---
product_id: 10160429
title: "Cyber-shot DSC-W290 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom and Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization (Silver)"
brand: "sony"
price: "$394.52"
currency: USD
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 3
category: "Sony"
url: https://www.desertcart.us/products/10160429-cyber-shot-dsc-w290-12-1-mp-digital-camera-5x
store_origin: US
region: United States of America
---

# 720p HD video capture 12.1MP Super HAD CCD sensor 5x Optical Zoom Carl Zeiss lens Cyber-shot DSC-W290 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom and Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization (Silver)

**Brand:** sony
**Price:** $394.52
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Summary

> 📷 Elevate your everyday moments with pro-level clarity and effortless style!

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** Cyber-shot DSC-W290 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom and Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization (Silver) by sony
- **How much does it cost?** $394.52 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.us](https://www.desertcart.us/products/10160429-cyber-shot-dsc-w290-12-1-mp-digital-camera-5x)

## Best For

- sony enthusiasts

## Why This Product

- Trusted sony brand quality
- Free international shipping included
- Worldwide delivery with tracking
- 15-day hassle-free returns

## Key Features

- • **Steady Shots, Always:** Optical SteadyShot image stabilization ensures blur-free photos and smooth HD videos, even on the move.
- • **Zoom Into Perfection:** 5x Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar optical zoom lets you frame your story from wide-angle landscapes to close-up portraits flawlessly.
- • **Smart Auto Mode Magic:** Intelligent iAuto mode reads your scene and lighting to deliver perfectly balanced shots effortlessly—stress-free photography.
- • **Crystal-Clear 12.1MP Shots:** Capture every detail with Sony’s Super HAD CCD sensor for vibrant, professional-quality images.
- • **Share-Worthy 3” LCD Display:** Review your masterpieces on a large, crisp Clear Photo LCD screen, making every shot Instagram-ready before you even upload.

## Overview

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 is a sleek, compact digital camera featuring a 12.1MP Super HAD CCD sensor, 5x Carl Zeiss optical zoom lens, and Optical SteadyShot stabilization. It offers 720p HD video recording, a 3-inch Clear Photo LCD, and intelligent auto modes that optimize settings for stunning photos and videos. Perfect for millennials seeking a stylish, easy-to-use camera that delivers sharp images and smooth video with minimal fuss.

