Sony DSC-W290 Cyber-shot Digital Camera (Titanium)
Remember the Essentials
Sufficient memory is not included. Don't get caught without memory, get a high-capacity memory card.
The Sony Cyber-shot W290 contains a whole lot of neat technologies in a sleek, brushed-aluminum package. Designed around a 12.1 megapixel (1/2.3") Super HAD CCD sensor, the W290 features a Carl Zeiss-designed 5x (5 - 25mm) power zoom that covers the equivalent field-of-view of a wide 28mm to semi-long 140mm lens. Despite its compact size, the W290 can capture up to 100 continuous exposures at speeds up to 1.8fps thanks in part to its Sony BIONZ image processor. Along with vibrant still images, the W290 can also capture vivid 720p HD video clips.
For easy composing, viewing and editing your still and video imagery, the Cyber-shot W290 features a 3" 230,400-dot Photo Clear LCD. For capturing stills, the W290 offers an immense selection of exposure and scene mode selections including an Easy Shooting Mode for those wishing to keep things nice and simple. There are also 10 in-camera retouching tools available for enhancing your pictures post-capture.
Still images can be captured at 8 levels of JPEG compression and video with sound (mono) at 3 levels of image compression to best fit your needs. To further enhance your pictures, the Cyber-shot W290 has a PHOTOMUSIC feature, which combines music and a selection of visual effects into your still image slideshows and video clips.
For admiring your pictures on a grander scale, you can output images at sizes up to and exceeding 13x19", or view them in high-definition on a Sony BRAVIA or similarly compatible HDTV using the optional VMC-MHC2 HD output adapter cable.
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which is good for about 300 images (or 150 minutes of video), and along with 11MB of internal memory records images onto Memory Stick PRO and Memory Stick DUO PRO (up to 16GB) media.
- 12.1 Megapixel Super HAD CCD Imaging Sensor
- Capture brilliantly sharp images for print sizes of up Super A3 and still have ample wiggle room to crop into your image files when you need to get in tighter than the zoom lens allowed at the time of image capture
- Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar 5x Power Zoom
- The Cyber-shot W290 features a 28 - 140 mm equivalent Carl Zeiss-designed power zoom lens. Containing 9 elements in 7 groups (with 3 aspheric surfaces), the W290 should prove to be ideal for capturing everything from landscapes to tight portraits
- 3" Clear View LCD Display
- A bright 3" 230,400-dot LCD display enables you to easily compose, review, and edit your pictures as you take them
- BIONZ Image Processor
- A Sony BIONZ image processor guarantees life-like color, improved shadow and highlight detail, along with quick start-up times and quick-to-respond camera performance
- Intelligent Auto Mode (iAuto)
- iAuto takes all of the guesswork out of selecting the best shooting mode by analyzing the scene and making all appropriate adjustments required to capture an optimized image, and it performs this little trick in less than 1/30th of a second. To accomplish this feat iAuto takes advantage of other W290 features including Scene Recognition, Face Recognition, and Optical SteadyShot
- Shoot Stills and Video
- The Cyber-shot W290 captures JPEG still images at 8 levels of compression and video clips with sound (mono) at 3 levels of MPEG4 compression. In video mode you can capture up to 29 minutes (or up to 2GB) of 720p-format video
- Automatic or Manual Scene Selections
- For choosing the best exposure parameters for each scene you capture the W290 offers you a choice of manually choosing from a selection of 10 Scene modes or set the camera to Intelligent Scene mode (iSCN) and the camera will automatically select the best out of 8 auto Scene modes
- Face Detection and Smile Shutter
- To better guarantee optimized portraits the Cyber-shot W290 can detect up to 8 faces in a scene and program the camera to produce exposures optimized for clean skin tones and contrast levels. The camera's Smile Shutter feature prevents the camera from taking an exposure until it detects a smile on the primary face(s). There's also an Anti-Blink function that detects eyes that seem to blink every time you press the shutter button
- Sharp Images Even Under Low-light Conditions
- The W290 combines dual image stabilization technologies to better ensure sharp images. When set to SteadyShot mode, the camera quickly captures 2 images and combines the best elements of each into a single optimized photograph. When shooting under low-light conditions, the camera's High Sensitivity Mode boosts the sensor's ISO sensitivity levels up to 3200 to further guarantee sharp images regardless of lighting conditions
- In-Camera Retouching and Re-Sizing Tools
