Sony Cyber-Shot W290 Digital Camera Review

2009 was a great year for the announcement of new digital cameras. One that stands out as Best of Show in the Compact category is the Sony Cyber Shot DSC- W290. This snappy digital camera was announced early in 2009 yet is one of the best for the year. With a price tag suitable to most shopping budgets this 12 megapixel, 5x zoom digital has many advanced automatic shooting options all with a 3 inch LCD within the smart looking exterior.

Available in silver, black, blue, and bronze, this Sony Cyber Shot keeps the fine lines of Sony's W-series. It is a fun very cute slim styled digital with the ability to be pocketable even though it does have a little more weight than you might expect.

The custom controls are located on the back providing ease in adjustments without making it hard to handle or causing button depression miscues. The top is adorned by the usual three buttons; the power on/off, the shutter release and the Sony Smile Shutter providing the ability to instantly activate the see a smile take the shot feature.

Another new addition is the provision of checks and balances that if a user selected setting does not match another setting it will not let you select that setting; one handy feature for those new to the Sony line or digital camera photography for that matter to help provide the best image outcomes. While other digital camera lines make you guess what settings iare incompatible with another the Cyber-Shot W290, for example, will tell you onscreen that face detection is not available because of spot metering being selected.

One very cool provision in this nifty digital camera is when attempting to capture an image with obvious questionable lighting this Sony can be set to Advanced where the camera will automatically take two shots with different setting matches so you have a better chance of ending up with a picture you will be pleased with. The W-290 also has exposure bracketing which takes an amazing three snaps, one at your selected exposure and two additional shots one less exposed and one with added exposure.

The Sony Cyber-Shot W290 goes from ISO 80 up to ISO 3200 with the best quality at ISO 400 or less. So while making your decision on your next digital camera purchase for yourself or a great gift the W290 is a compelling package offering a great little camera at a budget friendly price with solid features and owner friendly usability and overall design. You will be happy with the Cyber-Shot W-290 as your next purchase choice.