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Buy Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom and Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization (Black)

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List Price: $248.95
Best Price: $145.99
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Available in a variety of choice
Dark blue, Silver

Sony Cyber-shot DSC W290 camera combines style with strength and intelligence. The W290 comes in 4 sophisticated colors and a stylish look. With the W290 taking great photos is now easier than ever. The iAuto fashion goes beyond the traditional auto mode, thinking and working for you, recognition of scenes, lighting conditions, faces and automatically adjusts camera settings sharper images, and blurry photos with faces more natural skin tones and less. The W290 also has HD movie mode, recording in 720p for capturing your precious moments on video. Set, review and share your memories on the large 3.0-inch (230k dot) LCD screen.

Cyber-shot DSC-W290 Highlights

12.1-megapixel Super HAD CCD image sensor
A powerful 12.1-megapixel, 1/2.3-inch Super HAD CCD image sensor helps you capture gorgeous images with superb contrast and clarity down to the smallest detail. With 12.1 megapixels, you beautiful, photo-quality prints up to A3 + (13×19 inches) size, or crop your images and still way high-resolution images.

Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens with 5x optical zoom
The professional quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens with 5x optical zoom lens brings distant subjects closer for great outdoor, sports, travel and photographs.

Angle
A 28mm wide angle lens shows more of the scene you shoot, so you capture more complete images when shooting indoor group portraits, expansive landscapes, or architectural scenes.

3.0-inch Clear Photo LCD (230k pixels)
Generous 3.0-inch (230K pixels) Clear Photo LCD screen offers crisp, natural colors that makes it easy to compose pictures, read menus and photos, even in bright sunlight.

BIONZ image processor
The BIONZ processor delivers high resolution and fast performance you expect from a Sony digital camera.

Intelligent Auto Mode
Unlike traditional automatic mode, Intelligent Auto (iAuto) thinks for you, the recognition of scenes, lighting conditions, faces and adjusts the settings caused bright images with natural skin tones and faces blur minder. Enjoy all the technology without the Auto mode. Take a picture of a child on the playground, landscape shots, a beautiful flower or an indoor birthday party.

HD Movie
Put more of your memories in High Definition (720p) video. Record HD movies in 720p high definition MPEG4 format for stunning big-screen home movie playback. Take up to 29 minutes in 720p format (or up to 2 GB) per film.

Intelligent Scene Recognition
Intelligent Scene Recognition (iSCN) mode automatically conditions eight different types of scenes (Backlight, Backlight Portrait, Twilight, Twilight Portrait, Twilight with a tripod, Portrait, Landscape, Macro) and within one second of 1/30th detects selects the appropriate camera settings. iSCN has 2 modes: Advanced and Auto. In Auto mode the camera takes a single shot using the optimal settings. In Advance Mode, the camera takes a picture with the standard automatic settings, and in difficult lighting conditions (low light or backlight) immediately takes a second picture with optimized setting so you can choose what to keep.

Face Detection Technology
Face Detection Technology detects up to eight individual faces and controls flash, focus, exposure and white balance for accurate, natural skin tones with reduced red-eye to bring. It can also give priority to children or adults. Newly added Face Detection Motion adjusts ISO sensitivity and shutter speeds up the face when motion is detected, causing the subjects blur face.

Face Priority Selection
Focus, exposure and white balance for a particular face is now easier with selectable visual memory, even if the subject leaves the frame. This feature is ideal for weddings and other events, the goal is always to focus on one particular person.

Anti-blink Function
It is frustrating to think you’ve captured that perfect shot only to revise it later and discover one of your subjects blinked just as you press the shutter button. The Anti-blink function works to counter blinking and squinting help. When the camera is set to Soft Snap, the Anti-blink function imposes two images, recording only the photo with less squinting. If a flash is detected in other shooting modes, a warning will be displayed after the recording you make.

Red-eye reductions
Helps common red-eye problems.

Smile Shutter technology
The popular Smile Shutter technology automatically detects and captures a smiling face. Simply activate by pressing the Smile Shutter button and the camera will smile when it happens to capture. You can also select subject priority (Adult or child Priority or by using the cross-key buttons on the camera) and the degree of Smile Detection Sensitivity to high (small smile), medium (laugh) or low (grin). Great replacement for self-timer, once everything is ready smile and the camera will capture a smile.

Double Anti-blur Solution
The combination of Optical SteadyShot image stabilization and high ISO sensitivity helps compensate for shaky hands, minimizes blur and allows flash-free shooting to preserve the mood.

Optical SteadyShot image stabilization
Optical SteadyShot image stabilization uses a built-in gyro sensor to detect camera shake and automatically shifts the lens to help blur without affecting image quality to avoid.

