Sony A230 vs Sony QX100

In this write-up, we are looking at the Sony A230 versus Sony QX100, one being a Entry-Level DSLR and the other is a Lens-style and they are both offered by Sony. There exists a sizeable gap between the image resolutions of the A230 (10MP) and QX100 (20MP) and the A230 (APS-C) and QX100 (1") feature totally different sensor size.

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The A230 was announced 5 years prior to the QX100 and that is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Sony A230 being a Compact SLR camera and the Sony QX100 being a Lens-style camera.

Before diving in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the A230 grades against the QX100 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Sony Alpha DSLR-A230 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-QX100. The whole galleries are available at Sony A230 Gallery and Sony QX100 Gallery.

When you are planning to carry your camera, you are going to need to think about its weight and size. The Sony A230 comes with physical dimensions of 128mm x 97mm x 68mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.7") having a weight of 490 grams (1.08 lbs) whilst the Sony QX100 has specifications of 63mm x 63mm x 56mm (2.5" x 2.5" x 2.2") along with a weight of 179 grams (0.39 lbs).

Check the Sony A230 versus Sony QX100 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have at that moment. Following is the front view overall size comparison of the A230 and the QX100.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the A230 and QX100 is 69 and 92 respectively.

Typically, it's hard to see the gap between sensor sizing merely by reviewing specs. The graphic here should provide you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the A230 and QX100.

All in all, the two cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The A230 with its larger sensor will make achieving shallower DOF simpler and the Sony QX100 will offer greater detail with its extra 10 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also help you crop photos far more aggressively. The older A230 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.