Sony A230 vs Sony W690

Here is a in-depth assessment of the Sony A230 versus Sony W690, one being a Entry-Level DSLR and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both are built by Sony. There is a huge difference between the sensor resolutions of the A230 (10MP) and W690 (16MP) and the A230 (APS-C) and W690 (1/2.3") enjoy totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The A230 was unveiled 3 years earlier than the W690 and that is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Sony A230 being a Compact SLR camera and the Sony W690 being a Compact camera.

Before diving straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a short introduction of how the A230 grades vs the W690 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Sony Alpha DSLR-A230 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W690. The full galleries are viewable at Sony A230 Gallery and Sony W690 Gallery.

When you are intending to carry your camera regularly, you should consider its weight and size. The Sony A230 enjoys exterior dimensions of 128mm x 97mm x 68mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.7") having a weight of 490 grams (1.08 lbs) while the Sony W690 has specifications of 94mm x 56mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 142 grams (0.31 lbs).

Compare the Sony A230 versus Sony W690 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are employing at that time. Below is the front view over all size comparison of the A230 against the W690.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the A230 and W690 is 69 and 95 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is tough to envision the difference between sensor sizing simply by looking at technical specs. The visual below might give you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the A230 and W690.

As you have seen, both of the cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The A230 having a bigger sensor will make getting bokeh simpler and the Sony W690 will give you extra detail having an extra 6MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop photographs far more aggressively. The older A230 is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.