Samsung TL500 vs Sony A230

In this write-up, we will be looking at the Samsung TL500 versus Sony A230, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Samsung and Sony. The resolution of the TL500 (10MP) and the A230 (10MP) is pretty well matched but the TL500 (1/1.7") and A230 (APS-C) enjoy totally different sensor sizes.

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The TL500 was announced 14 months after the A230 which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Samsung TL500 being a Compact camera and the Sony A230 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going in to a full comparison, below is a simple summary of how the TL500 grades vs the A230 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Samsung TL500 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A230. The whole galleries are viewable at Samsung TL500 Gallery and Sony A230 Gallery.

In case you're intending to travel with your camera, you will have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Samsung TL500 provides external measurements of 114mm x 63mm x 29mm (4.5" x 2.5" x 1.1") with a weight of 386 grams (0.85 lbs) and the Sony A230 has measurements of 128mm x 97mm x 68mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.7") having a weight of 490 grams (1.08 lbs).

Compare the Samsung TL500 versus Sony A230 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are utilising at that moment. Below is the front view proportions comparison of the TL500 against the A230.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the TL500 and A230 is 88 and 69 respectively.

Often, it's hard to envision the gap between sensor dimensions purely by looking at specs. The pic underneath should give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the TL500 and A230.

As you can plainly see, both cameras offer the same exact MP albeit not the same sensor dimensions. The TL500 provides the tinier sensor which should make achieving shallow DOF harder. The newer TL500 is going to have an advantage when it comes to sensor innovation.