Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 12 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom and Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization (Dark Blue)
081 4 I bought this camera thinking of giving it as a gift to my mom . I used to to see how it is , and now I have decided to keep it myself and buy another for my mom . I have used Canon S3IS for 2.5 years now . This Sony camera is better than my old Canon . Go for it .
091 4 I only have 2 days with the cam , and i love it , take amazing pics no matter what , the quality of the video is really great .
097 4 We purchased this camera in an attempt to locate an upgrade to our old Kodak EasyShare DX7590 5mpx . What a disappointment . This camera , though 12.1mpx , does not deliver quality photos nor does it stabilize images . You ' think ' the photos are crisp when viewed on the live viewer , however once uploaded , you see a slightly different reality . The photos are blurry , have shadows , rain and glares galore . The video isn't as good either . When uploaded and viewed on your TV or computer , the frames per second looks choppy . Unfortunately we are back to the drawing board now looking into purchasing a Canon , with $300 down the drain . I still can't understand how it has gotten so much positive reviews . Perhaps I received a defective model , or all these reviewers have either never had a digital camera in their life or have yet to upload the photos they've taken to their computer . Please don't waste your money here .
038 4 liked the quality of the pictures , but the battery life is low . good price and great look . love the blue color .
070 4 Good size for travel , and routine fun shooting . OK for an amateur photographer , but that's it . Has some good features , but not much zoom so be prepared . I do like the size , and weight , and of course the color . I have the blue . Have not used it for scenery , so can't comment . All in all , I like it enough to have given one to a good friend for Christmas .
exceptional value and without the image-quality issues I've read so much about
I didn't rate this product 5 stars because of the shutter release button being tough to depress , which will cause problems for me perhaps forever but at least for a while . The LED screen smudges very easily , and the selection buttons on the back are very small but manageable . I think 4 stars is a very good rating and I probably would not find another similar product worthy of more than that . I like the fact that there is a video feature , but that is not important to me , so I don't care that there is no zoom feature while recording . Would be nice , but . . . . I am writing about the still-photo features .
Since my teal blue Sony Cybershot W290 arrived only 2 days ago , I am giving a review of my short-term experience with my first point-and-shoot digital camera . I do have decades of amateur experience with photography using several SLR models , so I appreciate the sophistication of the many advanced features which are simplified for the user in this model . Effects that used to take lots of study , practice and skill are now manageable right out of the box . I am far more impressed than I had ever expected to be . I think that this product is an exceptional value for the money . I did a lot of research ~ ~ before and since making my selection ~ ~ and in that process I've made some observations that might be worth sharing with those folks who are trying to decide on a purchase .
First , I noticed after repeated visits to this site that there seem to be more reviews and a higher dissatisfaction rate here depending upon the color of the Sony W290 camera body . I don't know what that might suggest , but it is of interest to me . I point it out because initially I did not realize that the reviews are organized by the specific details listed in the product description . I have read all the reviews on all available colors of the Sony W290 . Very few of the reviews are duplicated , so there are actually many more total reviews ~ ~ and what appears to be a much higher satisfaction rate overall ~ ~ if you add all Sony W290 reviews together and take a percentage of that total for each of the criteria evaluated .
Second , it seems unreasonable to me that such wide variation in satisfaction with picture sharpness and indoor lighting can be a result of production quality control . If that were the case , Sony would have been driven out of business long ago . I've read many comments on soft edges and clarity only in the central focus which are normal characteristics of a short depth of field . If all long distance photos have soft or blurry edges , that may indicate a faulty lens . Otherwise , that softness is more likely related to the mode / setup the user selected . And I took hundreds of indoor shots with no difficulty at all .
Third , I've seen no difference between the LED image and my high-resolution computer screen after directly uploading with the USB cable . I use a Mac with OS 10.4 , which can't use the PMB image software on the CD . It seems to me that the PMB program could account for image discrepancies many have described . I had a few pics printed at Costco today to check for consistency , with no problems to report . BTW , the handbook for my state on the CD was strictly in Japanese . It is available in English for download at the Sony website , which I bookmarked .
Fourth , while I have lots of experience at steadying shots on my SLRs , I noticed immediately that the shutter release button requires more pressure than I prefer , probably to avoid inadvertent picture taking in your pocket , given the portability , as others have mentioned . At least the steady shot and the 2 - second self-timer ( using tripod or other support , like roof of car , etc . ) features can improve some of those situations , unless there is motion in the subject . But I anticipate that this will be an adjustment . Personally , I am willing to work at that until I have the technique down ~ ~ as a tradeoff for all the fabulous features in the total package .
Fifth , the charger that came with the camera charged the battery in 90 minutes rather than the 5 1 / 2 hours stated in the manual ; but I followed the suggestion in the manual to leave it charging for an additional 60 minutes to get a full charge . I have taken hundreds of shots using the flash and in various higher resolutions , deleted lots of pics and uploaded about 50 shots to my computer , and the battery seems to have about 1 / 4 of the life left .
Sixth , I bought some accessories that are probably a very good idea ( suggestions I took from others in earlier reviews ) : an NP-FG1 extra battery , two 4GB Sony Mark II Pro Duo memory sticks ( not eBay knockoffs ) , an LED anti-glare protection film , and a slim case . I also bought some that are probably not at all necessary : a travel charger pack which is supposed to charge much faster than the one that came with the camera but which actually charged in the same 90 min . , and a media memory stick reader / writer because I didn't realize that the camera kit came with the USB cable to upload . Since this item can write to the memory stick , it will probably come in handy down the road .
Happy hunting and may you be at peace in your decision . . . .
Rennie
004 4 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 .
006 4 I've had the camera for less than 2 weeks but absolutely love it . I received it two days before I left on a cruise , so I got to test it out on my vacation .
The shooting modes are plentiful . I always had one that would best suite the shooting conditions , even one for food ! I loved being able to take pictures in settings that would normally require a flash but the W290 didn't need the additional light . I was taking pictures of the stage performances and not breaking the no flash pictures rule . The ability to stabilize photos is great . It even works well in pictures without flash . I am notorious for ruining photos taken indoors due to shaky hands , but this camera overcomes that .
The video recording is clear and looks great when played back . I was able to put together a great movie of my trip and didn't need to bring a digital camera AND a camcorder . The software used to download your shots and video from the camera to a PC works well .
The battery lasted quite awhile . I got 4 days of taking pictures and video before I needed to recharge . I did purchase an extra battery after my trip so I can always have one fully charged . The new battery I bought off the Sony Style web site also has the ability to show you how much use time is left on it . I haven't used that one yet but will post when I do with the amount of time it says it will last .
There are only three things I found that are minuses on this camera :
* You can't zoom in or out when using video - the shot is fixed until you stop recording . If a newer model comes out with this ability I would seriously consider upgrading .
* The button for snapping photos and starting / stopping video recording could have been raised a little more to make it easier to find by touch . A few times I find myself pressing what I think is the photo button but nothing is happening because my finger is not on the button .
* On a few of the videos there's a section of black corruption that pops up in the corner of a video . Out of the approx 30 videos I took , this happened on 3 of them . It's only there for a few frames but is noticeable . I haven't seen mention of this in any other reviews yet so it may be an issue with my camera .
I might have dropped my review to 4 stars because of the video glitch that happens except that it may not be inherent with the model . I am also upgrading from an old Nikon CoolPix 990 ( the one with the swivel body ) that is cranky and doesn't like to focus when you try and take a picture - The difference in shooting pictures is night and day between them . Throw in the ease of use , compact size , video recording , and 12 + megapixel picture quality and I gladly give the Cyber-Shot W290 5 stars .
008 4 Bottom line : exceptional value and without the image-quality issues I've read so much about
I didn't rate this product 5 stars because of the shutter release button being tough to depress , which will cause problems for me perhaps forever but at least for a while . The LED screen smudges very easily , and the selection buttons on the back are very small but manageable . I think 4 stars is a very good rating and I probably would not find another similar product worthy of more than that . I like the fact that there is a video feature , but that is not important to me , so I don't care that there is no zoom feature while recording . Would be nice , but . . . . I am writing about the still-photo features .
Since my teal blue Sony Cybershot W290 arrived only 2 days ago , I am giving a review of my short-term experience with my first point-and-shoot digital camera . I do have decades of amateur experience with photography using several SLR models , so I appreciate the sophistication of the many advanced features which are simplified for the user in this model . Effects that used to take lots of study , practice and skill are now manageable right out of the box . I am far more impressed than I had ever expected to be . I think that this product is an exceptional value for the money . I did a lot of research ~ ~ before and since making my selection ~ ~ and in that process I've made some observations that might be worth sharing with those folks who are trying to decide on a purchase .
First , I noticed after repeated visits to this site that there seem to be more reviews and a higher dissatisfaction rate here depending upon the color of the Sony W290 camera body . I don't know what that might suggest , but it is of interest to me . I point it out because initially I did not realize that the reviews are organized by the specific details listed in the product description . I have read all the reviews on all available colors of the Sony W290 . Very few of the reviews are duplicated , so there are actually many more total reviews ~ ~ and what appears to be a much higher satisfaction rate overall ~ ~ if you add all Sony W290 reviews together and take a percentage of that total for each of the criteria evaluated .
