TV with DVR & Internet: $84.90/moSony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 (blue)
Manufacturer: Sony Part number: DSC-W290/L
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Accessories
- Bottom Line:
- The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 is an excellent, well-balanced compact camera.
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CNET editors' review
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 (blue) price range: $197.00 - $249.99
- Reviewed by: Joshua Goldman
- Reviewed on: 05/19/2009
- Released on: 04/01/2009
The good: Terrific design, interface, and controls; wide-angle, 5x zoom lens; excellent price-to-feature ratio.
The bad: No optical zoom while recording video; soft photos.
The bottom line: The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 is an excellent, well-balanced compact camera.
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 seemed too good to be true when it was announced in February 2009. For less than $250 you get a wide-angle lens with a 5x zoom, 12-megapixel resolution, some of Sony's advanced automatic shooting options, HD video capture, and a 3-inch LCD all packed into a nice-looking body roughly the size of a deck of cards. Sounds pretty great, right? There had to be something wrong.
Well, as with most point-and-shoot cameras of its caliber, the photo quality from the W290 could be a little better and the performance a touch faster. In the end, though, neither was disappointing from this camera (better than expected actually), and if you take into account its attractive price tag, the W290 is tough to beat.
| Key specs | Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 |
| Price (MSRP) | $249 |
| Dimensions | 3.9 inches wide by 2.4 inches high by 0.9 inch deep |
| Weight (with battery and media) | 6.1 ounces |
| Megapixels, image sensor size, type | 12 megapixels, 1/2.3-inch CCD |
| LCD size, resolution; Viewfinder | 3-inch LCD, 230K dots; No |
| Lens (zoom, aperture, focal length) | 5x, f3.8-8, 28-140mm (35mm equivalent) |
| File format (still/video) | JPEG/MP4 (MPEG-4) |
| Highest resolution size (still/video) | 4,000x3,000 pixels/1,280x720 at 30fps |
| Image stabilization type | Mechanical and electronic |
| Battery type, rated life | Lithium ion rechargeable, 300 shots |
Available in silver, black, blue, and bronze, the W290 doesn't stray from Sony's typical W-series Cyber-shot appearances. It's an attractive camera in a pocketable body, but with some weight to it, so you likely won't forget it's on you. The silver model we tested noticeably retains fingerprints all over the body, something to keep in mind if that sort of thing bugs you. Actually, if there's one minor nitpick with the body design it's that the W290's front has concentric ridges adding a slight texture that improves grip, but unfortunately also traps grease and dirt so your fingerprints are embedded as soon as you touch the camera and they aren't easily wiped off. A lock on the all-too-easily-opened battery/Memory Stick compartment would be nice, too, so I guess that's two minor complaints.
Sony managed to get almost all of the controls on to the back of the camera without making it feel cramped and confusing and while allowing for a secure one-handed grip that doesn't result in accidental button presses or mode dial changes. This is even with a 3-inch LCD on back. There are just three buttons on top: the usual power and shutter-release buttons and a Smile Shutter button for instantly activating Sony's have-smile-will-shoot feature.
Gone from this model is Sony's confusing Home and Menu buttons setup from previous models. That relied on the user remembering which to press to access context-sensitive shooting controls and which got you to the menu for all settings. Now there's just one Menu button giving you access to shooting controls as well as a selection for seeing all settings. What's also nice is the camera's ability to warn you about adjusting certain settings. For example, if you set the W290 to spot meter light you won't be able to turn on Face Detection. The W290 tells you onscreen that Face Detection is not available because of Spot metering being selected. Cameras from other vendors generally make you guess what needs to be shut off in order to turn on a blacked-out option.
