Today, Sony is updating its entry Alpha lineup with the A390 and the A290. While they both look similar, there are some noticeable differences between the two that some of the other blogs have missed.

Both units do indeed come with a 14.2MP sensor but while the A290 ($500) will come with a 18-55 mm lens and sport a 0.83x magnification with a slightly larger screen, its higher-end sister, the  A390 ($600), will actually come with a 0.74x magnification and slightly smaller LCD. However, the A390 makes it up with its 2.7-inch Quick AF Live View. This will be a very familiar feature for those (including me) who owned the Sony-A717. This basically allows you to tilt the LCD down or up, so if you are looking to crouch or shoot over a crowd or object with your hand up in the air, you can just tilt the LCD to your given position and still take the picture you want. It’s easily worth the extra $100. Look for these units to hit in July.

Hit the jump for a spec sheet picture.