Samsung SL820 vs Sony A230
94 Imaging
34 Features
21 Overall
28


69 Imaging
49 Features
40 Overall
45
Samsung SL820 vs Sony A230 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 80 - 1600
- 1280 x 720 video
- 28-140mm (F3.4-5.8) lens
- 168g - 95 x 59 x 23mm
- Introduced February 2009
- Additionally referred to as IT100
(Full Review)

Samsung SL820 vs Sony A230 Overview
Below is a extensive analysis of the Samsung SL820 vs Sony A230, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Samsung and Sony. The sensor resolution of the SL820 (12MP) and the A230 (10MP) is fairly comparable but the SL820 (1/2.3") and A230 (APS-C) feature different sensor measurements.

The SL820 was introduced 3 months before the A230 so they are both of a similar age. Both cameras offer different body type with the Samsung SL820 being a Compact camera and the Sony A230 being a Compact SLR camera.
Before we go straight into a detailed comparison, below is a brief view of how the SL820 matches up vs the A230 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Samsung SL820 vs Sony A230 Gallery
Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Samsung SL820 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A230. The whole galleries are available at Samsung SL820 Gallery & Sony A230 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Samsung SL820 over the Sony A230
SL820 | A230 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Display sizing | 3" | ![]() | 2.7" | Larger display (+0.3") |
Reasons to pick Sony A230 over the Samsung SL820
A230 | SL820 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manually focus | ![]() | Dial precise focus |
Common features in the Samsung SL820 and Sony A230
SL820 | A230 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Revealed | February 2009 | ![]() | May 2009 | Same age |
Display type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed display |
Display resolution | 230k | ![]() | 230k | Exact same display resolution |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Absent selfie screen | ||
Touch display | ![]() | Absent Touch display |
Samsung SL820 vs Sony A230 Physical Comparison
When you are going to lug around your camera, you will need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Samsung SL820 has exterior measurements of 95mm x 59mm x 23mm (3.7" x 2.3" x 0.9") having a weight of 168 grams (0.37 lbs) while the Sony A230 has dimensions of 128mm x 97mm x 68mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.7") and a weight of 490 grams (1.08 lbs).
Analyze the Samsung SL820 vs Sony A230 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Below is the front view measurement comparison of the SL820 against the A230.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the SL820 and A230 is 94 and 69 respectively.

Samsung SL820 vs Sony A230 Sensor Comparison
Generally, it is very difficult to visualize the gap in sensor measurements simply by seeing technical specs. The visual underneath will give you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the SL820 and A230.
As you have seen, the two cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The SL820 with its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field tougher and the Samsung SL820 will produce greater detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will enable you to crop photos far more aggressively.

Samsung SL820 vs Sony A230 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Samsung SL820 vs Sony A230 Specifications
Samsung SL820 | Sony Alpha DSLR-A230 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Manufacturer | Samsung | Sony |
Model | Samsung SL820 | Sony Alpha DSLR-A230 |
Also called as | IT100 | - |
Type | Small Sensor Compact | Entry-Level DSLR |
Introduced | 2009-02-17 | 2009-05-18 |
Physical type | Compact | Compact SLR |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor | - | Bionz |
Sensor type | CCD | CCD |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | APS-C |
Sensor dimensions | 6.08 x 4.56mm | 23.5 x 15.7mm |
Sensor area | 27.7mm² | 369.0mm² |
Sensor resolution | 12 megapixels | 10 megapixels |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 4:3 and 16:9 | 3:2 and 16:9 |
Maximum resolution | 4000 x 3000 | 3872 x 2592 |
Maximum native ISO | 1600 | 3200 |
Min native ISO | 80 | 100 |
RAW files | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focus | ||
Autofocus touch | ||
Autofocus continuous | ||
Autofocus single | ||
Autofocus tracking | ||
Selective autofocus | ||
Autofocus center weighted | ||
Multi area autofocus | ||
Autofocus live view | ||
Face detection autofocus | ||
Contract detection autofocus | ||
Phase detection autofocus | ||
Number of focus points | - | 9 |
Lens | ||
Lens mounting type | fixed lens | Sony/Minolta Alpha |
Lens focal range | 28-140mm (5.0x) | - |
Highest aperture | f/3.4-5.8 | - |
Macro focus range | 5cm | - |
Available lenses | - | 143 |
Focal length multiplier | 5.9 | 1.5 |
Screen | ||
Type of screen | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen size | 3 inch | 2.7 inch |
Resolution of screen | 230 thousand dots | 230 thousand dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch friendly | ||
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | None | Optical (pentamirror) |
Viewfinder coverage | - | 95% |
Viewfinder magnification | - | 0.55x |
Features | ||
Slowest shutter speed | 8s | 30s |
Maximum shutter speed | 1/1500s | 1/4000s |
Continuous shooting rate | - | 3.0fps |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Exposure compensation | - | Yes |
Custom white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Integrated flash | ||
Flash range | 4.50 m | 10.00 m |
Flash settings | Auto, On, Off, Auto & Red-Eye reduction, Slow Sync, Fill-in Flash, Flash Off, Red-Eye Fix | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Rear Curtain, Wireless |
Hot shoe | ||
AEB | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Maximum flash synchronize | - | 1/160s |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF area | ||
Center weighted | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 1280 x 720 (30, 15 fps), 640 x 480 (30, 15 fps), 320 x 240 (60, 30, 15 fps) | - |
Maximum video resolution | 1280x720 | None |
Video data format | Motion JPEG | - |
Mic port | ||
Headphone port | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environmental sealing | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 168 gr (0.37 pounds) | 490 gr (1.08 pounds) |
Dimensions | 95 x 59 x 23mm (3.7" x 2.3" x 0.9") | 128 x 97 x 68mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.7") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around score | not tested | 63 |
DXO Color Depth score | not tested | 22.3 |
DXO Dynamic range score | not tested | 11.4 |
DXO Low light score | not tested | 531 |
Other | ||
Battery life | - | 230 photographs |
Style of battery | - | Battery Pack |
Battery model | SLB-10A | NP-FH50 |
Self timer | Yes | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse shooting | ||
Storage type | SD/SDHC/MMC/MMCplus, Internal | SD/ SDHC, Memory Stick Pro Duo |
Card slots | Single | Single |
Launch price | $280 | $569 |