Sony's 2011 entry W-series compact — 12.1MP CCD, 4x 26-104mm zoom, SD and Memory Stick support
The Cyber-shot DSC-W510 was announced in January 2011 as one of the entry-level models in Sony's W-series, sitting below the W530 and W570. It was a budget point-and-shoot sold in large numbers through supermarkets and high-street chains, which is why examples remain so common second-hand.
It used a 12.1-megapixel 1/2.3in CCD (4000x3000) behind a 4x zoom equivalent to 26-104mm at f/2.8-5.9, without optical stabilisation. The rear LCD was a 2.7in 230,000-dot panel, sensitivity ran from ISO 80 to 3200, shutter speeds from 2s to 1/1500s, and movies were limited to VGA 640x480 at 30fps. Usefully for a Sony of this era it accepted SD/SDHC/SDXC cards as well as Memory Stick Duo, and its NP-BN1 battery was rated at around 220 shots. The body weighed 119g loaded.
This is a basic snapshot camera: fine for casual daylight shooting and beginners wanting a cheap CCD compact, but the lack of optical stabilisation and HD video puts it below its W-series siblings. The 26mm wide end is handy for group shots and interiors.
Because it takes ordinary SD cards, media is no obstacle, and NP-BN1 batteries remain cheap and widely sold. Check the USB charger or standalone charger is included, that the lens extends cleanly, and that the screen is unscratched. Expect visible noise above ISO 400 — normal for this class of small CCD.