Sony Alpha 230
Sony · DSLR · 10.2 MP · APS-C
Score Breakdown
Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.
Independent Lab Scores
General | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Sony |
| Model | Alpha 230 |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2009 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | May 18, 2009 |
| Camera type |  DSLR |
| Camera size | 128 x 97 x 68 mm |
| Camera weight | 490 g |
Optics49/100 | |
About the OpticsSony Alpha 230 Overview and OpticsThe optics of the Sony Alpha 230 receive a score of 49/100. This camera features a 10.2-megapixel resolution, a shooting speed of 2.5 frames per second, and a CCD sensor. The Bionz processor offers decent performance, and the DXOMARK sensor score is 63. With an APS-C sensor size and a Sony Alpha DT lens mount, the Alpha 230 is compatible with a range of lenses. Additionally, the camera has built-in image stabilization and a 3:2 aspect ratio for versatile shooting. Comparing these specifications to current market standards, the Sony Alpha 230 falls short in terms of resolution and shooting speed. Modern cameras often offer higher megapixels and faster shooting capabilities. However, the Alpha 230 still provides satisfactory image quality and performance for casual photographers. Considering the optics and performance, the Sony Alpha 230 may not be the top choice for professional photographers or enthusiasts seeking advanced features. However, it remains a suitable option for those who prioritize ease of use and affordability in a camera. | |
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 10.2 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 3872 x 2592 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | CCD |
Sensor size ⓘThe sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 15.8 x 23.6 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  APS-C |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 2.5 fps045 |
Lens mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Sony Alpha DT |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | Bionz |
Aspect ratio ⓘThe aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |  3:2 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 10030200 |
Max ISO ⓘRefers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. | 32003003280000 |
Min ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 10030200 |
Max ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 32003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 3044080 |
Max shutter speed ⓘThe maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. | 400080032000 |
Autofocus points ⓘAutofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 90300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |  Yes |
Viewfinder type ⓘThe viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. | Optical (pentamirror) |
| Viewfinder dots | N/A |
Video | |
About the VideoThe Sony Alpha 230 lacks video capabilities. This camera only captures still images. | |
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. | No |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. | N/A |
Max video format ⓘVideo resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. | N/A |
Max video frame rate ⓘHow many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. | N/A |
Timelapse built in ⓘA built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. | No |
Video file format ⓘDifferent cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. | N/A |
Features21/100 | |
About the FeaturesThe Sony Alpha 230’s feature score sits at a modest 21/100. This score reflects a set of specifications that may seem outdated in today’s market. The camera comes with a 2.7-inch screen, which is smaller compared to the competition. The screen resolution, at 230,400 dots, is also lower than what is available in newer models. Despite lacking a touchscreen, the Alpha 230 does have a flip screen, making it convenient for capturing shots from different angles. However, modern connectivity options such as GPS, WiFi, and Bluetooth are absent in this model. The Sony Alpha 230’s limited features put it at a disadvantage compared to more advanced cameras in the market. While it may suffice for basic photography, users seeking the latest technology and enhanced connectivity should consider other options. | |
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |  Yes |
External flash ⓘExternal flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |  Yes |
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. | No |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. | No |
| Screen type | LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. | No |
| Screen size | 2.7" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 2304001150001500000 |
Flip screen ⓘA flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |  Yes |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. | No |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. | No |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. | No |
Storage & Battery13/100 | |
About the Storage & BatteryThe Sony Alpha 230 scores a low 13/100 in storage and battery. It has one memory card slot that accepts SD/SDHC and Memory Stick Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo cards. This camera’s storage options are limited compared to modern cameras, which often have multiple card slots and support for larger capacity cards. The battery life of the Alpha 230 is also disappointing, offering only 230 shots per charge using the NP-FH50 battery. This falls short of the expectations for today’s market, where many cameras provide more extended battery life. Additionally, the Alpha 230 lacks USB charging, making it less convenient for on-the-go users. These storage and battery limitations make the Sony Alpha 230 less appealing compared to current camera options. Users seeking better performance in these areas should consider other models. | |
| Memory card | SD / SDHC, Memory Stick Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo |
| Dual memory card slots | No |
| Battery type | NP-FH50 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 230 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | No |