- The Cyber-shot W290 features a selection of retouching tools that allow you to perform a variety of post-capture image improvements including Trimming, Red-eye reduction, Soft-focus, Fisheye, Partial Color, Cross Filter, Radial blur, Retro, Happy Face, and Unsharp Masking
- Easy Image Management
- EIM enables you edit images and sort them by a variety of categories in order to make it easy to retrieve them at a later date with a minimum of fuss and bother
- Stamina Battery
- The camera's lithium-ion battery allows for up to 150 minutes of extended video capture or over 300 exposures-per-charge
Go To
| Camera Type | Point-and-shoot Digital Camera |
| Imaging | |
|---|---|
| Resolution | Effective: 12.1MP, Recorded: 12.4MP |
| Sensor | 1/2.3" CCD |
| Bit Depth | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| File Formats | JPEG, MPEG-4 |
| File Size | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Color Spaces | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Creative Color Modes | Normal, Vivid, Sepia & B&W |
| Image Stabilization | Yes |
| Crop Factor | N/A |
| Optics | |
|---|---|
| Lens | 5.0-25.0mm f/3.3-5.2 (35mm film equivalent: 28-140mm) |
| Zoom | Optical: 5x, Digital: 10x |
| Lens Mount | N/A |
| Focus Type | Autofocus & semi-manual |
| Focus Range | Normal: 3.3' (1 m) - infinity |
| Accessory Lens/Filter Mount | 46mm (with optional Lens Adapter) |
| Shooting Controls | |
|---|---|
| Sensitivity | ISO 80-3200 |
| Shutter Speeds |
Auto: 2 - 1/1,600 sec Program Auto: 1 - 1/1,600 sec |
| Metering | 9-Point Evaluative, Center-weighted Average, Spot |
| Exposure Modes | Intelligent Auto, Easy Shooting, Program Auto, Movie (Auto Adjustment, High Sensitivity, Underwater), Custom Scenes (High Sensitivity, Twilight, Twilight Portrait, Soft Snap, Landscape, Beach, Snow, Fireworks, Hi-speed Shutter, Underwater, Gourmet) |
| White Balance | Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent (1, 2, 3), Flash, Underwater White Balance Mode (Auto, Underwater 1, Underwater 2) |
| Mirror Lock-Up | N/A |
| Burst Capability | 1.8fps continuous shooting (max 100 shots) |
| Self Timer | 10 & 2 seconds |
| Interval Recording | No |
| Remote Control | No |
| Flash | |
|---|---|
| Built-in Flash | Yes |
| Effective Flash Range |
Wide: 7.8" - 9.8' (0.2 - 3.0 m) Tele: 1.7" - 6.2' (0.5 - 1.9 m) |
| External Flash Connection | No |
| Dedicated Flash System | N/A |
| Max Sync Speed | N/A |
| Memory | |
|---|---|
| Built-in Memory | Yes (approx. 11MB) |
| Memory Card Type | Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO Duo |
| Still Images per GB | 173 @ max resolution |
| A/V Recording | |
|---|---|
| Video Recording | Video with mono Audio, NTSC & PAL Output |
| Video Resolution | 1280 x 720 @ 30fps (Fine), 1280 x 720 30fps (Standard), 640 x 480 @ 30fps (VGA VX Fine) |
| Video Clip Length | Limited by card size, 10min. max continuous shooting |
| Audio Recording | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Viewfinder/Display | |
|---|---|
| Viewfinder Type | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Viewfinder Coverage | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Display | 3.0" LCD |
| Connectivity/System Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Connectivity | USB 2, A/V Out |
| System & Software Requirements |
Windows XP, Vista Mac OS X (10.2 or later) |
| Environmental | |
|---|---|
| Operating/Storage Temperature |
Operating Temperature:32-104°F/0-40°C Humidity: Less than 90% |
| Weatherproofing | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Durability | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Power | |
|---|---|
| Battery Type | Lithium-ion "G" type rechargeable battery (NP-BG1 included) |
| Power Adapter | AC-LS5K AC Adapter (optional) |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 3.8 x 2.25 x 0.8" (98 x 57 x 22mm) |
| Weight | 6.1 oz (174g) (incl. battery & memory) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 24 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to use (23)
- Good image quality (18)
- Large clear LCD (18)
- Image stabilization (14)
- Zoom range/performance (14)
Cons
- Short battery life (3)
Best Uses
- Family photos (21)
- Travel (17)
- Landscape/scenery (10)
- Low light (10)
- Fun (6)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Casual photographer (13), Photo enthusiast (10)
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 24 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Zoom
- Nice Body Color
- Short Lag Time
Cons
- Short Battery Life
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Wildlife photos
Comments about Sony DSC-W290 Cyber-shot Digital Camera (Titanium):
I purchased this camera for my daughter for graduation and gave it to her a couple of months early so she could use it on her trip to NYC. The pictures came out great and since she had an older model Sony previously, she had no problems learning how to operate this one. The screen is a nice size and yet the camera is fairly compact. We have no complaints and would highly recommend this little gem. Great camera for the price.
