Sony A230 vs Sony HX5

In this write-up, we are looking at the Sony A230 versus Sony HX5, former being a Entry-Level DSLR while the other is a Small Sensor Compact and both of them are sold by Sony. The image resolution of the A230 (10MP) and the HX5 (10MP) is fairly well matched but the A230 (APS-C) and HX5 (1/2.4") possess different sensor dimensions.

Meta to Introduce 'AI-Generated' Labels for Media starting next month

The A230 was launched 13 months earlier than the HX5 making the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Sony A230 being a Compact SLR camera and the Sony HX5 being a Compact camera.

Before getting straight into a full comparison, below is a concise overview of how the A230 grades vs the HX5 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Sony Alpha DSLR-A230 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5. The complete galleries are provided at Sony A230 Gallery & Sony HX5 Gallery.

In case you're going to carry your camera often, you'll have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Sony A230 comes with exterior dimensions of 128mm x 97mm x 68mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.7") and a weight of 490 grams (1.08 lbs) and the Sony HX5 has proportions of 102mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 200 grams (0.44 lbs).

Look at the Sony A230 versus Sony HX5 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you have chosen at that time. The following is the front view physical size comparison of the A230 compared to the HX5.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the A230 and HX5 is 69 and 92 respectively.

Quite often, it is very tough to imagine the gap between sensor sizing just by looking at specs. The visual below will offer you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the A230 and HX5.

As you can plainly see, both of these cameras enjoy the same exact megapixel count but different sensor sizing. The A230 comes with the larger sensor which will make achieving bokeh easier. The older A230 is going to be behind with regard to sensor innovation.