Sony HDR-CX290/B High Definition Handycam Camcorder with 2.7-Inch LCD (Black) (Discontinued by Manufacturer)

I suddenly realized that I have a couple of good cameras but was using my iPhone for videos preferring to not lug my 10 year old Sony that is great but a nuisance to carry. Wanting a better video camera while not wanting to increase the weight, I settled on the Sony HDR-CS290/B. I received it today.It is very small and light. The box includes (apart from the camcorder) a paper manual, HDMI cable, battery and charger and an extra length of USB cable to extend the attached cable. I was mildly surprised not to see a mini-disc to install software, though you do get instructions on how to download it which is probably how most devices like this are shipped these days. You also get a 15% coupon for accessories which I plan to use for an additional battery. Some reasonably priced cases are also listed.I had also purchased an extra 32GB SDHC card to supplement the built in memory. I chose this device since it has a newer sensor (Exmor R) as compared to last year's model and I figured that should be a plus as it is touted to have better low light performance (I cannot compare to prove that is true).The camcorder is small and very light. I sort of expected it to be smaller but it is not big at all, but it is so light as to seem insignificant. This is usually a plus for a device one would hold for a long time though sometimes a little weight could help stabilize when shooting.Given that I just received the device, here are some impressions after taking it through a quick run. There are two modes video and still though you can still depress the picture button in video mode to take shots. You can't press the record button on picture mode though :-)The lcd is not touch screen and it has a multi-controller and a play button. Some may find that irritating though again those extras will cost you more while not really improving the optics.The set-up and playback menus are pretty straightforward and can be understood without really going through the manual. All in all it is a basic camcorder. Don't expect multiple layers of menus and settings etc.So initial impressions:Outdoor bright light video - *****Outdoor twilight videos - ****Indoor videos reasonable lighting - ****Indoors, no light though not fully dark - **Still in photo mode - good light - ***Still in video mode - **Still in less than bright light - *Optical Image stabilization - ****Overall **** . In good lighting the colors had the rich luminosity I have come to expect from Sony. I am discounting the very low light performance as well as the performance of the still camera. As long as you have a fair amount of light you should get video you are happy with providing you can live with some noise the dimmer the light gets. Don't expect professional quality at this price.Obviously these ratings are based on what I expected given that it is a fairly entry level camcorder and very limited use.Overall I am happy with the purchase for what it cost and what I plan to use it for - to create memories of family activities and travel.

Although I had hired a professional videographer, I wanted to get additional video of my wedding. I didn't want to spend much (Weddings are expensive) so I was looking for a cheap, yet at least ok video camera. I chose the CX290 because of the image stabilization, which most professional reviewers recommended.When camera arrived I immediately tested it against my Cannon S95 Point and shoot Camera. The S95 shoots video at 720p and records stereo sound. It's actually a good video camera. I figured and expected this Sony CX290 to at least be better than a little point and shoot. In fact, the CX290 completely outperformed my S95 when recording indoors. The images were clearer with less grain / noise.Of course, compared to the professional grade camera that the videographer used at the wedding, this camera seemed like a joke. Of course, this camera was only about $300, while I'm sure the videographer's camera cost thousands.There are a few things I don't like. For example, while it says pictures can be taken while recording, it never actually lets me do that (maybe because I record at 1080p and 60p).Overall, I'm satisfied with the product....

Complete waste of money, do NOT buy itThe still photo (in the largest size mode) and the video quality (in the 1080p@60Hz mode which is the highest level) can NOT even compare to the photos and videos took from my Samsung Galaxy S3. If you only look at the file size, yes the file sizes came from Sony CX290 is much much larger (10 times larger). However, when you really put them onto big screen you will spot the difference immediately. The image quality of CX290 is far far worse than the small camera of the smart phone. The ONLY difference will be the CX290 may be able to zoom in optically, but with this image quality the optical zoom-in is wasted.here is the image quality comparison: CX290 (in the highest quality mode) vs backside camera of a smart phone (Samsung Galaxy S3). Both were configured to use 1x zoom (no zoom). You can see the image quality of the CX290 is far far worse than the smart phone camera.http://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-media/permalink/mo3GZQNUS8Y651P/B00AR95H0M/ref=cm_ciu_images_pl_linkThe video image quality is similarly worse than the smart phone camera, but with a higher FPS. So if you want to record some fast fast moving scenes, CX290 may still be slightly better than a smart phone. But does it really worth the money? I think it is not difficult to invest the same amount of money to get much better quality in other brands.

sony done great on this camera Vary user friendly i never used one B4 til now im a low tech red neck . I love it doing range videos on my gun range here in Hills of central Pa .. all I wish it had was a longer life battery & a 12v car charger that be nice .. other then that the camera seems 2 work better then friends $900 cameras I say if u shoot long distance or take wildlife photos in the the great outdoors this camera will do the job crystal clear HD videos & photos.. like the size its smaller then a can of soda . I give it 4.5 stars only because battery life not what i like it 2 be so I'll be picking up 2 more Like $25 2# batt w/ wall 110V charger .