Sony A230 vs Sony A290
69 Imaging
50 Features
40 Overall
46
![Sony Alpha DSLR-A230 front Sony Alpha DSLR-A230 front](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/cameras/gallery/medium/Sony-Alpha-DSLR-A230/Sony-A230-front.jpg)
![Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 front Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 front](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/cameras/w300/fronton/Sony-Alpha-DSLR-A290.jpg)
66 Imaging
54 Features
47 Overall
51
Sony A230 vs Sony A290 Key Specs
(Full Review)
(Full Review)
- 14MP - APS-C Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 3200
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- No Video
- Sony/Minolta Alpha Mount
- 549g - 128 x 97 x 86mm
- Revealed June 2010
- Old Model is Sony A230
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/No-Surprise-Pentax-17-Pre-Orders-218x150.jpg)
Sony A230 vs Sony A290 Overview
Below, we are reviewing the Sony A230 and Sony A290, both Entry-Level DSLR digital cameras and they are both built by Sony. There exists a crucial gap between the resolutions of the A230 (10MP) and A290 (14MP) but they possess the exact same sensor sizes (APS-C).
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ai-licence-218x150.jpg)
The A230 was launched 12 months before the A290 and they are of a similar generation. Both cameras come with the identical body type (Compact SLR).
Before going through a full comparison, below is a brief overview of how the A230 scores against the A290 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/tiktok-218x150.jpg)
Sony A230 vs Sony A290 Gallery
Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Sony Alpha DSLR-A230 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A290. The complete galleries are provided at Sony A230 Gallery and Sony A290 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Sony A230 over the Sony A290
A230 | A290 |
---|
Reasons to pick Sony A290 over the Sony A230
A290 | A230 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Revealed | June 2010 | ![]() | May 2009 | More modern by 12 months |
Common features in the Sony A230 and Sony A290
A230 | A290 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manual focus | ![]() | More precise focusing | ||
Display type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed display |
Display dimension | 2.7" | ![]() | 2.7" | Identical display dimensions |
Display resolution | 230k | ![]() | 230k | Same display resolution |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither has selfie screen | ||
Touch friendly display | ![]() | Missing Touch friendly display |
Sony A230 vs Sony A290 Physical Comparison
For anyone who is intending to carry around your camera regularly, you will want to think about its weight and size. The Sony A230 has exterior dimensions of 128mm x 97mm x 68mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.7") with a weight of 490 grams (1.08 lbs) and the Sony A290 has specifications of 128mm x 97mm x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") along with a weight of 549 grams (1.21 lbs).
See the Sony A230 and Sony A290 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.![Camera Size Comparison with Lenses Camera Size Comparison with Lenses](https://pxlmag.com/db/assets/camera-size-comparison-animation.gif)
Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have during that time. Underneath is the front view proportions comparison of the A230 against the A290.
![Sony A230 vs Sony A290 size comparison Sony A230 vs Sony A290 size comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Sony-Alpha-DSLR-A230-vs-Sony-Alpha-DSLR-A290-size-comparison.jpg)
Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the A230 and A290 is 69 and 66 respectively.
![Sony A230 vs Sony A290 top view buttons comparison Sony A230 vs Sony A290 top view buttons comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Sony-Alpha-DSLR-A230-vs-Sony-Alpha-DSLR-A290-top-view-buttons-comparison.jpg)
Sony A230 vs Sony A290 Sensor Comparison
Sometimes, it's tough to picture the contrast between sensor sizes only by going over specs. The pic underneath will give you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the A230 and A290.
As you can plainly see, the two cameras have got the exact same sensor measurements but different megapixels. You should expect to see the Sony A290 to offer more detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also help you crop images much more aggressively. The more aged A230 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.
