Canon SX230 HS vs Sony A57

In this article, we will be matching up the Canon SX230 HS versus Sony A57, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Canon and Sony. There exists a significant gap among the resolutions of the SX230 HS (12MP) and A57 (16MP) and the SX230 HS (1/2.3") and A57 (APS-C) use totally different sensor measurements.

Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD Cards

The SX230 HS was brought out 14 months earlier than the A57 which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. The two cameras offer different body type with the Canon SX230 HS being a Compact camera and the Sony A57 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go in to a in depth comparison, below is a quick synopsis of how the SX230 HS grades versus the A57 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot SX230 HS and Sony SLT-A57. The entire galleries are provided at Canon SX230 HS Gallery and Sony A57 Gallery.

If you are aiming to lug around your camera, you're going to have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Canon SX230 HS enjoys outer dimensions of 106mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 223 grams (0.49 lbs) and the Sony A57 has measurements of 132mm x 98mm x 81mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.2") having a weight of 618 grams (1.36 lbs).

Contrast the Canon SX230 HS versus Sony A57 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have at that moment. Here is the front view over all size comparison of the SX230 HS versus the A57.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SX230 HS and A57 is 91 and 64 respectively.

Quite often, it's hard to visualise the difference in sensor measurements purely by seeing specifications. The graphic below may offer you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the SX230 HS and A57.

Plainly, both of these cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The SX230 HS because of its smaller sensor will make getting bokeh more difficult and the Sony A57 will produce greater detail having its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop shots far more aggressively. The older SX230 HS will be behind in sensor tech.