Sony's 2009 W-series compact — 12.1MP CCD, Zeiss 30-120mm zoom, optical SteadyShot
The Cyber-shot DSC-W220 was a mainstream model in Sony's 2009 W-series line-up, shipping from late March of that year. It sat between the entry W210 and the larger-screened W230, offering the same 12-megapixel sensor and 4x zoom with genuine optical stabilisation at a keen price.
It used a 12.1-megapixel 1/2.3-inch Super HAD CCD with a Carl Zeiss 4x zoom covering 30-120mm equivalent at f/2.8-5.8, stabilised by optical SteadyShot. The 2.7-inch 230,000-dot LCD handled composition, sensitivity ran ISO 100-3200, video recorded at 640x480 30fps, and the NP-BG1 lithium-ion battery managed a strong 370 shots per CIPA charge. Storage was Memory Stick Duo family cards.
A slightly wide 30mm setting, real optical stabilisation and long battery life made it one of the more sensible budget compacts of its year, and those same qualities make it an easy recommendation as a cheap CCD digicam today. Controls are simple mode-dial fare with no manual exposure, in keeping with its market position.
The NP-BG1 battery is common and third-party replacements are inexpensive, so power is rarely an issue. Memory Stick Duo storage is the usual catch — confirm a card is bundled. Check the SteadyShot lens assembly for rattles beyond the normal loose-element noise when off, that the zoom runs its full travel, and that the flash and LCD behave.