Customer Reviews

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom and Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization (Black)

5 star:		(128)
4 star:		(69)
3 star:		(25)
2 star:		(28)
1 star:		(44)

 

 

I originally bought a Sony DSC-S950, for around half the price of this camera, but I returned it the same day due to a faulty flash bulb. I decided to upgrade to the W290, because I wasn't very happy with the S950 - it felt cheap, and lacked features.

I've put together this list of pros and cons of this camera. Don't let the seemingly long list of cons scare you though, as they are all quite minor and not even important enough for me to rate this camera anything less than 5 stars. I just felt it was necessary to list everything I could think of. Sorry, I couldn't properly review the HD Video capability, because I don't have the HD cables (see below), and my computer seems to be too slow to properly play back HD video.

Pros:

-BRILLIANT colors! I am very very impressed with the colors in my shots, especially when shooting outdoor scenery shots (which is primarily what I purchased this camera for).

-Night-time shots using a tripod turn out very well also, giving as much detail as one could see with their naked eye.

-Smile shutter, as mentioned in previous reviews, works flawlessly. One thing that doesn't seem to be mentioned anywhere, is that when it's in Smile Shutter mode, it will continue to snap photos automatically as long as it keeps detecting smiles, which is very cool. So if you are taking a group picture, and you're one of those people that likes taking 3 shots of the same thing "just in case", just keep on smiling and the camera will take care of that for you.

-there's a 3-shot burst mode, where it automatically takes 3 pictures when you click the button: one with your default EV, one at -1EV, and one at +1EV (or different intervals even, if you choose). That once-in-a-lifetime shot you take will have 3 different versions automatically, and you can choose the one you like the most and delete the rest later.

-The Intelligent Auto mode works fantastically, it takes a lot of the stress out of taken urgent pictures. The only time I ever don't use it is when I have plenty of time to plan for a shot.

-Startup time is great! I've seen other complaints from people that say this camera takes too long to startup and be ready to use, but those people must be the most impatient people ever, because this thing is faster than any other camera I've owned, digital or otherwise. When you click the power button, the lens fires out lightning fast and the screen immediately displays the picture and is ready for action. Probably takes about 0.5 seconds from pushing the button to being ready to use.


Cons:

-Plastic cover on LCD screen protrudes from the camera body, making it more easily scratched. I would recommend getting some screen protectors, as I'm about to do.

-the jack for the all-in-one cable is on the bottom of the camera, which will be great once a dock is available, but in the meantime it's a very inconvenient place to plug in the cable. It forces you to lay to camera on either the lens side, or the LCD side (which, as mentioned above, is designed in such a way that it could be scratched quite easily without a screen protector)

-Doesn't come with HD video cables, only the typical yellow/red/white RCA analogue cables. Seeing as how this camera records HD video, it would be nice to be able to play it back in HD on my tv without burning it to a DVD first. You can buy the HD cables from sony if you really need them, though.

-Comes with an NP-BG1 battery, which disables the camera's ability to show you the remaining minutes. You have to buy the optional NP-FG1 battery to see that. That's the only difference, both batteries have the same capacity. It was obviously designed that way to force us to buy a second battery... but that was fine with me, since I planned on buying one anyways.


I would definitely recommend this camera to anyone looking for a great quality point-and-shoot digital camera!

NOTE: IF YOU ARE THINKING ABOUT PURCHASING THIS PRODUCT, SEE WARNING BELOW!

My wife and I are planning a long vacation trip and needed a compact, but versatile, alternative to a full blown DSLR. I've owned this little camera for just 20 hours, but can offer some first impressions. We bought a Canon SX110IS at Christmas for our daughter. Compared to the jewel-like Sony, the Canon's build quality seems substantially less. However, it has a 10X optical zoom compared to Sony's 5x, but 9 mega pixel resolution compared to 12.1 on the Sony. I doubt that the image quality difference will be notable, but I will update this when I can make a valid comparison.

One of the main reasons I picked the Sony over the Canon is that it is truly compact. While the Canon is small, the Sony is flat - less than 1" thick - and hardly shows in a pocket (although I have ordered a case). Comparatively speaking, its LCD screen is huge and bright (but does not swivel like some Canons). BTW, neither camera has a viewfinder, so I am not confident that either will be easy to see in bright sunlight.

This model does NOT employ a touch screen (which I did not value), but the controls (though small) are simple and generally intuitive once you learn Sony's ops language (different from Canon's). I will admit, if you happen to be a bit ham-fisted, you may not be willing to struggle with such tiny controls which are suited more to a child's hand than an adults. Also, because they are so small, the two adjustable dials are hard to read - not so handy when your eyes start to fail as are mine.