Second , it seems unreasonable to me that such wide variation in satisfaction with picture sharpness and indoor lighting can be a result of production quality control . If that were the case , Sony would have been driven out of business long ago . I've read many comments on soft edges and clarity only in the central focus which are normal characteristics of a short depth of field . If all long distance photos have soft or blurry edges , that may indicate a faulty lens . Otherwise , that softness is more likely related to the mode / setup the user selected . And I took hundreds of indoor shots with no difficulty at all .
Third , I've seen no difference between the LED image and my high-resolution computer screen after directly uploading with the USB cable . I use a Mac with OS 10.4 , which can't use the PMB image software on the CD . It seems to me that the PMB program could account for image discrepancies many have described . I had a few pics printed at Costco today to check for consistency , with no problems to report . BTW , the handbook for my state on the CD was strictly in Japanese . It is available in English for download at the Sony website , which I bookmarked .
Fourth , while I have lots of experience at steadying shots on my SLRs , I noticed immediately that the shutter release button requires more pressure than I prefer , probably to avoid inadvertent picture taking in your pocket , given the portability , as others have mentioned . At least the steady shot and the 2 - second self-timer ( using tripod or other support , like roof of car , etc . ) features can improve some of those situations , unless there is motion in the subject . But I anticipate that this will be an adjustment . Personally , I am willing to work at that until I have the technique down ~ ~ as a tradeoff for all the fabulous features in the total package .
Fifth , the charger that came with the camera charged the battery in 90 minutes rather than the 5 1 / 2 hours stated in the manual ; but I followed the suggestion in the manual to leave it charging for an additional 60 minutes to get a full charge . I have taken hundreds of shots using the flash and in various higher resolutions , deleted lots of pics and uploaded about 50 shots to my computer , and the battery seems to have about 1 / 4 of the life left .
Sixth , I bought some accessories that are probably a very good idea ( suggestions I took from others in earlier reviews ) : an NP-FG1 extra battery , two 4GB Sony Mark II Pro Duo memory sticks ( not eBay knockoffs ) , an LED anti-glare protection film , and a slim case . I also bought some that are probably not at all necessary : a travel charger pack which is supposed to charge much faster than the one that came with the camera but which actually charged in the same 90 min . , and a media memory stick reader / writer because I didn't realize that the camera kit came with the USB cable to upload . Since this item can write to the memory stick , it will probably come in handy down the road .
Happy hunting and may you be at peace in your decision . . . .
Rennie
009 4 I am very particular about cameras . . . this one is by far the best camera i have ever used . the lighting is awesome . . plus the night mode actually works in comparison to my old casio camera . it has great auto detection features . plus the price of this camera is inexpensive compared to others . i highly recommend this camera to everyone ! !
010 4 I've used the camera extensively for 3 weeks ( hundreds of shots , dozens of videos )
Positives :
* Flexible Lens ( wide angle - 5x zoom ) .
* bright 3 LCD .
* HD ( 720p ) video ( superb video quality for this price range , though the audio isn't great ) .
* Good image stabilization . Maybe not the best out there , but I took telephoto shots at dusk with no blur ( ! )
* Great color fidelity . The Sony-ish colors we know and love .
* Excellent user interface and ergonomics ( be advised that buttons are small ) .
* Intelligent auto mode - determines the situation ( backlit , macro , indoor / outdoor , etc . ) and adjusts automatically
* Flexible focus and exposure options , plus face detection ( though this is more-or-less standard these days )
* Smile shutter was a lot of fun - - but probably not something I'm going to use often .
* Blink-detected warning ( Tells you if someone blinked in the photo you just took . ) Quite useful .
* Easily pocketable .
* Great-looking .
Negatives :
* Won't zoom while shooting videos
For the price ( it was on sale at 20% off ) , nothing comes close .
016 4 Guys , I've bought a w290 recently , I love it ! W290 is very easy to use and the pictures are wonderful , the movies are very good quality . It's really worth .
018 4 First of all , close pictures with no movement look outstanding ! And that is what I bought this camera for . What really got me to love this camera is the video mode , which shoots in 720p HD . I have uploaded some videos to my PS3 and the quality is awesome . My kids are 5 and 7 , and I will now finally have a quality hd recorder to save some of their childhood memories . And like I said , the pictures are nice too . - 1 star because of limited zoom and pics with movement .
019 4 After reading many positive reviews , I purchased the W290 for compact size to fit in my pocket , and the HD video . The 3 screen is great . I liked the camera's features and ease of use , but the still images were mediocre at best . I tried different focus zones , all image sizes , and scene settings . While the center of the photos were reasonably crisp , all images were noticeably soft around the edges . I compared the images with friends ' point and shoot cameras and found their 5 MP cameras took better photos . There was no comparison whatsoever in image quality with my Canon DSLR , but I was not expecting it either . I returned the W290 and I'm still shopping .
020 4 This is a nice camera . I love everythings on it . For features and specification you can look at on websites . There is one one important thing that I like to share my problem with this camera here :
I cant take a good shot in moving subject in low light even with a flash is on .
For examples : In a club , people at night party when they are moving slowly ( natural shots ) .
This camera doesn't has a manual mode so it is very difficult to take a good pictures for moving subjects .
Shutter is seem to be like at 1 / 30 seconds all the time when taking at low light even with flash on . I really hate that even at high ISO too .
With manual mode I just set shutter to 1 / 125 seconds and turn on flash then I can take razor sharp not out of focus of people are dancing in a club or party .
Sony must improve this camera by creating another mode like High shutter , Dance Club , or Moving subjects . . . or adding the manual mode for this camera .
Since Sony has built in shake free features , It is good for keep the camera steady when taking picture with bear hand without tripod , but it is useless for taking moving subjects at low light .
Other features are great love the quality and HD movie .
I guess I have to wait for a Sony W350 if sony has later . . .
022 4 This is the best camera I've ever owned . It takes amazing pictures and is super easy to use . The battery last a very long time even when taking multiple HD video shots . A highly recommended camera for the newer camera buyer .
024 4 The pictues from this camera are awesome . The only complaint I have - sometimes it doesn't take the time to focus and I get an occasional blurry photo . It could be me , I want to click quickly , but the quality of the photos are unbelievable . I use this camera as an additional one since I have a Nikon D300 too . So glad I bought it to take to Hawaii . It's lightweight and easy to take anywhere . The 5X zoom comes in handy . The flower pictures are clear and crisp .
026 4 The camera is pretty , but does have a bit of short comings .
The camera feels it was created for casual to non-important photos . During low or indoor lighting there is a lot of noise in the image . It's auto focus feature also struggles a lot . On outside , bright , images you don't notice the noise as much until you start to zoom in into the image .
The camera works relatively well in outdoor , open events and for the casual shot . I don't recommend it for indoor use as much . Color and noise will be a problem .
The image stabilization works most of the time , but only when the auto focuses onto something narrow .
You'll want to get a second battery just in case because I've experienced 180 shots per charge , and lower when Flash is used .
The burst mode is fun , but only when the auto focus centers on a narrow object and not on a wide focus .
The buttons are small and not easy to use with one hand .
It's hard to keep clean from smudges .
027 4 I bought this to replace my Sony Cybershot P - 8 . I have over 9,000 images recorded on it . Two thousand of these were after a piece of lumber fell on it and broke the LCD panel . The P - 8 had an optical viewfinder and the camera was still functional . The only drawback about the W - 290 is that it has no optical viewfinder . If the LCD panel breaks the camera will be non functional . I did not notice this until I had received it in the mail .
The smile shutter works , which amazed me . I don't know how it does it but it does . The blink detector also works as lauded . I also like the bracketing feature .
The easy mode should offer more features . It is very limited and offers no customization . With the P - 8 I almost never needed to change modes . With the W - 290 I find myself using all of the modes in a particular setting . One feature that I might need is only available in Intelligent other features are only available in Program mode .
I like the feel of the camera but I liked the shape and feel of the P - 8 better .
028 4 I got this for the video and It is as good or better than I expected . The photo quality isn't very good compared to other point and shoot cameras I have had , but I have a nikon d40 and d2x for great quality . I just like the fact that I can carry around one small camera in my pocket that will take decent photos and will shoot great videos , for that and the low price ( i got it at adorama for $219 ) I think it is an exceptional value . The videos are so much better than anything I ever shot on a point and shoot before . The image stabilization helps the video look more professional too . I am very happy with it .
029 4 This camera took blurry & grainy pictures indoors . compared to my old cannon S60 the quality is not good at all .
All the rest is very good :
The video is quality fantastic and the outdoors pictures are good .
The interface and menus are easy to work with .
I don't know if I got a lemon or if this is the standard quality . I returned this unit and will buy the cannon SD780 .
shame - wanted the wide angle view and the big zoom : - (
Thank you amazon for a great costumer service experience .
031 4 This is a great camera ! It knows what I want before I want it . Takes great close-ups , landscapes and everything in between .
032 4 This is a wonderful camera . The features are fun and very useable . The large screen is clear and easy to see in the sunlight . I love it .
033 4 Everything is awesome , the only feature missing is zoom capabilities while filming , you have to stop to move the zoom in and out .
For everything else is the best camera I have owned .