## 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.

Review: Love it! - I originally bought a Sony DSC-S950, for around half the price of this camera, but I returned it the same day due to a faulty flash bulb. I decided to upgrade to the W290, because I wasn't very happy with the S950 - it felt cheap, and lacked features. I've put together this list of pros and cons of this camera. Don't let the seemingly long list of cons scare you though, as they are all quite minor and not even important enough for me to rate this camera anything less than 5 stars. I just felt it was necessary to list everything I could think of. Sorry, I couldn't properly review the HD Video capability, because I don't have the HD cables (see below), and my computer seems to be too slow to properly play back HD video. Pros: -BRILLIANT colors! I am very very impressed with the colors in my shots, especially when shooting outdoor scenery shots (which is primarily what I purchased this camera for). -Night-time shots using a tripod turn out very well also, giving as much detail as one could see with their naked eye. -Smile shutter, as mentioned in previous reviews, works flawlessly. One thing that doesn't seem to be mentioned anywhere, is that when it's in Smile Shutter mode, it will continue to snap photos automatically as long as it keeps detecting smiles, which is very cool. So if you are taking a group picture, and you're one of those people that likes taking 3 shots of the same thing "just in case", just keep on smiling and the camera will take care of that for you. -there's a 3-shot burst mode, where it automatically takes 3 pictures when you click the button: one with your default EV, one at -1EV, and one at +1EV (or different intervals even, if you choose). That once-in-a-lifetime shot you take will have 3 different versions automatically, and you can choose the one you like the most and delete the rest later. -The Intelligent Auto mode works fantastically, it takes a lot of the stress out of taken urgent pictures. The only time I ever don't use it is when I have plenty of time to plan for a shot. -Startup time is great! I've seen other complaints from people that say this camera takes too long to startup and be ready to use, but those people must be the most impatient people ever, because this thing is faster than any other camera I've owned, digital or otherwise. When you click the power button, the lens fires out lightning fast and the screen immediately displays the picture and is ready for action. Probably takes about 0.5 seconds from pushing the button to being ready to use. Cons: -Plastic cover on LCD screen protrudes from the camera body, making it more easily scratched. I would recommend getting some screen protectors, as I'm about to do. -the jack for the all-in-one cable is on the bottom of the camera, which will be great once a dock is available, but in the meantime it's a very inconvenient place to plug in the cable. It forces you to lay to camera on either the lens side, or the LCD side (which, as mentioned above, is designed in such a way that it could be scratched quite easily without a screen protector) -Doesn't come with HD video cables, only the typical yellow/red/white RCA analogue cables. Seeing as how this camera records HD video, it would be nice to be able to play it back in HD on my tv without burning it to a DVD first. You can buy the HD cables from sony if you really need them, though. -Comes with an NP-BG1 battery, which disables the camera's ability to show you the remaining minutes. You have to buy the optional NP-FG1 battery to see that. That's the only difference, both batteries have the same capacity. It was obviously designed that way to force us to buy a second battery... but that was fine with me, since I planned on buying one anyways. I would definitely recommend this camera to anyone looking for a great quality point-and-shoot digital camera!
Review: Great Little Camera Loaded With Features - Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 12 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom and Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization (Blue) When I broke my last camera (also a Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290) while I was on vacation, I replaced it with another Sony DSC-W290. I had the first one over a year before I stupidly stuffed it in the pocket of my cargo shorts and jumped on the wild and crazy Simpsons ride at Universal Studios, in Florida. As Bart says, "Eat my shorts..." and that's what the camera did. Had the DSC-W290 been equipped with a view finder to supplement its sizable color display, I would still be using my old W290. But, alas, there is no such view finder on the W290, and when the display shattered I was operating in the blind. Other than that the W290 has everything I want in a snapshot-style camera. There are a few things you should do if you plan to purchase the W290: (1) Buy at least one Sony Memory Stick PRO Duo Magic Gate Mark 2 that holds at least 2GB (I have a 2GB and a 4GB as a backup); (2) Purchase a Sony carrying case that is compact enough to fit on your belt, but has a storage pocket large enough to hold a spare memory stick and a spare battery; it's much safer than your pants pocket; (3) Buy a Sony NP-FG1 Lithium battery; the camera comes with a Sony NP-BG1, but the NP-FG1 displays the minutes of battery life remaining before a recharge is necessary; (4) Don't carry the camera in your pants pocket unless you want to hear your wife express her opinion of your I.Q. and/or you plan to purchase a new camera shortly thereafter; (5) If you do plan to carry the camera in your pants pocket, you might want to buy accidental damage insurance for it, along with a set of wife-resistant earplugs. My replacement W290 is fully covered through a three-year Square Trade Warranty. Sony guarantees the W290 for the first year, but not against accidental damage or stupidity. You can find Square Trade Warranty on desertcart, at http://www.desertcart.com/SquareTrade-Camcorder-Warranty-Accident-Protection/dp/B002I03UQG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1293929931&sr=8-1. It's well worth the $39.99! Or, buy directly from Square Trade Warranty and you might find a better bargain. The W290 has been around for awhile, but the price keeps going up while most of its counterparts are going down faster than the Simpsons ride at Universal Studios. That's likely because Sony has packed this little gem with a bunch of quality features and it works like a charm. Finally, if you want a camera that allows you to take a snapshot with the touch of one button, or if you want to play with the settings, this is the camera you're looking for. Our now seven-year-old has been taking beautiful pictures with the W290 since she was six, while I like changing the camera settings. Either way, the pictures come out great.

