Sony W520 Specs | Sony W520 Price | Sony W520 Image

Sony W520

 Overview

The Sony Cybershot DSC W520 is a simple pocket sized digital cameras. Looking at the price tag it is one of the cheapest pocket cameras available from a major brand. Key features include 14 megapixels and a 5x optical zoom lens. 

It has a basic set of features. The upside of this is that you should find this camera simple to operate. 

Sony have produced the Cybershot DSC W520 in three colours; black, silver and red.

14 Megapixels

14 megapixels is actually far more than you need if all you are planning to do is create smaller, snapshots sized prints. One advantage of having access to so many megapixels is that you can crop your photos and still be able to make a print.

5x Zoom

The 5x zoom lens is roughly inline with the majority of small, cheaper compact cameras. It has a focal length equivalent to 25 - 125mm in 35mm format. This means the lens has wide angle capabilities. Having a wide angle of view gives you the opportunity to squeeze wider scenes into your shots.

How to Increase the Amount of Zoom Available to You

There may be times when 5x zoom does not get you in close enough to your subject. When this happens you have the option of decreasing the number of megapixels you are shooting at in return for more zoom power. The maximum amount of zoom you can use is 33x. In order to access that amount of zoom you need to reduce the resolution to less than 1 megapixel. There are other combinations that offer a better balance between megapixels and zoom. For example when shooting at 5 megapixels 8.3x zoom is available.

A Simple Way to Create Panoramic Shots

Just about the entire range of Sony digital cameras now offer a Sweep Panorama mode. If you place the camera in this mode, press the shutter button down and sweep the camera round in an arc you will capture a panoramic shot.

Intelligent Auto & Pre Programmed Modes Can Improve Picture Quality

When you place the Cybershot DSC W520 in Intelligent Auto mode the camera attempts to detect the type of photograph you are taking. It will use what it considers to be the optimum settings for the shot. There are also eight different pre programmed scene modes. When you select a specific type of scene it takes the guesswork out of the shot for the camera. This should lead to better looking photos for you.

Capturing Movie Footage

The Cybershot DSC W520 can capture standard definition movie footage rather than High Definition movies. It is hard to find cameras at this price point that shoot High Definition movies, but the resolution on offer from this camera is low even for standard definition. This will lead to low quality movies if you try to play them back on a television screen.

Close Up Photography

This is an area where the Cybershot DSC W520 offers you a bit extra over many of its direct competitors. This is because it is able to focus from relatively close into your subject at 5cm.

Anti Blur Rather then Image Stabilisation

When you read a digital camera specification you may find cameras being listed as having image stabilisation. There are different types of image stabilisation. They all try to do the same job; reducing blur in a photograph. The method the Cybershot DSC W520 uses is electronic rather than mechanical. This can lead to increased levels of noise. Although you end up with reduced blur the overall quality of the photograph may not be ideal.

Easy Upload to Social Networking Sites

As social networking becomes increasingly popular digital camera manufacturers are equipping their digital cameras with software to make it easier to upload still images and video clips to social networking sites. Sony have equipped the Cybershot DSC W520 with software that allows you to select and upload images easily.

Easy Shooting Mode for Total Simplicity

If you are looking for total simplicity you can switch the camera into Easy mode. This reduces the number of menu options available to you. This gives you true point and shoot operation.

Face Detection and Smile Shutter

Face detection helps to ensure faces in your photos are in sharp focus. When you turn on the smile shutter the camera will be on the look out for anyone that is smiling. Once it detects a smile it will automatically fire off a photo without you needing to press the shutter button.

For When You Would Like to Try a Bit of Fine Tuning

There are a few more advanced features available. These give you that bit of extra control over the way your photos will look. These features include being able to adjust exposure compensation, setting ISO, choosing a white balance setting and opting for a specific metering mode.

Main Features

Megapixels:
Zoom:
LCD Screen:
Dimensions:
Weight:

14
5x
2.7 inches
96.3 x 55.6 x 21.2mm
125g

Macro:
HD Movies:
Manual Controls:
Batteries:
Memory Cards:

5cm
No
No
Lithium-ion Rechargeable
SD/SDHC/Memory Stick PRO Duo

source cameras.co.uk