The special features (many on this camera) all seem like they may be useful, but the "smile" feature seems a bit useless to me. The facial recognition works great - even when I pointed it at a TV image. It takes longer than I am used to to auto focus (I normally shoot with a Canon full frame 5D that uses focus motors in the lenses - hardly a fair comparison).

Also, if you plan to use this camera to record full 12.1 mega pixel images, you will have to buy plenty of Memory Stick storage, although it will shoot at much lower resolutions, it has limited internal memory. I bought two 16GB Sony brand Pro Duo sticks on eBay for $21 each to be able to do so. BTW, that is much cheaper than Amazon, say. Also, since this camera shoots HD (720P) video in MPEG4 format - one of the features I plan to exploit - you'll want plenty of extra storage anyhow.

I'll have to reserve my opinions on picture quality until I can do a real world test, but the images I shot indoors with the built-in flash were crisp and noiseless at 12.1 mega pixels, less so, of course as I tried lower resolutions.

And did I mention that the Sony's "anodized" blue finish trimmed in "black chrome" is elegant and stunning?

WARNING! WARNING! WARNING!

Shortly after writing this review, I decided to double-check my "cheap" memory purchase. What I found was disturbing. It is very likely that the Pro Duo memory sticks I bought on eBay are FAKES! I'm telling you this so you won't make the same mistake I probably did (my Memory Sticks have not yet been delivered). If you will check out this eBay link BEFORE you buy memory for your new camera (or other Sony device), you may be able to save yourself a lot of trouble (and $$$).

http://reviews.ebay.com/FAKE-Sony-Memory-Stick-Pro-Duo-MagicGate-Cards-Exposed_W0QQugidZ10000000001236041

Like they say, "If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is". I know better, and now, so do you. I will confirm the results after I have had a chance to try them out. Incidentally, just shot some outside images of our flowering crabapple blossoms. Pictures look great and I could see the LCD in "cloudy bright" afternoon sunlight.

4-28-09

As promised, an update. The Memory Sticks from Hong Kong did indeed turn out to be bogus. They look exactly like Sony products, including the very detailed packaging, but they simply didn't work. The Sandisk Ultra 4GB version I bought at Staples works great, even when recording "HD fine" video. Playback looks beautiful (considering the source) on the computer, but not nearly as sharp on an HDTV when using the composite cable that came with the camera. I now have no qualms about substituting this for my miniDV camcorder on the next trip, however.

The "smile" function actually works, but I could live without it. The camera makes it really difficult to mess up exposure. I've even tried fooling it with extremely harsh back lighting and it still exposed faces properly. 12.1GB images are not as sharp as I'd like when I carefully examine the detail, and there is some noise present. Keep in mind, however, that I typically shoot with a Canon full frame DSLR. I will, however, compare it to a Nikon Coolpix I used a couple of years ago. The Nikon was substantially sharper in similar situations. If the ultimate picture quality is high on your priority list, look at the comparably priced Nikons and Canons. For the features I wanted, this Sony remains the best choice for me. Finally, Sony make two affordable underwater housings for this camera. One for snorkeling and one for diving.