## Features

- 12.1-megapixel Super HAD CCD image sensor
- 5x optical zoom, 28mm wide-angle Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens; Optical SteadyShot image stabilization
- 720p high-definition movie capture; BIONZ image processor
- 3.0-inch (230K pixels) Clear Photo LCD; Face Detection and Smile Shutter technology
- 11MB built-in memory; capture images to Memory Stick Duo/PRO Duo Media (not included)

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| ASIN | B001SEQPGA |
| Aperture modes | F2.8-F5.6 |
| Are Batteries Included | Yes |
| Aspect Ratio | 4:3 |
| Auto Focus Technology | Center, Contrast Detection, Live View, Multi-area, Single |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Autofocus Points | 9 |
| Battery Weight | 27 Grams |
| Best Sellers Rank | #85,140 in Electronics ( See Top 100 in Electronics ) #704 in Digital Point & Shoot Cameras |
| Bit Depth | 8 Bit |
| Brand | Sony |
| Built-In Media | Camera Body, Batteries, Remote |
| Camera Flash | Built-In |
| Camera Lens | 5x optical zoom, 28mm wide-angle, image stabilization |
| Color | Silver |
| Compatible Devices | HDMI-enabled devices, Computers, External Storage Devices via USB |
| Compatible Flash Memory Type | Memory Stick Duo, SD |
| Compatible Mountings | Sony E |
| Connectivity Technology | HDMI, USB |
| Continuous Shooting | 1.8 |
| Customer Reviews | 4.0 4.0 out of 5 stars (249) |
| Delay between shots | 0.56 Seconds |
| Digital Scene Transition | zoom |
| Digital Zoom | 10 |
| Digital-Still | Yes |
| Display Fixture Type | Fixed |
| Display Maximum Resolution | 1048576 pixels |
| Display Resolution Maximum | 230,400 |
| Display Type | LCD |
| Dots Per Screen | 230400 |
| Effective Still Resolution | 12.1 MP |
| Expanded ISO Maximum | 3200 |
| Expanded ISO Minimum | 80 |
| Exposure Control | Manual, Auto |
| File Format | JPEG |
| Flash Memory Bus Interface Type | Memory Stick |
| Flash Memory Installed Size | 11 MB |
| Flash Memory Speed Class | 6 |
| Flash Memory Supported Size Maximum | 32 GB |
| Flash Memory Type | Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo, Internal |
| Flash Modes | Auto, On, Off, Slow Synch |
| Focus Features | TTL (Multi, Centre, Spot) |
| Focus Mode | Continuous-Servo AF (AF-C) |
| Focus Type | Autofocus & Manual |
| Form Factor | Compact |
| Generation | 1 |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00027242749122 |
| HDMI Type | Built-in |
| Hardware Interface | Memory Stick Duo |
| Has Color Screen | Yes |
| Image Capture Type | Stills & Video |
| Image stabilization | Optical |
| Item Weight | 0.38 Pounds |
| JPEG Quality Level | Fine |
| Lens Type | Wide Angle, Zoom |
| Manufacturer | Sony |
| Manufacturer Part Number | FBA_DSC-W290 |
| Maximum Focal Length | 140 Millimeters |
| Maximum Image Size | 4000 Pixels |
| Maximum Shutter Speed | 1/1600 Seconds |
| Memory Storage Capacity | 11 MB |
| Metering Methods | Multi, Center-weighted, Spot |
| Minimum Focal Length | 28 Millimeters |
| Minimum Shutter Speed | 2 seconds |
| Model Name | FBA_DSC-W290 |
| Model Number | DSC-W290 |
| Model Series | DSC-W |
| Movie Mode | Yes |
| Night vision | No |
| Optical Zoom | 5 x |
| Photo Filter Thread Size | 46 Millimeters |
| Photo Sensor Resolution | 12.1 MP |
| Photo Sensor Size | 1/2.3-inch |
| Real Angle Of View | 54 Degrees |
| Remote Included | No |
| Screen Size | 3 Inches |
| Sensor Type | CCD |
| Series Number | 290 |
| Shooting Modes | Movie |
| Skill Level | Professional |
| Special Feature | Image Stabilization |
| Total Still Resolution | 12.1 MP |
| Total USB 2.0 Ports | 1 |
| Total USB Ports | 1 |
| Total Video Out Ports | 1 |
| UPC | 027242749122 |
| Video Capture Format | MPEG-4 |
| Video Output | HDMI |
| Video Resolution | 1280 x 720 (30 fps) 640 x 480 (30 fps) |
| Viewfinder | Electronic |
| Warranty Description | 1 year limited |
| White Balance Settings | Auto |
| Wireless Technology | Wi-Fi |
| Write Speed | 1.8 fps |
| Zoom | Optical Zoom |