High Sensitivity mode (ISO 3200)
High ISO allows for faster shutter speeds, so you can take pictures indoors or in low light without the need for a flash. In addition to High Sensitivity Mode (ISO), you can select up to eight ISO settings (Auto, 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200) when shooting in Program Auto Mode to adjust sensitivity to your shooting conditions.

Dynamic Range Optimizer Standard and Plus
Dynamic Range Optimizer (DRO) Standard and Plus uses a sophisticated algorithm to determine the best exposure and contrast settings for almost every conceivable environment. The result is a more natural images with clearer details that better match what your naked eye. DRO is particularly effective when shooting backlit portraits or any scene with dramatic contrast between background and foreground lighting. DRO Plus allows for even greater optimization by analyzing each region of an image and performing additional image processing.

Useful photo features
Choose from 13 convenient photo features rapid adjustment for specific shooting conditions. Photo modes include iAuto, Easy, Program, and Scene Selection, such as high sensitivity, Landscape, Soft Snap, Twilight Portrait, Twilight, Beach, Snow, Fireworks, Underwater and Gourmet Mode. Gourmet mode lets you capture the mouth watering culinary creations with all the color and clarity of the images you see in gourmet magazines.

9-point autofocus
Because an off-centered subject can be shot more interesting, a 9-point auto focus system measures nine precision focus points, allowing you greater creative freedom to compose your photos.

Burst mode
You can burn up to 100 photos in about 0.62 seconds (for each resolution, a high-resolution VGA mode. Results may vary based on settings and Memory Stick media is used).

Function Guide
This beginner-friendly optional function helps navigate through the various functions and settings displaying the description of chosen functions or settings on the LCD screen.

Simplified Buttons
Buttons and menus have been simplified to the fastest and easiest customer experience. Shooting dial focus on customer type: Easy, Intelligent Auto, Scene, Program and Film. Also frequently used functions like zoom, Play and Delete buttons are easy to hard. All other functions can be found under a menu button.

Easy shooting mode
Easy shooting mode, even beginners can take great photos. In Easy Recording program, easy to understand simple instructions displayed on the LCD screen and the camera switches to all auto settings with iSCN so you just picture without worrying about settings. The menu is also easier to play small, but straight ahead to provide operational features for those who fear that choosing the wrong settings.

High Resolution 16:9 Mode
Using the High Resolution 16:9 mode, images with high resolution images in the 16:9 aspect ratio favored by HDTV. This setting is ideal if you are planning your viewing images on a compatible HDTV and invite friends and relatives as part of a slideshow.

Memory Stick Duo Convenience
The Cyber-shot DSC-W290 camera accepts Memory Stick PRO Duo media (sold separately).

Stamina Battery Power
Provides extended battery life and capacity when using a fully charged lithium-ion battery. The included battery supports up to 220 shots.

Easy Image Management
Easy Image Management takes the hassle out of sorting large amounts of image data, so you can quickly select the desired pictures. Images can be viewed in four convenient ways: by Standard Folder view, Date view, Event view and Favorites showing only user-selected images. You can also use the power of Face Detection technology to filter by face type (choices include all people, children, infants, and smiles).

In-Camera retouching
Retouch and enhance your photos on the road with 10 in-camera editing functions: cut, Red-Eye Correction, Soft Focus, partial color, fisheye lens, Cross Filter, Radial Blur, Retro, Happy Face and Unsharp Masking effects.

Multi-purpose Resize function
The Multi-purpose Resize function lets you change the aspect ratio of an image in the camera, so you can adjust images if necessary, whether you want to view them on a compatible HDTV, or e-mail them / upload them to a blog.

HDTV compatibility
View your pictures and videos in stunning high definition on a Sony BRAVIA or similar HDTV using the optional VMC-MHC2 HD output adapter cable (sold separately).

PhotoTV HD
Bring your photos to life and enjoy highly detailed, sharp images with PhotoTV HD-capable Sony Bravia HDTV. PhotoTV HD fine tunes settings on your HDTV such as sharpness, gradation and color images that look more like actual printed photographs to display.

Wide Zoom Display
To use the entire image of the compatible HDTV screen (sold separately), Wide Zoom display automatically expands standard 4:3 and 3:2 images to 16:9.

PHOTO MUSIC function
PHOTO MUSIC combines images with music (5 minutes per track) for fun and entertaining slide shows to produce. The standard visual effects (Simple, Nostalgic, Active and Stylish). You can choose from pre-loaded tracks on the camera or transfer your own from a compatible PC (sold separately).

Picture Motion Browser Ver. 4.2.02
Sony PMB (Picture Motion Browser) PC software offers a simple, easy to use way to capture video and still images on your PC, as well as sort, edit, and output to data disc and the Web (compatible computer with internet connection required). Finding your images with PMB is easy to view calendar and search Wikipedia. Face search you can filter on faces (one or several) and a specific person’s face. Share pictures and videos on popular sites with Media Services function.

