• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 140.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 20.1 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 200.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Sony DSC-W290 advantages over Nikon S3600

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.54 vs 1.20 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 300 vs 230 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    1.8 fps vs 1.1 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    100 vs 6 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Nikon S3600 advantages over Sony DSC-W290

  • Less expensive
    $140 vs $249 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • More telephoto lens reach
    200 mm vs 140 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Newer
    11 years vs 16 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Lighter weight
    125g vs 174g
    Lighter weight
  • More pixels
    20.1 vs 12.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Wider angle lens
    25 mm vs 28 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • Longer exposure
    4 vs 2 sec
    Long exposures for night shots

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

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
  • 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
  • HDMI out
    Neither provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review 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

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Nikon S3600

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

Compare Sony DSC-W290 vs Sony DSC-W170

Nikon S3600
Sony DSC-W170
  • $350
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $225
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon S3600 vs Sony DSC-W170

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

Compare Sony DSC-W290 vs Panasonic DMC-FS25S

Nikon S3600
Panasonic DMC-FS25S
  • $350
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $175
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Nikon S3600 vs Panasonic DMC-FS25S

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

Compare Sony DSC-W290 vs Canon SD970 IS

Nikon S3600
Canon SD970 IS
  • $350
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
  • $170
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Larger lens aperture

Compare Nikon S3600 vs Canon SD970 IS

Compared to Nikon S5300

Sony DSC-W290
Nikon S5300
  • $249
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $210
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Sony DSC-W290 vs Nikon S5300

Nikon S3600
Nikon S5300
  • $350
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $210
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Compare Nikon S3600 vs Nikon S5300

Compared to Canon 170 IS

Sony DSC-W290
Canon 170 IS
  • $249
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $371
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Sony DSC-W290 vs Canon 170 IS

Nikon S3600
Canon 170 IS
  • $350
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • Higher extended ISO
  • $371
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Longer exposure

Compare Nikon S3600 vs Canon 170 IS

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