This camera does take great pictures. These days the cameras are very easy to operate with all of the auto settings and advanced face detection and scene recognition - it's hard to mess up a shot. This camera is no exception and makes the user feel like a pro when taking pictures. However, here are some things to think about when buying this camera:
1) The controls are on the right rear side of the camera. In particular the W/T buttons and the directional pad/button - the W button is hard to press and the left side of the dpad as well. For some reason they are right up against the right side of the 3" screen which causes a problem and you have to either reposition your finger or use your nail to press the buttons I mentioned. No, I don't have large fingers - it is just a design flaw. The buttons are set below the screen - if they were raised there would not be a problem. If you really want to see what I mean look at the pictures here on Amazon and zoom in on the back panel picture. Something I never noticed before but the directional button even has a part of the 3" LCD frame cut out because it is so close to the button. See for yourself....
2) The video is crisp and clear (720p) but you CAN NOT ZOOM while shooting video. Compared to the T500, T700, T900, T90 ect where you can zoom when recording video. Very disappointing and if someone here mentioned that in their review I wouldn't have bought the camera - I bet people here don't even own the damn thing. The steady shot works well too by the way.
3) There is a rattle when you shake the camera. This is apparent only when the camera is turned on so I think it is the lens cover(s) which retract and automatically opens and closes when you turn the camera on. The lens protector is very fragile and when closed you can push it open with your finger unlike the DSC-N1 that I had which was like solid doors covering the lens.
4) This thing is BIG! OK it's not huge but compared to the W300 It's thick. I know, it has a 3.0" screen compared to a 2.7" screen but it is heavier and thicker than the W300 and the T series but I want to compare apples to apples.
5) Switching from menus and functions is a bit slow. There is definitely a processing delay with video and some pictures that I took too. I wouldn't begin to throw a number out there (seconds) but it is definitely slower than the W300 for good comparison. Turning the camera on - slight lag - lens pops out - it's just a lot slower than the N1 and W300.
6) There is NO docking cradle, memory or a case provided with the camera. I like the new battery charger which does not have a power cord but has plugs that flip out so you just plug it into an outlet and walk away - when the indicator light is off you are done charging - really good idea!
7) You need two hands to operate this camera. With the W300 you can work the zoom and shutter button with your right had with ease. Not so with the W290. Watch that left hand too! The RF illumination is located right where you might put your left forefinger. Careful.
8) The shutter button is on top of the camera along with the power button and a new SMILE button. The smile button will automatically engage the smile detector and will snap a shot automatically when activated. Very cool. However, the button, along with the power button is so small and inset that you really have to wonder if you are pressing it or not. You do feel a click I should say so it isn't that bad I guess.

Canon - who's that? I don't use their products - Sony only baby. This is a great camera but could be better. Like the T700 the T900 came out and fixed a lot of issues. The W300 is a better camera than the W290. I am sure they will come out with a W400? It will be great I am sure! Get this W290 camera for the price and basic functions as a starter camera.

I had just purchased the new Canon 880is, ive always owned Canon cameras,
and was not that impressed. My Canon 710 was much better. Anyways, thought I would try this new Sony 290. I am pretty impressed. The few photos I have taken, indoor and outdoor, have been really good. The colors and clarity are nice. Low light were consistently still (not blurred). The 880is blurred in the low light occasionally. The face and smile recognition works very well.
I never write reviews but after all the slamming Sony gets, as far as point and shoot cameras, I felt that this camera is as good or better than the Canon 880is and Im the first to defend Canon.

+This camera takes amazing pictures. Sharp, vivid, crisp, (insert synonyms here).

+Having such a high resolution is nice and the wide angle lens is great. It also has a little extra zoom than other point-and-shoots, which is another great feature. The smile detection feature is fun for about 30 minutes, but ultimately useless. (At least to me....)

+It has tons of little features and settings and even allows for some "editing" on the camera like red-eye removal and such.

-I do wish i could mess with the settings a bit more though. I like to be able to manually set the exposure time and mess with other things as well. These are unaccessible to the user. Regardless, it takes great pictures without me fiddling with things, so perhaps it is best. Though I do wish it had a long exposure setting to take some cool lightning shots or mess with light graffiti, but I think I'll live.

-Also, you can't zoom while shooting video. This is a bit of a frustration as well.

+The camera itself is amazingly small for it's high resolution and hi-def video capabilities.

+Its construction is solid and the black looks pretty slick.

+Great "bang for the buck" camera. Simple enough for the family or girlfriend to use, and enough features and good enough quality for some more creative shots of my own. (and I don't feel girlie carrying it, though there are other colors if that's your thing...)

I bought a a DSC-W290 several weeks ago here in Europe. While European prices are consistently about 25% higher than in the US I went ahead and bought the unit. I have had three prior versions of the Cyber-shot and have found them to be sturdy, reliable and easy to use. The DSC 290 with its 12.1 MP clarity really is first rate. I have now started leaving my Cannon SLR and my Cannon Video Cam at home. I get all the still picture quality one needs plus the movie resolution is considerably higher than most competitors at any price. I was starting to look for a HD Movie cam but decided that the near HD quality of the movies produced by the DSC 290 are more than I could have imagined and instead spent a fraction of the cost of a new camera on 16G Memory Sticks to hand my movies. I like the camera so much I ordered two more on Amazon today to be shipped in the US for graduation gifts.

I previously owned the Sony T500 because our family needs a camera that can take HD video, but also great photos in one package. I recently upgraded my personal camera and was going to hand down the T500 to my wife, but she did not like the all touchscreen controls. She prefers physical dials and buttons. So I sold off that camera and went in search of one with similar or better features that would be easy to use.