Product 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 screen, Face Detection and Smile Shutter technology
• 11MB built-in memory, images onto a Memory Stick Duo / PRO Duo media (not included)

 

Customer Review

Great camera with some set backs, April 24, 2009
By  BOGY. (CT)

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.
8) 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.

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Sharp, April 16, 2009
By  R Lovan “mrfollicle” (USA)

+This camera takes amazing pictures. Sharp, vivid, crisp, (insert synonyms here).

+Having such a high resolution is nice and the wide angle lens is great. It also has a little extra zoom than other point-and-shoots, which is another great feature. The smile detection feature is fun for about 30 minutes, but ultimately useless. (At least to me….)

+It has tons of little features and settings and even allows for some “editing” on the camera like red-eye removal and such.

-I do wish i could mess with the settings a bit more though. I like to be able to manually set the exposure time and mess with other things as well. These are unaccessible to the user. Regardless, it takes great pictures without me fiddling with things, so perhaps it is best. Though I do wish it had a long exposure setting to take some cool lightning shots or mess with light graffiti, but I think I’ll live.

-Also, you can’t zoom while shooting video. This is a bit of a frustration as well.

+The camera itself is amazingly small for it’s high resolution and hi-def video capabilities.

+Its construction is solid and the black looks pretty slick.

+Great “bang for the buck” camera. Simple enough for the family or girlfriend to use, and enough features and good enough quality for some more creative shots of my own. (and I don’t feel girlie carrying it, though there are other colors if that’s your thing…)

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Easy to use, fantastic photos, April 27, 2009
By  Bay Wiz (SF, CA)

I previously owned the Sony T500 because our family needs a camera that can take HD video, but also great photos in one package. I recently upgraded my personal camera and was going to hand down the T500 to my wife, but she did not like the all touchscreen controls. She prefers physical dials and buttons. So I sold off that camera and went in search of one with similar or better features that would be easy to use.

I ended up going with the W290 and it easily surpasses the T500 in photo quality. Right out of the box she was taking great photos on the auto setting. Low light shooting is problematic for all point and shoots, but the W290 did much better than I expected, just don’t expect miracles. The 3 inch screen is gorgeous. I don’t think I could ever go back to the 2.7 screens anymore.

The W290 is also priced well. It does cost more than a Flip HD or those other pocket HD camers, but purely from a video standpoint it’s far superior. From the much larger lense to the bigger screen, there is no comparison. Then you add the full features of a quality camera and it’s a no brainer. She’s very happy with it.

You also might want to read Canon Digital Rebel XSi

Buy Canon PowerShot SD780IS 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.5-inch LCD (Black)

Customer Rating:
List Price: $229.00 ; you save 22%
Price: See our price right now 

Available in a variety of choice
Silver, Deep red, Gold

It is the smallest digital SLR Canon has ever made, but the effect can not be greater. The PowerShot SD780 IS Digital ELPH captivates the senses with bold saturated colors and bold design that the original intensity of the most innovative camera technology Canon competitions. Even as a photo-taking conditions seems quite unforgiving, you have Canon on your side. So the photos you used to miss the images that you will get the parts, and the movies that you will never be taken before HD unforgettable.

PowerShot SD780 IS Highlights

12.1-megapixel resolution, 3x optical zoom lens with optical Image Stabilizer
Canon’s commitment to innovation defines the PowerShot SD780 excitement of IS Digital ELPH. 12.1-megapixel resolution is more than one number, it’s your cutting-edge link to the exceptional clarity and quality that you always wanted in your images. Think big and bold, oversized prints are sharp as a breeze. Get the picture? It’s absolutely brilliant. 
   
The PowerShot SD780 IS Digital SLR has a 3x optical zoom lens that makes it easy to inspiring, emotional close-ups make your images lasting memories. This magnificent lens gives you the ability to distant subjects with razor-sharp precision and stunning lifelike color shots. So you can brilliantly capture a closer shot of a landscape or a child a big smile.

The PowerShot SD780 IS Digital SLR is equipped with Canon’s acclaimed Optical Image Stabilizer Technology that automatically detects and corrects camera shake – one of the leading causes of fuzzy or blurry photos. Even when zoomed in, you can see the steady, crisp, brilliant images you’ll be proud to shoot and share. And Canon’s Optical Image Stabilizer Technology is so convenient to use. It works perfectly with or without flash.
  
HD movies plus HDMI output power
The PowerShot SD780 IS Digital ELPH lets you record video in beautiful High Definition (1280 x 720 pixels). The camera also makes it easy to HD movies (and still photographs) to enjoy on your HDTV with a mini-HDMI connector for direct connection to a high definition display. You will enjoy the HD experience with no degradation of picture or sound signal, plus the ability to display up to 130 photos at once.

