• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 140.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 20.3 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600
  • Detailed specifications
  • Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290
  • Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8
Links
Prices:   Compare Prices
Manufacturer URL: Manufacturer website Manufacturer website
Predecessor:   Panasonic GX7
GX7 vs GX8
Successor:   Panasonic GX9
GX8 vs GX9
General
Model Number: DSC-W290 GX8
Alternate Model Number(s):    
Camera Format: Ultra Compact Compact System Camera
Currently Manufactured: No Yes
Retail Price: $249.00 $1199.99
Street Price:   $997.99
Date Available: 2009-04-01 2015-08-15
Tripod Mount: Yes Yes
Weight: 6.1 oz (174 g)
includes batteries
17.2 oz (487 g)
includes batteries
Size: 3.8 x 2.3 x 0.9 in.
(98 x 57 x 23 mm)
5.2 x 3.1 x 2.5 in.
(133 x 78 x 63 mm)
Waterproof: No No
Waterproof Depth: n/a n/a
Image Sensor
Sensor Type: CCD Live MOS
Sensor Manufacturer: Sony Super HAD Panasonic
Effective Megapixels: 12.1 20.3
Sensor Format: 1/2.3 inch 4/3
Sensor size: 28.0735mm2 (6.17mm x 4.55mm) 224.9mm2 (17.30mm x 13.00mm)
Approximate Pixel Pitch: 1.54 microns 3.34 microns
Focal Length Multiplier: n/a 2.0x
Aspect Ratio: 4:3, 3:2 4:3
Color Filter Type: RGBG RGBG
Anti Aliasing Filter:   Fixed
Self-Cleaning: No Yes
Sensor shift image stabilization: No Yes
On-Sensor Phase Detect: No No
DxO Sensor Score:   75
DxO Color Depth Score (bits):   23.5
DxO Dynamic Range Score (evs):   12.6
DxO Maximum Effective ISO Score (iso):   806
Image Capture
Image Resolution: 4000 x 3000 (12.0 MP, 4:3),
4000 x 2672 (10.7 MP, 3:2),
4000 x 2248 (9.0 MP, 16:9),
3264 x 2448 (8.0 MP, 4:3),
2592 x 1944 (5.0 MP, 4:3),
2048 x 1536 (3.1 MP, 4:3),
1920 x 1080 (2.1 MP, 16:9),
640 x 480 (0.3 MP, 4:3)
5184 x 3888 (20.2 MP, 4:3),
3712 x 2784 (10.3 MP, 4:3),
2624 x 1968 (5.2 MP, 4:3),
1824 x 1368 (2.5 MP, 4:3),
5184 x 3456 (17.9 MP, 3:2),
3712 x 2480 (9.2 MP, 3:2),
2624 x 1752 (4.6 MP, 3:2),
1824 x 1216 (2.2 MP, 3:2),
5184 x 2920 (15.1 MP, 16:9),
3840 x 2160 (8.3 MP, 16:9),
1920 x 1080 (2.1 MP, 16:9),
1824 x 1024 (1.9 MP, 16:9),
3888 x 3888 (15.1 MP, 1:1),
2784 x 2784 (7.8 MP, 1:1),
1968 x 1968 (3.9 MP, 1:1),
1712 x 1712 (2.9 MP, 1:1)
Image File Format: JPEG JPEG (EXIF 2.3), MPO, RAW, RAW + JPEG
Continuous-mode frames/second: 1.8 8.3
Video Capture
Can take movies: Yes Yes
Movie Resolution: 640x480 (30/​16.6)
320x240 (8.3)
3840x2160 (30p/​24p)
1920x1080 (60p/​60i/​30p/​24p)
1280x720 (30p)
640x480 (30p)
Movie File Format: MPEG4 AVCHD (Audio format: Dolby Digital 2ch) / MP4 (Audio format AAC 2ch)
Composite Video Out: Yes Yes
NTSC/PAL Switchable Video: Yes No
Video Usable as Viewfinder: Yes
HD Video Out: Yes Yes
HD Video Connection: Component HDMI
Lens & Optics
Lens Mount: n/a Micro Four Thirds
Lens: Carl Zeiss, 9 elements in 7 groups including 1 ED, 3 aspherical elements n/a
Focal Length (35mm equivalent): 28 - 140mm  
Focal Length (actual): 5 - 25mm  
Zoom Ratio: 5.00x  
Aperture Range: f/3.3 (wide) / f/5.2 (tele) - f/13  
Integrated ND Filter: No No
