Sony Introduces the Cyber-Shot DSC-W290 Digital Camera
February 17, 2009 -- Sony today announced the new Cyber-shot DSC-W290 digital camera, a 12.1 megapixel model with 5x wide (28mm) optical zoom lens and 3.0" LCD screen. The camera is designed to make it easier to take the best pictures without changing settings.
The DSC-W290 also features an intelligent auto mode that helps the camera “think” for you to detect scene conditions and adjust
settings, especially in difficult lighting scenarios.
“This camera provides a seamless experience,” said Karim Noblecilla,
senior product marketing manager in Sony Electronics’ Digital Imaging
Division. “You can go from a walk in the park to taking pictures of a
flower and then back to beautiful landscapes or indoor birthday
parties, and the camera will know what to do to get the best shot.”
Additionally, intelligent auto mode enhances pictures of faces to
capture natural skin tones, identifies when your subject has closed
eyes, and helps reduce blur without damaging image quality.
Sony has combined three key technologies to make this camera smarter.
Intelligent scene recognition (iSNC) detects up to eight scenes,
recognizing objects, faces and lighting conditions (e.g. low light and
backlight). Then, in one-thirtieth of a second, it changes the setting
to get the best shot.
Face Detection
Face detection registers up to eight faces; adjusts focus,
exposure, white balance and flash; and detects motion. This intelligent
camera combines face detection with iSCN, featuring blink detection. It
takes two pictures and saves the one in which the subject’s eyes are
the least shut.
The W290 also has selected-face memory, which allows you to
zero in on the main subject’s face. The next time the camera detects
the priority face in the frame, it will automatically focus on that
person.
Optical SteadyShot Stabilization and Smile Shutter™
The W290 features Sony's Optical SteadyShot feature and Smile
Sutter™ technology. The Optical SteadyShot image stabilization feature
helps prevent blur due to camera shake without impacting image quality.
Equipped with Sony’s Smile Shutter technology, these cameras
automatically capture a smile the moment it happens.
Another advanced feature that sets this camera apart from most
digital still cameras is iSCN advanced. Noblecilla said the iAuto
feature increases the chances of getting a great shot. You can also set
up iSCN advanced as a permanent feature. When the scene has difficult
lighting such as backlight or low light, the camera will take two shots
within a fraction of a second using two alternative settings, so you
can select which picture you prefer.
HD Movies
The W290 features wide and
full-screen 720p movie recording at 30 frames per second in fine,
standard and VGA recording modes. The 720p movie resolution is three
times higher than VGA movies.
The movie function is based on the MPEG4 codec for video compression. Benefits of the format include high-quality video as well as PC-friendly files that are easy to
download, upload and share.
Easy navigation
Sony has simplified the display of options on the W290 to
make it easier for customers to use them. The most commonly used
features include shooting mode, zoom, play, delete and Smile Shutter.
These are available at a click or touch of a button. More sophisticated
users can select other shooting modes or change the settings using the
menu button.
Tools to Edit, Archive and Share
The W290 is equipped with tools to edit, archive and share. It has in-camera retouch features like red-eye correction and image management to easily sort through thousands of photos in calendar view or album view. You can group favorites and filter by baby, adult, all
faces or smiles. The PhotoMusic feature offers an HD slideshow mode
with transitions and music for viewing on the camera or television.
Bundled Picture Motion Browser (PMB) software allows you to quickly
organize images on a compatible PC and upload images to the Web. You
can search and organize images by event, smile or face, including
children and infants. Then you can display them in calendar or
chronological views organized into folders.
Pricing and Availability
The W290 model will be available in silver, black, blue and bronze for about $250.
Consumers can start pre-ordering these cameras in March at
www.sonystyle.com. They will be available for purchase in April online
at sonystyle.com, at Sony Style® retail stores
(www.sonystyle.com/retail ), at military base exchanges and at
authorized dealers nationwide.