Smart Car intelligently selects the correct settings
Canon PowerShot SD780 IS Set Digital ELPH for Smart Car and you’re ready for maximum enjoyment of your pictures every time. It is a relaxing and satisfying way to shoot because you can concentrate on your subject to know that the camera is below the technical details. Canon’s advanced technology analyzes your situation and intelligent shooting conditions. Then it automatically selects an appropriate set of 18 specially-defined settings. So whether you’re photographing flowers, an enchanting sunset or your friends at the park, you can rest assured that you get dramatic, memorable images.

Shooting Modes
Advanced settings for the best possible photos under certain conditions. With 20 shooting modes, you’re ready for whatever shot comes your way.

2.5-inch PureColor LCD II screen and a wide viewing angle
The PowerShot SD780 IS Digital ELPH gives you large 2.5-inch LCD screen for excellent control in developing your shots. Canon’s PureColor LCD II offers spectacular color, resolution and contrast even when in a corner. The screen is very durable and easy to see in a light with a scratch resistant, anti-reflective coating. It also features Night Display for easy viewing in low light – a perfect feature for gathering friends and family around your pictures.

A world of benefits with Canon’s technology

The DIGIC 4 image processor, Face Detection Technology has changed the faces of moving subjects and let the shooter seamlessly within the frame, Face Detection Self-Timer tracks.

DIGIC 4 image processor
most advanced image processor DIGIC 4 Canon, Face Detection technology has evolved provides that each face is in every photo look its best. Technology finds and tracks the faces of moving subjects until you’re ready to shoot, then it provides a perfect focus. Additionally, exposure, flash and white balance are offset so that faces show natural skin tones and backgrounds are properly exposed.

ISAPS Technology is an entirely original scene-recognition technology developed for digital cameras from Canon. Using an internal database of thousands of different photos, iSAPS works with the advanced DIGIC 4 image processor to focus speed and accuracy improve, exposure and white balance.

A Face Detection Self-Timer automatically increase the number of detects faces and the necessary adjustments. For example, to include the photographer’s face in a group, there is no need to rush in. Just the camera on a tripod or a tripod, specify Face Self-timer, and the camera will wait for the photographer’s face to get on camera before the shot. Motion Detection tracks moving subjects in a much greater range, and Servo AF retains focus on a moving subject after the shutter is pressed – so you wait for the perfect shot without refocusing.

Intelligent Contrast Correction
DIGIC 4 also makes it possible for the i-Contrast (Intelligent Contrast Correction) system, the compensation pixel units controls on the dark areas brighter when bright areas unchanged for better images where the main subject matter is dark, and much more natural transition . The PowerShot SD780 IS Digital ELPH can even use i-Contrast in playback mode, images shot without the setting activated to apply.

Red-eye Correction provides three options for removing red-eye from subjects in flash pictures.
1) Red-eye Correction during shooting actually identifies and corrects red eyes in human subjects as pictures are taken.
2) The PowerShot SD780 IS Digital ELPH can be set to automatically detect and correct red-eye during image playback.
3) You can manually search for any red eyes in a scene during image playback on the LCD screen, and command the camera to remove them.

Life does not give you second chances to capture special moments. That’s why the PowerShot SD780 IS Digital SLR features an ISO 1600 setting that reduces the effects of camera shake and sharpens subjects in low light situations, giving you greater shooting flexibility. ISO can be expanded to ISO 3200 when you select 3200 Special Scene mode.

What’s in the Box

• PowerShot SD780 IS Digital SLR Body
• Lithium-ion battery (NB-4L)
• Battery charger (CB-2LV)
• Wrist strap (WS-DC7)
• Digital Camera Solution CD-ROM
• USB interface cable (IFC-400PCU)
• AV cable (AVC-DC400)

 

Product Features

• 12.1-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality poster-size prints
• 3x optical zoom lens with Optical Image Stabilizer
• HD movie shooting capability plus HDMI output
• 2.5-inch widescreen PureColor LCD II screen; Face Detection
• Compatible with SD/SDHC, MMC/MMC Plus/HC MMC Plus (not included)

 

Customer Review

A True Pocket Camera with HD Video, March 16, 2009
By  U. Wilkins (San Jose, CA USA)

I just purchased this Canon on a whim, earlier today at Best Buy. I have been tinkering with it for the majority of the evening. My previous SD300 is still working like a champ, however I have been considering a video camera for some time…after some peering at the video camera counter I wandered over to the point and shoot table… what initially drew me in to the SD780IS was its appearance on the display stand. The sleek matte-black body is very eye-pleasing…then I looked at the specs. and realized that it shoots video in HD! (1280×720) Then all the other attributes made me realize that it was time to update my “everywhere, anytime” camera.
I proceeded to check out some of the other Canon SD cameras. The SD960 became the other candidate…it has a little more glass(4x)zoom, over the SD780′s (3x)zoom. The SD960 has an appealing f2.8 apeture over the SD780′s f3.2. The SD960′s screen is more tailored for the HD video capture as it has a 16:9 ratio LCD panel. (Kinda nice for instant viewing ON THE CAMERA)

After some thought I went with the SD780 for these reasons:

1. The HD video capability is awesome and comparible with the SD960. It has a HDMI jack. The traditional 4:3 screen does not bother me, because the video is ultimately going to be viewed on a HD TV.(There will be an upper and lower bar on 16:9 playback through the SD780′s LCD).

