Overview
The Sony Cybershot DSC W220 is a straightforward, pocket sized digital camera. It has 12 megapixels and a 4x optical zoom lens. Sony has given the camera some extra features compared to other models in this category and price range. These include image stabilisation and the ability to add conversion lenses to increase the capabilities of the lens.
Why Buy The Sony DSC W220
The Cybershot DSC W220 is easy to use and fits easily into most pockets. This is a mid price, smaller compact. You can also shoot High Definition movie clips.
Main Features
Megapixels:
Zoom:
LCD Screen:
Dimensions:
Weight:
12
4x
2.7 inches
95.2 x 56.5 x 21.8mm
118g
Macro:
HD Movies:
Manual Controls:
Batteries:
Memory Cards:
4cm
No
No
Lithium ion
Memory Stick™ Duo, Memory Stick PRO Duo™
Image Quality - See Sample Images Below
Outdoor Scenic Shots in Good Light
Outdoor 1 (Medium Zoom):
As I have seen with other Sony digital cameras in this series the Cybershot DSC W220 handles light coloured areas well. There is no real problem with glare from the sun. Darker areas in the shot are not so hot and this camera shows less definition in these areas compared to similar cameras.
Outdoor 2 (No Zoom):
This is a tough shot for smaller digital cameras with their relatively small lenses. In this instance picture quality does not match up to the better cameras of this type. To be fair problems are going to be negligible with snapshot sized prints, but if you make larger prints you may start to notice a general lack of sharpness. The sky shows signs of pixilation. Purple fringing also starts to creep in around windows and along the tops of the trees.
Outdoor 3 (Maximum Zoom):
With the lens zoomed in to its full capacity the result is better. Overall sharpness improves. If I make a larger print I can still see rough pixels in the sky.
Outdoor 4 (Building):
The centre section of the shot is crisp, but as you move away towards the edges the shot becomes softer. I can also detect a fair amount of noise creeping into any shaded areas of the photo.
Portraits
Outdoor Portrait: There are no problems with focusing as you move in closer. I used face detection to help the Cybershot DSC W220 with sharpness and general exposure. There are one or two areas where a bit of extra light would have lifted the photo. Indoor Portrait with Flash: This is probably my favourite test shot from the Cybershot DSC W220. Here the lighting levels are more or less spot on. This is also a sharp photo. Indoor Portrait without Flash: I much prefer the photo taken with flash. This photo is on the dark side and there is a green / grey colour caste to the shot. Be prepared to use flash where necessary when the lighting starts to drop.
Macro, Colours and Noise
Macro
My macro shot is o.k., but there is a touch of purple fringing showing. This will not be a problem if you are taking close ups of say nature subjects, but could be a problem with any reflective objects.
Colours
I like the colours the Cybershot DSC W220 produces. They give the pictures a vivid feel.
ISO 400 and ISO 1600
Colours start to break down quicker than with other digital cameras. Noise is also more noticeable in general as ISO levels are increased.
Summary
If you are planning to produce large prints of your photos then you are likely to notice some of the imperfections I have mentioned creeping into your photographs. There are better small compacts around when it comes to picture quality.
Style
The Cybershot DSC W220 is a fairly typical rectangular camera. It is small enough to fit into most pockets. It is available in black, silver and light blue.
Shutter Lag Times
Single Shot
Five Shots
Single Shot With Flash
Five Shots With Flash
0.24 seconds
12.39 seconds
1.72 seconds
15.17 seconds
Ease of Use
I like the layout of the menu system. There are a few more features to get used to than with some cameras in this price bracket, but you should have no problem getting started.
Points I Like
Ease of use - shutter delay times - High Definition movie clips
Where it Could Improve
Macro shots show purple fringing - overall picture quality could be a shade better
Verdict
The Sony Cybershot DSC W220 is not a bad digital camera. I found the camera easy to use and it has a low shutter lag time compared to other cameras in its class. When it comes to picture quality it has some tough competition and does not quite match up to some of its competitors.
Product Shots
Front View
Back View
Top View
Sample Menus
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Related Pages
Sony DSC W220 Review Sony DSC W220 Specification Sony DSC W220 Sample Images Sony DSC W220 Features
Review Date
May 2009