Normal Focus Range: 10 cm to Infinity
3.9 in to Infinity
 
Macro Focus Range: 10 cm to Infinity
3.9 in to Infinity
 
Filter Thread: n/a n/a
Thread Type: n/a n/a
Optical Image Stabilization: Yes No
Digital Zoom: Yes Yes
Digital Zoom Values: 2x Precision, up to 31x Smart Zoom 2x, 4x
Auto Focus
Auto Focus: Yes Yes
Auto Focus Type: 9-point Contrast Detection Contrast Detection with DFD: Face/Eye detection, Tracking, 49-area, Custom Multi, 1-area, Pinpoint; One Shot AF, Shutter AF, Half Press Release, Quick AF, Continuous AF (during motion picture recording), Eye Sensor AF, AF+MF, MF Assist, Touch MF Assist, Focus Peaking, Touch AF/AE Function, Touch Pad AF, Touch Shutter
Auto Focus Assist Light? Yes Yes
Manual Focus: Yes Yes
Viewfinder
Viewfinder: LCD EVF / OLED
Viewfinder Type:   Tilting 2360K-dot OLED, 1.54x / 0.77x (35mm eq.) magnification, 21mm eyepoint, -4 to +3 diopter, eye sensor
Focus Peaking: No Yes
EVF Resolution: n/a 2,360,000 dots
Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent):   0.77x
Viewfinder Magnification (nominal/claimed):   1.54x
Display
Eye-level Viewfinder: No Yes
Rear Display: Yes Yes
Rear Display Size (inches): 3.0 3.0
Rear Display Resolution: 230,000 dots 1,036,800 dots (345,600 px)
Touchscreen: No Yes
Articulating Screen: No Yes
Tilt Swivel Screen: No Yes
Selfie Screen: No Yes
Max Playback Zoom: 8.0x 16.0x
Top Deck Display: No
Exposure
Maximum ISO (native):   25600
Minimum ISO (native):   200
ISO Settings: Auto, 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200 Auto, iISO, 100 (extended), 200 - 25600; in 1 or 1/3 EV steps
Auto ISO Mode: Yes Yes
White Balance Settings: Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Fluorescent 1/2/3, Incandescent, Flash, Underwater (4) Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Incandescent, Flash, White Set 1-4, Color Temperature Setting (2,500-10,000K in 100K steps)
Shutter Speed Range: 1/1600 - 2 sec 1/16000 - 60 sec
Bulb Mode: No Yes
Exposure Compensation: +/- 2.0EV in 0.3EV steps +/- 5.0EV in 0.3EV steps
Metering Modes: Multi-pattern, Center-weighted, Spot 1728-zone Intelligent Multiple, Center-weighted, Spot
Program Auto Exposure: Yes Yes
Aperture Priority: No Yes
Shutter Priority: No Yes
Full Manual Exposure: No Yes
Creative Exposure Modes: Easy, High Sensitivity, Twilight, Twilight portrait, Landscape, Softsnap, Snow, Beach, Fireworks, Sports, Underwater, Gourmet Panorama (Standard/Wide); Creative Control: Expressive, Retro, Old Days, High Key, Low Key, Sepia, Monochrome, Dynamic Monochrome, Rough Monochrome, Silky Monochrome, Impressive Art, High Dynamic, Cross Process, Toy Effect, Toy Pop, Bleach Bypass, Miniature Effect, Soft Focus, Fantasy, Star Filter, One Point Color, Sunshine
Self Timer: 10 or 2 seconds 2, 10, 3 shots in 10 seconds
Time Lapse (intervalometer):   Yes
High Resolution Composite: No No
Flash
Built-in Flash: Yes No
Flash Modes: Auto, On, Slow Synch, Off Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Forced On/Red-eye Reduction, Slow Sync., Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off; 1st. Curtain Sync, 2nd Curtain Sync.