2.The weaker 3x zoom is not a big deal as this camera is for general shooting(out w/ freinds, bars, random afternoon at the beach, mountain biking, etc.)and with this camera EASLIY fitting in my jeans pocket or camelbak, the portability is what gives me the opportunity to document those moments, that would otherwise be missed. The SD960 is a little bulkier(but still small). I do also shoot with a Canon 40D, accompanied with L optics, but the weight and bulkiness do not lend to certain shooting circumstances. (as mentined above)

3. The user interface on the SD780IS is like most (if not all?) preceeding SD cameras. While there is not much control in the way of shooting settings, feature buttons like flash override, AE lock, AF lock, and exposure compensation are present on the camera body. The SD960IS has two buttons and a jog wheel, which lend to swims in the menu. I’m sure the new interface on the 960 is intuitive, but I liked the 780 due to its similarity to my old SD300.

I am very happy with the results produced thus far with the SD780IS. The HD video is excellant, however it should be known that once recording you can only zoom digitally. Low light cabilities and sound in video mode are excellent. The stills I have taken look great. Also, to the budget-minded who are upgrading from older digital point-and-shoots, a class 4 minimum 4GB or 8GB SDHC card would be well suited due to the demanding memory of the 12.1 million pixels, and HD video. Also, most old card readers will not process the the SDHC cards so you may have to purchase a new card reader as well.

I have to mention it again…the small size of the Canon SD780IS is mind-blowing…and the functionality actually mirrors its beauty.

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Revolutionary! Beautiful and Powerful, March 24, 2009
By  W. Chan (New York City)

OVERVIEW
Canon SD780IS is the perfect travel/everyday camera. It weighs a little over 4 ounces. The size of the camera is astonishing. It is smaller than my iPhone 3G and my wallet. I love the new 720p video recording HD feature on the 2009 Canon P+S line. The image stabilization for video/image stills is a winner. The clips are sharper and clearer than the clips from the Creative Vado HD and the Flip Video MinoHD.

PLAYBACK ON COMPUTERS
For video playback without choppiness on the computer, you need to have at least a Core 2 Duo 1.66 GHz or higher processor on Windows (Vista/XP SP2/XP SP 3) or Core Duo 1.66 GHz or higher processor on Mac OS X (v10.4-v10.5)

MEMORY CARD
You should get at least 8GB Sandisk Extreme III SDHC (Class 6 or higher) memory card for the camera. 4000×3000 resolution images can quickly fill up your 2/4GB SD memory card.

CONCLUSION
+ Quick Continuous Snapshots
+ 720p HD Video Recording with Image Stabilization
+ Lightning Quick Startup
+ Ultra-Compact Point & Shoot Camera (Thin + Light Combo)
+ Beautiful Design
+ Great for Beginners (Very Easy To Use)
+ Bright LCD Screen
+ DIGIC IV Technology
+ Blink Detection
+ Can Edit Video Clips on the go
+ Scene Detection Mode works Flawlessly

- No Optical Zoom in Video Mode while Recording (You can Digitally Zoom)
- Monotone Sound in Video Mode
- Only 3x Optical Zoom for image stills
- View Finder is Useless
- Little Noisy/Grainy when Using Higher Than ISO400 but Acceptable

SCORE/VERDICT
09/10: Recommended

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Amazing Things Sometimes Come In Tiny Packages, May 2, 2009
By  George D. Gates (Dallas, TX USA)

After researching ultra-compact cameras for 2 weeks, I had narrowed down my choices to this camera, the Canon SD880 IS and a couple of models from other manufacturers (though I knew in the end I’d choose a Canon). As with most electronic purchases I make, it was an agonizing process. Every camera had a feature that I wanted, yet none of them had everything that I wanted. I would have liked a bit more zoom, and other cameras have wider lenses. In the end, the three features that won me over were the amazingly small size, the ability to capture HD video at a resolution of 720p, and the HDMI out.

As for the performance, I couldn’t be happier. Many of the reviews I read before purchasing mentioned a high amount of noise, but in my experience it only occurs at higher ISO’s, is not very noticeable, and seems to be in line with other compact cameras that I’ve used, no more, no less. I would NOT let this be a determining factor if I were considering this camera.