| General shooting options | Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 |
| ISO sensitivity (full resolution) | Auto, 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1,600, 3,200 |
| White balance | Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Fluorescent 1, 2, and 3, Incandescent, Flash, Manual |
| Recording modes | Intelligent Auto, Easy, Program Auto, Movie, Scenes |
| Focus | 9 points, Center-weighted AF, Spot AF, Semi-manual (1.0m, 3.0m, 7.0m, unlimited distance) |
| Metering | Multi, Center-weighted, Spot |
| Color effects | Normal, Vivid, Sepia, Black & White |
| Burst mode shot limit (full resolution) | 100 photos |
Sony kept shooting options reasonably basic on the W290. Though you won't find full control over aperture or shutter speed, you do get something on the Mode dial for just about every point-and-shoot user. Going from top to bottom on the dial, you have a Movie mode capable of 720p HD-quality video (no use of the optical zoom while recording, however); Program Auto with access to ISO, exposure, white balance, focus, and metering; Sony's Intelligent Auto; Easy mode that takes away all but a couple basic shooting options; and SCN, which lets you select from 10 scene situations, but automatically handles all other settings. If you tend to leave it in Auto mode, Sony's Intelligent Auto turned in reliable results as it picks from eight scene types (branded iSCN) and turns on face detection and image stabilization. Sony's iSCN can be set to Auto or Advanced, the difference being that in difficult lighting the camera will automatically take two shots with different settings so you have a better chance of getting a usable photo. Also worth mentioning is that the W290 has exposure bracketing that'll take three photos, one at the exposure you select and then two more at plus and minus 0.3EV, 0.7EV, or 1.0EV.
Overall performance of the W290 is very good. Startup to first shot is a relatively brisk 1.3 seconds. Shutter lag in good lighting was a fairly average 0.4 second; in more difficult dim lighting, it went up to 0.7 second. Without the flash on you'll be waiting an average of 2.3 seconds between shots, which only jumps up to 2.7 seconds with the flash on. Lastly, the W290 turned in an impressive burst speed of 2.1 frames per second.
With such a good package for less than $250, expectations for photo quality were low going into testing, but the W290 far surpassed those expectations. Color and exposure were particularly pleasing and accurate. The camera goes from ISO 80 up to ISO 3,200, but usability drops off significantly above ISO 400 (typical of cameras in its class). However, even at ISO 80 photos viewed at full size have a grain to them that only gets more pronounced as sensitivities get higher. It had little to no impact on large prints (13x19 and below) made from test shots taken up to IS0 400. If you're planning to make prints that large, just keep the ISO as low as possible. (Click to see a photo comparison of ISO sensitivities.) More of an issue was overall softness of photos, especially subjects off to the left in shots.
Video quality was good, too, but again you don't get use of the 5x zoom while you're recording. Also, if you want to view it on an HDTV, you'll need to pony up for a proprietary component cable that connects to the multi-use terminal on the camera's bottom.
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 is a compelling package. Unless you're extraordinarily picky about your photo quality, it's a great pocket camera at a reasonable price with a solid combination of features, usability, and design.
(Shorter bars indicate better performance)
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Time to first shot | |
Typical shot-to-shot time (flash) | |
Typical shot-to-shot time | |
Shutter lag (dim) | |
Shutter lag (typical) |
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
Find out more about how we test digital cameras.
User reviews
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Returned camera for a Canon
by rhungent on June 25, 2009
Pros: Excellent 720p videos
Cons: Poor indoor pictures (blurred),
Summary: Love CNET reviews; but do not agree with the W290. I tested/lived with Sony W290 and Canon SD960. Both 12MP with same chip size; wide-angle, 720p video and compact. ...
Summary: Love CNET reviews; but do not agree with the W290. I tested/lived with Sony W290 and Canon SD960. Both 12MP with same chip size; wide-angle, 720p video and compact. I tested each camera and combed various camera websites and compared pictures at 100% crop. See digitalcamerareview.com and Steves-digicams.com The Canon SD960 wins with sharper pictures, better colors and 16:9 screen.
Picture quality. Accurate colors; though I prefer the slight oversaturation seen with Canon cameras giving subjects more "life". Macro is good; however when pixel peeking at 100% crop the pictures are a little blurred with flowers looking "painted". The Canon SD960 if life-like with fine detail and textures.
** BAD indoor daytime pictures**. W290 has very poor shutter speed. If the camera moves a little or the subject moves; the picture will be very blurred/useless. Taking birthday pictures of my kids was impossible. Even with forced flash I could not get the subject to "freeze"...still came out with blurred moving subjects. My friends SD880 took GREAT pictures.
Video...Great for on-the-go 720p videos; prefer my Sony CX-12 for videos. The digital zoom does work during record (not optical) so the image gets grainy past 2x zoom. One great thing is that the macro adjusts during record so that focusing is an active process. SD960 focuses once when the shutter is pressed, but will not adjust focus (on macro) during that clip.