036 4 I had a Canon A540 that ran on AA batteries , which I didn't like . However , until recently the photos on the Canon were very nice , colorful and crisp . Recently , the flash stopped working , so I went looking for another camera . I really wanted to like the Sony camera , because we are extremely happy with our Sony HDTV . However , after spending a couple of days taking indoor photos and photos in cloudy dark weather , I discovered that the photos look soft or fuzzy under those conditions , when compared to the old Canon I had ( when it was working properly . ) Also , it didn't do well with moving pets , children , etc . It is a very easy camera to use and I liked the larger viewing window , but I was only happy with the photos taken in sunny light outdoors . I exchanged it for the Canon SD1200IS and took photos of pets , indoors and in the dark cloudy weather yesterday . All of the photos came out much crisper , clearer and with truer color that with the Sony . I think the Sony is an OK camera , but I wasn't happy with it .
037 4 This camera is feature laden and a great size , but it fails in the one basic area most people buy a camera . It doesn't take good pictures ! Way too many of our pictures turn out blurry , colors aren't vivid , lighting issues aren't handled well by the software . We bought this less than 6 months ago and are so disappointed we're already looking for a new camera .
043 4 I love the Sony line of digital point and shoot camera's . We just replaced our older Sony Cyber Shot DSC-S500 6.0 megapixel camera that we've had for years . I'm amazed at all the advanced features like the optical steady shot , all the different formats , the smile detector , burst mode ( it takes several shots per second ) , and on and on . The picture clarity is amazing as well as the video clarity . I wish they had kept the original AA battery design , but I just purchased a spare battery from Amazon that I keep charged and with me everywhere we go . I also upgraded the memory to 4 Gig and can't believe how many pics this camera will hold ! We just got back from a trip to the Carribean and took over 640 pics and 4 video's and still had 135 pics to go . Battery life so far has been great , but I would suggest to everyone to completely drain your battery prior to charging it for the first time . This is a several day process but it well worth it . Just leave the camera on in video mode until it dies . Then just keep turning it on until it stops turning on after several hours of rest . My next camera will be a Sony , but I'm sure that won't be for many years to come since these camera's are durable and reliable . Happy Shooting !
045 4 I deffintely like it . It is easy to use with a great quality of pictures . An item that you can use for official and personal memories .
047 4 great quality weight , so far very durable . buttons are somewhat small , but work for my hands ( has an easy function for simplicity ! )
love the quality of pictures and user-friendliness . a huge plus is the HD video capability . . . great asset . this camera is compatible with my Mac OS X , macbook , and loads easily into i-photo etc . definitely recommended .
049 4 This camera is good for who want just a picture that he / she not going to print in the wall ! IAuto mode is great choice and dual shooting as option is great one two . When I compare this Sony W290 with Nikon coolpix that I have , Nikon when in terms of picture quality and purity . In terms of battery Sony wins . But what about ease of use ? Sony wins also because my Nikon was not built for shaky hands people , where Sony is well-know for shoot-as-you-go concept .
Nikon picture quality is better than Sony but I got this as when I want take a picture for myself I will use someone help but that person could have a shaky hand which will result in bad picture quality and here Sony comes to save you . Without this option in Sony I would still use only Nikon . Of course I do use both now ; I would not give up Nikon which is made for professional people .
051 4 I love the camera ! ! ! Super easy to use , great picture quality , and looks sharp ! ! !
053 4 We have only had our camera for one month but so far we love it . It takes great pictures and it is easy to use .
055 4 I am very happy with my new camera . I already had a SONY mid-size , which I love , so this one was easy to learn how to use . Very similar . I liked that it uses the same battery and memory stick , so they are interchangeable . Disappointed that the cord is not the same ; it is something extra for me to take on trips . I love it for sharp close ups . It even does well for distance shots that I then crop . Of course , the blue color is great . I would recommend this camera to anyone who wants to be able to slip the camera in his / her pocket and take very clear pictures.The price was fair as well .
057 4 I am very satisfied with this camera . Easy to use and very good picture quality .
063 4 This camera works great as a snap and shoot camera . The bigger lens helps capture larger area . Only draw back is the continuous shooting feature . It needs to be enable / disable in the setup menu . You cannot select it on the fly . Basically makes it almost unusable .
065 4 Received the camera very quickly and in perfect condition .
A good camera for the price . When the battery is low , but still able to take pictures , the screen gets stripes across it . The marks don't come out on the pictures , but it's disconcerting . Also , you have to be very careful when you press the buttons . The camera is very sensitive , and it is easy to erase more pictures than you intend to .
The camera takes good pictures in different kinds of light , is easy to operate , and easy to understand . It also looks very nice . My son liked it , but this one is mine !
I would recommend this camera .
067 4 I fell in love with this camera ( Sony Cyber-shot w290 blue ) since the first time i saw it . I just had to get it ! Seriously , it's the best i've ever had . The picture quality is Great ! * picture perfect * . It also captures HD video . The only thing about this camera is that it's a bit Fat and with some weight to it , but i got used to it after awhile . Another little detail is the battery life , i wish it would last more but that depends on how much you use it of course , so i would recommend to buy a spare battery to have charged and ready to go . Other than that , this little baby is great ! i love the big screen it has . The menu is very easy to control . It's an attractive camera and for the price it's totally worth it .
074 4 I bought this camera for my wife for Christmas and it's worked out great so far . The camera is smaller than my wife's old camera , but the 3 display screen is actually bigger so it works out great and has good quality imaging .
The coolest thing we like so far though , is the smile shutter . We just had a baby and sometimes it's hard to catch his smile , however with the smile shutter it automatically takes a picture when he smiles . The sensitivity feature for it works great , and it's so easy to turn off and on , it's its own button on the top of the camera .
The only knock we have so far is the video quality is a little grainy , but we have a separate video camera . We only use this camera for video when the other one isn't available .
076 4 My new husband and I took this camera to Jamaica and had a blast with it !
It was so easy to use and the twilight feature with no flash is amazing for those night photos !
I highly recommend spending the extra money for this model . We couldn't have wonderful pictures
from our honeymoon to share with all of our friends and family without this camera ! The video was
amazing and the playback of videos have easy viewing with the big screen . We also loved
how small and portable so having it in a bag on the beach was no problem ! Highly recommended !
083 4 Every where I go I carry a camera . You never know when you'll need to video or photograph something or someone . When I purchased this camera I was very excited to see how it held up . There really are only two settings you'll use - video and basic photograph . But I have to say , I've never seen a camera take such sharp photographs as this camera . You literally just point and shoot and the contrast is amazing . The video footage is very clear but you'll need to make certain that it's completely in focus prior to hitting the record button . If not , the camera will take about a minute to refocus so the first part will be somewhat blurry . Once in focus the camera may as well be a full-fledged video camera . The sharpness is as distinctive as the protographs it produces . I love this camera and everyone who has seen the photographs have gone out to buy one for themselves . It's literally dummy-proof .
085 4 I am totally satisfied with the camera . I love the video quality and if you set it up right , the pictures are phanominal . This camera is definitely a value at the price . The color is a very sharp , ice blue , I love it .
087 4 Hi
overall i would have to say this is a good camera and a worthwhile investment for your average everyday snapshot photographer .
It is worthwhile to read the manual and get accostomed to the controls although you can basically power up and take shots without worrying to much .
the interface is fairly easy to navigate although i did have a problem one night turning on the flash in a dark area because i couldn't see the screen so sony might want to take that into consideration .
the HD video was quite nice , better than i expected , go to youtube and search for bball finals night in barbados to get an example . it functioned well in a low light setting although i was disappointed that there was no zooming in video mode , something to fix in my opinion .
regular snapshops were fine and i think the detail on the highest resolution we exception .
well done sony
minor issues to sort out only
thanks alot !
089 4 I bought the camera and I sent it to my daughter as a gift . My intention was to give her something that I could have back : too many great cool pictures of my 6 months grandbaby-girl ! And it worked ! ! ! She just loved the gift and told me how amazing is to use the camera and to get shots of the baby's smile ! Now I can see all the faces baby is making for grandmma !
I do recomend this product especially if you live faraway from your family !
093 4 We've had many cameras over the years but this is amazing . The Zeiss lens takes the sharpest photos . The instant you push the power button it is on and ready . The size and weight make it easy to carry in my purse so I take more photos . We love the wide angle lens . It is so smart it knows to chage to macro automatically or to take to exposures and let us decide what look we wanted . we just love it .
094 4 We bought this camera so that we had a new nicer camera for when our son was born ! We love it , it takes great pictures , takes them fast , and havent had any problems , battery life is great , however we bought another battery because we didnt want to be screwed if one was dead because we forgot to charge . . . .
highly recommend but get another battery . . . always nice to have a back up .
095 4 I resently got a chance to start using the camera . So far , so good . I getting use to several features on this model . I would like to have the manuel controls that comes on the 300 model , especially the shutter speed selection . The size and weight of the camera are just right . A view finder would do some good . Overall I would recomend this camera .
096 4 I like very much this camera ! It would be nicer if it had a manual setting .
