The Sony α 230 (DSLR-A230) is
Sony's entry-level
digital single-lens reflex camera
A digital single-lens reflex camera (digital SLR or DSLR) is a digital camera that combines the optics and the mechanisms of a single-lens reflex camera with a digital imaging sensor.
The reflex design scheme is the primary difference between ...
(DSLR). The 10.2
megapixel α230 is available in the United States in two kit versions, one with a DT 18-55mm SAM (smooth-autofocus-motor) Sony
lens and the other with the same DT 18-55mm SAM lens and a DT 55-200mm SAM Sony lens. The single lens kit is $449.99 (as of Jan. 1, 2010) and the two lens kit is for $649.99 (as of Jan. 1, 2010).
The Sony α230 has a 9-point
AF system and takes all Sony α/
Minolta AF mount lenses. The 10.2 megapixel
APS-C
Advanced Photo System type-C (APS-C) is an image sensor format approximately equivalent in size to the Advanced Photo System film negative in its C ("Classic") format, of 25.1×16.7 mm, an aspect ratio of 3:2 and Ø 31.15 mm field d ...
(23.6 mm × 15.8 mm) sized
CCD sensor has a max
ISO of 3200, however when using ISO 800 the photos start to get noisy and 1600 and 3200 have very bad noise. The Sony α230 has a
BIONZ images processor and can take approximately 7.5
frames per second. The Sony α230 includes Creative Style, or preset color settings;
BRAVIA Sync with a built in
HDMI plug, and anti-dust technology. The Sony α230's anti-dust system is a charge protection coating on a low pass filter and image-sensor shift mechanism. The α230 also features Sony's
SteadyShot INSIDE in-body stabilization.
The Sony α230 takes the Sony NP-FH50 rechargeable battery and can take about 510
photos
A photograph (also known as a photo, image, or picture) is an image created by light falling on a photosensitive surface, usually photographic film or an electronic image sensor, such as a CCD or a CMOS chip. Most photographs are now created ...
on a full charge (according to Sony). The viewfinder on the Sony α230 has a 95% field of view and has .83x
magnification
Magnification is the process of enlarging the apparent size, not physical size, of something. This enlargement is quantified by a calculated number also called "magnification". When this number is less than one, it refers to a reduction in siz ...
(with a 50 mm lens at infinity) is apparently better than its older brother, the Sony α350 which is almost the same camera except its bigger-tilt screen and
live preview.
A disadvantage to the Sony α230 is its proprietary
hot shoe, or where an external
flash unit attaches. The Sony α230, like all other Sony Alpha DSLRs, has the
iISO flash shoe.
The Sony α230 officially succeeded the
Sony α 200
Sony α 200 (DSLR-A200) is the third model of Sony α digital cameras. The model offers a slight upgrade from the Sony α 100 at a lower price. It first shipped in February 2008.
It was officially succeeded by the Sony α 230; the α 230 is muc ...
, however the α 230 seems to be targeted towards a more entry-level market as it is much lighter, several features have been removed and direct buttons to several options have been replaced with on-screen menus, unlike the α200 which uses
CompactFlash memory cards, the α230 will take either a
Memory Stick PRO Duo or an
SD/SDHC card.
The camera weighs approximately without the
battery
Battery most often refers to:
* Electric battery, a device that provides electrical power
* Battery (crime), a crime involving unlawful physical contact
Battery may also refer to:
Energy source
*Automotive battery, a device to provide power t ...
, memory card, lens and other accessories and has the approximate dimensions of 128 mm × 97 mm × 67.5 mm (W/H/D).
The Sony α230 has a standard
USB 2.0
Universal Serial Bus (USB) is an industry standard that establishes specifications for cables, connectors and protocols for connection, communication and power supply (interfacing) between computers, peripherals and other computers. A broad v ...
port along with its mini HDMI port. The camera sends a review image to HDMI output immediately after taking a photo. There is no need to switch to playback mode to review.
The
flash on the α230 is a standard pop-up with a recycling time of approximately 4 seconds. The hot shoe is, like most other Sony Alpha camera, a proprietary iISO.
Sony-Style: Sony α230 single lens kit Specs
/ref>
The Sony α230 has a capability to work with infrared remote control and also wired remote. Remote control is sold separately, and is enabled through the Drive mode menu by selecting 'Remote Commander'.
The Sony α230 has a capability to take power from AC Power Supply. Power supply is sold separately.
Sony discontinued the α230 in May 2010, replacing it with the α290.
References
External links
{{Konica Minolta/Sony DSLR cameras
230
Year 230 (Roman numerals, CCXXX) was a common year starting on Friday (link will display the full calendar) of the Julian calendar. At the time, it was known as the Year of the Consulship of Agricola and Clementinus (or, less frequently, year ...