Sony digital camera download cable query

[Krystal n chips]

We recently inherited a Sony Cybershot DSC W550 camera. minus the download cable. A quick scan showed compatible cables readily available, so no problem, or so we thought. Ordered one and when it arrived, the connector to the camera port was a different size....tried again, with two other suppliers and with the same result.

The problem is the cables they say are compatible have a larger connector than the camera port which does seem to be very small.

We have the serial number of the camera, if this would help, but does anybody have any suggestions please as to any sources that could possibly help provide the cable. That, and I'm intrigued as to why the port is so small.

Many thanks....

[Jhieminga]

I suspect that you got a cable with a regular USB-B connector and what you need is a mini-USB-B connector. If the camera port is really small, it might also be a micro-USB connector, which is similar to what some mobile phones use.
A bit of Googling shows me this option: https://www.amazon.co.uk/High-Grade-Digital-Products-Warranty/dp/B004AR8UBK/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=Sony+Cybershot+W550+cable&qid=1607510466&sr=8-3
That appears to have a micro-USB connector. You could have a look around to see if you happen to have a similar cable from a tablet, phone, e-reader or similar. Be careful though, cameras do sometimes use various special variations of connector, it might not be the exact same one.
The easy alternative of course is to use a SD card reader to get the photos from the card to your computer. Might be easier in the end.

[PlusNet]

This may help with identification: https://www.cablestogo.com/learning/connector-guides/usb

[Cornish Jack]

K'n C - I suspect that it;s a Sony 'thing'. They seem to use proprietary items where possible to prevent compatibility with standard (cheaper) items. Their portable radios are similar.

[Krystal n chips]

Many thanks for the very informative replies...:ok:. I freely admit I hadn't considered the "Sony thing " or the micro port, and the link to various forms was certainly of interest.

Now that we have options, will probably try one more time for a cable, then go for a SD card reader if no luck.

[arf23]

Many thanks for the very informative replies...:ok:. I freely admit I hadn't considered the "Sony thing " or the micro port, and the link to various forms was certainly of interest.

Now that we have options, will probably try one more time for a cable, then go for a SD card reader if no luck.
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sony-VMC-MD3-Multi-Use-Terminal-Cable-for-Cyber-shot-AV-Type-3-/133327270380

quick google show's its a Sony multi-connector type 3 socket which leads to this cable.

Simon

[nipva]

K n C
I have a Sony Cybershot DSC-V5 and the download port is a standard mini-USB socket definitely not a micro. Don't know if this helps.
#

[Krystal n chips]

K n C
I have a Sony Cybershot DSC-V5 and the download port is a standard mini-USB socket definitely not a micro. Don't know if this helps.
#

Thank you, and I do appreciate your contribution here, but not really. The cables we bought all stated they were compatible, and had a what I assume is a standard connector, however, the port on the camera is certainly micro and I'm grateful for the links provided. Interestingly enough, contacted a Sony dealer only to be informed " we don't sell cables ".....hmmmm ?

[nipva]

KnC
I am unclear as to what your compatibility issue is. You now agree that the port is a micro USB for which there are cables readily available. So, is it a physical thing or are you having problems with transfers?

[Krystal n chips]

KnC
I am unclear as to what your compatibility issue is. You now agree that the port is a micro USB for which there are cables readily available. So, is it a physical thing or are you having problems with transfers?

The compatibility issue is, that, the cables we purchased that were stated as being compatible turned out not to be because the connector on the cable was larger than the port on the camera. Others have now advised me how to remedy this anomaly

[jimjim1]

I have no complaint about arf23's post. I notice however that the seller below is half the price and offers a list of supported cameras. The DSC-W550 is not listed however there are several close matches and they offer:-

"DSC-W390/L
DSC-W560
DSC-W570"

"If you do not see your Cable listed, please ask seller a question, we can point you in the right direction - we are the UK Largest camera cable supplier"

Good luck.

