Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 12.1 MP Digital Camera Review (Black)
January 12, 2010 by admin
Filed under Digital Camera
This camera does take great pictures. These days the cameras are very easy to operate with all of the auto settings and advanced face detection and scene recognition – it’s hard to mess up a shot.This camera is no exception and makes the user feel like a pro when taking pictures. However, here are some things to think about when buying this camera:
1) The controls are on the right rear side of the camera.In particular the W/T buttons and the directional pad/button – the W button is hard to press and the left side of the dpad as well.For some reason they are right up against the right side of the 3″ screen which causes a problem and you have to either reposition your finger or use your nail to press the buttons I mentioned.No, I don’t have large fingers – it is just a design flaw.The buttons are set below the screen – if they were raised there would not be a problem. If you really want to see what I mean look at the pictures here on Amazon and zoom in on the back panel picture. Something I never noticed before but the directional button even has a part of the 3″ LCD frame cut out because it is so close to the button.See for yourself….
2) The video is crisp and clear (720p) but you CAN NOT ZOOM while shooting video.Compared to the T500, T700, T900, T90 ect where you can zoom when recording video. Very disappointing and if someone here mentioned that in their review I wouldn’t have bought the camera – I bet people here don’t even own the damn thing.The steady shot works well too by the way.
3) There is a rattle when you shake the camera.This is apparent only when the camera is turned on so I think it is the lens cover(s) which retract and automatically opens and closes when you turn the camera on.The lens protector is very fragile and when closed you can push it open with your finger unlike the DSC-N1 that I had which was like solid doors covering the lens.
4) This thing is BIG!OK it’s not huge but compared to the W300 It’s thick. I know, it has a 3.0″ screen compared to a 2.7″ screen but it is heavier and thicker than the W300 and the T series but I want to compare apples to apples.
5) Switching from menus and functions is a bit slow.There is definitely a processing delay with video and some pictures that I took too. I wouldn’t begin to throw a number out there (seconds) but it is definitely slower than the W300 for good comparison.Turning the camera on – slight lag – lens pops out – it’s just a lot slower than the N1 and W300.
6) There is NO docking cradle, memory or a case provided with the camera. I like the new battery charger which does not have a power cord but has plugs that flip out so you just plug it into an outlet and walk away – when the indicator light is off you are done charging – really good idea!
7) You need two hands to operate this camera.With the W300 you can work the zoom and shutter button with your right had with ease.Not so with the W290.Watch that left hand too!The RF illumination is located right where you might put your left forefinger.Careful.
The shutter button is on top of the camera along with the power button and a new SMILE button.The smile button will automatically engage the smile detector and will snap a shot automatically when activated.Very cool.However, the button, along with the power button is so small and inset that you really have to wonder if you are pressing it or not.You do feel a click I should say so it isn’t that bad I guess.
Canon – who’s that?I don’t use their products – Sony only baby.This is a great camera but could be better.Like the T700 the T900 came out and fixed a lot of issues.The W300 is a better camera than the W290.I am sure they will come out with a W400?It will be great I am sure! Get this W290 camera for the price and basic functions as a starter camera.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom and Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization (Black)
Product Description:
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 camera combines style with power and intelligence. The W290 comes in 4 sophisticated colors and has a stylish look. With the W290 taking great pictures is now easier than ever. The iAuto mode goes beyond the traditional auto mode, thinking and working for you; recognizing scenes, lighting conditions, faces, and automatically adjusts camera settings resulting in clearer images, and faces with more natural skin tones and less blur. The W290 also features HD Movie mode, recording in 720p for capturing your precious moments on video. Compose, review, and share your memories on the large 3.0″ (230k pixels) LCD.
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