Last update 28 September’09 – Review and Sample Photos @ WhatDigitalCamera
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 announced on February 17, 2009 is a 12.1 megapixel image stabilized compact digital camera that features 28mm wide angle 5x optical zoom, 3 inch LCD, 720p HD video, smile shutter, face detection, intelligent scene recognition, ISO range from 80 to 3200, camera dimensions are (approx.) : 3 7/8″ x 2 3/8″ x 29/32″ (97.6mm x 57.4mm x 22.6mm ) and it weighs approx. 6.1oz. (174g) – With battery and Memory Stick media.
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Review Index – (updated 28 September’09)
WhatDigitalCamera
“Image quality may not be perfect, but the fantastic low-light ability, excellent build quality, lightning-fast performance and the additional versatility of the 5x wide zoom and HD video recording make this camera outstanding value for money.”
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Camera Labs
“In image quality terms the Cybershot DSC-W290 is a little disappointing. In our quality comparison with the Canon Powershot A2100 IS and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS25 it came a close third with lack of image detail across the frame. If you view your photos full-frame on your PC screen you probably wouldn’t notice this, but if you want to crop, or make big prints it’s going to be a factor.”
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Trusted Reviews
“While it may not have the best picture quality in the world, and some of the controls are a little fiddly, if you want a camera that will take a good photo quickly and reliably in virtually any lighting conditions then the Sony W290 is very hard to beat. Excellent build quality, lightning-fast performance and the additional versatility of the 5x wide zoom and HD video recording make this camera outstanding value for money.”
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About.com
“For beginner photographers, the DSC-W290 is a very good option because it is so easy to create sharp photos in fully automatic mode, which Sony labels “easy mode.” (Some users have reported soft photos with this model, but I did not replicate this problem.)”
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Hardware Secrets
“The best feature, however, may well be the easy camera control offered by the Intelligent Auto mode. This makes it one of the first true point-and-shoot cameras that fully adjusts itself to take the best picture. Add that to the well-placed controls, the easier navigation, and the HD video mode and we think that Sony has a winner.”
DCResource
“Unfortunately, photo quality is the W290’s weak spot. On the positive side, exposure and color were good in most situations, save for some highlight clipping (common on compact cameras) and difficulty with my studio lamps (due to the lack of manual white balance). The not-so-good news is that the camera has soft, noisy images, with noticeable detail loss even at low ISOs. Whether it’s trees, grass, hair, or other low contrast details, the W290 makes them look awfully fuzzy.”
IT Reviews
“On balance, the images produced are mostly sharp and faithfully reproduce both original colour and contrast, although there is an occasional tendency to softness around the edges. Both casual and semi-serious snappers will generally be delighted with the number of aids to embellish and enhance their pictures and as such this is an attractive camera for the price.”
CNET
“The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 is a compelling package. Unless you’re extraordinarily picky about your photo quality, it’s a great pocket camera at a reasonable price with a solid combination of features, usability, and design.”
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]Sample Photos
[ISO Performance Photos @ Camera Labs]
[ISO Performance Photos @ Trusted Reviews]
[Sample Photos @ DCResource]
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Press Release
SAN DIEGO, Feb. 17, 2009 – Sony today announced five new Cyber-shot® cameras (models DSC-T900, DSC-T90, DSC-W290, DSC-W230 and DSC-H20) that make it easier to take the best pictures without changing settings.
The intelligent auto mode, available on the T900, T90, W290 and H20 models helps “think” for you and detect scene conditions then adjust settings, especially in difficult lighting scenarios.
“This camera provides a seamless experience,” said Karim Noblecilla, senior product marketing manager in Sony Electronics’ Digital Imaging Division. “You can go from a walk in the park to taking pictures of a flower and then back to beautiful landscapes or indoor birthday parties, and the camera will know what to do to get the best shot.”
Additionally, intelligent auto mode enhances pictures of faces to capture natural skin tones, identifies when your subject has closed eyes, and helps reduce blur without damaging image quality.
Sony has combined three key technologies to make these cameras smarter.
Intelligent scene recognition (iSCN) detects up to eight scenes, recognizing objects, faces and lighting conditions (e.g. low light and backlight). Then, in one-thirtieth of a second, it changes the setting to get the best shot.
Face detection registers up to eight faces; adjusts focus, exposure, white balance and flash; and detects motion. This intelligent camera combines face detection with iSCN, featuring blink detection. It takes two pictures and saves the one in which the subject’s eyes are the least shut.
The W290 and H20 cameras also have selected-face memory, allowing you to zero in on the main subject’s face. The next time the camera detects the priority face in the frame, it will automatically focus on that person.
The W230 model has iSCN that detects up to five scene conditions, face detection with child and adult priority, and the Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization feature. You can turn on these features in auto mode to make the W230 camera intelligent.
All of the new cameras have the Optical SteadyShot feature and Smile Shutter™ technology. The Optical SteadyShot image stabilization feature helps prevent blur due to camera shake without impacting image quality. Equipped with Sony’s Smile Shutter technology, these cameras automatically capture a smile the moment it happens.
Another advanced feature that sets these cameras apart from most digital still cameras is iSCN advanced. Noblecilla said the iAuto feature increases the chances of getting a great shot. You can also set up iSCN advanced as a permanent feature. When the scene has difficult lighting such as backlight or low light, the camera will take two shots within a fraction of a second using two alternative settings, so you can select which picture you prefer.
