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Pentax K-x vs Sony A230

Portability
69
Imaging
52
Features
47
Overall
50
Pentax K-x front
 
Sony Alpha DSLR-A230 front
Portability
69
Imaging
50
Features
40
Overall
46

Pentax K-x vs Sony A230 Key Specs

Pentax K-x
(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
Sony A230
(Full Review)
  • 10MP - APS-C Sensor
  • 2.7" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • Sensor based Image Stabilization
  • No Video
  • Sony/Minolta Alpha Mount
  • 490g - 128 x 97 x 68mm
  • Revealed May 2009
  • Succeeded the Sony A200
  • Later Model is Sony A290
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Pentax K-x vs Sony A230 Overview

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).

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The 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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Reasons to pick Pentax K-x over the Sony A230

 K-x A230 
RevealedDecember 2009May 2009More 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 typeFixed Fixed Fixed screen
Screen dimensions2.7"2.7"Equal screen size
Screen resolution230k230kThe 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. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

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.

Pentax K-x vs Sony A230 size comparison

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 top view buttons comparison

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.

Pentax K-x vs Sony A230 sensor size comparison

Pentax K-x vs Sony A230 Screen and ViewFinder

Pentax K-x vs Sony A230 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
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Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Pentax K-x Portrait photography information
Sony A230 Portrait photography information
63
has manual focus
decent sensor size (APS-C)
includes face detection focus
exports RAW files
low MP (12 megapixels)
54
has manual focus
sensor size is good (APS-C)
delivers RAW formats
no liveview
low megapixels (10MP)
Photography Glossary

Street Comparison

Pentax K-x Street photography features
Sony A230 Street photography features
67
image stabilization (Sensor based)
decent sensor size (APS-C)
exports RAW files
no articulating screen
67
built in image stabilization (Sensor based)
sensor size is good (APS-C)
delivers RAW formats
no articulating screen
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Sports Comparison

Pentax K-x Sports photography information
Sony A230 Sports photography information
61
great max shutter speed (1/6,000 seconds)
image stabilization (Sensor based)
decent sensor size (APS-C)
better than average battery power (1,900 shots)
comes with phase detect auto focus
low fps (5.0 frames per second)
low MP (12 megapixels)
46
built in image stabilization (Sensor based)
sensor size is good (APS-C)
has phase detect auto focus
no liveview
painfully slow continuous shooting (3.0 frames per second)
low megapixels (10MP)
terrible battery life (230 per charge)
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Travel Comparison

Pentax K-x as a Travel photography camera
Sony A230 as a Travel photography camera
54
better than average battery power (1,900 shots)
flash built-in
lack of Time Lapse function
low MP (12MP)
screen isn't selfie friendly
45
built-in flash
no Time Lapse recording
terrible battery life (230 per charge)
low megapixels (10 megapixels)
does not offer selfie friendly display
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Landscape Comparison

Landscape photography with Pentax K-x
Landscape photography with Sony A230
61
has manual focus
swap lenses (Pentax KAF2 mount)
image stabilization (Sensor based)
decent sensor size (APS-C)
exports RAW files
better than average battery power (1,900 CIPA)
tiny screen (2.7")
low MP (12 megapixels)
lack of Time Lapse function
51
has manual focus
interchangeable lenses (Sony/Minolta Alpha mount)
built in image stabilization (Sensor based)
sensor size is good (APS-C)
delivers RAW formats
tiny screen (2.7 inch)
no liveview
low megapixels (10 megapixels)
terrible battery life (230 per charge)
no Time Lapse recording
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Vlogging Comparison

Pentax K-x as a Vlogging camera
Sony A230 as a Vlogging camera
27
image stabilization (Sensor based)
includes face detection focus
screen isn't selfie friendly
video res low (1280 x 720 resolution)
lack of external mic support
9
no video
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Pentax K-x vs Sony A230 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Pentax K-x and Sony A230
 Pentax K-xSony 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