Review on Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-W290 12 MP Digital Camera With 5X Optical Zoom And Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization (Dark Blue) (OLD MODEL) by Brian Thao

I had the same problem as another reviewer, Sarah Tillman, described here. I took good care of the camera and used it regularly for about 8 months until it started saying the battery is low. I bought new batteries, a new charger, etc. but the problem persisted. I contacted customer chat and did a power reset (hold power for 15 seconds, then wait another minute and reinsert the battery) but the problem persisted. I contacted Sony support at 800-222-7669 - about 15 minutes later they said it was still under warranty (within a year of purchase) and I could send it in for repair. I assume the issue is known (probably because another reviewer had the issue) and may be covered by a callback guarantee no matter how long you've had the camera. Today I am sending the camera to a Sony repair center in Texas and will let you know how it went. Oh, and when the camera worked, it was GREAT for portable point and shoot. People who complain about image quality just don't realize that the smaller lens size of any handheld camera significantly degrades quality. If you want better quality, get a real DSLR. My only concern is that Sony has ditched the small charge and download dock found on older models like the T1. It was so good. Charging the w290 is still easy enough, all you have to do is remove the battery and place it in the charger, and there's a separate USB cable for downloading. Again, it's easy to use, but I really miss the handy little dock that came with the t1. Update: 10/25/10 - I got it from a Sony repair center about a week later (had to pay shipping = lame) and then I used it once and it broke the same way again. I called the tech center and they said they would try to fix the problem again and this time they sent me a paid shipping label. I have to try this as I really don't have a choice. I explained that this is my third Cybershot and I was very happy with the first two and would happily purchase a newer Cybershot model if I could at least partially credit it based on the broken one they sold me. They said they don't so I'll just let them keep trying to fix it and then just try to sell it themselves if and when that ever happens. In the meantime I have finally said goodbye to the Cybershot series and bought a brand new Panasonic Lumix ZS7. It's still in the box as of this writing so let's hope it performs as well as it looks and lasts a lot longer than my W290 Lemon. Goodbye forever! Bottom line, I recommend staying away from this or any other Cybershot for now. Because they send you a lemon product and then don't support it and can make requests for a refund or some other consolation. You, the buyer, will be gone, as will I. boo sony!