This is my first camera with image stabilization and it’s works very well. On a recent trip I took over 500 pictures (and filled up less than 1/4th of my 8-gig card at the highest resolution), and not one of them ended up blurry. The AUTO feature has also proven to be much better than I had anticipated: it changes between 18 settings automatically, such as macro, bright sunshine, etc., and so far, it’s been right on the money. Another complaint that I’ve read is that viewfinder is useless. While it is quite tiny, I have actually used it, and I find it to be quite serviceable. At some point, a camera gets so small that it’s difficult to squeeze everything onto its surface area. Kudos to Canon for even including the optical viewfinder at all.

My complaints are few, and none would be a dealbreaker for me. The small size and smooth, symmetrical shape sometimes make it hard to tell which side I am holding onto when I take it out of my pocket. When attempting to push the power button, I will often realize I am pushing on the bottom of the camera. I have to actually look at it to tell what I am doing. Also, as stated previously, the HD video takes a pretty beefy CPU to play back smoothly. My PC is 4 years old and has a hard time keeping up. The easy solution to this is to play back directly to the monitor/TV with an HDMI cable. It seemed improbable to me that a video made with a camera this small would look good on a 55″ HD television. I was stunned at how sharp it looked.

The bottom line is that anybody looking for an ultra-compact camera is going to be extremely satisfied with this one. It doesn’t take the pictures that a digital SLR is going to, nor does it have the same features. But anybody looking at this camera realizes that already. I went to an arts festival last weekend and was AMAZED at how many people are lugging around DSLR’s these days. It seemed like every other person had one. When looking at performance vs. convenience and portability, I’ll take the SD780 any day.

.

Read also Kodak EasyShare C180 10.2MP Digital Camera

Buy Sony Cybershot DSC-W220 12.1MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Zoom with Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization (Black)

Customer Rating:
List Price: $186.95
Best Price: $129.99
See our option price 

Available in other color choices
Silver

This has it all. The Cyber-shot DSC-W220 combines a point-and-shoot ease of use with advanced features in a stylish, compact body. Smile Shutter technology lets you capture a smile the moment it happens, and the Carl Zeiss 4x optical zoom, optical SteadyShot image stabilization, and the 12.1-megapixel resolution, crisp, clear images to be delivered.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W220 Highlights

12.1-megapixel Super HAD CCD image sensor
A powerful 12.1-megapixel 1/2.3-inch Super HAD CCD image sensor helps you capture gorgeous images with superb contrast and clarity down to the smallest detail. With 12.1 megapixels, you beautiful, photo-quality prints up to A3 size, or crop your images and still come away with high-resolution images.

Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens with 4x optical zoom
4x optical zoom lens captures crisp images, even from a distance.

2.7-inch Clear Photo LCD (230k pixels)
Generous 2.7-inch (230K pixels) Clear Photo LCD screen offers crisp, natural colors that makes it easy to compose pictures, read menus and photos, even in bright sunlight.

BIONZ image processor
The BIONZ processor delivers high resolution and fast performance you expect from a Sony digital camera.

Face Detection Technology
Face Detection Technology detects up to eight individual faces and controls flash, focus, exposure and white balance for accurate, natural skin tones with reduced red-eye for beautiful images of family and friends to deliver. Face Detection technology can even distinguish between children and adults, so you can use the cameras focus on children in the scene for clear images of their priority memorable moments.

Smile Shutter technology
The popular Smile Shutter technology automatically detects and captures a smiling face. Choose the Smiley Face feature and the camera will smile when it happens to capture. You can also select subject priority (Adult or Child Priority or touch subject on screen) and indicate the degree of Smile Detection Sensitivity to high (small smile), medium (laugh) or low (grin).

Double Anti-blur Solution
The combination of Optical SteadyShot image stabilization and high ISO sensitivity helps compensate for shaky hands, minimizes blur and allows flash-free shooting to preserve the mood.

SteadyShot image stabilization
Optical SteadyShot image stabilization uses a built-in gyro sensor to detect camera shake and automatically shifts the lens to help blur without affecting image quality to avoid.

High Sensitivity mode (ISO 3200)
High ISO allows for faster shutter speeds, so you can take pictures indoors or in low light without the need for a flash. In addition to High Sensitivity Mode (ISO), you can select up to eight ISO settings (Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200) when shooting in Program Auto Mode to adjust sensitivity to your shooting conditions.

Useful photo features
Choose from 14 convenient photo features rapid adjustment for specific shooting conditions. Photo scenes, including Auto, Program Auto, Easy Shooting, Smile Shutter technology, high sensitivity, Landscape, Soft Snap, Twilight Portrait and scene selections such as twilight, Beach, Snow, Fireworks, Underwater and Gourmet Mode. Gourmet mode lets you capture the mouth watering culinary creations with all the color and clarity of the images you see in gourmet magazines.

