Sigma SD1 vs Sony W230

Below is a in depth analysis of the Sigma SD1 and Sony W230, one being a Advanced DSLR and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Sigma and Sony. There is a sizeable difference among the sensor resolutions of the SD1 (15MP) and W230 (12MP) and the SD1 (APS-C) and W230 (1/2.3") have totally different sensor size.

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The SD1 was unveiled 20 months later than the W230 which makes them a generation apart from each other. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Sigma SD1 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Sony W230 being a Compact camera.

Before getting right into a in depth comparison, here is a simple summary of how the SD1 matches up versus the W230 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Sigma SD1 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W230. The full galleries are viewable at Sigma SD1 Gallery and Sony W230 Gallery.

When you are looking to lug around your camera regularly, you should consider its weight and measurements. The Sigma SD1 comes with external measurements of 146mm x 113mm x 80mm (5.7" x 4.4" x 3.1") with a weight of n/a grams (0.00 lbs) while the Sony W230 has proportions of 95mm x 57mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") along with a weight of 156 grams (0.34 lbs).

See the Sigma SD1 and Sony W230 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you use at that time. Here is a front view sizing comparison of the SD1 compared to the W230.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the SD1 and W230 is 77 and 95 respectively.

Often, it's difficult to visualise the difference in sensor measurements merely by looking through specs. The graphic underneath may give you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the SD1 and W230.

All in all, both the cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The SD1 having a bigger sensor will make getting shallow depth of field easier and the Sigma SD1 will provide you with greater detail having an extra 3MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop photographs more aggressively. The fresher SD1 will have a benefit in sensor innovation.