Sony DSC-W800 Review: Solid Performance, Price Point

Last updated on 2022-09-23 Yvonne

Sony DSC-8800 Review: Excellent Performance and Affordable Price. The Sony DSC-8800 is the perfect choice for anyone looking to go beyond smartphones. The DSC-W800 also has a 5x optical zoom, and a 20.1-megapixel sensor camera.

Sony DSC-W800

We like this

Design that is sleek and pocket-friendly
20.1 Megapixel sensor
Controls that are simple and clutter-free
Very reasonable
Product longevity is better with a removable battery

The Things We Hate

Autofocus slow performance
Image quality is not as good as it should be
Video resolution 720p
Manual controls are limited

Sony DSC-8800 is an entry-level functional camera that offers a surprising number of features. It's difficult to imagine more for less than $100

The Sony DSC-W800 was purchased by us so that our expert reviewer could fully test it and evaluate it. Continue reading to see our complete product review.

Potential buyers often overlook entry-level point and shoot cameras due to increasing numbers (and quality) of smartphones. You shouldn't let this fool you: There are many features that can only be found in standalone cameras. Those who want to get started with photography will love the Sony DSC W800.

The camera boasts a 20.1 megapixel sensor with 5x optical zoom lens. This means you can take amazing photos under many conditions. Sony's package includes SteadyShot image stabilizer, USB charging and an easy-to-use 360° panorama mode. This is a great option for beginner photographers looking to start their careers.

Design: Pocket-perfect

It is extremely pocketable, making it easy to bring the Sony DSC-W800 with you. It measures 3.8 inches in width and 0.82 inches depth, weighs 4.2 ounces, with the battery and memory, and is lighter than many modern smartphones. We found that the camera felt a bit fragile when we tried to use it. We can live with this tradeoff, however it is worth noting.

However, the buttons and controls feel as solid as you would expect. Only problem was the video recording button which was a bit awkwardly placed and difficult to use.

A downside to this camera is its size. Anyone with large hands may find it difficult to hold and operate. Although this might be a problem for adults who are larger than they should, the camera is a great choice for kids because of its small dimensions and the easy controls.

Installation Process: It's as easy as pie

The Sony DSC-W800 certainly gets high marks on setup—we could barely hope for an easier setup process. It comes with a small box that contains the essentials, including a battery and a charger.

The SD card and battery fit in the sliding compartment at the bottom of your camera body. They are both foolproof and can be inserted in any direction.

To start charging the camera after it is set up, insert the battery into the provided cable and then plug the cable in to the external port. Although the device came with enough charge to allow you to use and test the camera immediately, your mileage will vary.

The camera's battery can be charged quickly because it is very small. However, this comes at the cost of the ability to take 200 photos or use the camera continuously for 100 minutes. This was sufficient for brief spurts, but it was absolutely necessary to charge the camera before you took it out.

Related Reading: Panasonic HC-WXF991 Camcorder Review: Sharp 4K Video

Quality of Photos: There are no big surprises

It's not hard to believe that you pay around $90 for your camera and get the same quality of photos. The image quality might surprise buyers who are familiar with older camera options that cost three to ten times more. With a bit of patience, you can take great photos with the right equipment (we recommend buying a tripod).

The Sony DSC-W800, like most other cameras at the low end of the cost spectrum will produce better results when there is plenty of light. The auto-focus system is slower in low lighting, so you'll need to use the older sensor technology. It will take anywhere from 1 to 4 seconds for indoor photos to be taken without flash.

The Sony DSC-8800, like most other cameras at the low end of the cost spectrum will produce better results when there is plenty of sunlight.

A tripod and subject that aren't moving will help you take blur-free pictures. Although these constraints may seem cumbersome at first glance, it is a great way to gain valuable lessons that will help any photographer improve their skills with photography. We believe the DSC W800 is a great platform to grow if you accept the odd difficulty as an opportunity to learn.

Last note: The 2.7-inch (4:3)/230,400 dots rear screen isn’t very high resolution. Your photos will look much better when they are taken off of the camera and transferred to your computer.

Video Quality - Fine, but not exceptional

Video quality, like other cameras this cost, is somewhat secondary. The 1280x720 video resolution is not as high as full HD (1920x1080), and it's difficult to recommend this camera to anyone who intends to use the device solely for video. If you are looking to jump in to video, it is worth investing in a high-quality camera capable of recording at 1080p or higher. The DSC-W800 is still a good choice for basic shooting needs.

Software is easier than the average

After turning on your Sony DSC-W800, you'll select the date, time and place information. Then you can start shooting photos. Although the menu is simple and straightforward, it's not complicated. This simplicity takes much of the mystery out of how to use the camera. The 'Panorama Shot' is a great feature of this camera. It allows the user to choose the direction of shooting (right, left or up, down), photo size (standard or wide, 360), as well as exposure compensation.

Sony's Easy Mode is another feature that can be beneficial to both children and adults who are not overwhelmed by the many options. This option removes almost all menu options, leaving only still images. It also enlarges the icon and font sizes. The information overlay is changed to only show battery life and remaining photos. This option is great for those who just want to get started taking photos without having to think about all the options.

Prices: Wallet-friendly for a Reason

The Sony DSC-W800 is less than $100 and offers everything that you would expect from a camera this affordable. It will be difficult to find an alternative cheaper than the Sony DSC-W800. If you are not willing to spend more, don't worry.

It will not be easy to find an alternative cheaper that's worth looking into.

At this stage, you only need to think about whether you require more from your camera or if it is enough to justify increasing your savings or decreasing the price.

Sony DSC-W800 vs. Canon PowerShot ELPH 190 IS

In our testing, the closest competitor to the DSC-8800 was the Canon PowerShot ELPH 190IS. It costs just $159.99 and is almost twice as expensive. The Canon offers features such as a 10-x optical zoom, twice that of the Sony, and NFC and WiFi support. This makes it an attractive option for future-proofing. The Canon is able to win a lot more shots than it loses in a shot-by–shot comparison.

Here are some other top digital cameras below $200.

Final Verdict

Unbeatable price, beatable performance.

This camera is for you if budget is your primary consideration when making a purchase decision. This camera is worth looking at if you are on a budget. It costs $89.99, which in today's camera market is quite reasonable.