• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 30.00mm - 120.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 720.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • Detailed specifications
  • Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W230
  • Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50
Links
Prices:   Compare Prices
Manufacturer URL: Manufacturer website Manufacturer website
Predecessor:    
Successor:   Panasonic ZS60
ZS50 vs ZS60
General
Model Number: DSC-W230 ZS50
Alternate Model Number(s):   TZ70
Camera Format: Ultra Compact Compact
Currently Manufactured: No No
Retail Price: $199.00 $399.99
Street Price:   $279.00
Date Available: 2009-04-01 2015-04-01
Tripod Mount: Yes Yes
Weight: 4.5 oz (127 g) 8.6 oz (243 g)
includes batteries
Size: 3.7 x 2.2 x 0.9 in.
(95 x 57 x 22 mm)
4.4 x 2.5 x 1.4 in.
(111 x 65 x 34 mm)
Waterproof: No No
Waterproof Depth: n/a n/a
Image Sensor
Sensor Type: CCD CMOS
Sensor Manufacturer: Sony Super HAD  
Effective Megapixels: 12.1 12.1
Sensor Format: 1/2.3 inch 1/2.3 inch
Sensor size: 28.0735mm2 (6.17mm x 4.55mm) 28.0735mm2 (6.17mm x 4.55mm)
Approximate Pixel Pitch: 1.54 microns 1.54 microns
Focal Length Multiplier: n/a n/a
Aspect Ratio: 4:3, 3:2 4:3
Color Filter Type: RGBG RGBG
Anti Aliasing Filter:    
Self-Cleaning: No No
Sensor shift image stabilization: No No
On-Sensor Phase Detect: No No
DxO Sensor Score:   44
DxO Color Depth Score (bits):   20.0
DxO Dynamic Range Score (evs):   11.2
DxO Maximum Effective ISO Score (iso):   138
Image Capture
Image Resolution: 4000 x 3000 (12.0 MP, 4:3),
4000 x 2672 (10.7 MP, 3:2),
4000 x 2248 (9.0 MP, 16:9),
3264 x 2448 (8.0 MP, 4:3),
2592 x 1944 (5.0 MP, 4:3),
2048 x 1536 (3.1 MP, 4:3),
1920 x 1080 (2.1 MP, 16:9),
640 x 480 (0.3 MP, 4:3)
4000 x 3000 (12.0 MP, 4:3),
4000 x 2672 (10.7 MP, 3:2),
4000 x 2248 (9.0 MP, 16:9),
2992 x 2992 (9.0 MP, 1:1),
3264 x 2448 (8.0 MP, 4:3),
3264 x 2176 (7.1 MP, 3:2),
3840 x 2160 (8.3 MP, 16:9),
2448 x 2448 (6.0 MP, 1:1),
2560 x 1920 (4.9 MP, 4:3),
2560 x 1712 (4.4 MP, 3:2),
2560 x 1440 (3.7 MP, 16:9),
1920 x 1920 (3.7 MP, 1:1),
2048 x 1536 (3.1 MP, 4:3),
2048 x 1360 (2.8 MP, Other),
1920 x 1080 (2.1 MP, 16:9),
1536 x 1536 (2.4 MP, 1:1),
640 x 480 (0.3 MP, 4:3),
640 x 424 (0.3 MP, Other),
640 x 360 (0.2 MP, 16:9),
480 x 480 (0.2 MP, 1:1)
Image File Format: JPEG JPEG (EXIF v2.3), MPO, RAW, RAW+JPEG
Continuous-mode frames/second: 1.7 10.0
Video Capture
Can take movies: Yes Yes
Movie Resolution: 640x480 (30/​16.6)
320x240 (8.3)
1920x1080 (60p/​60i/​30p)
1280x720 (60p/​30p)
640x480 (30p)
1280x720 (120p)
640x480 (240p)
Movie File Format: MPEG1 AVCHD or MP4 with stereo audio
Composite Video Out: Yes Yes
NTSC/PAL Switchable Video: Yes No
Video Usable as Viewfinder:
HD Video Out: Yes Yes
HD Video Connection: Component HDMI
Lens & Optics
Lens Mount: n/a n/a
Lens: Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens, : 6 elements in 5 groups (including 3 asph,) LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR, 12 elements in 9 groups with 5 Aspherical elements, 10 Aspherical surfaces and 3 ED elements
Focal Length (35mm equivalent): 30 - 120mm 24 - 720mm
