The Sony 8GB HDR-CX290 HD Handycam Camcorder utilizes an 8.9MP Exmor R CMOS sensor and a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens for capturing Full HD 1080/60p video and 8.9MP still images. Users have the option of recording video in one of two formats; the MP4 format is optimized for sharing videos on the web, and AVCHD offers the highest quality. The Zeiss lens offers a 35mm equivalent of 29.8mm on the wide end of the focal range, and the optical zoom ratio is 27x. In addition, a 50x Extended Zoom gets you even closer to the action.

8GB of embedded Flash Memory provides enough storage space for up to 3 hours and 10 minutes of high definition video footage (in the HD LP recording mode). Optical SteadyShot with Active Mode compensates for camera shake, and users can monitor and playback recorded footage via the 2.7" Clear Photo LCD display. Other key features include a built-in USB cable, the Event Browse feature, the Direct Copy feature, and an Intelligent Auto Mode capable of up to 90 different scene combinations.