Exploring the Features of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W650: A Comprehensive Guide

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W650 is a compact, point-and-shoot camera that packs a punch with its advanced features and impressive image quality. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned photographer, this camera delivers top-notch performance. In this blog post, we'll explore some of its key features and show you how to make the most out of it.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W650 article cover photo

Key Features

Jan 10 2012

Announced

16 megapixels

Resolution

BrandSony
Sensor Type1/2.3-inch
SensorCCD
Weight124g
MSRP$139USD

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Overview of the Cyber-shot DSC-W650

Are you in the market for a new digital camera that is easy to use and takes high-quality photos? If so, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W650 may be just what you're looking for. With its compact size and advanced features, this camera is perfect for anyone looking to capture stunning images. But what makes this camera so special, you ask? In this blog post, we'll take a look at some of its key features and show you how to get the most out of your Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W650. From its 16.1 megapixel sensor to its 5x optical zoom lens, this camera is sure to deliver impressive results. So let's get started!

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W650 Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W650 camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!

Pros

High-quality images
Compact and portable
Affordable price
User-friendly interface
16MP resolution
Optical SteadyShot image stabilization
720p HD video recording
Fast autofocus system
Numerous shooting modes
Compatible with Memory Stick and SD/SDHC/SDXC cards

Cons

Limited manual control options
No viewfinder
No Wi-Fi capability
Small LCD display
No RAW file support
Slow continuous shooting speed
Limited battery life
Average low-light performance
No external flash support
Plastic construction feels cheap.

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W650

Weather sealed
Dimensions94 x 56 x 19mm
Weight124g
Thickness19mm
Weight
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Max
Thickness
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Weather Sealing

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W650 is not sealed against water and dust, so it's important to be careful when using it in such conditions. If you often shoot in environments with water or dust, it's recommended to check out another camera with weather sealing.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderNone
Screen TypeFixed Type
Screen Resolution230k dots
Body typeCompact

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a fixed type 3.00" screen, with a display resolution of 230k dots. This makes the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W650 not as suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you cannot view yourself while shooting selfies easily. Unfortunately, the camera does not have a touch screen, which may make it less user-friendly.

Viewfinder

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W650 does not include a viewfinder. The lack of a viewfinder on the Cyber-shot DSC-W650 camera may make it less suitable for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W650 has a 16MP sized CCD sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 16 pixels. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W650 has a native ISO range of 80 - 3200 which can be boosted to null - null.

Key Features

Jan 10 2012

Announced

80 - 3200

ISO Range

Sensor1/2.3-inch
Extended ISOnull - null
Max resolution4608 x 3456 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

not tested

Color Depth

not tested

Dynamic Range

not tested

Low Light ISO

not tested

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W650 camera has excellent color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also excellent, allowing it to retain high amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is excellent, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the Cyber-shot DSC-W650 is excellent

Crop Factor

Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.

Size comparison

Medium FormatFull FrameAPS-C (Sony, Nikon)

Crop factor calculator

Crop factor

1x

Full frame equivalent

24mm

This camera: 1/2.3-inch

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

StorageSD/SDHC/SDXC, microSD/micro SDHC, Memory Stick Duo/Memory Stick Pro Duo, Memory Stick Pro-HG Duo
Battery Life220 shots
Battery ModelNP-BN
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W650 supports SD/SDHC/SDXC, microSD/micro SDHC, Memory Stick Duo/Memory Stick Pro Duo, Memory Stick Pro-HG Duo with 1 slots for storage. This may suffice for everyday use. However, for professional applications such as wedding photography, it is not recommended as a memory card malfunction could lead to the loss of all footage.

Battery

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W650 uses the NP-BN model of battery pack. This is rated for 220 shots shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.

Photography Features

Flash

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W650 has built in flash which is great for event photography and in low light situations. However it lacks an external flash shoe, which limits you to using the built-in flash.

Shutter

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W650 boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/1600s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.

With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.

Autofocus

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W650 includes contrast detection autofocus (AF), with null number of focus points.

While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.

Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.

On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.

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FAQ

What is the sensor size of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W650?

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W650 features a CCD sensor

Is the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W650 weather sealed?

No the Cyber-shot DSC-W650 does not have weather sealing.

When was the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W650 announced?

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W650 was announced on Jan 10 2012

Does the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W650 have in-body image stabilization?

Yes the Cyber-shot DSC-W650 does have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.

What is the ISO range of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W650?

The Cyber-shot DSC-W650 has a native ISO range of 80-3200, which can be expanded to ISO null-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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