When you're shopping for a compact action camera, the biggest question is often what you're willing to trade off. Two used compacts illustrate that choice: the Sony DSC-W5 Cyber-shot and the Canon PowerShot ELPH 180. Both are silver and used, but they sit at opposite ends of the price range. The Sony is the lower-priced option, while the Canon is the higher-priced 20MP compact. Here's how they stack up and which one deserves your attention.
Quick verdict: Pick the Sony DSC-W5 if your priority is keeping the cost down and you're fine with a lower-resolution camera. Pick the Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 if you want more resolution and optical zoom, and you're willing to spend more. The Canon costs significantly more, but it offers a much higher resolution and a longer zoom range for everyday shooting.
Here's a side-by-side look at the two used cameras and their listed prices.
| Product | Price | Bar | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sony DSC-W5 Cyber-shot 5.1MP 3x Optical Zoom Digital Camera Tested. No Mem Card | USD 32.00 | 5.1MP, 3x optical zoom, AA battery, used | |
| Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 20 MP 8x Optical Zoom Compact Digital Camera No Battery | USD 174.99 | 20MP, 8x optical zoom, auto focus, used |
Both are used models in silver, so condition and color are similar. The core differences are resolution, zoom, and price.
Where each product wins: The Sony's strongest suit is its low price. The Canon's strongest suit is its higher-resolution sensor and longer zoom range.
Sony DSC-W5 Cyber-shot 5.1MP 3x Optical Zoom Digital Camera Tested. No Mem Card
This is the camera to consider when you want to keep spending low. The Sony DSC-W5 is a 5.1MP Cyber-shot with 3x optical zoom, and it runs on AA batteries. The title says it has been tested and notes that no memory card is included, so you'll need to supply your own. It also has a built-in speaker and built-in flash, along with USB connectivity. For casual snapshots and someone who doesn't need a lot of megapixels, this is the more affordable route. The main limitation is the resolution: at 5.1MP, the photos won't be as detailed as those from a higher-resolution compact, and you'll have to add batteries and a memory card before you can use it.
Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 20 MP 8x Optical Zoom Compact Digital Camera No Battery
If you want more resolution and a longer reach, this is the higher-priced option. The Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 lists a 20MP maximum resolution and 8x optical zoom, with auto focus, built-in flash, and built-in speaker. The title says it comes without a battery, so you'll need to add one before your first outing. The compact body keeps it portable, and the 20MP sensor gives you a lot of detail for cropping and printing. The auto focus and flash make it a straightforward point-and-shoot for everyday use. The trade-off is the price tag: you're paying much more than you would for the Sony. For someone who wants a more capable daily camera, this extra cost buys a lot more zoom and clarity.
Final choice by use case: If your budget is tight and you don't need a lot of resolution, the Sony at its listed price is the easy pick. If you prefer a higher-resolution camera with a longer zoom, the Canon's higher price is justified for the added capability. For a backup or a first camera, the Sony is a sensible option; for a main everyday camera, the Canon offers more room to grow.