098 4 This is a great camera , has some fun features , like the smile recognition , and the interface is reasonably easy to use after a bit of a play getting used to where everything is . It turns on quite quickly and takes nice photos , the only small complaint I have is that it is a little bigger than I would ideally like from a compact camera
100 4 this has to be , by far , the worst digital camera i've ever used ! ! ! i have had 2 sony's prior to this camera and have had no problems with them . this camera , however , is horrible !
I had this camera for 1 day and these are the problems i came across :
1 ) absolutely horrendous blurring in shots . i dont have shaky hands at all and out of approximately 20 shots i took , only 1 was in focus . i took some shots using a tripod and they came out fine but i've never had a problem w / blurry pictures when taking the shots by hand . . . lighting conditions were really good and still the shots were blurry ! ! !
2 ) terrible video ! ! ! while taking video and moving the camera around in good light conditions , the focus goes in and out ! i never had this problem with my other 2 sony cameras . . . you cannot watch a video you take with this camera - your eyes will go bad from the focusing issues .
stay away from this camera ! ! ! i am a sony fan but this camera really makes me think twice about their products . . . . so im returning it to amazon tomorrow and wondering what to replace it with . . . . in general , cameras have bad picture quality in low light conditions but this camera has bad picture quality in good light conditions ! this camera is unusable and worthless , IMO . at $30 , i still wouldnt buy this hunk of junk .
104 4 It is a great first camera . My wife loves it because is very easy to use .
105 4 I just have a question , if somebody could help me .
I'm planning to buy this camera , but I would like to know the duration of the warranty for this item .
Thanks
106 4 I Love it ! ! This is a great camera , easy to use and takes clear quality pictures . It also has great features and is very very user-friendly . I bought it to take lots of pics of my new grandson ! Sony has done it again ! ! THANKS ! !
114 4 I havent gotten my camera yet , but reading everybodys review , and checking other websites , Id say that this is a really good camera ! It takes good quality pictures , a nice big screen , and its not too expensive either . You should definitley get it .
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 $ $ $ ) .
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 .
001 4 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 $ $ $ ) .
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 .
021 4 You will not find a cooler looking and feeling camera anywhere ,
but alas , the following two issues were deal breakers for me
and I opted to return the camera and by a Panasoci Lumic DMC-ZR1
instead .
Sony issues :
1 ) NO ZOOM ABILITY in video mode .
2 ) Very soft photos - inconsistent photo quality .
I really wanted to love this camera because it is just so cool
looking and solid , but seeing soft blurry blotches on faces
in my photos is just not acceptable .
And how do they not include a zoom ability on the video mode ?
The Panasonic that I bought instead takes care of both issues .
While the low-light photo quality is not terrific on the Panasonic
either , the overall photo quality is better . And now I can zoom
in video mode - and with greater zoom ability , 12X .
077 4 Simply put , this camera is AWESOME ! It captures colors brilliantly and the image stabilizer makes images crystal clear .
The Intelligence feature is really cool . It's especially nice for those who don't understand photography . Use the program settings if you want the most professional looking photographs . You will not be disappointed . The program features are fun !
Anyone taking ALL bad shots with this camera has no clue what they're doing . Just like with any camera , you'll have a few bad shots from time to time . My suggestion , take a photography class or read the manual . It's not that hard .
109 4 I purchased a Sony CyberShot camera and was satisfied with the performance . I purchased it in May 09 and used it only 5 or 6 times . ( I have another non-auto 35mm I use for most occasions ) . It is stored in a padded case inside a dresser drawer in my bedroom . I live alone , no one else had access . Next time I went to use it , it had no charge . Used the wall charger to no avail . Hooked up to my computer . Again , no lights , no response , Nothing ! So After calling Sony's customer service ( received only an outgoing message referring to website ! ! , no ability to leave message or get a person . Spent an hour searching for warranty info on Sony's website . Followed instructions carefully and send in for service .
Received an email giving me 1 day to call them and respond to their repair estimate . Again , followed their instructions ( inconvenient , at best ) and was notified the warranty did NOT COVER the problem w / the camera . That an internal part was corroded . But , I bought the camera NEW from Amazon and NEVER got it near water . The unhelpful technician told me my only recourse was to contact Sony and he gave me a ' direct number ' for customer services . This number was the same as the one referenced above.Only an outgoing message ! !
DO NOT BUY SONY CAMERAS UNLESS YOU ARE WILLING TO PAY $300 FOR A DISPOSABLE CAMERA WITH ONLY 5 USES ! ! !
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 12 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom and Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization ( Dark Blue ) ( Electronics )
Bottom line : exceptional value and without the image-quality issues I've read so much about
I didn't rate this product 5 stars because of the shutter release button being tough to depress , which will cause problems for me perhaps forever but at least for a while . The LED screen smudges very easily , and the selection buttons on the back are very small but manageable . I think 4 stars is a very good rating and I probably would not find another similar product worthy of more than that . I like the fact that there is a video feature , but that is not important to me , so I don't care that there is no zoom feature while recording . Would be nice , but . . . . I am writing about the still-photo features .
Since my teal blue Sony Cybershot W290 arrived only 2 days ago , I am giving a review of my short-term experience with my first point-and-shoot digital camera . I do have decades of amateur experience with photography using several SLR models , so I appreciate the sophistication of the many advanced features which are simplified for the user in this model . Effects that used to take lots of study , practice and skill are now manageable right out of the box . I am far more impressed than I had ever expected to be . I think that this product is an exceptional value for the money . I did a lot of research ~ ~ before and since making my selection ~ ~ and in that process I've made some observations that might be worth sharing with those folks who are trying to decide on a purchase .
First , I noticed after repeated visits to this site that there seem to be more reviews and a higher dissatisfaction rate here depending upon the color of the Sony W290 camera body . I don't know what that might suggest , but it is of interest to me . I point it out because initially I did not realize that the reviews are organized by the specific details listed in the product description . I have read all the reviews on all available colors of the Sony W290 . Very few of the reviews are duplicated , so there are actually many more total reviews ~ ~ and what appears to be a much higher satisfaction rate overall ~ ~ if you add all Sony W290 reviews together and take a percentage of that total for each of the criteria evaluated .
Second , it seems unreasonable to me that such wide variation in satisfaction with picture sharpness and indoor lighting can be a result of production quality control . If that were the case , Sony would have been driven out of business long ago . I've read many comments on soft edges and clarity only in the central focus which are normal characteristics of a short depth of field . If all long distance photos have soft or blurry edges , that may indicate a faulty lens . Otherwise , that softness is more likely related to the mode / setup the user selected . And I took hundreds of indoor shots with no difficulty at all .
Third , I've seen no difference between the LED image and my high-resolution computer screen after directly uploading with the USB cable . I use a Mac with OS 10.4 , which can't use the PMB image software on the CD . It seems to me that the PMB program could account for image discrepancies many have described . I had a few pics printed at Costco today to check for consistency , with no problems to report . BTW , the handbook for my state on the CD was strictly in Japanese . It is available in English for download at the Sony website , which I bookmarked .
Fourth , while I have lots of experience at steadying shots on my SLRs , I noticed immediately that the shutter release button requires more pressure than I prefer , probably to avoid inadvertent picture taking in your pocket , given the portability , as others have mentioned . At least the steady shot and the 2 - second self-timer ( using tripod or other support , like roof of car , etc . ) features can improve some of those situations , unless there is motion in the subject . But I anticipate that this will be an adjustment . Personally , I am willing to work at that until I have the technique down ~ ~ as a tradeoff for all the fabulous features in the total package .
Fifth , the charger that came with the camera charged the battery in 90 minutes rather than the 5 1 / 2 hours stated in the manual ; but I followed the suggestion in the manual to leave it charging for an additional 60 minutes to get a full charge . I have taken hundreds of shots using the flash and in various higher resolutions , deleted lots of pics and uploaded about 50 shots to my computer , and the battery seems to have about 1 / 4 of the life left .
Sixth , I bought some accessories that are probably a very good idea ( suggestions I took from others in earlier reviews ) : an NP-FG1 extra battery , two 4GB Sony Mark II Pro Duo memory sticks ( not eBay knockoffs ) , an LED anti-glare protection film , and a slim case . I also bought some that are probably not at all necessary : a travel charger pack which is supposed to charge much faster than the one that came with the camera but which actually charged in the same 90 min . , and a media memory stick reader / writer because I didn't realize that the camera kit came with the USB cable to upload . Since this item can write to the memory stick , it will probably come in handy down the road .
Happy hunting and may you be at peace in your decision . . . .
Rennie
002 4 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 .
005 4 I bought this camera about 3 weeks ago to take on a biking / hiking / kayaking trip though Utah . During the trip I took about 512 pictures and a ton of HD video and was pretty impressed with how much of an improvement it was from my Sony DSC-W50 ( 6 MP camera ) .
Highlights :
* Great picture quality - especially for outdoor shots .
* HD Video is really great when staying still - HOWEVER it gets really shaky if you try and move too quickly . ( This is not a full blown HD camcorder replacement . ) I took about 30 seconds of video atop Angels Landing in Zion Park and just slowly rotated 360 to capture the view . At home , my friends were stunned by the beauty of the park and the details the video captured .
* HD video was easy to edit in both Movie Maker ( I have a Vista Ultimate PC ) and new Mac Book Pro . You will need a pretty speedy processor to edit large chunks of video as it really makes the computer work .