Intelligent Scene Recognition in Action
Intelligent Scene Recognition (iSCN) Mode automatically detects five different types of scenes and selects the appropriate camera settings: Backlight, Backlight Portrait, Twilight, Twilight Portrait, Twilight and using a tripod. iSCN has 2 modes: Advanced and Auto. In Auto mode the camera takes a single shot by using the optimal settings. In Advance Mode, the camera takes a picture with the standard automatic settings and only if necessary, a second picture with optimized setting.

Dynamic Range Optimizer Standard and Plus
Dynamic Range Optimizer (DRO) Standard and Plus uses a sophisticated algorithm to determine the best exposure and contrast settings for almost any conceivable environment. The result is a more natural images with clearer details that better match what your naked eye. DRO is particularly effective when shooting backlit portraits or any scene with dramatic contrast between background and foreground lighting. DRO Plus allows for even greater optimization by analyzing each region of an image and performing additional image processing.

Function Guide
This beginner-friendly optional function helps navigate through the various functions and settings displaying the description of chosen functions or settings on the LCD screen.

Easy shooting mode
Easy shooting mode, even beginners can take great photos. In Easy Recording program, easy to understand simple instructions displayed on the LCD screen and the camera switches to all automatic settings, so you just picture without worrying about settings.

MPEG Movie VX Fine Mode
Capture VX Fine (640×480) audio / video clips at high frame rate (up to 30 frames per second). The maximum length of time you can shoot continuously is approximately 10 minutes.

High Resolution 16:9 Mode
Using the High Resolution 16:9 mode, images with high resolution images in the 16:9 aspect ratio favored by HDTV. This setting is ideal if you plan to view your images on a compatible HDTV and invite friends and family over for a slideshow.

Memory Stick Duo Convenience
The Cyber-shot DSC-W220 camera accepts Memory Stick Duo or Memory Stick PRO Duo media (both sold separately).

Stamina Battery Power
Provides extended battery life and capacity when using a fully charged lithium-ion battery. The included battery supports up to 370 shots.

In-camera retouching
Retouch and enhance your photos on the road with in-camera cropping and red-eye correction function.

HDTV compatibility
View your photos in beautiful high definition on a Sony BRAVIA or similar compatible HDTV using the included HD output adapter cable (VMC-MHC2, sold separately)

PhotoTV HD
Bring your photos to life and enjoy highly detailed, Full HD 1920×1080 images with PhotoTV HD-capable Sony Bravia HDTV (HDTV sold separately). PhotoTV HD fine tunes settings on your HDTV such as sharpness, gradation and color images that look more like actual printed photographs to display.

PHOTO MUSIC function
PHOTO MUSIC combines images with music to produce fun and entertaining slide shows. The five standard visual effects (Simple, Basic, Nostalgic, Active and Stylish) are supplemented with three face priority effects: Face1 (Basic), Face2 (Nostalgic) and Face3 (stylish). You can choose from eight pre loaded tracks on camera or transfer your own from a compatible PC (sold separately).

Wide Zoom Display
To use the entire image of the compatible HDTV screen (sold separately), Wide Zoom display automatically expands standard 4:3 and 3:2 images to 16:9.

Multi-purpose Resize function
The Multi-purpose Resize function lets you change the aspect ratio of an image in the camera, so you images if necessary, revise, or you want to view them on a compatible HDTV, email or upload to a blog (compatible computer with internet connection required) .

Picture Motion Browser Ver. 4.2
Sony PMB (Picture Motion Browser) software7 provides a simple, easy to use way to capture video and still images on your compatible PC, as well as sort, edit, and output to data disc and the Web. Finding your images with PMB is easy to view calendar and search Wikipedia. Face search you can filter on faces (one or several) and a specific person’s face. Share pictures and videos on popular sites with Media Services feature (internet connection required).

What’s in the Box

• NP-BG1 rechargeable battery
• BC-CSG battery charger
• A / V and USB multi-connector cables
• Wrist Strap
• Picture Motion Browser Ver. 4.2
• Note: No Memory Stick Duo or adapters are included.

 

Product Features

12.1-megapixel Super HAD CCD image sensor

Carl Zeiss 4x optical zoom lens; Optical SteadyShot image stabilization

BIONZ image processor delivers speed and precision

Face Detection; Smile Shutter technology

15MB built-in memory; capture images to Memory Stick Duo/PRO Duo Media (not included)

 

Customer Review

Great so far, May 6, 2009
By  J.P. (Western Maryland, USA)

I bought the Cybershot DSC-W220 for my mom’s birthday. She is by no means an enthusiast. It’s purpose is going to be primarily for family photos. We had a HP camera before and decided it was time to upgrade. She has sight problems and had trouble seeing pictures on the tiny Hp screen, but this 2.7″ LCD screen on the W220 helps her a lot.

