Sony A230 vs Sony RX1

Below, we will be looking at the Sony A230 versus Sony RX1, former is a Entry-Level DSLR while the latter is a Large Sensor Compact and they are both sold by Sony. There is a large difference between the resolutions of the A230 (10MP) and RX1 (24MP) and the A230 (APS-C) and RX1 (Full frame) use different sensor size.

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The A230 was revealed 4 years before the RX1 which is quite a serious difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Sony A230 being a Compact SLR camera and the Sony RX1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before we go straight into a complete comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the A230 grades against the RX1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Sony Alpha DSLR-A230 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1. The full galleries are available at Sony A230 Gallery & Sony RX1 Gallery.

In case you're intending to travel with your camera frequently, you should factor its weight and dimensions. The Sony A230 comes with outer dimensions of 128mm x 97mm x 68mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.7") and a weight of 490 grams (1.08 lbs) while the Sony RX1 has dimensions of 113mm x 65mm x 70mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 2.8") having a weight of 482 grams (1.06 lbs).

Examine the Sony A230 versus Sony RX1 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are utilising at the time. The following is the front view dimension comparison of the A230 against the RX1.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the A230 and RX1 is 69 and 79 respectively.

Usually, it is hard to imagine the contrast between sensor dimensions purely by looking at specs. The image underneath will help provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the A230 and RX1.

As you can plainly see, both cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The A230 having a tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF harder and the Sony RX1 will give you more detail because of its extra 14 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The more aged A230 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.