Bottom line. CNET is right about most things; but not the W290.
Best Camera...Get a Canon SD880 because 10MP has less noise inherent to these new 12MP cameras, has wide-angle (very useful) and ALL the reivew across the internet rave about the SD880.
If 720p video is what you want as well, get the SD960. Also has wide-angle, slightly less noise (DIGIC IV processor), GREAT pictures (color/sharpness) and sports a 16:9 monitor. With HD plasma, computer monitors, camcorders all moving toward 16:9, I would not be suprised if cameras slowly moved this direction.
I happily returned the W290 and am very satisfied with Canon SD960.
Richard16 out of 17 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Amazing quality for little expense.
by Roobri on March 30, 2009
Pros: Smile detection for photos with children. HD movie quality. Simple menu. Large view screen.
Cons: Occasional problems with consistency of photos. Deleting photos could be one less step.
Summary: All in all, a very impressive camera, especially compared with models with lower video capability, and slightly lower resolution, but cost is greater or equal. It has great feel, and ...
Summary: All in all, a very impressive camera, especially compared with models with lower video capability, and slightly lower resolution, but cost is greater or equal. It has great feel, and is very intuitive. Works seamlessly with Mac OSX , iPhoto and iMovie. I highly recommend this camera.
6 out of 6 users found this user opinion helpful.
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AMAZING camera I recommend 100%!
by AustinTierney on May 30, 2009
Pros: Well to begin with, this camera has the new and improved scroll wheel to select what to do, (Movie, Easy, Auto, Programmable, and Scenes), The camera can record in HD video which is great for most people who like to make videos! It overall amazing!
Cons: Finding a case for this that is not the easiest thing to do if you want a small case, either they are for tiny tiny cameras or they are to big an bulky making it unattractive. The accessories from Sony are overpriced but possibly worth it.
Summary: The camera is a amazing camera if you want to get one that can catch amazing images, Although it is not Sony's proclaimed top of the line one (W300) ...
Summary: The camera is a amazing camera if you want to get one that can catch amazing images, Although it is not Sony's proclaimed top of the line one (W300) It has better zoom, records high def video, has all of the same scene features, it just lacks that titanium coating that protects it from scratches, although honestly I have never ever gotten a scratch on any one of my Sony Cybershot cameras, I had a older W80 camera and it broke after I hit on the wall and floor when I fell on vacation, even when I did that it doesn't have a single scratch it just broke the LCD which is why I bought this new camera. So really this IS better that the W300, the only thing it lacks is the coating that does nothing, and those 2 more megapixels which chances are aren't even noticeable difference. The one thing I hate about this camera is that if you break the LCD screen, I don't think that you would wish to pay $100 to replace it, so buying a warranty is highly advised if your a active photographer. The accessories are cool but are over priced for just going out and buying them so they would be more for a special occasion because they range from $50-$200+! But overall if you are in need of upgrading a camera or buying a new one, the Sony W290 is right for your wallet and it will blow you away in quality and features! Also I forgot to talk about the battery, the charger works around the world, although it has a United States 120V plug with the two long prongs coming out, somehow it automatically detects that it is in a 220V outlet or other voltage and changes it and allows you to charge your battery like normal, all you would be needing is a converter so no transformer is necessary! So this makes this an added feature that makes it great for travelers also!
4 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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great value, movies not compatible with windows
by toegeeman on May 31, 2009
Pros: 5x zoom starting at a wide 28mm is great. HD movies look good and file size isn't too bad. Lots of advanced features like smile shutter and automatic scene mode selection.
Cons: Movies record in mp4 format, which can't be viewed in windows movie player or edited in windows movie maker. This seems like a major flaw.
Not as much control over the functions as I'd like. The shutter and zoom buttons are small and hard to push.Summary: Good camera for the low price if you don't plan to view the videos in windows photo gallery.
Summary: Good camera for the low price if you don't plan to view the videos in windows photo gallery.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Sony Has Always Made Good Cameras!
by johnyueying on July 5, 2009
Pros: Ease of use, functions, 12.1 Mega Pixels, HD Movie 720p shows without the flicker or floating in and out of color levels like most other brands.Did have a Pentax Optio that cost $325.00 that lasted 3 months.
