The DSC-W290 has all of Sony's latest technology like image stabilization, smile shutter and ability too record 720p HD movies. The camera itself is among the best in its class. It's start up time is pretty good and its continuous shot mode is above average. The all around response times are better than other cameras that are in the mid $200 range.

The camera is 12.1 megapixels with 5x optical zoom and a 3-inch LCD. This camera records in HD at 1280x720 at 30fps. The camera is made mostly of metal except for the plastic cover for the memory card and battery. The metal body does tend too be a fingerprint magnet. Weighing only 5.1oz makes this camera very portable and its dimensions make it so it fits into your hand well.

The Sony DSC-W290 does have its share of problems. In the movie mode function there is no optical zoom in it for you to use when filming. The image quality is another issue the images produced by this Sony camera are soft and noisy, even with the ISO at 80 (the base setting).

Overall the camera is an average performer when it comes too taking pictures. Sure it has a lot of features that most don't, but the picture quality isn't all that great. There are little things that lag here and there like the LCD, making this camera far from perfect. The great thing is that it is over priced. You can find one for as low as $200 and it comes in 4 different colors Blue, Black, Silver and Gold.