Both do feature the new 14 Megapixel CCD sensor.

And A390 has Quick LiveView, while A290 has not.
No video.

Introductory prices in Sweden (approximately converted to Euro)
A290 + 18-55 mm 600 Euro
A390 + 18-55 mm 800 Euro

Common specs for both A290 and A390:
9 AF points
ISO up to 3200
In-camera SteadyShot
2,7″ Screen
Either Memory Stick or SD memory cards (no dual slot, but a single combo slot).
New Help Guide + Tip Function (very clever, says the magazine writer).

HDMI Output

via: photorumors

A new patent shows the design of a Sony Alpha camera with touchscreen. The original description says:

“An imaging apparatus includes: an ocular-type finder; a display section provided below the finder and having a display screen capable of displaying an image; processing means for detecting where a finger touches the display screen and carrying out a process according to the touched position; and a grip serving for gripping purposes provided to the right of the display section, wherein an angled area formed of a right end area and a lower end area is defined in the right half of the display screen, and the processing means includes limited processing means for carrying out a process associated with a touching operation detected only in the angled area when an eye has approached the finder.”

Source: http://www.freepatentsonline.com/y2010/0134676.html

Do you believe reading patents is easy? Check out the following new Sony pixel array patent at http://www.freepatentsonline.com/y2010/0134665.html. Let’s see if you can understand what’s the key with that invention ;)

A swedish guy published some more details about the future A90 and A390 cameras on Dyxum:
“An article with pictures and a few specs about the new Sony A290 and A390 appeared today in a Swedish photo magazine, “Digitalfoto för Alla” #9

Very glad for this, despite that they are of no interest for me prsonally (I already have an A550, which I am VERY happy with – it is FAR better than most reviewers thinks). The important thing IMO is that Sony (unlike some pessimists here?), obviously believes there still is life in low-end DSLRs (and even more so in cameras higher up in the Sony camera hierarki, one might assume), and that the NEX system isn’t supposed to kill the current Alpha line. Sony is possibly expecting some reduction in sales though, since there are only two models (if it stays that way) instead of the usual three… :-)

Anyway, it seems to be mainly complaint-fixes. :-)

The much critizised grip of the A230/A330/A380 series is gone, and replaced with a more conventional and appearantly with much better ergonomy.

The Smart Teleconverter button is moved out of the way a little, up onto the camera top.

Resolution of the lowend model is increased with 40%, so now both are equipped with 14 Mp image sensors. Couldn’t find any mention of it being CCD or CMOS, but have made a quick browse only so far.

And A390 has Quick LiveView, while A290 has not (thanks Sony, for not confuse us unnecessarily!).

Still no video.“

We already saw the new Sony Alpha 290 leaked on a thai website. According to our sources the A290 and the A390 will be announced within few days. We already told you that both will feature a new 14 Megapixel CCD and they will be the last Sony cameras without video!

And after that we will see 4 new Alpha cameras all with the new ExmorHD sensor! Two cameras are the pellix cameras (The A55 and A33). And we will tell you more about the third and fourth camera as soon as we get some more details from our sources.

Thanks!