Cons: The battery and memory card door is easy to break. I do recommend that Sony address that issue. The door or cover for that area is very delicate and should be handled with care. Not for the fumbling fingers and hand type person.
Summary: So Far, I love it! Hope Sony keeps up their quility. Have an older version of Sonys digital camera. I've had for 15 years and it take a kicking ...
Summary: So Far, I love it! Hope Sony keeps up their quility. Have an older version of Sonys digital camera. I've had for 15 years and it take a kicking and keeps on ticking.
Thanks, CNET and you too Sony, JT1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Good Camera, Small Price! + HD Movies!
by DHWeaver85 on June 19, 2009
Pros: Powers on Quick! Texture on the front makes it easy to hold on to. Big and Bright LCD= images look great. Intelligent Auto Adjust works well when slecting the right scene. Smile shutter is adjustable to different kinds of smiles (big, medium, small)
Cons: Shutter makes a little noise when panning in and out. Finger prints are always on the LCD screen but come off easily. More scene options would be nice.
Summary: This is a great camera. I compared it to the Cannon 880 when shopping and for the price you get a lot more features from the W290. HD movie and ...
Summary: This is a great camera. I compared it to the Cannon 880 when shopping and for the price you get a lot more features from the W290. HD movie and smile detection are some of my favorites, plus you can put face selection/ reconition on people you take pictures of a lot. It's really cool. I love the camera and would recommed it to anyone.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Awesome performance for a very reasonable price.
by mgillespie2 on June 9, 2009
Pros: HD Video
5x Optical Zoon
Good startup time
Fantastic multi-shot speeds.
Compact and robust feel
Very good display
Easy to use menusCons: No zooming whilst recording video
Summary: Like many compacts, you can't zoom whilst taking video, but this aside, I can't fault this camera in any other way. It seems to be the perfect balance ...
Summary: Like many compacts, you can't zoom whilst taking video, but this aside, I can't fault this camera in any other way. It seems to be the perfect balance between performance and price, and well worth the asking price. If you get one of these, you won't be disappointed.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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It actually does pretty good video
by DaveDugdale on November 16, 2009
Pros: good video
Cons: Doesn't work well after you drop it just a short distance
Summary: I really like this camera, it still works after I dropped it but the lens "cap" doesn't work well now.
I really like it for video when I don'...Summary: I really like this camera, it still works after I dropped it but the lens "cap" doesn't work well now.
I really like it for video when I don't have my HD camcorder with me because this camera does 720p pretty well. If you would like to see an example of what it can do for video check out my blog here:
http://www.davecolorado.com/index.php/sony-dsc-w290-video-test-hd/
Dave -
Good Camera
by Mymaxfactor on November 8, 2009
Pros: All the different features, size of the LCD screen is bigger than the one I had before, smaller too.
Cons: Pictures are not as good as i expected. Or it picks up everything that I dont want to see. lol. It does show all imperfections. I guess thats the only backlash to getting a camera with more pixels.
Summary: Overall a great camera for the cost. It sucks that you have to pay additional for a camera case and a memory card though.
Summary: Overall a great camera for the cost. It sucks that you have to pay additional for a camera case and a memory card though.
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Had 2 units. Both died within 2 weeks. Don't purchase.
by Hardtail55 on October 14, 2009
Pros: Small and looks nice
Cons: Poor quality.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Sony
- Part number: DSC-W290/L
- Bottom Line: The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 is an excellent, well-balanced compact camera.
General
- Product Type Digital camera - Compact
- Width 3.9 in
- Depth 0.9 in
- Height 2.2 in
- Weight 5.1 oz
- Enclosure Color Blue
Main Features
- Resolution 12.1 megapixels
- Color Support Color
- Optical Sensor Type Super HAD CCD
- Effective Sensor Resolution 12,100,000 pixels
- Light Sensitivity ISO 80, ISO 100, ISO 200, ISO 400, ISO 800, ISO 1600, ISO 3200, ISO auto
- Digital Zoom 2 x
- Shooting Modes Frame movie mode
- Shooting Programs Snow, Beach, Gourmet, Fireworks, Landscape, Soft snap, Underwater, Twilight mode, Hi-speed shutter, High sensitivity, Twilight portrait
- Special Effects Retro, Sepia, Vivid, Fisheye, Happy face, Soft Focus, Radial blur, Cross filter, Black & White, Partial color, Unsharp masking
- Image Stabilizer Optical (Super Steady Shot)
- Image stabilizer feature Optical stabilization helps prevent blurry pictures, especially for handheld cameras at slow shutter speeds or when using high optical zoom. This camera utilizes built-in Super SteadyShot stabilization to assist in taking sharper pictures.
