• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 140.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 14.0 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 140.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Sony DSC-W290 advantages over Pentax WG-1

  • Less expensive
    $249 vs $350 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    1.8 fps vs 0.7 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)

Pentax WG-1 advantages over Sony DSC-W290

  • Waterproof
    Yes vs No
    Take photos underwater without destroying your camera!
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • More pixels
    14.0 vs 12.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Longer exposure
    4 vs 2 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Higher extended ISO
    6400 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • RAW file ability
    Neither provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Hot shoe
    Neither provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Neither provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

Buy From

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Sony DSC-W170

Sony DSC-W290
Sony DSC-W170
  • $249
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More pixels
  • $225
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Longer stills battery life
Pentax WG-1
Sony DSC-W170
  • $260
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • HDMI out
  • $225
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Panasonic DMC-FS25S

Sony DSC-W290
Panasonic DMC-FS25S
  • $249
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Manual focus
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • $175
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Longer exposure
  • Higher extended ISO
Pentax WG-1
Panasonic DMC-FS25S
  • $260
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Manual focus
  • $175
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life

Compared to Canon SD970 IS

Sony DSC-W290
Canon SD970 IS
  • $249
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Manual focus
  • $170
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • HDMI out
Pentax WG-1
Canon SD970 IS
  • $260
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Manual focus
  • $170
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • More dots on screen

Compared to Pentax I-10

Sony DSC-W290
Pentax I-10
  • $249
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer exposure
  • Faster JPEG shooting
Pentax WG-1
Pentax I-10
  • $260
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • HDMI out
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Faster JPEG shooting

Compared to Pentax WG-1 GPS

Sony DSC-W290
Pentax WG-1 GPS
  • $249
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Built-in GPS
Pentax WG-1
Pentax WG-1 GPS
  • $260
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in GPS
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