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Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W220

Discontinued

Reviewed

December 2009

by ConsumerSearch

Pros

Reasonably priced
User-friendly
Decent photos in good light
Rechargeable battery

Cons

Doesn't accept SD memory cards
No viewfinder
Can't zoom on video

Where to Buy

for $159.99

Our Analysis
Specs
41 Amazon Reviews

Reviews say the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W220 digital camera is not bad for the price, if all you want are snapshots and low-grade video (you can't zoom in movie mode) without much of a challenge in operating the thing. While the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W220 is a 12-megapixel camera with a 4x optical zoom lens, reviews say the image quality is only good if you don't shoot above ISO 200, meaning low-light shots will be a challenge. The biggest shortcomings are the lack of a viewfinder (you'll use the 2.7-inch LCD screen to set up shots) and the proprietary memory format -- the W220 only accepts Sony's Memory Sticks. There are a few decent extras like smile detection and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery.

If you have a subscription, ConsumerReports.org is a go-to source for ratings of point-and-shoots. About 60 compact cameras are ranked in a chart, including the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W220. But the individual reviews are very short, and you'll find more expansive coverage at CNET and Imaging-Resource.com. We found owner reviews at Amazon.com.

Where To Buy

Sony Cybershot DSC-W220 12MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Zoom with Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization (Light Pink)
(41 reviews) Buy new: $159.99 9 Used from $35.00

Our Sources

1. ConsumerReports.org

ConsumerReports.org ranks about 60 subcompact digital point-and-shoot cameras in a chart but provides little information beyond that, and you'll need a subscription to see the report. However, the ratings are highly credible and are based on solid testing.

Review: Digital Cameras, Editors of ConsumerReports.org

2. CNET

Reviewer Joshua Goldman says although the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W220 is "very good" for the price, you're better off spending a little more for the W290 (*Est. $160) to get a bigger lens, larger LCD display and HD movie mode. Still, you get good photo quality at ISO 200 or less.

Review: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W220 (pink), Joshua Goldman, July 21, 2009

3. Imaging-Resource.com

Reviewers Mike Tompkins and Dave Etchells give the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W220 a Dave's Pick and say most novices will be pleased with the images shot in auto mode. He does note the lack of a dedicated viewfinder, though.

Review: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W220, Mike Tompkins and Dave Etchells, April 10, 2009

4. Amazon.com

More than 30 owner reviews give a very high average score to the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W220, with just a couple scoring it fewer than 4 out of 5 stars. One notes that "the smile capture feature actually works."

Review: Sony Cybershot DSC-W220 12MP Digital Camera, Contributors to Amazon.com

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