## Product Details

- **Aspect Ratio:** 4:3
- **Brand:** Sony
- **Compatible Mountings:** Sony E
- **Expanded ISO Minimum:** 80
- **Image Stabilization:** Optical
- **Maximum Focal Length:** 140 Millimeters
- **Metering Description:** Multi, Center-weighted, Spot
- **Optical Zoom:** 5 x
- **Photo Sensor Technology:** CCD
- **Supported File Format:** JPEG

## Images

![Cyber-shot DSC-W290 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom and Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization (Silver) - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71vr5-Ox-NL.jpg)

## Available Options

This product comes in different **Color** options.

## Questions & Answers

**Q: Will the USB cable that this camera comes with be able to transfer pictures to any brand of laptop?**
A: I have to assume that it would. It uses a standard USB hook up that I use on my tower. I guess it depends on the USB outlet on your laptop.

**Q: what sd card should i buy with this camera like what's the name?**
A: Sony commitment to customer satisfaction is our top priority.  The types of memory cards that can be used with the camera are “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media, “Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo” media, “Memory Stick Duo” media, SD memory card, SDHC memory card and SDXC memory card.  Thank you, Amy (Online Social Support).

**Q: I need to know what kind of charger can tripod works for this camera?.**
A: Hi Elais, you can use the BC-TRX travel charger and any of the VCT tripod series. Thanks_Mitch

**Q: can this record video ?**
A: Hi! Yes. The Sony DSCW290 can record videos. -Anthony

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Love it!
*by C***T on April 9, 2009*

I originally bought a Sony DSC-S950, for around half the price of this camera, but I returned it the same day due to a faulty flash bulb. I decided to upgrade to the W290, because I wasn't very happy with the S950 - it felt cheap, and lacked features. I've put together this list of pros and cons of this camera. Don't let the seemingly long list of cons scare you though, as they are all quite minor and not even important enough for me to rate this camera anything less than 5 stars. I just felt it was necessary to list everything I could think of. Sorry, I couldn't properly review the HD Video capability, because I don't have the HD cables (see below), and my computer seems to be too slow to properly play back HD video. Pros: -BRILLIANT colors! I am very very impressed with the colors in my shots, especially when shooting outdoor scenery shots (which is primarily what I purchased this camera for). -Night-time shots using a tripod turn out very well also, giving as much detail as one could see with their naked eye. -Smile shutter, as mentioned in previous reviews, works flawlessly. One thing that doesn't seem to be mentioned anywhere, is that when it's in Smile Shutter mode, it will continue to snap photos automatically as long as it keeps detecting smiles, which is very cool. So if you are taking a group picture, and you're one of those people that likes taking 3 shots of the same thing "just in case", just keep on smiling and the camera will take care of that for you. -there's a 3-shot burst mode, where it automatically takes 3 pictures when you click the button: one with your default EV, one at -1EV, and one at +1EV (or different intervals even, if you choose). That once-in-a-lifetime shot you take will have 3 different versions automatically, and you can choose the one you like the most and delete the rest later. -The Intelligent Auto mode works fantastically, it takes a lot of the stress out of taken urgent pictures. The only time I ever don't use it is when I have plenty of time to plan for a shot. -Startup time is great! I've seen other complaints from people that say this camera takes too long to startup and be ready to use, but those people must be the most impatient people ever, because this thing is faster than any other camera I've owned, digital or otherwise. When you click the power button, the lens fires out lightning fast and the screen immediately displays the picture and is ready for action. Probably takes about 0.5 seconds from pushing the button to being ready to use. Cons: -Plastic cover on LCD screen protrudes from the camera body, making it more easily scratched. I would recommend getting some screen protectors, as I'm about to do. -the jack for the all-in-one cable is on the bottom of the camera, which will be great once a dock is available, but in the meantime it's a very inconvenient place to plug in the cable. It forces you to lay to camera on either the lens side, or the LCD side (which, as mentioned above, is designed in such a way that it could be scratched quite easily without a screen protector) -Doesn't come with HD video cables, only the typical yellow/red/white RCA analogue cables. Seeing as how this camera records HD video, it would be nice to be able to play it back in HD on my tv without burning it to a DVD first. You can buy the HD cables from sony if you really need them, though. -Comes with an NP-BG1 battery, which disables the camera's ability to show you the remaining minutes. You have to buy the optional NP-FG1 battery to see that. That's the only difference, both batteries have the same capacity. It was obviously designed that way to force us to buy a second battery... but that was fine with me, since I planned on buying one anyways. I would definitely recommend this camera to anyone looking for a great quality point-and-shoot digital camera!