- Max Shutter Speed 1/1000 sec
- Min Shutter Speed 1 sec
- Exposure Metering Multi-segment
- Exposure Modes Program, Automatic
- Exposure Compensation ±2 EV range, in 1/3 EV steps
- Auto Exposure Bracketing 3 steps in 1/3, 2/3 or 1 EV steps
- Face Detection Yes
- White Balance Presets, Automatic
- White Balance Presets Flash, Cloudy, Daylight, Underwater, Incandescent, Fluorescent light (daylight), Fluorescent light (cool white), Fluorescent light (warm white)
- Still Image Format JPEG
- TV Tuner None
- Video Capture 1280 x 720, 640 x 480
Memory / Storage
- Flash Memory 11 MB Flash - Integrated
- Supported Flash Memory Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO Duo
- Integrated Memory 11 MB
- Floppy Drive None
Camera Flash
- Camera Flash Built-in flash
- Flash Modes Auto mode, Fill-in mode, Slow synchro, Flash OFF mode, Red-eye reduction
- Red Eye Reduction Yes
- Effective Flash Range 3 in - 14 ft
- Features AF illuminator
Lens System
- Type Zoom lens - 5 mm - 25 mm - F/3.3-5.2
- Focal Length 5 mm - 25 mm
- Focal Length Equivalent to 35mm Camera 28 - 140 mm
- Focus Adjustment Manual, Automatic
- Auto Focus TTL contrast detection
- Auto Focus Points (Zones) 9
- Lens Aperture F/3.3-5.2
- Optical Zoom 5 x
- Zoom Adjustment Motorized drive
- Lens Construction 10 group(s) / 12 element(s)
- Lens Manufacturer Carl Zeiss
- Features Aspherical lens, Built-in lens shield
Additional Features
- Self Timer Yes
- Self Timer Delay 2 sec, 10 sec
- Additional Features Direct print, Face detection, Auto power save, Built-in speaker, Cropping an image, Histogram display, Resizing an image, PictBridge support, Built-in help guide, 16:9 widescreen mode, In-camera red-eye fix, USB 2.0 compatibility, Digital noise reduction, Dynamic Range Optimizer, Blink Detection technology, Smile Detection technology
Viewfinder
- Viewfinder Type None
Display
- Type LCD display - TFT active matrix - 3 in - Color
- Display Form Factor Built-in
- Display Format 230,000 pixels
Digital Player (Recorder)
- Type None
Microphone
- Type Microphone - Built-in
Connections
- Connector Type 1 x USB, 1 x Composite video/audio output, 1 x Component video output
- Expansion Slot(s) 1 x Memory Stick PRO Duo
Software
- Software Drivers & Utilities, Sony Picture Motion Browser
System Requirements for PC Connection
- Operating System Support MS Windows XP, MS Windows 2000, Apple Mac OS 9.1, Apple Mac OS 9.2, Apple Mac OS X 10.1 - 10.5
Miscellaneous
- Included Accessories Wrist strap
- Cables Included 1, A/V cable, USB cable
Power
- Power Device Battery charger - External
Battery
- Supported Battery Sony NP-BG1
- Supported Battery 1 x Sony NP-BG1 Li-ion rechargeable battery - 960 mAh ( Included )
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 1 year parts and labor warranty
Product series
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Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 (blue)
Manufacturer: Sony
Specs: Ultracompact, 12.1 megapixels, 5 x, 3 in LCD display, 11 MB - Integrated
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Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 (silver)
Manufacturer: Sony
Specs: Ultracompact, 12.1 megapixels, 5 x, 3 in LCD display, 11 MB - Integrated
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Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 (bronze)
Manufacturer: Sony
Specs: Ultracompact, 12.1 megapixels, 5 x, 3 in LCD display, 11 MB - Integrated
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Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 (black)
Manufacturer: Sony
Specs: Ultracompact, 12.1 megapixels, 5 x, 3 in LCD display, 11 MB - Integrated
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