* Picture modes are great - IF you are a point and shoot person . ( Like me ) A friend on the trip was a bit frustrated by the lack of fine tune options - he kept turning down my EV setting to make the sky look dark blue VS whitish blue .
Lowlights :
* I wish there was a mode to shoot fast action shots . ( Maybe I haven't found it yet ? ) I had a few shots of bikers zipping by that just looked like blurs .
* The huge display on the back seems to drain the battery . I would need to charge the camera every other day ( and sometimes every night ) with a lot of use .
All in all , I think this is a great little camera ( you can fit it in your pocket ) with lots of features and HD video .
007 4 This review is from :
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 12 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom and Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization ( Dark Blue ) ( Electronics )
Bottom line : exceptional value and without the image-quality issues I've read so much about
I didn't rate this product 5 stars because of the shutter release button being tough to depress , which will cause problems for me perhaps forever but at least for a while . The LED screen smudges very easily , and the selection buttons on the back are very small but manageable . I think 4 stars is a very good rating and I probably would not find another similar product worthy of more than that . I like the fact that there is a video feature , but that is not important to me , so I don't care that there is no zoom feature while recording . Would be nice , but . . . . I am writing about the still-photo features .
Since my teal blue Sony Cybershot W290 arrived only 2 days ago , I am giving a review of my short-term experience with my first point-and-shoot digital camera . I do have decades of amateur experience with photography using several SLR models , so I appreciate the sophistication of the many advanced features which are simplified for the user in this model . Effects that used to take lots of study , practice and skill are now manageable right out of the box . I am far more impressed than I had ever expected to be . I think that this product is an exceptional value for the money . I did a lot of research ~ ~ before and since making my selection ~ ~ and in that process I've made some observations that might be worth sharing with those folks who are trying to decide on a purchase .
First , I noticed after repeated visits to this site that there seem to be more reviews and a higher dissatisfaction rate here depending upon the color of the Sony W290 camera body . I don't know what that might suggest , but it is of interest to me . I point it out because initially I did not realize that the reviews are organized by the specific details listed in the product description . I have read all the reviews on all available colors of the Sony W290 . Very few of the reviews are duplicated , so there are actually many more total reviews ~ ~ and what appears to be a much higher satisfaction rate overall ~ ~ if you add all Sony W290 reviews together and take a percentage of that total for each of the criteria evaluated .
Second , it seems unreasonable to me that such wide variation in satisfaction with picture sharpness and indoor lighting can be a result of production quality control . If that were the case , Sony would have been driven out of business long ago . I've read many comments on soft edges and clarity only in the central focus which are normal characteristics of a short depth of field . If all long distance photos have soft or blurry edges , that may indicate a faulty lens . Otherwise , that softness is more likely related to the mode / setup the user selected . And I took hundreds of indoor shots with no difficulty at all .
Third , I've seen no difference between the LED image and my high-resolution computer screen after directly uploading with the USB cable . I use a Mac with OS 10.4 , which can't use the PMB image software on the CD . It seems to me that the PMB program could account for image discrepancies many have described . I had a few pics printed at Costco today to check for consistency , with no problems to report . BTW , the handbook for my state on the CD was strictly in Japanese . It is available in English for download at the Sony website , which I bookmarked .
Fourth , while I have lots of experience at steadying shots on my SLRs , I noticed immediately that the shutter release button requires more pressure than I prefer , probably to avoid inadvertent picture taking in your pocket , given the portability , as others have mentioned . At least the steady shot and the 2 - second self-timer ( using tripod or other support , like roof of car , etc . ) features can improve some of those situations , unless there is motion in the subject . But I anticipate that this will be an adjustment . Personally , I am willing to work at that until I have the technique down ~ ~ as a tradeoff for all the fabulous features in the total package .
Fifth , the charger that came with the camera charged the battery in 90 minutes rather than the 5 1 / 2 hours stated in the manual ; but I followed the suggestion in the manual to leave it charging for an additional 60 minutes to get a full charge . I have taken hundreds of shots using the flash and in various higher resolutions , deleted lots of pics and uploaded about 50 shots to my computer , and the battery seems to have about 1 / 4 of the life left .
Sixth , I bought some accessories that are probably a very good idea ( suggestions I took from others in earlier reviews ) : an NP-FG1 extra battery , two 4GB Sony Mark II Pro Duo memory sticks ( not eBay knockoffs ) , an LED anti-glare protection film , and a slim case . I also bought some that are probably not at all necessary : a travel charger pack which is supposed to charge much faster than the one that came with the camera but which actually charged in the same 90 min . , and a media memory stick reader / writer because I didn't realize that the camera kit came with the USB cable to upload . Since this item can write to the memory stick , it will probably come in handy down the road .
Happy hunting and may you be at peace in your decision . . . .
Rennie
011 4 This review is from :
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 12 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom and Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization ( Dark Blue ) ( Electronics )
This is the single worst Sony product I have ever owned . I'm a BIG Sony fan as you can see by the currently owned Sony Cameras in our family :
- DSC-W170 : Wonderful camera , buy it if you can find it !
- DSC-H7 : Super family camera , takes excellent sports shots of the kids !
- DSC-P73 : Older 4meg camera that the kids use now , very nice photos for 5x7s
- DCR-HC46 : Descent Compact Digital Tape Camcorder with fair camera , good value .
- MVC-FD91 : Old Floppy disk 1meg digital - amazing in its day ! !
This w290 one has fewer controls on the body , they are hidden in the software but nowhere near the level you used to get with the DSC line from Sony . No option other than the 3in screen ( which is beautiful ) so no way to save power with an optical viewfinder .
The absolute kiss of death for me is that the W290 took terrible indoor photos , about 1 out of 10 were usable . I thought , well it doesn't do low light well . So I took it on a field trip with my daughters Kindergarten class to a nature center on an absolutely beautiful clear day - same story , horrible pictures . The W170 , under identical conditions , produced 8 out of 10 usable photos .
The HD videos are worthless without the HD cable that is not included . They just plain won't play well on any of my computer based video players and I updated all their CODECs .
So , stay away , far away and get a different Sony . Sad , I really wanted to like this model . I have returned mine to Amazon , first time ever with a Sony .
012 4 This is the single worst Sony product I have ever owned . I'm a BIG Sony fan as you can see by the currently owned Sony Cameras in our family :
- DSC-W170 : Wonderful camera , buy it if you can find it !
- DSC-H7 : Super family camera , takes excellent sports shots of the kids !
- DSC-P73 : Older 4meg camera that the kids use now , very nice photos for 5x7s
- DCR-HC46 : Descent Compact Digital Tape Camcorder with fair camera , good value .
- MVC-FD91 : Old Floppy disk 1meg digital - amazing in its day ! !
This w290 one has fewer controls on the body , they are hidden in the software but nowhere near the level you used to get with the DSC line from Sony . No option other than the 3in screen ( which is beautiful ) so no way to save power with an optical viewfinder .
The absolute kiss of death for me is that the W290 took terrible indoor photos , about 1 out of 10 were usable . I thought , well it doesn't do low light well . So I took it on a field trip with my daughters Kindergarten class to a nature center on an absolutely beautiful clear day - same story , horrible pictures . The W170 , under identical conditions , produced 8 out of 10 usable photos .
The HD videos are worthless without the HD cable that is not included . They just plain won't play well on any of my computer based video players and I updated all their CODECs .
So , stay away , far away and get a different Sony . Sad , I really wanted to like this model . I have returned mine to Amazon , first time ever with a Sony .
013 4 This review is from :
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 12 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom and Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization ( Dark Blue ) ( Electronics )
At first I posted great reviews for this camera . I had taken some out door shots and video . . . viewing them at reduced size everything looked fantastic . Then I started taking indoor shots and editing my full-size images . Wow , what a huge let down . This camera isn't good value for the money . It's $200 + of disappointment .
I took some indoor shots . . . wow . . . unbelievably awful . Unless you're taking indoor photos in a room lit with insanely bright light , then expect to get tons of noise in your photos . I could hardly salvage any photos that could be printed above 5x7 because the noise is so bad . Tried to take photos during a special occasion dinner in a restaurant ( restaurant was somewhat dimly lit as most are ) and ALL BUT THREE of my photos were blurry and filled with noise ( and I took 25 photos ! ! ) . I'm leaving for vacation in two weeks and have returned this camera for a Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 . Yeah , it's $90 more , but I think that's more than worth it to correct the Sony's horrible indoor picture quality - - plus the DMC-ZS3 adds a TON of extra features ( and 12x zoom ) . EVERY image taken with the DSC-W290 is grainy . Will it be fine for 4x6 and 5x7 images ? Sure . If you want anything bigger than that , or expect to crop and zoom out of full-size images , then forget it . This camera takes the softest photos I've seen in its class . It's just a major disappointment on every level .
Spend another $75 - $100 and get a camera with great image quality . Sony has tried to pack this one with all of the latest features and forget one important thing . . . it's a camera - - it's supposed to take good photos . It doesn't .
014 4 At first I posted great reviews for this camera . I had taken some out door shots and video . . . viewing them at reduced size everything looked fantastic . Then I started taking indoor shots and editing my full-size images . Wow , what a huge let down . This camera isn't good value for the money . It's $200 + of disappointment .