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great Little Camera Loaded With Features
*by J***X on January 2, 2011*

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 12 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom and Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization (Blue) When I broke my last camera (also a Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290) while I was on vacation, I replaced it with another Sony DSC-W290. I had the first one over a year before I stupidly stuffed it in the pocket of my cargo shorts and jumped on the wild and crazy Simpsons ride at Universal Studios, in Florida. As Bart says, "Eat my shorts..." and that's what the camera did. Had the DSC-W290 been equipped with a view finder to supplement its sizable color display, I would still be using my old W290. But, alas, there is no such view finder on the W290, and when the display shattered I was operating in the blind. Other than that the W290 has everything I want in a snapshot-style camera. There are a few things you should do if you plan to purchase the W290: (1) Buy at least one Sony Memory Stick PRO Duo Magic Gate Mark 2 that holds at least 2GB (I have a 2GB and a 4GB as a backup); (2) Purchase a Sony carrying case that is compact enough to fit on your belt, but has a storage pocket large enough to hold a spare memory stick and a spare battery; it's much safer than your pants pocket; (3) Buy a Sony NP-FG1 Lithium battery; the camera comes with a Sony NP-BG1, but the NP-FG1 displays the minutes of battery life remaining before a recharge is necessary; (4) Don't carry the camera in your pants pocket unless you want to hear your wife express her opinion of your I.Q. and/or you plan to purchase a new camera shortly thereafter; (5) If you do plan to carry the camera in your pants pocket, you might want to buy accidental damage insurance for it, along with a set of wife-resistant earplugs. My replacement W290 is fully covered through a three-year Square Trade Warranty. Sony guarantees the W290 for the first year, but not against accidental damage or stupidity. You can find Square Trade Warranty on Amazon, at http://www.amazon.com/SquareTrade-Camcorder-Warranty-Accident-Protection/dp/B002I03UQG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1293929931&sr=8-1. It's well worth the $39.99! Or, buy directly from Square Trade Warranty and you might find a better bargain. The W290 has been around for awhile, but the price keeps going up while most of its counterparts are going down faster than the Simpsons ride at Universal Studios. That's likely because Sony has packed this little gem with a bunch of quality features and it works like a charm. Finally, if you want a camera that allows you to take a snapshot with the touch of one button, or if you want to play with the settings, this is the camera you're looking for. Our now seven-year-old has been taking beautiful pictures with the W290 since she was six, while I like changing the camera settings. Either way, the pictures come out great.

### ⭐ Worst Sony I've ever owned (and I own 5)
*by P***S on May 17, 2009*

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.

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*Product available on Desertcart United States of America*
*Store origin: US*
*Last updated: 2026-05-11*