Flash Guide Number (ISO 100): n/a n/a
Flash Range Description: Auto ISO: 0.2m - 3.0m (W), 0.5m - 1.9m (T) n/a
Max Flash Sync:   1/250
Flash Exposure Compensation:   +/- 3.0 EV in 0.3EV steps
External Flash Connection: n/a Hot Shoe
Built-In Wireless Flash Control:   No
Image Storage
Usable Memory Types: MS Duo / MS PRO Duo SD / SDHC / SDXC
UHS Support:   UHS-I
Other Memory:    
Dual Card Slots: No No
RAW Capture Support: No Yes
Uncompressed Format:   RAW, RAW + JPEG
Movie File Format: MPEG4 AVCHD (Audio format: Dolby Digital 2ch) / MP4 (Audio format AAC 2ch)
Included Memory: 11.0 MB No memory included
Included Memory Type: Internal  
Connectivity
Built-In Wi-Fi: No Yes
NFC: No Yes
Bluetooth: No No
Built-In GPS: No No
Microphone Jack: No Yes
Headphone Jack: No No
External Connections: USB 2.0 High Speed USB 2.0 High Speed,WiFi
PictBridge Compliant: Yes Yes
DPOF Compliant: Yes Yes
Remote Control: No Yes
Remote Control Type:   Wi-Fi or optional wired
Connections (extended): Multi-jack Micro HDMI (Type-D), 2.5mm Wired Remote/External Mic Jack
Performance Timing
Cycle time for JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame, max resolution):   <0.3
Cycle time for RAW shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame):    
Buffer size for RAW shooting in single shot mode (frames):    
Cycle time for RAW+JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per shot):   <0.3
Camera penalizes early shutter press? Yes
JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps, max resolution): 1.8 8.3
Buffer size for JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames, max resolution): 100 Unlimited
RAW shooting speed in burst mode (fps):   7.9
Buffer size for RAW shooting in burst mode (frames):   36
RAW+JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps):   7.9
Buffer Size for RAW+JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames):   32
Shutter lag (full AF, wide/mid):   0.18 seconds
Shutter lag (full AF, tele):    
Shutter lag (full AF, live view - DSLR):    
Shutter lag (prefocused, live view - DSLR):    
Shutter Lag (manual focus):   0.065 seconds
Shutter lag (full AF, with flash):    
Shutter Lag (prefocused):   0.058 seconds
Shutter Lag (notes):    
Startup Time:   1.2 seconds
Play -> Record Time:   0.6 seconds
Flash cycle time, full power:    
Power
Battery Life, Stills (CIPA Rating Monitor/Live View): 300 shots 340 shots
Battery Life, Still (CIPA Rating OVF/EVF):   320 shots
Battery Life, Video:    
Battery Form Factor: Proprietary Info LITHIUM Proprietary
Usable Battery Types: Lithium-ion rechargeable 7.2v, 1200mAh Lithium-ion rechargeable
Batteries Included: 1 x Proprietary Lithium-ion rechargeable 1 x Proprietary Lithium-ion rechargeable
Battery Charger Included (dedicated charger or AC/USB adapter): Yes Yes
Dedicated Battery Charger Included: Yes
Internal Charging Supported: No
Software
Included Software: Sony CD-ROM PHOTOfunSTUDIO 9.7 PE, SILKYPIX Developer Studio 4.3 SE, LoiloScope (trial version)
OS Compatibility: Windows, Mac OS PHOTOfunSTUDIO and LoiloScope: Windows Vista/7/8/8.1; SILKYPIX: Windows Vista/7/8/8.1, Mac OS X 10.5-10.10
Miscellaneous
Notes & Features: Optical SteadyShot image stabilization, Smile Shutter, Intelligent Scene Recognition, Dynamic Range Optimizer, In-camera Retouching, HD Slide Show with music. Available in silver, black, blue and bronze. New 20.3MP Live MOS sensor, upgraded quad-core CPU Venus Engine image processor, Dual IS uses both IBIS and OIS, 4K 30p/24p video and stills capture, 8fps full-res burst shooting (10fps with electronic shutter), Depth From Defocus AF, tilting high-res 0.77x EVF, tilt/swivel touchscreen OLED monitor, built-in Wi-Fi with NFC, magnesium alloy die cast frame