- Similar:
- older model Sony Cyber-shot
Pros
- Easy to use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
Cons
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Indoors/Low Light
Comments about Sony DSC-W290 Cyber-shot Digital Camera (Titanium):
This camera takes nice clear pictures even in low light and is easy to use. The only down side is that the screen gets alot of finger prints.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Good Image Quality
- Great Zoom
Cons
- No Viewfinder
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Landscape/Scenery
- Travel
Comments about Sony DSC-W290 Cyber-shot Digital Camera (Titanium):
Excellent camera for every day use.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Good Image Quality
- Good Image Stabilization
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
- Short Lag Time
- Small / Compact
Cons
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Indoors/Low Light
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sony DSC-W290 Cyber-shot Digital Camera (Titanium):
This is my wife's camera and she loves the ease of use. Great zoom feature and focus window. Given its size, it's also great to have the image stabilization feature. Large LCD also helps. Would definately recommend.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Good Image Quality
- Large Clear LCD
- Nice Body Color
- Small / Compact
Cons
- Short Battery Life
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Landscape/Scenery
- Travel
Comments about Sony DSC-W290 Cyber-shot Digital Camera (Titanium):
The camera takes great pics. and is easy to use. The only shortfall I can see is the short battery life.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Good Image Quality
- Good in Low Light
- Large Clear LCD
- Nice Body Color
- Small / Compact
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Travel
Comments about Sony DSC-W290 Cyber-shot Digital Camera (Titanium):
took it on vacation to the Caribbean. Great photo
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Good Image Quality
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
- Nice Body Color
- Short Lag Time
- Small / Compact
Cons
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sony DSC-W290 Cyber-shot Digital Camera (Titanium):
Great camera.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Good Image Quality
- Good Image Stabilization
- Large Clear LCD
- Nice Body Color
Cons
- Limited Zoom
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Sony DSC-W290 Cyber-shot Digital Camera (Titanium):
Extremely easy to use. Great pictures.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Good Image Quality
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
- Nice Body Color
- Short Lag Time
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
Comments about Sony DSC-W290 Cyber-shot Digital Camera (Titanium):
I don't really travel with my camera. My main use for it is for completely superficial purposes: taking pictures of myself. I blog and participate in forums, so many times I have to show examples of products and myself. I was in desperate need of a new camera and this one got great reviews. When I tried it out, I could definitely see what others saw in it. The color was crisp and 90% accurate to what I saw in real life. I still need to mess around with it a bit to get the most out of it, but all in all it's an A+ camera.
The only downside if you can call it that is the need for a memory card immediately. I figured I'd be able to take at least 6 pics without it, however I can only take two at a time. So my plan for buying a memory card later was quickly nixed. Luckily, Sony cards aren't too expensive. I wish it took my XD card from my old camera.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Good Image Quality
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
- Short Lag Time
Cons
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife photos
Comments about Sony DSC-W290 Cyber-shot Digital Camera (Titanium):
I use this product very easily, the camera is great and captures beautiful colors, and I have nothing to talk badly about it.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Good Image Quality
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
- Short Lag Time
- Small / Compact
Cons
- no cons
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Travel
- Wildlife photos
Comments about Sony DSC-W290 Cyber-shot Digital Camera (Titanium):
Family photos are great..........Wonderful Christmas pictures...This is my second Sony camera. Had a sony DSC-W70....Still works, just wanted a new one.......Now I have a good back up with the old one.....
