Canon SX230 HS vs Sony a3500

Let's examine more closely at the Canon SX230 HS and Sony a3500, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Canon and Sony. There is a considerable difference between the resolutions of the SX230 HS (12MP) and a3500 (20MP) and the SX230 HS (1/2.3") and a3500 (APS-C) use totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The SX230 HS was launched 3 years before the a3500 which is quite a large difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Canon SX230 HS being a Compact camera and the Sony a3500 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving through a in depth comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the SX230 HS scores versus the a3500 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot SX230 HS & Sony Alpha a3500. The complete galleries are viewable at Canon SX230 HS Gallery & Sony a3500 Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry around your camera often, you have to factor its weight and proportions. The Canon SX230 HS has got physical dimensions of 106mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 223 grams (0.49 lbs) whilst the Sony a3500 has measurements of 128mm x 91mm x 85mm (5.0" x 3.6" x 3.3") accompanied by a weight of 411 grams (0.91 lbs).

Take a look at the Canon SX230 HS and Sony a3500 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you select at that moment. Below is the front view sizing comparison of the SX230 HS versus the a3500.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the SX230 HS and a3500 is 91 and 69 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is difficult to visualise the gap between sensor sizes simply by going over specs. The image underneath will help provide you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SX230 HS and a3500.

All in all, both of these cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The SX230 HS featuring a tinier sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field more difficult and the Sony a3500 will offer you greater detail utilizing its extra 8 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The more aged SX230 HS is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.