I took some indoor shots . . . wow . . . unbelievably awful . Unless you're taking indoor photos in a room lit with insanely bright light , then expect to get tons of noise in your photos . I could hardly salvage any photos that could be printed above 5x7 because the noise is so bad . Tried to take photos during a special occasion dinner in a restaurant ( restaurant was somewhat dimly lit as most are ) and ALL BUT THREE of my photos were blurry and filled with noise ( and I took 25 photos ! ! ) . I'm leaving for vacation in two weeks and have returned this camera for a Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 . Yeah , it's $90 more , but I think that's more than worth it to correct the Sony's horrible indoor picture quality - - plus the DMC-ZS3 adds a TON of extra features ( and 12x zoom ) . EVERY image taken with the DSC-W290 is grainy . Will it be fine for 4x6 and 5x7 images ? Sure . If you want anything bigger than that , or expect to crop and zoom out of full-size images , then forget it . This camera takes the softest photos I've seen in its class . It's just a major disappointment on every level .
Spend another $75 - $100 and get a camera with great image quality . Sony has tried to pack this one with all of the latest features and forget one important thing . . . it's a camera - - it's supposed to take good photos . It doesn't .
015 4 The Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-W290 is an awesome point and shoot camera ! It takes excellant sharp , vivid and clear photos everytime ! The color is very accurate ! Love the bright , clear , great 3.0 color LCD screen ! The menu navigation is the easiest of any camera brand . The camera in Auto Intelligent mode , is so automatic , the camera does all the work for you ! Just aim and shoot ! Great photos everytime . The 720p HD video recording is also great ! You can playback the video and freeze frame were ever you like and make a photo copy of it . Great for active kids , just record them . Playback the video and pause when you see that perfect moment . Then save it as a photo ! Looks every bit as good as the regular photos , absolutely no difference . The Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-W290 is also one of the coolest , most modern looking cameras in it's price range ! It's very sturdy and well built . As with all Sony products ! Great battery life from the included lithium ion rechargable battery ! In it's price range the Sony DSC-W290 is very hard to beat ! Buy one , I'm sure you'll agree ! It's the BEST in it's class ! Plus , you get great professional Carl Zeiss German lenses ! The BEST in the industry ! Plus , they are used by NASA on the Space Shuttle !
023 4 This review is from :
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 12 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom and Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization ( Dark Blue ) ( Electronics )
The pictues from this camera are awesome . The only complaint I have - sometimes it doesn't take the time to focus and I get an occasional blurry photo . It could be me , I want to click quickly , but the quality of the photos are unbelievable . I use this camera as an additional one since I have a Nikon D300 too . So glad I bought it to take to Hawaii . It's lightweight and easy to take anywhere . The 5X zoom comes in handy . The flower pictures are clear and crisp .
025 4 This review is from :
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 12 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom and Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization ( Dark Blue ) ( Electronics )
The camera is pretty , but does have a bit of short comings .
The camera feels it was created for casual to non-important photos . During low or indoor lighting there is a lot of noise in the image . It's auto focus feature also struggles a lot . On outside , bright , images you don't notice the noise as much until you start to zoom in into the image .
The camera works relatively well in outdoor , open events and for the casual shot . I don't recommend it for indoor use as much . Color and noise will be a problem .
The image stabilization works most of the time , but only when the auto focuses onto something narrow .
You'll want to get a second battery just in case because I've experienced 180 shots per charge , and lower when Flash is used .
The burst mode is fun , but only when the auto focus centers on a narrow object and not on a wide focus .
The buttons are small and not easy to use with one hand .
It's hard to keep clean from smudges .
030 4 This review is from :
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 12 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom and Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization ( Dark Blue ) ( Electronics )
This is a great camera ! It knows what I want before I want it . Takes great close-ups , landscapes and everything in between .
034 4 This review is from :
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 12 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom and Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization ( Dark Blue ) ( Electronics )
Sometimes Sony puts out cameras that don't take pictures quickly or with good focus .
The DSC-W290 does much worse than its predecessor the DSC-W300 on both counts .
It frequently takes pictures that are blurry , despite taking too long between the button press and the picture actually being taken ( during which time it's supposed to be optimizing the focus , amongst other things ) . ( By the time the picture finally does get taken , whatever you were hoping to capture is probably already over . )
The inability to zoom in / out during video recording doesn't sound THAT bad until you buy the thing anyway & try using it ! Then you realize this is a MAJOR problem !
Watch out for Sony's deep discounts on the DSC-W290 , it's because relative to its predecessor the DSC-W300 & some competitor's models , IT'S A LEMON !
035 4 Sometimes Sony puts out cameras that don't take pictures quickly or with good focus .
The DSC-W290 does much worse than its predecessor the DSC-W300 on both counts .
It frequently takes pictures that are blurry , despite taking too long between the button press and the picture actually being taken ( during which time it's supposed to be optimizing the focus , amongst other things ) . ( By the time the picture finally does get taken , whatever you were hoping to capture is probably already over . )
The inability to zoom in / out during video recording doesn't sound THAT bad until you buy the thing anyway & try using it ! Then you realize this is a MAJOR problem !
Watch out for Sony's deep discounts on the DSC-W290 , it's because relative to its predecessor the DSC-W300 & some competitor's models , IT'S A LEMON !
039 4 This review is from :
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 12 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom and Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization ( Dark Blue ) ( Electronics )
This was a purchase for our 13 year old . She finds it easy to use and handy . The memory card does require a device that fits over it in order to create photos at a store . This sleeve was not included in the camera and we have not been able to find one anywhere . The photo shop we use does have one .
041 4 This review is from :
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 12 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom and Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization ( Dark Blue ) ( Electronics )
I've had a Sony DSC - 290 for just about a year - - I bought the camera for a trip to Europe last summer with my dad . The camera LCD stopped function in the middle of our trip ( fortunately , we had brought along a spare ) . Video records with a purple vertical line whenever there strong light in the picture . I sent the camera back for repairs and got it back last fall . Since then , the zoom has stopped working and I have to send it back again . I've been trying to send it back , but the Sony repair site hasn't been working . Also , note that this camera uses Sony's proprietary memory sticks instead of the standard SD cards . That would be fine , except for the fact that memory sticks are about twice as expensive for the same amount of memory .
All in all , I have not been very happy with this camera and will not be buying a Sony next time .
042 4 I've had a Sony DSC - 290 for just about a year - - I bought the camera for a trip to Europe last summer with my dad . The camera LCD stopped function in the middle of our trip ( fortunately , we had brought along a spare ) . Video records with a purple vertical line whenever there strong light in the picture . I sent the camera back for repairs and got it back last fall . Since then , the zoom has stopped working and I have to send it back again . I've been trying to send it back , but the Sony repair site hasn't been working . Also , note that this camera uses Sony's proprietary memory sticks instead of the standard SD cards . That would be fine , except for the fact that memory sticks are about twice as expensive for the same amount of memory .
All in all , I have not been very happy with this camera and will not be buying a Sony next time .
044 4 This review is from :
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 12 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom and Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization ( Dark Blue ) ( Electronics )
I deffintely like it . It is easy to use with a great quality of pictures . An item that you can use for official and personal memories .
046 4 This review is from :
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 12 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom and Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization ( Dark Blue ) ( Electronics )
great quality weight , so far very durable . buttons are somewhat small , but work for my hands ( has an easy function for simplicity ! )
love the quality of pictures and user-friendliness . a huge plus is the HD video capability . . . great asset . this camera is compatible with my Mac OS X , macbook , and loads easily into i-photo etc . definitely recommended .
048 4 This review is from :
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 12 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom and Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization ( Dark Blue ) ( Electronics )
This camera is good for who want just a picture that he / she not going to print in the wall ! IAuto mode is great choice and dual shooting as option is great one two . When I compare this Sony W290 with Nikon coolpix that I have , Nikon when in terms of picture quality and purity . In terms of battery Sony wins . But what about ease of use ? Sony wins also because my Nikon was not built for shaky hands people , where Sony is well-know for shoot-as-you-go concept .
Nikon picture quality is better than Sony but I got this as when I want take a picture for myself I will use someone help but that person could have a shaky hand which will result in bad picture quality and here Sony comes to save you . Without this option in Sony I would still use only Nikon . Of course I do use both now ; I would not give up Nikon which is made for professional people .
050 4 This review is from :
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 12 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom and Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization ( Dark Blue ) ( Electronics )
I love the camera ! ! ! Super easy to use , great picture quality , and looks sharp ! ! !
052 4 This review is from :
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 12 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom and Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization ( Dark Blue ) ( Electronics )
We have only had our camera for one month but so far we love it . It takes great pictures and it is easy to use .
054 4 This review is from :
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 12 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom and Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization ( Dark Blue ) ( Electronics )
I am very happy with my new camera . I already had a SONY mid-size , which I love , so this one was easy to learn how to use . Very similar . I liked that it uses the same battery and memory stick , so they are interchangeable . Disappointed that the cord is not the same ; it is something extra for me to take on trips . I love it for sharp close ups . It even does well for distance shots that I then crop . Of course , the blue color is great . I would recommend this camera to anyone who wants to be able to slip the camera in his / her pocket and take very clear pictures.The price was fair as well .
