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Sony Alpha DSLR-A200 vs Sony Alpha DSLR-A230

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

SonyAlpha DSLR-A200SonyAlpha DSLR-A230
Overview
ReleasedJanuary 2008June 2009
Image and sensor
Camera typeDSLRDSLR
Sensor formatAPS-CAPS-C
Sensor typeCCDCCD
Sensor dimensions23.6 × 15.8 mm23.6 × 15.8 mm
Effective resolution10.2 MP10.2 MP
Largest image3872 × 25923872 × 2592
RAW recordingYesYes
Standard ISO range100–3200100–3200
Sensor detail10.8 million total pixels; RGB primary-colour filter; anti-static coating and sensor-shift dust removalApproximately 10.8 million total pixels; RGB primary-colour filter, anti-static coating and sensor-shift dust reduction
Image formatsJPEG, RAW (Sony ARW 2.0) and RAW+JPEG; 3:2 or cropped 16:9 stills; 12-bit analogue-to-digital conversionJPEG, RAW and RAW+JPEG; Sony ARW 2.1
ISO detailISO 100–3200 in whole-stop steps, plus Auto; high-ISO noise reduction available from ISO 1600–
Image processorBIONZBIONZ
Lens and shooting
Lens mountSony A-mountSony A-mount
StabilisationSensor shiftSensor shift
Maximum continuous burst3 fps2.5 fps
Lens detailInterchangeable Sony A-mount; supports compatible Sony, Minolta and Konica Minolta AF lenses; kit optics are separate from body specificationsCompatible Sony, Minolta and Konica Minolta A-mount lenses; lens specifications depend on the fitted lens
AutofocusTTL phase detection with nine points and centre cross sensor; single-shot, automatic and continuous AF, manual focus and selectable Eye-Start AF; detection range EV 0–18 at ISO 100TTL phase-detection with nine points, including central cross sensor; single, automatic and continuous AF, manual focus and Eye-start AF
ShutterElectronically controlled vertical-traverse focal-plane shutter; 30 seconds to 1/4000 second plus Bulb; flash sync 1/160 secondElectronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane shutter; 30 seconds to 1/4000 second plus Bulb; flash sync 1/160 second
Burst detailUp to 3 fps; JPEG Standard/Fine can continue until the card fills, subject to card and shooting conditions. Maker buffer claim six RAW or three RAW+JPEG frames.Maximum approximately 2.5 fps; up to six RAW or three RAW+JPEG frames, depending on recording media and conditions
Stabilisation detailSuper SteadyShot sensor-shift stabilisation; Sony claims approximately 2.5–3.5 stops depending on lens and conditions; excludes Minolta AF Macro Zoom 3X–1X F1.7–2.8SteadyShot INSIDE shifts the image sensor
FlashAutomatic pop-up built-in flash, guide number 12 in metres at ISO 100; ADI and pre-flash TTL control; wireless and high-speed sync require compatible external flashAutomatic pop-up flash; guide number 10 m at ISO 100; ADI and pre-flash TTL; Alpha-system external flash support
Exposure controlsProgram, aperture priority, shutter priority and manual controls; scene modes; 40-segment honeycomb, centre-weighted and spot metering; ±2 EV compensation in 1/3-stop steps; D-Range Optimizer and Creative Style controlsProgram, aperture priority, shutter priority and manual; automatic and six scene modes; 40-segment honeycomb metering
Screen and viewfinder
ViewfinderOpticalOptical
Screen size2.7″2.7″
Screen dots230,400230,400
Touchscreen–No
Tilting screenNoNo
Display detailFixed Clear Photo TFT LCD; 230,400 dots count colour subpixels; shooting information rotates with body orientationFixed TFT Clear Photo LCD; manual brightness adjustment
Viewfinder detailFixed eye-level pentamirror; approximately 95% coverage and 0.83× magnification with a 50 mm lens at infinityPentamirror; approximately 95% coverage and 0.83× magnification with a 50 mm lens at infinity, −1m⁻¹
Connections and design
Battery life (maker's claim)750 photographs510 photographs
Body weight532 g450 g
Release detailSony Hong Kong specifies launch from the end of January 2008 for the single- and double-lens kits; Japan gives 15 February 2008 for body and kits. January is the earliest maker-stated retail precision found.Sony Japan announced the body and lens kits on 18 May 2009 for 25 June sale; Imaging Resource reports US shipping began in June 2009, so the catalogue retains month precision.
Recording mediaCompactFlash Type I/II and Microdrive; Memory Stick Duo, PRO Duo and PRO-HG Duo require a separately sold CompactFlash-slot adaptorSD, SDHC, Memory Stick PRO Duo and PRO-HG Duo
PortsUSB 2.0 Hi-Speed with NTSC/PAL video output; wired remote-release connector and DC input; no HDMIUSB 2.0 Hi-Speed, mini HDMI Type C and Alpha accessory shoe
Battery life detailNP-FM500H, 7.2 V and 11.8 Wh (1650 mAh); approximately 750 photographs CIPA with built-in flash used for half the shots. The A100's NP-FM55H cannot be used, contrary to PhotographyBlog's handling description.NP-FH50; approximately 510 shots under CIPA conditions; maker's launch table uses flash for 50% of shots
ChargingSupplied BC-VM10 external charger; optional AC-VQ900AM adaptor/chargerSupplied BC-VH1 battery charger; optional AC-PW10AM adapter
DimensionsApproximately 130.8 × 98.5 × 71.3 mm (width × height × depth), excluding protrusionsApproximately 128 × 97 × 67.5 mm (width × height × depth), excluding projections
Weight detailApproximately 532 g without battery, memory card, lens or accessories; no loaded weight published in the maker tableApproximately 450 g body only, excluding battery, recording media and accessories
MaterialsPlastic outer body (PhotographyBlog and Cameralabs)–
ColoursBlackBlack
In the boxNP-FM500H battery, BC-VM10 charger, power cord, USB and video cables, shoulder strap, eyepiece cover and cup, body cap and software CD–
Video
Video detailStill-image camera with no movie recording; no live-view framing, mirror lock-up or depth-of-field preview (PhotographyBlog and Cameralabs)No movie recording; HDMI supports still-image playback

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