![Sony A230 vs Sony A290 sensor size comparison Sony A230 vs Sony A290 sensor size comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/sensor-compare/Sony-Alpha-DSLR-A230-vs-Sony-Alpha-DSLR-A290-sensor-size-comparison.png)
Sony A230 vs Sony A290 Screen and ViewFinder
![Sony A230 vs Sony A290 Screen and Viewfinder comparison Sony A230 vs Sony A290 Screen and Viewfinder comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Sony-Alpha-DSLR-A230-vs-Sony-Alpha-DSLR-A290-screen-back-comparison.jpg)
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Approach-to-AI-Generated-Content-218x150.jpg)
Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/iphone-optical-stabilization-218x150.jpg)
Street Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/photography-glossary-218x150.jpg)
Sports Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/samsung-evo-microsd-cards-featur-218x150.jpg)
Travel Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/LP3_cut_13f_0212-218x150.jpg)
Landscape Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/maxresdefault-218x150.jpg)
Vlogging Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/snapchat-218x150.jpg)
Sony A230 vs Sony A290 Specifications
Sony Alpha DSLR-A230 | Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand Name | Sony | Sony |
Model | Sony Alpha DSLR-A230 | Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 |
Type | Entry-Level DSLR | Entry-Level DSLR |
Introduced | 2009-05-18 | 2010-06-09 |
Physical type | Compact SLR | Compact SLR |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor | Bionz | Bionz |
Sensor type | CCD | CCD |
Sensor size | APS-C | APS-C |
Sensor measurements | 23.5 x 15.7mm | 23.5 x 15.7mm |
Sensor area | 369.0mm² | 369.0mm² |
Sensor resolution | 10 megapixel | 14 megapixel |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 3:2 and 16:9 | 3:2 and 16:9 |
Highest Possible resolution | 3872 x 2592 | 4592 x 3056 |
Maximum native ISO | 3200 | 3200 |
Lowest native ISO | 100 | 100 |
RAW data | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focus | ||
AF touch | ||
Continuous AF | ||
Single AF | ||
AF tracking | ||
Selective AF | ||
Center weighted AF | ||
AF multi area | ||
AF live view | ||
Face detection focusing | ||
Contract detection focusing | ||
Phase detection focusing | ||
Number of focus points | 9 | 9 |
Lens | ||
Lens mounting type | Sony/Minolta Alpha | Sony/Minolta Alpha |
Available lenses | 143 | 143 |
Focal length multiplier | 1.5 | 1.5 |
Screen | ||
Type of screen | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen diagonal | 2.7" | 2.7" |
Screen resolution | 230 thousand dots | 230 thousand dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch capability | ||
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | Optical (pentamirror) | Optical (pentamirror) |
Viewfinder coverage | 95% | 95% |
Viewfinder magnification | 0.55x | 0.55x |
Features | ||
Minimum shutter speed | 30 seconds | 30 seconds |
Fastest shutter speed | 1/4000 seconds | 1/4000 seconds |
Continuous shutter rate | 3.0fps | 3.0fps |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Custom WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Integrated flash | ||
Flash range | 10.00 m | 10.00 m (at ISO 100) |
Flash settings | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Rear Curtain, Wireless | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, High Speed Sync, Rear Curtain, Fill-in, Wireless |
Hot shoe | ||
AEB | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Fastest flash synchronize | 1/160 seconds | 1/160 seconds |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment metering | ||
Average metering | ||
Spot metering | ||
Partial metering | ||
AF area metering | ||
Center weighted metering | ||
Video features | ||
Maximum video resolution | None | None |
Microphone 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 | 490 grams (1.08 lbs) | 549 grams (1.21 lbs) |
Dimensions | 128 x 97 x 68mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.7") | 128 x 97 x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall score | 63 | 66 |
DXO Color Depth score | 22.3 | 22.6 |
DXO Dynamic range score | 11.4 | 11.5 |
DXO Low light score | 531 | 615 |
Other | ||
Battery life | 230 shots | 290 shots |
Type of battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery model | NP-FH50 | NP-FH50 |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse feature | ||
Type of storage | SD/ SDHC, Memory Stick Pro Duo | Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo, SD/SDHC |
Card slots | 1 | 1 |
Launch price | $569 | $600 |