056 4 This review is from :
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 12 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom and Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization ( Dark Blue ) ( Electronics )
I am very satisfied with this camera . Easy to use and very good picture quality .
058 4 This review is from :
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 12 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom and Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization ( Dark Blue ) ( Electronics )
Pretty good little camera . The video feature is cool , that's the reason for the purchase . Although the zoom is not that far . After I purchased this camera from Amazon , I found it cheaper at Best Buy . Also , I could've taken it back and exchanged for the color my daughter really wanted if I had purchased from Best Buy . Anyway , it takes great pics and serves it purpose . I would purchase it again . It's the best buy for what we were looking for .
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom and Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization ( Blue )
059 4 Pretty good little camera . The video feature is cool , that's the reason for the purchase . Although the zoom is not that far . After I purchased this camera from Amazon , I found it cheaper at Best Buy . Also , I could've taken it back and exchanged for the color my daughter really wanted if I had purchased from Best Buy . Anyway , it takes great pics and serves it purpose . I would purchase it again . It's the best buy for what we were looking for .
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom and Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization ( Blue )
060 4 This review is from :
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 12 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom and Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization ( Dark Blue ) ( Electronics )
CONS : No Manual Mode ( you can't adjust shutter speed ) , Proprietary Battery , Proprietary Output Cable
My old DSC ( Cyberhot ) had manual mode with all options adjustable , my old DSC used any AA battery of my choice , my old DSC used the standard mini USB connection and a standard A / V output jack . These features alone kept me from rating this 5 stars . Additionally , it doesn't use the regular memory stick my old DSC used .
PROS : Pretty much everything else . Great price , very small and portable , easy to use , many options for taking pictures , surprisingly great video quality ( though without zoom option ) that I viewed on a 55 TV , picture quality is obviously not at the level of an SLR , but I am very happy with it .
Overall I recommend the W290 as a simple , easy to use , inexpensive point and shoot camera . I feel like it is a bit of a downgrade from my old DSC in terms of manual mode , battery type , output cable type , and memory stick type , but I still like it .
061 4 CONS : No Manual Mode ( you can't adjust shutter speed ) , Proprietary Battery , Proprietary Output Cable
My old DSC ( Cyberhot ) had manual mode with all options adjustable , my old DSC used any AA battery of my choice , my old DSC used the standard mini USB connection and a standard A / V output jack . These features alone kept me from rating this 5 stars . Additionally , it doesn't use the regular memory stick my old DSC used .
PROS : Pretty much everything else . Great price , very small and portable , easy to use , many options for taking pictures , surprisingly great video quality ( though without zoom option ) that I viewed on a 55 TV , picture quality is obviously not at the level of an SLR , but I am very happy with it .
Overall I recommend the W290 as a simple , easy to use , inexpensive point and shoot camera . I feel like it is a bit of a downgrade from my old DSC in terms of manual mode , battery type , output cable type , and memory stick type , but I still like it .
062 4 This review is from :
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 12 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom and Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization ( Dark Blue ) ( Electronics )
This camera works great as a snap and shoot camera . The bigger lens helps capture larger area . Only draw back is the continuous shooting feature . It needs to be enable / disable in the setup menu . You cannot select it on the fly . Basically makes it almost unusable .
064 4 This review is from :
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 12 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom and Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization ( Dark Blue ) ( Electronics )
Received the camera very quickly and in perfect condition .
A good camera for the price . When the battery is low , but still able to take pictures , the screen gets stripes across it . The marks don't come out on the pictures , but it's disconcerting . Also , you have to be very careful when you press the buttons . The camera is very sensitive , and it is easy to erase more pictures than you intend to .
The camera takes good pictures in different kinds of light , is easy to operate , and easy to understand . It also looks very nice . My son liked it , but this one is mine !
I would recommend this camera .
066 4 This review is from :
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 12 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom and Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization ( Dark Blue ) ( Electronics )
I fell in love with this camera ( Sony Cyber-shot w290 blue ) since the first time i saw it . I just had to get it ! Seriously , it's the best i've ever had . The picture quality is Great ! * picture perfect * . It also captures HD video . The only thing about this camera is that it's a bit Fat and with some weight to it , but i got used to it after awhile . Another little detail is the battery life , i wish it would last more but that depends on how much you use it of course , so i would recommend to buy a spare battery to have charged and ready to go . Other than that , this little baby is great ! i love the big screen it has . The menu is very easy to control . It's an attractive camera and for the price it's totally worth it .
068 4 I love the camera . It is easy to use and verry portible . The picture quality is amaysing and video is great at 720p resolution . I used to have a fujifilm s700 and this is way better and smaller . If you are considering another camera with simaller specs get this one ! I love phography and was origanally going to get an slr but this is way better in most ways . Im a guy and at first when I was about to order it I thought that the blue looks girlish . But when I opend the box I saw that it looked great for men and women .
069 4 This review is from :
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 12 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom and Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization ( Dark Blue ) ( Electronics )
Good size for travel , and routine fun shooting . OK for an amateur photographer , but that's it . Has some good features , but not much zoom so be prepared . I do like the size , and weight , and of course the color . I have the blue . Have not used it for scenery , so can't comment . All in all , I like it enough to have given one to a good friend for Christmas .
071 4 This review is from :
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 12 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom and Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization ( Dark Blue ) ( Electronics )
Even my wife likes it ! !
Very easy to use . Features are easy to understand and controls are of easy access .
What I like the most about it , besides its picture quality , it's the ability to play the photos and videos right on your TV using the audio / video cable included in the package . Videos are HD so if you have an HDTV . . . you will love it !
Automatic scene selection does what is * supposed * to .
Ah . . . the application that comes on the CD ( PMB ) I highly recommend it ( install it ) .
The only drawbacks are : Battery life , and the screen catches a lot of finger prints .
In summary , it's a wonderful camera for the amateur photographer who cares about picture quality and portability , at a very reasonable price .
Search no more . . . you won't regret it .
072 4 Even my wife likes it ! !
Very easy to use . Features are easy to understand and controls are of easy access .
What I like the most about it , besides its picture quality , it's the ability to play the photos and videos right on your TV using the audio / video cable included in the package . Videos are HD so if you have an HDTV . . . you will love it !
Automatic scene selection does what is * supposed * to .
Ah . . . the application that comes on the CD ( PMB ) I highly recommend it ( install it ) .
The only drawbacks are : Battery life , and the screen catches a lot of finger prints .
In summary , it's a wonderful camera for the amateur photographer who cares about picture quality and portability , at a very reasonable price .
Search no more . . . you won't regret it .
073 4 This review is from :
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 12 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom and Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization ( Dark Blue ) ( Electronics )
I bought this camera for my wife for Christmas and it's worked out great so far . The camera is smaller than my wife's old camera , but the 3 display screen is actually bigger so it works out great and has good quality imaging .
The coolest thing we like so far though , is the smile shutter . We just had a baby and sometimes it's hard to catch his smile , however with the smile shutter it automatically takes a picture when he smiles . The sensitivity feature for it works great , and it's so easy to turn off and on , it's its own button on the top of the camera .
The only knock we have so far is the video quality is a little grainy , but we have a separate video camera . We only use this camera for video when the other one isn't available .
075 4 This review is from :
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 12 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom and Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization ( Dark Blue ) ( Electronics )
My new husband and I took this camera to Jamaica and had a blast with it !
It was so easy to use and the twilight feature with no flash is amazing for those night photos !
I highly recommend spending the extra money for this model . We couldn't have wonderful pictures
from our honeymoon to share with all of our friends and family without this camera ! The video was
amazing and the playback of videos have easy viewing with the big screen . We also loved
how small and portable so having it in a bag on the beach was no problem ! Highly recommended !
078 4 This review is from :
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 12 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom and Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization ( Dark Blue ) ( Electronics )
First of all ; I purchased this camera specifically to take pictures and shoot movies underwater .
I combined this camera with the Sony MPK-WE Marine Pack , which I've reviewed at that particular product site .
Most of my usage , and the basis for this review , has therefore been below the surface .
The Good :
Instead of just good I would like to say : The Awesome .
The best feature of this camera - for me - is the fact that it has color modes for white balance underwater ; one for blue water and even one for greenish water . This helps to really bring out the appropriate colors underwater , and produces stunning images and movies . All the underwater movies ( 720p ) look absolutely amazing and crisp on a HD TV set ( 40 inch ) .
This camera also has a setting for the intelligent detection of scenery and lighting . This setting seems to work quite well in detecting landscape or macro mode , or settings for underwater .
With a 16GB Memory Stick PRO Duo there is plenty of space for tons of pictures and movies .
The Bad :
Somehow with all the latest and greatest technology on board , this camera will not allow you to zoom while shooting a movie . This is really too bad , as sometimes it is nice to go from an overview shot into more of a close-up .
In all fairness ; shooting a movie underwater does not really lend itself to zooming , as there is invariably some difficulty in holding the camera still .
Also ; this camera uses the Sony Memory Stick PRO Duo , and with SD cards becoming more of the norm , it seems silly for Sony to keep on peddling their own media .
