Sony A200 vs Sony W230

Let's look a bit more in depth at the Sony A200 and Sony W230, one being a Entry-Level DSLR and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both of them are built by Sony. The image resolution of the A200 (10MP) and the W230 (12MP) is relatively comparable but the A200 (APS-C) and W230 (1/2.3") possess totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The A200 was launched 7 months prior to the W230 and they are both of a similar generation. The two cameras come with different body type with the Sony A200 being a Compact SLR camera and the Sony W230 being a Compact camera.

Before diving in to a in depth comparison, below is a brief overview of how the A200 grades against the W230 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Sony Alpha DSLR-A200 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W230. The complete galleries are provided at Sony A200 Gallery and Sony W230 Gallery.

In case you're going to lug around your camera often, you'll have to factor its weight and size. The Sony A200 has got exterior dimensions of 131mm x 99mm x 71mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 2.8") with a weight of 572 grams (1.26 lbs) while the Sony W230 has specifications of 95mm x 57mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") with a weight of 156 grams (0.34 lbs).

See the Sony A200 and Sony W230 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you choose at that moment. Here is the front view proportions comparison of the A200 versus the W230.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the A200 and W230 is 66 and 95 respectively.

In many cases, it is tough to see the difference in sensor measurements only by going through specs. The photograph underneath should provide you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the A200 and W230.

As you can plainly see, both cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The A200 because of its bigger sensor will make achieving shallow DOF easier and the Sony W230 will show greater detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop photographs somewhat more aggressively. The older A200 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.