Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W690 — 16MP compact with 10x zoom, 2012 travel point-and-shoot
The Cyber-shot DSC-W690 arrived in 2012 as one of Sony's later W-series compacts, aimed at buyers wanting a long zoom and simple operation in an affordable point-and-shoot rather than a smartphone camera. It reflected the W line's shift toward extended zoom ranges as compact camera sales declined.
It pairs a 16.1-megapixel 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor with a 10x optical zoom lens equivalent to about 25-250mm, backed by Optical SteadyShot stabilisation. The 3-inch LCD is the only means of composing shots, Sweep Panorama and Intelligent Auto assist beginners, and video records at 720p HD. It stores to SD/SDHC/SDXC or Memory Stick Duo cards, using an NP-BN battery.
The long zoom in a genuinely pocketable body was its main draw over rival budget compacts of the time. Images hold up well outdoors but show the softness and noise typical of a small CCD sensor once light drops, and the plastic build favours light travel use over durability.
Widely available secondhand at low prices as a basic travel camera. Cycle the zoom through its full range to check for grinding, verify the NP-BN battery and charger are present, and inspect the LCD and lens front element for scratches from pocket carry.