I ended up going with the W290 and it easily surpasses the T500 in photo quality. Right out of the box she was taking great photos on the auto setting. Low light shooting is problematic for all point and shoots, but the W290 did much better than I expected, just don't expect miracles. The 3 inch screen is gorgeous. I don't think I could ever go back to the 2.7 screens anymore.

The W290 is also priced well. It does cost more than a Flip HD or those other pocket HD camers, but purely from a video standpoint it's far superior. From the much larger lense to the bigger screen, there is no comparison. Then you add the full features of a quality camera and it's a no brainer. She's very happy with it.

...there were so many things I didn't like about it, I finally exchanged it for the Cybershot DSC-H20, which for me is, soooo much better! Back to the W290. On the positive side, I liked it's looks (???) and the burst feature is great. The features are also easy to use. But for me it just didn't take GOOD PICTURES! I shoot mostly candid shots of ppl and this camera was a real letdown. First off, the shutter button is flush with the top of the camera so it's difficult to press down, half way to focus and fully to shoot. Secondly, the focus (or lack therof) is terrible. The camera took forever to find a focal point, then the pix still wouldn't be sharp. And the pixel noise was over the top. I never felt like i was in control of this camera...it seemed to have a mind of its own! Thirdly, the 12MP is too much for this camera to handle, it didn't seem to know what to do with all those pixels. The file size made for slow loading onto the computer. BTW, the software is not compatible with Mac, although my Kodak Easy Share software recognised the memory stick and had no trouble connecting the device. So after a 2 wk commitment, I had to let it go. I've had the DSC-H20 for less than a day and there's a huge improvement in image quality, features and ease of use. It's not as sexy, but it'll treat you better. Get this one instead.

This camera works great! I have only had it a week but it is great. The smile detection works pretty well. I noticed subjects that wore hats had troubles with their smiles being detected, possibly due to extra shading from the bill of the hat, but for my one-year-old daughter, it took almost 10 pictures in 30-45 seconds automatically while she was having a laughing fit. A lot quicker than I could do. I also like how the portrait mode takes 2 pictures to try and get one without eyes blinking, and if it detected a blink, it alerts you to that. The HD video shoots pretty smoothly. I haven't gotten a chance to check out what it looks like on TV, but it shot well. I was worried about being able to keep this steady when taking pictures, but I do better with this camera than I did our old Canon Powershot A530 (it was taking upwards of 5 minutes to charge the flash for one picture with brand new batteries!...thus being the purchase of a new camera).

It takes a couple seconds for the camera to turn on, so if you think you may have a shot to quickly take, be prepared and turn the camera on early. Also, I am nervous about the rechargeable battery versus just dropping in new AAs. It seems like the battery takes a little too long to charge fully, but so far I have just charged it while sleeping.

Overall I am extremely satisifed with this camera. I mainly need a camera to capture my daughter's memories and will mostly send them out over e-mail and print out 4x6 images for my wife's scrapbook. This camera is giving me hope it will take pictures well. The picture quality looks great and it seems slightly faster than my old Canon for taking successive pictures.

I purchased this camera back in March. I had originally wanted a pocket hd video camera like the Flip Mino HD or the Creative Vado HD. After comparing prices between the different cameras I decided my best route would be to purchase a point and shoot camera which could also handle 720p video. Then Canon and Sony released two point and shoots which did just that.

I compared the Canon Powershot SD780IS to the Sony W290. The canon was more compact than the Sony. Both recorded 720p video. Both are 12.1 megapixel cameras. The Canon has a 3x optical zoom while the Sony offers 5x. The Sony has the 3 inch lcd while the Canon only has a 2.5 inch. And finally the Canon retailed for about $30 more than the Sony. I picked the Sony since it was a little less expensive and I liked the fact that it had the larger lcd and zoom.

My wife and I took it on vacation with us to the beach in April and I was able to use this camera to take many pictures and a few hd videos. I was very happy with the quality of the stills. Not being a pro photographer, the images looked very sharp and detailed to me. The HD video was excellent as well. I wanted the video ability so that I could record video that would be uploaded to sharing sites like youtube and facebook. So watching it on a hi def television wasn't that important. It looks great on a computer monitor.

The one drawback is that you have to buy sony memory. The camera doesn't use SD cards like most other point and shoots. But I was able to buy a 4gb memory stick card for about $15 so it wasn't too big a deal. A 4gb card can hold many hundreds of photos and several hd video clips.

After 3 months of owning this camera I can say I've been very happy with the purchase.