Focal Length (actual): 5.4 - 21.4mm 4.3 - 129mm
Zoom Ratio: 4.00x 30.00x
Aperture Range: f/2.8/7.1 (W) - f/5.8/? (T) f/3.3 - 8.0 (W) / f/6.4 - 8.0 (T) Multistage Iris Diaphragm
Integrated ND Filter: No No
Normal Focus Range: 4 cm to Infinity
1.6 in to Infinity
50 cm to Infinity
19.7 in to Infinity
Macro Focus Range: 4 cm to Infinity
1.6 in to Infinity
3 cm to Infinity
1.2 in to Infinity
Filter Thread: n/a n/a
Thread Type: n/a n/a
Optical Image Stabilization: Yes Yes
Digital Zoom: Yes Yes
Digital Zoom Values: 2x Precision, up to 22x Smart Zoom Up to 4x
Auto Focus
Auto Focus: Yes Yes
Auto Focus Type: Contrast Detection; 9-area Contrast Detect: Face / AF Tracking / 23pt / 1pt / Spot / Touch Area
Auto Focus Assist Light? Yes Yes
Manual Focus: Yes Yes
Viewfinder
Viewfinder: LCD EVF / LCD
Viewfinder Type:   EVF: 0.2-inch, 1,166K dots equiv. LCD; 100% Coverage, Lens 19.6x Magnification: Approx. 2.56x / 0.46x (35 mm camera equivalent), Eye Sensor
Focus Peaking: No Yes
EVF Resolution: n/a 389,000 dots (129,600 pixels)
Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent):   0.46x
Viewfinder Magnification (nominal/claimed):   2.56x
Display
Eye-level Viewfinder: No Yes
Rear Display: Yes Yes
Rear Display Size (inches): 3.0 3.0
Rear Display Resolution: 230,000 dots 1,040,000 dots
Touchscreen: No No
Articulating Screen: No No
Tilt Swivel Screen: No No
Selfie Screen: No No
Max Playback Zoom: 8.0x 16.0x
Top Deck Display:
Exposure
Maximum ISO (native):   6400
Minimum ISO (native):   80
ISO Settings: Auto, 100, 200, 400, 1600, 3200 Auto, iISO,80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400
Auto ISO Mode: Yes Yes
White Balance Settings: Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Fluorescent 1/2/3, Incandescent, Flash WB Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Incandescent, White Set
Shutter Speed Range: 1/1600 - 1 sec 1/2000 - 60 sec
Bulb Mode: No No
Exposure Compensation: +/- 2.0EV in 0.3EV steps +/- 2.0EV in 0.3EV steps
Metering Modes: Multi-pattern, Center-weighted, Spot Intelligent Multiple, Center Weighted, Spot
Program Auto Exposure: Yes Yes
Aperture Priority: No Yes
Shutter Priority: No Yes
Full Manual Exposure: No Yes
Creative Exposure Modes: Easy, Smile, Softsnap, Landscape, Twilight portrait, High Sensitivity, Twilight, Snow, Beach, Fire works, Sports, Underwater, Gourmet Panorama Shot, Scene (Portrait, Soft Skin, Scenery, Sports, Night Portrait, Night Scenery, Handheld Night Shot, Food, Baby1, Baby2, Pet, Sunset, High Sensitivity, Glass Through, HDR, Starry Sky, High Speed Video, 3D Photo), Creative Control (Expressive, Retro, Old Days, High Key, Low Key, Sepia, Dynamic Monochrome, Impressive Art, High Dynamic, Cross Process, Toy Effect, Miniature Effect, Soft Focus, Star Filter, One Point Color (15 filters))
Self Timer: 10 or 2 seconds 2 or 10 seconds
Time Lapse (intervalometer):   Yes
High Resolution Composite: No No
Flash
Built-in Flash: Yes Yes
Flash Modes: Auto, On, Slow Synch, Off Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off
Flash Guide Number (ISO 100): n/a n/a
Flash Range Description: ISO Auto: 0.2m - 3.9m(W), 0.5m - 1.9m(T) Auto ISO: 0.6 - 6.4m (Wide), 1.0 - 3.3m (Tele)
