Digital Cameras Reviews

Sony Cyber shot DSC W290 12 1 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom and Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization Black

Sony Cyber-shot(R) DSC-W290 is a compact and stylish digital camera. Featuring Intelligent Auto mode, the W290 with a 28mm wide-angle lens, automatically detects 8 scene conditions and selects the appropriate camera settings. Face Detection captures faces more naturally and helps prevent blur. The large, bright 3″ TFT LCD display makes it easy to compose shots, check results, and read menus in sharp natural color, even in bright sunlight. Also, now record high definition videos in 720p HD and enjoy your memories on your HDTV. Face Detection captures faces with natural skin tones Smile Shutter mode automatically captures a smile DRO Standard and Plus optimizes exposure and contrast Anti-blink Function and Red-eye Reduction Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens with 5x optical zoom (35mm Equivalent 28-140mm) 12.1 megapixel Super HAD(TM) CCD image sensor BIONZ Imaging Processor High Sensitivity ISO 3200 for low light shooting 14 Convenient Photo Modes Easy Shooting Mode simplifies the menu 16 – 9 High Resolution Shooting Mode Easy image management helps find your pictures PHOTOMUSIC feature combines HD slideshow with music HDTV Compatibility for sharing picture in hi-definition PhotoTV HD Mode with compatible BRAVIA HDTVs In-Camera Retouching Tools Creative Painting Tools on touch-screen panel Wide-Zoom Display resizes images to 16 – 9 Bundled PMB Software to manage images on compatible PC Movie Mode(s) – 1280 x 720(Fine) (Approx.30fps, Progressive) / 1280 x 720(Standard) (Approx.30fps, Progressive) / 640(Fine) (VX Fine, 640 x 480, Approx.30fps) Recording Media – 11MB internal Flash Memory, optional Memory Stick(R) Duo Media, optional Memory Stick(R) PRO Duo Media Dimensions (Approx.) – 3 7/8 x 2 3/8 x 29/32 (97.6mm x 57.4mm x 22.6mm) Weight (Approx.) – Approx. 6.1oz. (174g) – With battery and Memory Stick(R) media

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars Great But No Viewfinder
Image display is fine, but I prefer a viewfinder to compose my shots. Sony has decided to eliminate the veiw finder, perhaps because amateurs like to hold the camera in front of them and check the display to see what they will get from the shot. Am I getting old school?

2 Stars easy to get a messy image in-doors
For out-doors picture, with good light conditions, the pictures are great and sharp. Amazing video capture.

But I was really disappointed when taking pictures in-doors. In its Intelligent Auto Ajust Mode, the camera usually picks a high iso configuration when there’s not a bright light inside a room (and I mean really bright), resulting in a bad quality picture. Looks like you’re using a 0,5 Megapixel camera.

Too bad I didn’t know much about the ISO settings before buying this camera. High ISO yields bad quality pictures, because the idea is to obtain a brighter picture in low light conditions. I wish I had bought a lower ISO camera.

5 Stars Great camera
I can’t believe this Sony camera is so easy to use, takes great picture and it costs much less than in the military base. I would recommend to anyone.

1 Star No zoom while recording kills it
I don’t care how great the quality or photos are, not being able to zoom while recording is a big problem. I’m very disappointed Sony decided to take this route because I have Sony digital cameras from 2004 that allowed you to zoom while recording so I do not understand why they took this huge step backward. I’ve sold my camera for this reason and told people to stay away. All the Kodaks that have been doing HD video since 2007 have been able to use full zoom while recording.

5 Stars Excellent feature packed smart camera
The DSC-W290 is a amazing little camera. Its feature packed and easy to use.To be honest, I needed a camera just to point and shoot and take excellent pictures whether day or night. The DSC-W290 fits the bill perfectly with its Intelligent mode which identifies all different shooting modes and environments automatically, day or night and adjusts appropriately. The LCD screen at the back is large and clear. The picture quality is amazing with crisp pictures and life-like rich colors. Even more amazing is the high-def video in 780i, total treat to watch on the big screen. The shoot-when-smiling mode actually works great too.

Another little thing – On the second day I bought the camera, I dropped it while it was still turned on. It fell hard, lens first on a rock and went bouncing. The impact bent the cylinder holding the lens. Once retracted it was stuck for good with the motor whirring trying to extend out the lens anytime I turned it on. It also suffered some dings and scratches. Even though it was my fault and the warranty was void as it was an accident, Sony service center repaired it for free and shipped it back within a week. I have to commend Sony on the quality and timeliness of the service provided. The camera worked like new and I couldn’t be happier with this product and Sony’s service.

Cons – The battery life is just around an hour or probably less when you are in video mode quite a bit. But you should be able to get a replacement battery for about $15. There is no zoom while in video mode.

A good add-on would be a 8Gb Sandisk memory card and a replacement battery to extend your shooting experience.

Buy/More Info