Sony's 2009 budget compact — 10.1MP CCD, 3x 35-105mm zoom, NP-BK1 battery, Memory Stick Duo
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W180 was a budget W-series compact from May 2009, slotting in below the W190 and the 4x-zoom W210/W220 models. It brought W-series styling to a lower price point while cutting back on video capability and stabilisation hardware.
It couples a 10.1-megapixel 1/2.3-inch Super HAD CCD with a 3x zoom covering 35-105mm equivalent, framed on a 2.7-inch 230k-dot LCD. Video is limited to 320x240 QVGA clips, storage is the Memory Stick Duo/PRO Duo family, and the NP-BK1 lithium-ion battery is rated around 290 shots. Face detection and Smile Shutter are built in.
As a basic snapshot camera it does the job in good light, with pleasant CCD colour, but the QVGA-only video was weak even at launch and there is no optical stabilisation. It suits beginners and buyers after a cheap 2009-era pocket camera rather than anyone wanting movie capability.
The NP-BK1 battery is less common than Sony's later NP-BN type, so a listing that includes a working battery and charger is worth paying for. It takes Memory Stick Duo only, not SD. Check the screen for scratches, confirm the flash cycles, and take a test shot to rule out CCD lines.