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 ;)