Cheapest Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom and Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization (Black)

All in all a great camera that takes great photos and videos. I think it's one of the very best point-and-shoots. Consumer Reports thought its predecessor the Cybershot w300 was the best in its class. The w290 costs at least $100 less than its discontinued predecessor and only gives up some unnecessary features and about 1.5 megapixels. I actually appreciate the reduction because, at 12.1 the pictures are still great but the files are about 10% smaller.
The software's ability to identify faces and adjust to scenes is very good. (The smile detection feature is extremely cool for showing friends but not terribly useful.) The very large screen looks terrific when playing back photos and videos. While it's reason for being is to take great photos, I must say I'm a huge fan of having an HD video recorder in my pocket.
I love the w290 but it isn't perfect: It is not as small/sleek as a Canon Elph but I think the pictures and especially videos are much better - and that's why I love the Cybershot. The fact that the Sony is about $100 less expensive than a comparable Canon Elph was an added bonus.
Downsides: In low light pictures are sometimes fuzzy or noisy. This is generally most noticeable if you review the photo and zoom in close. Without zooming in its less noticeable.
Having to use Sony's proprietary accessories is annoying(eg camera does not take a standard mini USB; you also have to use a memory stick instead of the typical SD card) and was almost a deal breaker, but the quality of the camera and pix/videos won me over. I used the money I saved to buy my memory stick and still had plenty left over.
Like all other cameras I found with HD video, this one doesn't let you zoom while recording and the files are massive - making them tough to email to friends and family.
Despite these flaws, I still think this is the best point and shoot in its class and highly recommend it.Get more detail about Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom and Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization (Black).