... I buy myself but then not to film SLR!
Another disadvantage is that the manual is in English only.
I have now bought a book to my alpha, which is also highly recommended, despite the high price!
Who wants to really well versed with the camera should consider the zuzulegen! (Simply better pictures with your Sony Alpha Digital ProLine, also available at Amazon!)
The book does what Sony has failed, it really explains everything to the camera (also language setting, why ISO values are important, etc.) in detail.
The price-performance ratio of alpha290 is very good, I think. It is a 14 megapixel camera, and you get the new hard at this price (from other companies, with lens).
So I would say for beginners definitely very recommendable! Mainly due to the ease of use! The photos are just great!
