- 12.1-megapixel Super HAD CCD image sensor
- 5x optical zoom, 28mm wide-angle Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens; Optical SteadyShot image stabilization
- 720p high-definition movie capture; BIONZ image processor
- 3.0-inch (230K pixels) Clear Photo LCD; Face Detection and Smile Shutter technology
- 11MB built-in memory; capture images to Memory Stick Duo/PRO Duo Media (not included)
Product Description
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 camera combines style with power and intelligence. The W290 comes in 4 sophisticated colors and has a stylish look. With the W290 taking great pictures is now easier than ever. The iAuto mode goes beyond the traditional auto mode, thinking and working for you; recognizing scenes, lighting conditions, faces, and automatically adjusts camera settings resulting in clearer images, and faces with more natural skin tones and less blur. The W29… More >>
I bought a Sony CyberShot (DSC-W290) specifically because it records 720p video (MPEG4). I recorded few clips and inserted the Memory Stick Pro-Duo into PS3 (and on Sony HDTV). It recognizes all my pictures but the video folders are empty. Either 720p standard or fine videos does not show in the folder to play. Only the video recorded with the lowest resolution (VGA) shows up and able play them (I was experimenting recording with all 3 options). I called Sony’s camera Customer Service and they told me to use a different Memory Stick which I did (different brands) but same results. They told me that something is wrong with my PS3 and told me to contact PS3 Customer Service. I did that and they are telling any MPEG4 video should play on PS3 (no fireware updates needed) and telling me to call Sony’s Camera Cust. Service. I tried connecting the USB to PS3 and playing the videos on the PS3 but still no luck.
Rating: 1 / 5
This is what I’ve been hearing from all these 1-3 star reviews.
Great outdoors, Bad indoors. Sony finally solved that problem with the WX1 it has a: 10.2-megapixel Back-Illuminated “Exmor R” CMOS Sensor Producing Stunning Images in Low Light. Finally. A good all around camera!!!!!!Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX1/B 10MP “Exmor R” CMOS Digital Camera with 5x Optical Steady Shot Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-inch LCD (Black)
Check it out!
Rating: 5 / 5
I don’t care how great the quality or photos are, not being able to zoom while recording is a big problem. I’m very disappointed Sony decided to take this route because I have Sony digital cameras from 2004 that allowed you to zoom while recording so I do not understand why they took this huge step backward. I’ve sold my camera for this reason and told people to stay away. All the Kodaks that have been doing HD video since 2007 have been able to use full zoom while recording.
Rating: 1 / 5
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290/T 12.1 MP Digital Camera in Bronze + 4GB MEMORY STICK PRO DUO + Sony Digital Camera Case + Extra Battery + Deluxe Accessory Kit
Rating: 5 / 5
I ordered the new Sony W290 for a cruise we’re taking in a couple weeks. Having owned a few Sony cameras, I’m very familiar with Sony’s quality and performance. I am actually a huge fan of Sony products, so I was looking forward to receiving my new camera.
I had also considered the Canon SD970IS. I have owned several Canon PowerShot models throughout the years. However, the Canon was priced $140 more than the Sony, which led me to decide on the W290. After all, their features were comparable (12.1 Megapixel, 5X optical zoom, HD video, etc.).
When I received the camera, I charged the battery and began taking test still shots and video. I made several indoor and outdoor shots to test the cameras capabilities. As soon as I downloaded the files to my PC, I immediately noticed that the pictures were grainy and not very sharp. Although they were taken at the camera’s highest resolution (4000 x 3000), they looked like they were taken in low res or even from a cell phone camera. I tweaked around with some of the settings and made additional tests (in manual and auto). Again, the pictures were very disappointing. I compared the indoor and outdoor test shots I took around the house with pictures I had previously taken with my 8 megapixel Canon SD850. The difference was very apparent. In the interior pictures taken with my Canon, you could zoom in and see the details of the wood grain on furniture. In the Sony pictures, the details were blurred. The same was true with the outdoor pictures – you could see much more details in the pictures taken with my old Canon. I went back and reset all the user settings to default and made another set of tests. The results were the same. I then tested the HD video capabilities (indoors and outdoors) and was again let down. The video looked over-exposed. I adjusted the EV setting on the camera, but it made very little difference. I also noticed a lot of lens flares even in the indoor shots. This was not what I expected.
I tried to convince myself that I was missing something obvious, so I looked through the manual, tweaked around with the settings again, and even cleaned the lens. I took several more tests, but with the same results. Believe me, I really wanted to like this camera, but reasons for keeping it were quickly diminishing. Having read the 5-star reviews here and on other sites, I am convinced that the camera I received is defective, which is why I didn’t give the camera a lower rating. Reluctantly, I will be returning the camera. However at this point, I’m not sure if I would purchase the Sony again or go for the Canon, at least not before my cruise.
Rating: 3 / 5