Samsung CL5 vs Sony A230

Let's look a bit more closely at the Samsung CL5 versus Sony A230, one is a Ultracompact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Samsung and Sony. The image resolution of the CL5 (9MP) and the A230 (10MP) is pretty similar but the CL5 (1/2.5") and A230 (APS-C) possess totally different sensor dimensions.

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The CL5 was brought out 2 months earlier than the A230 so they are of a similar generation. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Samsung CL5 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony A230 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go through a detailed comparison, below is a quick overview of how the CL5 grades vs the A230 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Samsung CL5 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A230. The entire galleries are viewable at Samsung CL5 Gallery and Sony A230 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to carry around your camera, you'll have to take into account its weight and volume. The Samsung CL5 comes with outside dimensions of 93mm x 60mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.4" x 0.7") along with a weight of 141 grams (0.31 lbs) whilst the Sony A230 has sizing of 128mm x 97mm x 68mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.7") along with a weight of 490 grams (1.08 lbs).

Compare the Samsung CL5 versus Sony A230 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you choose during that time. The following is the front view scale comparison of the CL5 and the A230.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the CL5 and A230 is 95 and 69 respectively.

Quite often, it can be difficult to visualise the difference between sensor sizes merely by reading a spec sheet. The picture below might give you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the CL5 and A230.

As you can see, both of those cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The CL5 featuring a tinier sensor will make shooting shallower DOF tougher and the Sony A230 will deliver greater detail having its extra 1MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop shots somewhat more aggressively.