PS
I want nothing to do with Sony or Apple. They both seem to aim to make life difficult for victims customers.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sony-VMC-MD3-VMCMD3-USB-A-V-Audio-Video-RCA-Multi-Use-Terminal-Cable/332686262702

[Background Noise]

Have had the same problems with various old Sony cameras - proprietary sockets, and even a mini firewire - if anyone remembers those.

Have you considered a card reader as an alternative - they are pretty cheap and usually support multiple storage card types so it might do for other devices too. eg: https://www.amazon.co.uk/JSG-Accessories®-Portable-Digital-Picture-CARD-READER/dp/B07VGT2KYL - which I think supports both types of memory card which that camera can use.

[StAn gelo]

PS
I want nothing to do with Sony or Apple. They both seem to aim to make life difficult for victims customers.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sony-VMC-MD3-VMCMD3-USB-A-V-Audio-Video-RCA-Multi-Use-Terminal-Cable/332686262702

I swore never to purchase an Apple phone after months of torture with two different iPods,iTunes,and constant 1GB 'updates' :mad:

[Krystal n chips]

Thank you for all the responses, advice and informative education.

After some deliberation, we've decided on a card reader as being the best option rather than route around more in hope than expectation in finding the correct spec cable.. As I said, we inherited the camera and it seemed ridiculous to just bin it when this was perfect for our needs, when all that was seemingly required was one little cable.....however, it's been a very useful lesson as to any future tech purchases ....and from which manufacturers !

[geo10]

Ditto on the card reader thing. I have tried to use cable of the same type as the original in an older Canon compact camera, and it didn't work.

[longer ron]

Totally agree Re Sony 'stuff' LOL,having said that I do have a wee sony digi pocket camera that gives really good results,we use a card reader as well.
I also use Sony Ericsson slider phones - they are small enough to pop in any pocket - pretty crap phone but does the job - it has the worst (and really strange) charging/data cable ever invented - it is a right pain in the butt to use and very easy to damage the socket :rolleyes:

[NutLoose]

Manual here

https://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/support/compact-cameras-dsc-w-series/dsc-w550/manuals

ohh and the cables Sony do not sell but really do are here

https://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/av-cables/t/video-cables

[NutLoose]

Totally agree Re Sony 'stuff' LOL,having said that I do have a wee sony digi pocket camera that gives really good results,we use a card reader as well.
I also use Sony Ericsson slider phones - they are small enough to pop in any pocket - pretty crap phone but does the job - it has the worst (and really strange) charging/data cable ever invented - it is a right pain in the butt to use and very easy to damage the socket :rolleyes:

That’ll be the mini usb that has angled sides and is easy to push in and screw up the port when it wears, my phone the plug goes in either way up so is idiot proof,

Sony Xperia 1 awesome phone with 4K oled screen, which is full widescreen for watching movies, stereo sound and google built in that you talk to and it gives you answers or carries out tasks.


..

[longer ron]

That’ll be the mini usb that has angled sides and is easy to push in and screw up the port when it wears

..

Sorry Tony I hadn't seen your post
If only it was that easy LOL - it is actually one of these puppies :eek:

https://i.imgur.com/SwGyDgj.jpg

[NutLoose]

Well that’s different!

[longer ron]

That is just a charging cable - the Data cable has more pins and one of the problems is that the two main plastic 'Prongs' are stronger than the receptacle in the phone - so if you 'fumble' the connection or put a little up/down load whilst connecting - it means that the receptacle/female part of socket is history.
Luckily I bought 4 good W995's off ebay a couple of years ago to sort of 'future proof' myself as I like 'slider' phones :cool:.

[NutLoose]

I have one of these for my phone Ron, the plug fits in it and then the charger cable attaches to it by a magnet.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNo75nqlhgU&feature=emb_logo

[longer ron]

Looks good Tony :),no chance of using any aftermarket adaptors on mine LOL.

cheers LR

[Avtrician]

Is this the cable??

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/USB-Data-Sync-Cable-for-Sony-CyberShot-DSC-W650-W630-W620-W610-W550-W530-W520-/161138507467