Pentax K-x vs Sony A230
69 Imaging
52 Features
47 Overall
50
69 Imaging
50 Features
40 Overall
46
Pentax K-x vs Sony A230 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 12MP - APS-C Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 6400 (Boost to 12800)
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- 1/6000s Maximum Shutter
- 1280 x 720 video
- Pentax KAF2 Mount
- 580g - 123 x 92 x 68mm
- Introduced December 2009
(Full Review)
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On this page, we will be reviewing the Pentax K-x versus Sony A230, both Entry-Level DSLR cameras by rivals Pentax and Sony. The resolution of the K-x (12MP) and the A230 (10MP) is relatively close and both cameras posses the same sensor size (APS-C).
Photography GlossaryThe K-x was introduced 8 months after the A230 and they are of a similar generation. Each of the cameras have the same body design (Compact SLR).
Before we go right into a complete comparison, here is a concise view of how the K-x scores against the A230 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.
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The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax K-x and Sony Alpha DSLR-A230. The whole galleries are viewable at Pentax K-x Gallery and Sony A230 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Pentax K-x over the Sony A230
| K-x | A230 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revealed | December 2009 |  | May 2009 | More modern by 8 months |
Reasons to pick Sony A230 over the Pentax K-x
| A230 | K-x |
|---|
Common features in the Pentax K-x and Sony A230
| K-x | A230 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manual focus |  | More precise focus | ||
| Screen type | Fixed |  | Fixed | Fixed screen |
| Screen dimensions | 2.7" |  | 2.7" | Equal screen size |
| Screen resolution | 230k |  | 230k | The same screen resolution |
| Selfie screen |  | Neither includes selfie screen | ||
| Touch screen |  | Lacking Touch screen |
Pentax K-x vs Sony A230 Physical Comparison
In case you're intending to carry around your camera often, you have to think about its weight and dimensions. The Pentax K-x features outside dimensions of 123mm x 92mm x 68mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.7") and a weight of 580 grams (1.28 lbs) while the Sony A230 has dimensions of 128mm x 97mm x 68mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.7") accompanied by a weight of 490 grams (1.08 lbs).
Analyze the Pentax K-x versus Sony A230 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you use during that time. Underneath is a front view over all size comparison of the K-x against the A230.
Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the K-x and A230 is 69 and 69 respectively.
Pentax K-x vs Sony A230 Sensor Comparison
Typically, it is tough to picture the difference in sensor sizes purely by looking through specifications. The pic here will help offer you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the K-x and A230.
To sum up, both of these cameras provide the same sensor dimensions albeit different MP. You should count on the Pentax K-x to render extra detail using its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop pictures more aggressively. The fresher K-x provides a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.
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Pentax K-x vs Sony A230 Specifications
| Pentax K-x | Sony Alpha DSLR-A230 | |
|---|---|---|
| General Information | ||
| Manufacturer | Pentax | Sony |
| Model type | Pentax K-x | Sony Alpha DSLR-A230 |
| Type | Entry-Level DSLR | Entry-Level DSLR |
| Introduced | 2009-12-23 | 2009-05-18 |
| Physical type | Compact SLR | Compact SLR |
| Sensor Information | ||
| Processor Chip | Prime | Bionz |
| Sensor type | CMOS | CCD |
| Sensor size | APS-C | APS-C |
| Sensor dimensions | 23.6 x 15.8mm | 23.5 x 15.7mm |
| Sensor surface area | 372.9mm² | 369.0mm² |
| Sensor resolution | 12 megapixels | 10 megapixels |
| Anti alias filter | ||
| Aspect ratio | 3:2 | 3:2 and 16:9 |
| Highest Possible resolution | 4288 x 2848 | 3872 x 2592 |
| Maximum native ISO | 6400 | 3200 |
| Maximum enhanced ISO | 12800 | - |
| Minimum native ISO | 100 | 100 |
| RAW pictures | ||
| Autofocusing | ||
| Manual focusing | ||
| AF touch | ||
| Continuous AF | ||
| Single AF | ||
| Tracking AF | ||
| AF selectice | ||
| Center weighted AF | ||
| AF multi area | ||
| Live view AF | ||
| Face detect focusing | ||
| Contract detect focusing | ||
| Phase detect focusing | ||
| Total focus points | 11 | 9 |
| Lens | ||
| Lens mount type | Pentax KAF2 | Sony/Minolta Alpha |
| Total lenses | 151 | 143 |
| Crop factor | 1.5 | 1.5 |
| Screen | ||
| Type of display | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
| Display size | 2.7 inches | 2.7 inches |
| Display resolution | 230 thousand dots | 230 thousand dots |
| Selfie friendly | ||
| Liveview | ||
| Touch operation | ||
| Display technology | TFT LCD monitor | - |
| Viewfinder Information | ||
| Viewfinder type | Optical (pentamirror) | Optical (pentamirror) |
| Viewfinder coverage | 96% | 95% |
| Viewfinder magnification | 0.57x | 0.55x |
| Features | ||
| Minimum shutter speed | 30 secs | 30 secs |
| Fastest shutter speed | 1/6000 secs | 1/4000 secs |
| Continuous shutter rate | 5.0 frames per second | 3.0 frames per second |
| Shutter priority | ||
| Aperture priority | ||
| Expose Manually | ||
| Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
| Change WB | ||
| Image stabilization | ||
| Built-in flash | ||
| Flash distance | 16.00 m | 10.00 m |
| Flash options | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Rear curtain, Wireless | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Rear Curtain, Wireless |
| Hot shoe | ||
| AEB | ||
| White balance bracketing | ||
| Fastest flash synchronize | 1/180 secs | 1/160 secs |
| Exposure | ||
| Multisegment metering | ||
| Average metering | ||
| Spot metering | ||
| Partial metering | ||
| AF area metering | ||
| Center weighted metering | ||
| Video features | ||
| Supported video resolutions | 1280 x 720 (24 fps), 640 x 416 (24 fps) | - |
| Maximum video resolution | 1280x720 | None |
| Video file format | Motion JPEG | - |
| Mic support | ||
| Headphone support | ||
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | None | None |
| Bluetooth | ||
| NFC | ||
| HDMI | ||
| USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| GPS | None | None |
| Physical | ||
| Environment sealing | ||
| Water proofing | ||
| Dust proofing | ||
| Shock proofing | ||
| Crush proofing | ||
| Freeze proofing | ||
| Weight | 580g (1.28 pounds) | 490g (1.08 pounds) |
| Physical dimensions | 123 x 92 x 68mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.7") | 128 x 97 x 68mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.7") |
| DXO scores | ||
| DXO Overall rating | 72 | 63 |
| DXO Color Depth rating | 22.8 | 22.3 |
| DXO Dynamic range rating | 12.5 | 11.4 |
| DXO Low light rating | 811 | 531 |
| Other | ||
| Battery life | 1900 photos | 230 photos |
| Style of battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
| Battery ID | 4 x AA | NP-FH50 |
| Self timer | Yes (2 or 12 sec) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
| Time lapse recording | ||
| Storage type | SD/SDHC card | SD/ SDHC, Memory Stick Pro Duo |
| Card slots | Single | Single |
| Pricing at release | $600 | $569 |