The controls are easy enough that anyone in my family can use it, from a preteen to a grandfather. Most of the time, you can just leave it on the Auto setting and the camera will adjust settings automatically. There are separate buttons for Playback/Review, Menu, and Home next to the LCD screen. The On/Off button on the top of the camera is a bit hard to press (sometimes you have to use your nail), but it’s understandable because otherwise it’d be easy to accidentally turn the camera on/off. There is a light that comes on from the front so the subjects know when the picture is about to be taken. The Smile Detection automatically takes up to 6 photos, and has a smile meter showing scale of smile(s). Scene Detection detects scenes such as snow, beach, etc automatically and adjusts settings accordingly.

I was debating on whether to get this, the W230, or the Nikon Coolpix. The Nikon seems great but in-store testing demonstrated the quality of the pictures-they were too soft. The touchscreen feature was nice, but not nice enough for a sacrifice in quality. I was short on time, so I grabbed the W220 from BestBuy because the W230 was almost $100 more. After doing some research, and talking to a Sony rep, the only noticeable difference between the W220 and the W230 is the larger screen (2.7″ vs 3.0″, respectively). I wish now I had more time so that I could’ve gotten the W230 from the Sony website-it’s only $20 more!

There are a TON of features in this camera such as Smile Detection, Facial Recognition, and technology to reduce blur caused by shaky hands. This is by far the most bang for the buck for me.

Pros:
Sharp, clear pictures
The HD Video it records in 1080 is excellent
4x optical zoom
scene recognition pics the adjustments for the scene
smile detection automatically takes up to 6 shots when subject(s) are smiling
countless others

Cons:
The only two things I could find so far were that the Smile Detection feature doesn’t work with small smiles, and in some cases, one of the subjects had to smile very wide to activate it.

Also, the camera uses the Memory Stick system (like most of Sony’s products), not SD Cards like most other cameras, so if you’re thinking about purchasing this, be sure to get the Memory Stick (they’re cheap on amazon, but expensive on Sony’s website. Don’t even think about ebay-some are cheap chinese knockoffs that quit working within a few months and all your data is erased-I bought one for my PSP and this is what happened!)

I’ve only owned for a day, so I’ll update this in a few weeks. Oh, and be sure to read the manual for some great tips or charging, photo quality, etc. Most manuals are a drag to read but this has got to be one of the few manuals that is well written. If there are questions anyone has before purchasing, don’t hesitate to leave a comment and I’ll get back ASAP.

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Shoots like it’s 3x its size, July 21, 2009
By  Fryfat (San Francisco, CA)

I bought this last month to replace my older cybershot, and am impressed with the upgrades Sony has made to this line.

What I love:
* The automatic “Easy” mode is quite good, great for those times when you need a quick shot of something you weren’t expecting, or for beginners who don’t like playing with settings.

* Wide angle zoom

* indoor shots look great, even under incandescent bulbs

* Closeups give good detail. Flowers and insects make good models.

* Connects to my HDTV to show off photos

* Ultra compact, easy to carry

* Great battery life

What I hated:

* No SD card support, this is a Sony product so it will only use Sony’s proprietary media, which is more expensive.

* While the battery is great, I’d still prefer AA rechargables, since buying an AA battery is easier than finding an outlet while traveling.

* Lens has some color issues in the wide angle end, as well as soft corners

* Zoom moves in large steps, what if I want in-between?

* Menu system is confusing

* No optical viewfinder, meaning I always have to use LCD. Would be nice to save on batteries sometimes.

This little camera suits me well, and I’ve been using it over my canon elph. I have nicer cameras, but I never seem to have them when the most interesting things in my life happen. Compatcs, like this guy, are with me all the time. And with 12P to work with, I can still make large prints like I would with my better cameras.

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Value for the money, August 16, 2009
By  Vince Biasiotta “Tr00per” (Cleveland, Oh)

I have had this camera for more than a month, if you want a basic digital camera that is not confusing and takes great pictures this is an ideal camera. If you want good movie capture than stay away, this is for taking photos not video although the video can be good if indoors and good lighting. I like the ability to choose between HD and SD easily and has the ability to take HD photos in 16:9 format for viewing on wide screen HD tv’s I have done that a bit and found the pictures to be crystal clear, I have a 55″ sony HDTV and if you are concerned about your pictures looking grainy when blown up, Don’t.
I feel very happy with this purchase and would recommend to anyone looking for digital camera for under $200. I have no regrets. I wanted a camera to take great HD photos, quality optics, 4x optical zoom and compatible with my other media. I would rate this camera above average in photo quality and speed of use. I did not give this a five star rating because the burst mode is not very fast and I would have liked a few more features like more complex settings for iso and focus adjustments but then again I was not expecting a full feature set for a non SLR under $200. Very strong Value for the dollar you will enjoy, PS, I am using sandisk pro duo memory sticks and works just fine, Sandisk is so much less expensive than the actual sony pro duo’s

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