Electronics & Computers Deals here!Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 (black)
Manufacturer: Sony Part number: DSC-W290/B
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Accessories
- Manufacturer info
- 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 (black) price range: $179.95 - $229.95
- 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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(Longer bars indicate better performance)
Find out more about how we test digital cameras.
User reviews
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This is a 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 accasion 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!
Updated on May 30, 20094 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Thanks for nothing, CNet!!!
by alissaln on February 4, 2010
Pros: Portable. Lightweight.
Cons: Picture Quality is Abysmal.
Summary: I bought this product because it was recommended by CNet. Two months later I'm throwing it in the garbage. Not a single frame of indoor photos were clear. CNet ...
Summary: I bought this product because it was recommended by CNet. Two months later I'm throwing it in the garbage. Not a single frame of indoor photos were clear. CNet briefly mentions that photos are "soft" - this is a EUPHAMISM for GRAINY and BLURRY. I can't even see my NOSE in some of these! So CNet, are YOU going to give me my $250 back?!
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Great Camera for pricepoint
by KRothschild on January 6, 2010
Pros: Easy to use, good pictures, relatively snappy.
Cons: Considering it isn't a DSLR, none come to mind.
Summary: Don't expect to buy this camera and have it compete with a DSLR, and also, be sure to experiment with different modes before complaining about soft pictures... if you ...
Summary: Don't expect to buy this camera and have it compete with a DSLR, and also, be sure to experiment with different modes before complaining about soft pictures... if you always leave it on the same setting, chances are, some of your pictures will be soft.
For what the camera is supposed to be, it is great... and as an owner of the DSC-W100, it is nice that it works with all of the same accessories. -
Great Camera ... Fast Boot!
by AZroadking on December 21, 2009
Pros: SMILE DETECTOR is funny .. and a real hoot for taking photos as it really adds entertainment in the photo shooting. Camera takes nice photos and is ready for action in a very short time.
Cons: CONS: 1) Shutter Button too small for people with big fingers. Hard to find and place your finger in a hurry. 2) Needs touch swipe photo playback scrolling 3)Sony proprietary camera card.
Summary: I really liked using the camera for the most part, except for looking for the shutter button in a hurry, and trying to get back to my playback to make ...
Summary: I really liked using the camera for the most part, except for looking for the shutter button in a hurry, and trying to get back to my playback to make sure I had my show. I can get over the finger prints all over the camera as I have a lens cloth in the case to wipe it down. KEEP THE LANYARD ON .. this camera is super easy and slippery to drop! One good drop and this camera is a gonner.
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Poor picture quality
by kirk1work on December 3, 2009
Pros: Great screen, easy to read settings
Cons: Inconsistant picture quality
Summary: The camera takes 12 Mega pixal pictures, so I expect sharp images. I often get washed out, fuzzy pictures. Day time shots come out best, but if it is a ...
Summary: The camera takes 12 Mega pixal pictures, so I expect sharp images. I often get washed out, fuzzy pictures. Day time shots come out best, but if it is a little dark, I can not count on taking a good picture. I am not not happy with the camera.
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Jewel of a little camera
by pefisher on October 3, 2009
Pros: Compactness. Focus is fast. It focuses on the right things automatically. The camera feels usable; its features don't get in the way. The screen is big and bright. Good picture management software is included. Starts fast.
Cons: It doesn't have a viewfinder. Shutter/exposure lag times aren't insignificant. Lag time varies according to conditions. Zoom granularity typical of point-and-shoot.
Summary: Love it because it's the first "fun" digital camera I have had the pleasure to own.
Summary: Love it because it's the first "fun" digital camera I have had the pleasure to own.
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Warning! Soft photos!
by gaa30 on September 29, 2009
Pros: Vivid and bright outdoor photos
Very easy to use
Compact and feels like a high quality camera in handsCons: 1. My #1 complaint - SOFT photos!
2. Slow shutter speed
3. The power button is kind of hard too find
4. Pic quality using auto flash (which are half the shots) are horrible quality. The flash seems to throw the natural complexion of everyone off..Summary: More than half the pics come out blurry and "soft" - camera just doesn't deliver SHARP pics I desire although most pics are vivid and bright
Summary: More than half the pics come out blurry and "soft" - camera just doesn't deliver SHARP pics I desire although most pics are vivid and bright
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Takes FOREVER to charge the battery pack
Pros: Just beginning to use it, some very nice features, easy to use.... however...
Cons: It takes a MINIMUM of FOUR AND A HALF HOURS to charge the battery pack. My previous 2 cameras, both Canons, needed 90 minutes, maybe 2 hours.
Summary: I'll update once I start using, but this is VERY a disappointing feature.
Summary: I'll update once I start using, but this is VERY a disappointing feature.
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Great Camera
by barryl75231 on August 8, 2009
Pros: Ease of use, picture quality and value for the money. Found this camera for under $200.
Cons: Nothing bad to say about this product.
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Best Digital Camera for Money. Cnet is wrong
by lightforce19 on August 2, 2009
Pros: Awesome pics. Awsome HD recording. Photoshop on the camera itself.
Cons: figerprints
Summary: for 220 bucks this is the best camera u can get. CNET is wrong. U CAN zoom 5x in HD recording mode. They must have had a demo camera or ...
Summary: for 220 bucks this is the best camera u can get. CNET is wrong. U CAN zoom 5x in HD recording mode. They must have had a demo camera or something. But I can confirm u can ZOOM in recording mode which makes this camera a 5 outta 5.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Sony
- Part number: DSC-W290/B
- Description: Taking great pictures is easier than ever with the DSC-W290 Cyber-shot digital camera. The iAuto mode adjusts the settings for you based on your surroundings, so all you have to do is press a button to capture shots with the right amount of light and beautiful clarity. And with the ingenious Face Detection mode, faces in your photos will look more realistic with natural skin tones and sharp details. Tired of blurry photos? Optical SteadyShot image stabilization minimizes blur for better results. You can also connect your camera to a compatible HDTV and show off your shots on the big screen in high definition.
General
- Product Type Digital camera - Compact
- Width 3.9 in
- Depth 0.9 in
- Height 2.2 in
- Weight 6.1 oz
- Enclosure Color Black
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 (Steady Shot)
- Max Shutter Speed 1/1000 sec
- 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.
- 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 8 in - 20 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 7 group(s) / 9 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, 720p HD movie recording, 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 230,400 pixels
Digital Player (Recorder)
- Type None
Microphone
- Type Microphone - Built-in
- Microphone Operation Mode Mono
Connections
- Connector Type 1, 1 x USB, 1 x Composite video/audio output, 1 x HD component 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
- Peripheral Devices USB port, CD-ROM drive
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 warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - Parts and labor - 1 year
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
Accessories
Manufacturer info
- Sony
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Sony products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.sonystyle.com
- Address:
16765 W. Bernardo Dr., San Diego, CA 92127 - Phone: 1-877-865-SONY
- Email: contact@sel.sony.com
- Fax: 941-768-7790
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