The Ugly :
While this is a great camera ( and underwater housing combo ) for what I needed it to do , the most annoying and frustrating drawback is the fact that the focus while shooting movies is extremely poor . I understand that is is difficult enough to focus on a moving object in water that is also moving , but even in great shots where there is only one large object ( say a turtle ) in the foreground , the focus continually drifts in and out . At first I thought it had to do with the variable light distorted and morphed by the waves above , but even on cloudy days there were the same focus problems . A dark subject on a light background , or the reverse ; nothing seems to be good enough to hold focus all the way through , or even just for more than a couple of seconds . I have tried different focus / metering settings , all to no avail .
Bottom line :
In the end , and despite the frustrating focussing issue , this camera still gets four stars , as it has tons of useful features and it does produce amazing underwater footage and images .
I have included a few still images captured with this camera , but the movies I have made with it are even more stunning .
079 4 First of all ; I purchased this camera specifically to take pictures and shoot movies underwater .
I combined this camera with the Sony MPK-WE Marine Pack , which I've reviewed at that particular product site .
Most of my usage , and the basis for this review , has therefore been below the surface .
The Good :
Instead of just good I would like to say : The Awesome .
The best feature of this camera - for me - is the fact that it has color modes for white balance underwater ; one for blue water and even one for greenish water . This helps to really bring out the appropriate colors underwater , and produces stunning images and movies . All the underwater movies ( 720p ) look absolutely amazing and crisp on a HD TV set ( 40 inch ) .
This camera also has a setting for the intelligent detection of scenery and lighting . This setting seems to work quite well in detecting landscape or macro mode , or settings for underwater .
With a 16GB Memory Stick PRO Duo there is plenty of space for tons of pictures and movies .
The Bad :
Somehow with all the latest and greatest technology on board , this camera will not allow you to zoom while shooting a movie . This is really too bad , as sometimes it is nice to go from an overview shot into more of a close-up .
In all fairness ; shooting a movie underwater does not really lend itself to zooming , as there is invariably some difficulty in holding the camera still .
Also ; this camera uses the Sony Memory Stick PRO Duo , and with SD cards becoming more of the norm , it seems silly for Sony to keep on peddling their own media .
The Ugly :
While this is a great camera ( and underwater housing combo ) for what I needed it to do , the most annoying and frustrating drawback is the fact that the focus while shooting movies is extremely poor . I understand that is is difficult enough to focus on a moving object in water that is also moving , but even in great shots where there is only one large object ( say a turtle ) in the foreground , the focus continually drifts in and out . At first I thought it had to do with the variable light distorted and morphed by the waves above , but even on cloudy days there were the same focus problems . A dark subject on a light background , or the reverse ; nothing seems to be good enough to hold focus all the way through , or even just for more than a couple of seconds . I have tried different focus / metering settings , all to no avail .
Bottom line :
In the end , and despite the frustrating focussing issue , this camera still gets four stars , as it has tons of useful features and it does produce amazing underwater footage and images .
I have included a few still images captured with this camera , but the movies I have made with it are even more stunning .
080 4 This review is from :
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 12 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom and Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization ( Dark Blue ) ( Electronics )
I bought this camera thinking of giving it as a gift to my mom . I used to to see how it is , and now I have decided to keep it myself and buy another for my mom . I have used Canon S3IS for 2.5 years now . This Sony camera is better than my old Canon . Go for it .
082 4 This review is from :
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 12 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom and Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization ( Dark Blue ) ( Electronics )
Every where I go I carry a camera . You never know when you'll need to video or photograph something or someone . When I purchased this camera I was very excited to see how it held up . There really are only two settings you'll use - video and basic photograph . But I have to say , I've never seen a camera take such sharp photographs as this camera . You literally just point and shoot and the contrast is amazing . The video footage is very clear but you'll need to make certain that it's completely in focus prior to hitting the record button . If not , the camera will take about a minute to refocus so the first part will be somewhat blurry . Once in focus the camera may as well be a full-fledged video camera . The sharpness is as distinctive as the protographs it produces . I love this camera and everyone who has seen the photographs have gone out to buy one for themselves . It's literally dummy-proof .
084 4 This review is from :
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 12 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom and Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization ( Dark Blue ) ( Electronics )
I am totally satisfied with the camera . I love the video quality and if you set it up right , the pictures are phanominal . This camera is definitely a value at the price . The color is a very sharp , ice blue , I love it .
086 4 This review is from :
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 12 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom and Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization ( Dark Blue ) ( Electronics )
Hi
overall i would have to say this is a good camera and a worthwhile investment for your average everyday snapshot photographer .
It is worthwhile to read the manual and get accostomed to the controls although you can basically power up and take shots without worrying to much .
the interface is fairly easy to navigate although i did have a problem one night turning on the flash in a dark area because i couldn't see the screen so sony might want to take that into consideration .
the HD video was quite nice , better than i expected , go to youtube and search for bball finals night in barbados to get an example . it functioned well in a low light setting although i was disappointed that there was no zooming in video mode , something to fix in my opinion .
regular snapshops were fine and i think the detail on the highest resolution we exception .
well done sony
minor issues to sort out only
thanks alot !
088 4 This review is from :
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 12 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom and Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization ( Dark Blue ) ( Electronics )
I bought the camera and I sent it to my daughter as a gift . My intention was to give her something that I could have back : too many great cool pictures of my 6 months grandbaby-girl ! And it worked ! ! ! She just loved the gift and told me how amazing is to use the camera and to get shots of the baby's smile ! Now I can see all the faces baby is making for grandmma !
I do recomend this product especially if you live faraway from your family !
090 4 This review is from :
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 12 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom and Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization ( Dark Blue ) ( Electronics )
I only have 2 days with the cam , and i love it , take amazing pics no matter what , the quality of the video is really great .
092 4 I bought this camera for my wife as she wanted a small camera for her . Needless to say I love it as well . Pictures are sharp even in low lights and indoors . With my Canon she had trouble having a very steady hand for a good pic . With Sony Cybershot DSC W290 even my 5 year old took some awesome pictures . I am extremely happy with this purchase and just ordered an extra Memory card as the one I have is only 1GB . I would have given it 5 stars if it could use SD card and standard USB cable .
099 4 This review is from :
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 12 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom and Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization ( Dark Blue ) ( Electronics )
this has to be , by far , the worst digital camera i've ever used ! ! ! i have had 2 sony's prior to this camera and have had no problems with them . this camera , however , is horrible !
I had this camera for 1 day and these are the problems i came across :
1 ) absolutely horrendous blurring in shots . i dont have shaky hands at all and out of approximately 20 shots i took , only 1 was in focus . i took some shots using a tripod and they came out fine but i've never had a problem w / blurry pictures when taking the shots by hand . . . lighting conditions were really good and still the shots were blurry ! ! !
2 ) terrible video ! ! ! while taking video and moving the camera around in good light conditions , the focus goes in and out ! i never had this problem with my other 2 sony cameras . . . you cannot watch a video you take with this camera - your eyes will go bad from the focusing issues .
stay away from this camera ! ! ! i am a sony fan but this camera really makes me think twice about their products . . . . so im returning it to amazon tomorrow and wondering what to replace it with . . . . in general , cameras have bad picture quality in low light conditions but this camera has bad picture quality in good light conditions ! this camera is unusable and worthless , IMO . at $30 , i still wouldnt buy this hunk of junk .
101 4 This review is from :
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 12 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom and Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization ( Dark Blue ) ( Electronics )
love the look and the performance . good value for money . my first sony camera and im not disappointed .
103 4 This review is from :
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 12 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom and Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization ( Dark Blue ) ( Electronics )
It is a great first camera . My wife loves it because is very easy to use .
107 4 This review is from :
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 12 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom and Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization ( Dark Blue ) ( Electronics )
I was actually very happy about this little SONY camera :
Cool and stylish . Small and solid . Quick point and shoot . . . Until I saw the pictures on my computer !
Seriously , those are simply the WORST pictures I have ever seen ! The colors are not correct . The pictures are soft and FUZZY . In the same room , my ancient SAMASUNG Digimax S700 takes way sharper pictures than this SONY junk ! I have had enough of this SONY junk after around 80 shots ; it is going back !
STAY AWAY FROM SONY DSC-W290 camera . Yeah , some camera it is .
108 4 I was actually very happy about this little SONY camera :
Cool and stylish . Small and solid . Quick point and shoot . . . Until I saw the pictures on my computer !
Seriously , those are simply the WORST pictures I have ever seen ! The colors are not correct . The pictures are soft and FUZZY . In the same room , my ancient SAMASUNG Digimax S700 takes way sharper pictures than this SONY junk ! I have had enough of this SONY junk after around 80 shots ; it is going back !
STAY AWAY FROM SONY DSC-W290 camera . Yeah , some camera it is .
110 4 The quality of the photos with this camera is very disappointing . My older Sony DSC-T9 takes much better photos and it is 1 / 2 the megapixels .
I have owned about 5 digital cameras over the past 10 years , I did not even bother to try to take outdoor photos , and the quality is so poor indoors that it is on its way back to Amazon for a refund .
This was replacing my DSC-T9 that I must have dropped over a dozen times and finally it was showing an error code but still takes better photos then a new DCS-W290
I picked this camera because it had a wide angle lens that most compact cameras don't have . Now I have to figure out what I will replace it with .
111 4 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 !
113 4 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 .
