Review: Sony DSC-WX220 is a Great Point & Shoot Option

If you're like me your main camera option for most family adventures is the handy dandy smart phone. I absolutely love the convenience, but lets be honest sometimes it just is not enough. So this past spring I went in search of a new point and shoot camera option.

My requirements:

• Something small that can easily slip into my purse. 
• A high level of megapixels- I love the details! 
• A good optical zoom-- at least 10x
  
• And something that auto programmed itself... I don't have time to figure out settings and juggle four kiddos!
• Quality HD video capabilities
• And of course, affordable!

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Wishes nighttime spectacular at Magic Kingdom. Taken with Sony DSC-WX220

After doing some research I decided to pick up Sony's DSC-WX220. 

What immediately drew me to the camera was its size and the amount of power it packed in such a small camera. The camera comes in at 18.2 megapixels with a 10x optical zoom.  The Exmor R CMOS sensor also allows the camera to pick up more light in low-light situations, really delivering great details that you can never seem to get with night shooting. This has to by far be my favorite "plus" with this camera.

The next feature I absolutely love about this camera is the Auto Settings. Now let's be honest this is a feature nearly every modern camera has, but to me the Sony DSC-WX220 model just seems to be better and more intelligent in this area. Combined with the Auto Object framing that can automatically trim your picture to focus on the objects you want and you have a nearly fool proof camera.

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Merida in Festival of Fantasy Parade. Taken with DSC-WX220 and uploaded to Instagram: JennOnTravel

The camera also comes fully loaded with 1080p HD video shooting capabilities. I now am using this for those random moments where a camcorder is not handy and the video quality is nearly as good as my Sony Handycam. The steady shot built-in to the video mode also helps deliver high quality footage. Drop it on a monopod (or "selfie stick" for the young kids) and it makes your videos even better.

So the one problem you're probably thinking of for family trips with the Sony DSC-WX220 vs your smartphone-- how can I get my pictures on social media for everyone to see!? This camera has built-in wifi and a great smartphone app to immediately upload videos to your phone. You can then very quickly edit and post amazing pictures that are higher quality than any picture you can grab with your phone.

I highly recommend the Sony DSC-WX220 camera for your next vacation and every day life. I really love the convenience of the camera and think its a great tool to capture those special family moments when a phone just is not enough and a camcorder is too much!

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Jenn Whitney is a travel enthusiast and mother of four. Her goal is to share her experiences and knowledge to help families plan amazing vacations around the world. Jenn is the owner of Whitney World Travel, a boutique family and luxury travel agency, and an Accredited Cruise Counselor. You can contact Jenn by e-mail at [email protected]