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Sony DSC-W290 Cyber-shot Digital Camera (Titanium)

  • No Longer Available
  • B&H # SODSCW290T
  • Mfr# DSC-W290/T

Product Highlights

  • 12.1 Megapixels
  • 5x Optical Zoom Carl Zeiss Lens
  • 3.0" LCD
  • Intelligent Scene Recognition
  • Face Detection
  • Smile Shutter
  • Optical SteadyShot Image Stabilization
  • 720p HD Video
  • PHOTOMUSIC Feature

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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
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
SonyDSC-W290 Cyber-shot Digital Camera (Titanium)
 
4.8

(based on 24 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (18)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (6)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (0)

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)

Reviewed by 24 customers

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Displaying reviews 1-20

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4.0

Sony DSC W290 Cyber-shot camera a hit

By Emily's mom

from Indiana

About Me Casual Photographer

Verified Buyer

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

    Share this review

     
    4.0

    Takes nice Pictures

    By Joe F.

    from Queens, NY

    About Me Casual Photographer

    Verified Buyer

    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.

      Share this review

       
      5.0

      excellent compact camera

      By EWU

      from Buenos Aires, Argentina

      About Me Photo Enthusiast

      Verified Buyer

      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.

      Share this review

       
      5.0

      GREAT FEATURES. EASY TO USE

      By RANDR

      from Freehold NJ

      About Me Casual Photographer

      Verified Buyer

      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.

        Share this review

         
        4.0

        Small, light and easy to use.

        By Shackmaster

        from Ocean City Maryland

        About Me Photo Enthusiast

        Verified Buyer

        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.

        Share this review

         
        5.0

        Love the camera

        By Doc

        from clevelan, oh

        About Me Casual Photographer

        Verified Buyer

        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

          Share this review

           
          5.0

          I would buy this product again and again

          By João Felippe

          from Niterói, RJ, BR

          About Me Casual Photographer

          Verified Buyer

          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.

            Share this review

             
            5.0

            Excelent

            By FFS

            from Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

            About Me Casual Photographer

            Verified Buyer

            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.

            Share this review

             
            5.0

            Great Quality Camera

            By elongreach

            from Baltimore, MD

            About Me Casual Photographer

            Verified Buyer

            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.

              Share this review

               
              5.0

              this product is wonderful

              By alex

              from Tahoe City , CA

              About Me Photo Enthusiast

              Verified Buyer

              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.

                Share this review

                 
                5.0

                Found just what I needed...

                By Rjr

                from Dayton, Tennessee

                About Me Casual Photographer

                Verified Buyer

                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

                Share this review

                (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                 
                5.0

                Great camera for such price

                By Tomis4ever

                from Los Angeles, CA

                About Me Pro Photographer

                Verified Buyer

                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.

                Share this review

                 
                5.0

                I like this camera!

                By XAM

                from Almaty Kazakhstan

                About Me Casual Photographer

                Verified Buyer

                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!

                  Share this review

                   
                  5.0

                  I can't wait to take a picture

                  By Jen the fanatic photo taker

                  from Ankeny, IA

                  About Me Photo Enthusiast

                  Verified Buyer

                  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

                    Share this review

                     
                    5.0

                    Perfect point and shoot for a novice.

                    By muggs

                    from Hettinger N.D.

                    About Me Casual Photographer

                    Verified Buyer

                    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.

                    Share this review

                    (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                     
                    4.0

                    "Great photos - not such great features"

                    By AYJ the Abington

                    from New York, NY

                    About Me Photo Enthusiast

                    Verified Buyer

                    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.

                    Share this review

                    (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                     
                    4.0

                    better cost benefit

                    By betoxtr

                    from Petrópolis - RJ

                    About Me Photo Enthusiast

                    Verified Buyer

                    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

                        Share this review

                         
                        5.0

                        worth to purchase

                        By Satish

                        from Jersey City, NJ

                        About Me Casual Photographer

                        Verified Buyer

                        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

                          Share this review

                           
                          5.0

                          Awesome product

                          By Tej

                          from Denton, Texas

                          About Me Photo Enthusiast

                          Verified Buyer

                          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.

                            Share this review

                             
                            5.0

                            exellent picture

                            By guru

                            from Boston

                            About Me Photo Enthusiast

                            Verified Buyer

                            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.

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                              Batteries & Power

                              Always keep a spare battery handy so you won't get caught without power.

                              Sony -  NP-FG1 (G-Series) Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery
                              • Price: $32.00
                              • GBP 20.43
                               
                              Pearstone -  NP-FG1 Lithium-Ion Battery Pack (3.7V, 925mAh)
                                • Original: $19.95
                                • Save: $1.99
                              • Price: $17.96
                              • GBP 11.47
                               

                              Bags & Straps

                              Carry, store, and protect all your equipment with a bag or a strap.

                              Lowepro -  Varia 10 Camera Pouch (Black)
                              • Price: $8.25
                              • GBP 5.27
                               

                              Screen Protectors

                              Protect your LCD screen from scratches and finger prints.

                              GGI -  Digital Screen Care Kit
                              • Price: $7.49
                              • GBP 4.78
                               
                              Flipbac -  Angle Viewfinder (Black)
                              • Price: $14.95
                              • GBP 9.55
                               
                              View all Accessories

                              What's in the Box

                              Sony DSC-W290 Cyber-shot Digital Camera (Titanium)
                               
                               
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