The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 is an ultra-thin digital camera released by Sony in April, 2009. An upgrade from the DSC-W230, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 sports an ultra-compact thin body with a 3” LCD display and a 5x (versus 4x) / 12.1 megapixels Carl Zeiss Vario Tessar optical zoom lens. Unlike its predecessor, the DSC-W290 adds along an intelligent auto mode that “thinks” for the user by detecting scene conditions and then adjusting settings as necessary. Plus, the intelligent auto mode enhances face pictures by capturing natural skin tones, identifying open/closed eyes, and reducing blurs without damaging image quality. In addition, the DSC-W290 records movies (w/sound) at 720p (versus 640x480) using an MPEG-4 codec. The DSC-W290 also boasts selected-face memory that allows the user to zero in on the main subject’s face. The next time the camera detects that face within the frame, it will automatically focus on that individual. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 retails for $249.95 and comes with a 90 day limited warranty.
