The W290 is a rock-solid point-and-shoot camera with a great lens and good capabilities. It incorporates several useful new features including smile detection, and face memory detection. The best feature, however, may well be the easy camera control offered by the Intelligent Auto mode. This makes it one of the first true point-and-shoot cameras that fully adjusts itself to take the best picture. Add that to the well-placed controls, the easier navigation, and the HD video mode and we think that Sony has a winner. At a suggested price of USD 249, this camera is fairly priced. It is mid-range priced in the Sony W series. Cheaper and more expensive models can be found in the W series with some of the same features.

Pros

• Compact sturdy design
• Clear 3” LCD
• Excellent lens
• Excellent iAuto mode
• HD Video
• Smile detection
• Face detection and face memory detection

Cons

• Lack of direct digital video output
• Poor placement of tripod port
• Uses only Sony proprietary Memory Sticks