Max Flash Sync:    
Flash Exposure Compensation:    
External Flash Connection: n/a n/a
Built-In Wireless Flash Control:    
Image Storage
Usable Memory Types: MS Duo / MS PRO Duo SD / SDHC / SDXC
UHS Support:    
Other Memory:    
Dual Card Slots: No No
RAW Capture Support: No Yes
Uncompressed Format:   RAW, RAW+JPEG
Movie File Format: MPEG1 AVCHD or MP4 with stereo audio
Included Memory: 15.0 MB 86.0 MB
Included Memory Type: Internal Internal
Connectivity
Built-In Wi-Fi: No Yes
NFC: No Yes
Bluetooth: No No
Built-In GPS: No No
Microphone Jack: No No
Headphone Jack: No No
External Connections: USB 2.0 High Speed USB 2.0 High Speed,WiFi
PictBridge Compliant: Yes Yes
DPOF Compliant: Yes Yes
Remote Control: No Yes
Remote Control Type:   Via Wi-Fi
Connections (extended):   Micro (Type-D) HDMI, Built-in Wi-Fi with NFC
Performance Timing
Cycle time for JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame, max resolution):    
Cycle time for RAW shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame):    
Buffer size for RAW shooting in single shot mode (frames):    
Cycle time for RAW+JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per shot):    
Camera penalizes early shutter press?
JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps, max resolution): 1.7 10.0
Buffer size for JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames, max resolution): 100 6
RAW shooting speed in burst mode (fps):    
Buffer size for RAW shooting in burst mode (frames):    
RAW+JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps):    
Buffer Size for RAW+JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames):    
Shutter lag (full AF, wide/mid):    
Shutter lag (full AF, tele):    
Shutter lag (full AF, live view - DSLR):    
Shutter lag (prefocused, live view - DSLR):    
Shutter Lag (manual focus):    
Shutter lag (full AF, with flash):    
Shutter Lag (prefocused):    
Shutter Lag (notes):    
Startup Time:    
Play -> Record Time:    
Flash cycle time, full power:    
Power
Battery Life, Stills (CIPA Rating Monitor/Live View): 350 shots 300 shots
Battery Life, Still (CIPA Rating OVF/EVF):   300 shots
Battery Life, Video:    
Battery Form Factor: Proprietary Info LITHIUM Proprietary
Usable Battery Types: Lithium-ion rechargeable 3.6V, 1250mAh Lithium-ion rechargeable
Batteries Included: 1 x Proprietary Lithium-ion rechargeable 1 x Proprietary Lithium-ion rechargeable
Battery Charger Included (dedicated charger or AC/USB adapter): Yes Yes
Dedicated Battery Charger Included: No
Internal Charging Supported: Yes
Software
Included Software: Sony CD-ROM PHOTOfunSTUDIO 9.6 PE, LoiLoScope (trial version), Adobe Reader
OS Compatibility: Windows, Mac OS  
Miscellaneous
Notes & Features: Optical SteadyShot image stabilization, Smile Shutter, Intelligent Scene Recognition, Dynamic Range Optimizer, In-camera Retouching, HD Slide Show with music. Available in silver, black, red and blue. 30x zoom with optical image stabilization, 12.1MP High Sensitivity MOS sensor, 1166k-dot EVF with eye-sensor, 1080p60 video, 10fps full-res burst shooting, built-in Wi-Fi with NFC. Available in black or silver.