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Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290

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.

Where to Buy

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 1
MSRP $249.95
Release date April, 2009
Brand Sony
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Pros & Cons31
Reviews11
Details
Buy It10
Competitors4
Comments
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Pros & Cons

ProSCORE
9 reviews
60
negative
mixed
positive
5 positive
3 mixed
1 negative

[i] How is the ProSCORE calculated?

show me!

Pros:
Do you agree?
•
records video in 720p high definition
+7agreedisagree

•
3" LCD display
+6agreedisagree

•
affordable price
+5agreedisagree

•
can easily take 10 pictures automatically in 30-45 seconds (Great for catching somebody having a laughing fit)
+5agreedisagree

•
super fast startup time
+5agreedisagree

•
attractive design
+5agreedisagree

•
available in silver, black, blue and bronze
+4agreedisagree

•
5x optical zoom
+4agreedisagree

•
good layout of controls
+4agreedisagree

•
decent color reproduction
+4agreedisagree

•
compatible with a specially designed GPS unit for geotagging
0agreedisagree

•
great for night-time shots, especially with a tripod
0agreedisagree

Cons:
Do you agree?
•
utilizes less common, slightly more expensive and less capacious MS Duo flash storage
+4agreedisagree

•
you can NOT ZOOM while shooting video
+3agreedisagree

•
no docking cradle, memory or a case provided with the camera
+3agreedisagree

•
90-day limited warranty
+2agreedisagree

•
No optical viewfinder.
+2agreedisagree

•
has a textured body that attracts dirt and fingerprints and is hard to clean
+2agreedisagree

•
battery/memory stick compartment pops open too easily
+2agreedisagree

•
No screen gain-up when shooting in dark conditions.
+1agreedisagree

•
doesn't display battery life
+1agreedisagree

•
Image quality not great for zooming in (tight cropping) once on computer as compared to my older camera
+1agreedisagree

•
Screen poor in bright light.
0agreedisagree

•
Sofware does not allow downloading from second camera. Canon software works with all.
0agreedisagree

•
jack is at the bottom of the camera
0agreedisagree

•
bit too bulky; heavier and thicker than the W300 and the T series
-1agreedisagree

•
slow switching from menus and functions
-1agreedisagree

•
plastic cover on LCD screen protrudes, making it more easily scratched
-1agreedisagree

•
USB cable not standard.
-1agreedisagree

•
Storage card not standard and not compatible with other devices (TV)
-1agreedisagree

•
basic point and shoot
-2agreedisagree


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Details

Features

  • Thin Body
  • 3" LCD
  • 5x / 12 Megapixels Lens
  • Intelligent Auto Mode
  • Face Detection (8 Faces)
  • Optical SteadyShot
  • Smile Shutter
  • iSCN Advanced (8 Scenes)
  • 11MB Onboard Memory + MS Duo Slot
  • NP-BD1/FD1 Li-ion Battery (220 shots per charge)
  • 720p Video Recording @ 30 fpm
  • Available in Silver, Black, Blue, and Bronze
  • 90 Day Limited Warranty

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This report was started February 17, 2009 at 8:35 pm by vsaxena911
with the last edit occurring Tuesday, 3:10 PM by Lefty10
This page has been viewed 11748 times, with 179 edits by 11 contributors.
See the full report history »

Buy It

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290

• Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 12 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom and Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization (Silver)

• Cyber-shot W290 Silver Digital Camera

UPC: 027242749122

EAN: 027242749122

MPN: DSC-W290

Competitors

Samsung PL70

Samsung PL70

MSRP  $229.99    Released  August, 2009
Pros
  • dual image stabilization
  • shoots video in 720p high definition
  • face, smile and blink detection
  • wide angle lens
  • utilizes affordable, easy to find and capacious SD/SDHC flash storage
Cons
  • basic point and shoot - 5x optical zoom, low resolution 3.0" display (230k dot)
ProSCORE
1 review
88
Vote! (0 votes)
vote Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290   vs. vote Samsung PL70  
Casio Exilim EX-Z270

Casio Exilim EX-Z270

MSRP  $229.99    Released  March, 2009

The Casio Exilim EX-Z270 is an ultra-compact hi-speed digital camera small enough to fit perfectly in the palm of one’s hand. The first of two Casio EX-Z models, the EX-Z270 and its peer (the EX-Z400) are comparative peers to the EX-S models, primarily the EX-S12. Like its peer, the EX-Z270 features an advanced high-speed...

ProSCORE
0 reviews
N/A
Vote! (0 votes)
vote Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290   vs. vote Casio Exilim EX-Z270  
Canon SD1200 IS

Canon SD1200 IS

MSRP  $230.00    Released  March, 2009

The Canon SD1200 IS is a point-and-shoot digital camera from Canon's Digital ELPH series.  The camera features a 10 megapixel sensor and records VGA video in 640 x 480 resolution.  It includes a DIGIC 4 Image Processor that delivers face detection technology and has a face detection self timer for taking self portraits and group shots.  The SD120...

ProSCORE
0 reviews
N/A
Vote! (0 votes)
vote Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290   vs. vote Canon SD1200 IS  
Canon A2100 IS

Canon A2100 IS

MSRP  $249.99    Released  March, 2009

The PowerShot A2100 IS is an entry-level point and shoot digital camera from Canon. The A2100 IS features a 12.1 megapixel DIGIC IV image processor, a 6x optical zoom lens and is compatible with standard AA batteries. Users can set up their shots using the built-in 3.0” LCD screen. This camera differs from the...

ProSCORE
0 reviews
N/A
Vote! (0 votes)
vote Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290   vs. vote Canon A2100 IS  

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This product is also known as:

Cyber, shot, Cybershot, DSC, W, 290, DSCW, W290, DSCW290