Rjr
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Good Image Quality
- Good Image Stabilization
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
- Short Lag Time
- Small / Compact
Cons
- No Viewfinder
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Travel
Comments about Sony DSC-W290 Cyber-shot Digital Camera (Titanium):
Another great camera of Sony as a point for every day use. I love because its very easy to use and it also has HD recording options were only the newest SLR's have these options.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Good Image Quality
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
- Small / Compact
Cons
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Indoors/Low Light
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Video
Comments about Sony DSC-W290 Cyber-shot Digital Camera (Titanium):
Very good choise for family and relax!
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Good Image Quality
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
- Short Lag Time
- Small / Compact
Cons
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Indoors/Low Light
Comments about Sony DSC-W290 Cyber-shot Digital Camera (Titanium):
Great pics of kids
Easy to use
WONDERFUL in every aspect
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Good Image Quality
- Good Image Stabilization
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
- Meets my low light needs
- Short Lag Time
- Small / Compact
Cons
- none so far
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Sony DSC-W290 Cyber-shot Digital Camera (Titanium):
Picture quality is good; battery life is very good, I did get an extra one. I am learning so much as to what this camera will do a later review would probably be more informed. That being said I am
more than pleased and would buy this camera again. Built very well, thats what attracted
me in the beginning.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Good Image Quality
- Good in Low Light
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
- Short Lag Time
- Small / Compact
Cons
- Short Battery Life
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Landscape/Scenery
- Travel
Comments about Sony DSC-W290 Cyber-shot Digital Camera (Titanium):
It is an okay camera that produces great photos. I like the camera, but I don't like the fact that it scratches easy and that every fingerprint shows.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Good battery life
- Good Image Quality
- Good Image Stabilization
- Small / Compact
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sony DSC-W290 Cyber-shot Digital Camera (Titanium):
good camera with good features to be used on sidewalks and in normal day to day
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Good battery life
- Good Image Quality
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
- Lightweight
- Small / Compact
Cons
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Fun
- Travel
Comments about Sony DSC-W290 Cyber-shot Digital Camera (Titanium):
Good quality, best resolution, low cost product
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Good battery life
- Good Image Quality
- Large Clear LCD
- Lightweight
- Small / Compact
Cons
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Travel
Comments about Sony DSC-W290 Cyber-shot Digital Camera (Titanium):
I like this product once again from Sony. It is very handy, light weight. Good battery life. I think there is no steady shot in smart photo option. overall i like this product & i had a good deal.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Good battery life
- Good Image Quality
- Good Image Stabilization
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
- Small Size
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Art
- Family Photos
- Fun
- Photojournalism
- Travel
- Video
- Wildlife photos
Comments about Sony DSC-W290 Cyber-shot Digital Camera (Titanium):
I was looking for a camera for my wife and i want a camera with zoom with vedio,after a lot's of research(canon,sony)i found the right camera at the right price[$] with all the options iwas looking for in a compact camera.I puchased an additional battery and 16 gb card total its coast me [$] what a bargian.
Displaying reviews 1-20
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Batteries & Power
Always keep a spare battery handy so you won't get caught without power.
- Price: $28.21
- Price: $19.95
Bags & Cases
Carry, store, and protect all your equipment with a bag or a case.
- Price: $16.95
Screen Protectors
Protect your LCD screen from scratches and finger prints.
- Price: $7.49
- Price: $14.95
What's in the Box
- NP-BG1 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack (3.6V, 960mAh)
- BC-CSG Battery Charger
- A/V & USB Multi-Connector Cable
- Wrist Strap
- Software CD-ROM (Picture Motion Browser 4.2, USB Driver)
- User Guide
- 1-Year Manufacturers Limited Warranty
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