Sony Alpha A230L 10.2 MP Digital SLR Camera with Super SteadyShot INSIDE Image Stabilization and 18-55mm Lens
- 10.2-megapixel APS-size CCD image sensor for ultra-fine detail
- Included SAL1855 18-55mm standard zoom lens
- SteadyShot INSIDE in-camera image stabilization; Eye-Start Autofocus
- 2.7-inch Clear Photo LCD Plus display
- Compatible with high-capacity Memory Stick PRO Duo, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo and SD/SDHC media (sold separately)
The Sony Alpha DSLR-A200 has more features, less blur. For family photographers who want greater quality and creativity, the Sony Alpha DSLR-A200 combines high-resolution 10.2 MP, simple operation, high sensitivity (ISO 3200), advanced noise reduction and convenient Creative Style settings. SteadyShot(R) INSIDE in-camera image stabilization works with every lens, including Sony zoom, advanced Sony G-Series, pro-quality Carl Zeiss lens designs and Minolta mount lenses. Stamina(R) power provides up to 750 shots on a fully charged InfoLITHIUM battery. Eye-Start Autofocus and pop-up flash help you shoot faster – and a bright 2.7″ LCD screen displays index and high-resolution thumbnail images. Graphic Display lets you visualize camera settings HDMI terminal with BRAVIA Sync compatibility 2.7 (diag.) Clear Photo LCD Plus display High sensitivity (ISO 3200) for superior noise reduction Super-quick AF response to catch the perfect moment Up to 2.5 fps shooting while using the optica… More >>
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5 comments
kingrebe on September 22, 2009 at 11:45 pm
It blurs even slow moving objects in sports mode. My child was just walking by and his face is blurred…big time….I bought the camera because it focused so quickly..DON’T BUY IT unless all of your subjects will be sitting still.
Monica S. Lim on September 23, 2009 at 1:20 am
This is my first dslr camera. I had the camera for about 2-3 weeks now for my photography class at my university. I have always trusted Sony’s brand and was basically raised on it.
It’s not a bad camera for beginners like me who are just taking a photography class out of a requirement or if you want to pick it up as a hobby with out spending an arm, leg, and other body parts. It has good crisp, clear images. I even managed to get a picture of one of my small flower buds as it was beginning to open up. It has a huge wide range of colors, easy to use, light weight which is nice because I have a long commute on public transit, basically everything you’re looking for in a camera.
CONS: I have bad eye sight. Lazy eye plus astigmatism in one of my eyes and astigmatism in the other. I own a Sony Cyber Shot which comes with the “live view” of being able to actually see what you are taking in the lcd screen. This camera does not have this feature. You have to look through the eye piece in order to see what you are about to take. And if you have bad eye sight like me, that is a pain in the butt, especially if you have no tripod on you and are trying to take a picture of something with the larger lenses, which yes this camera is lighter then most cameras but it gets pretty heavy with the larger lenses. I can’t stand the fact that it doesn’t have a LCD screen which you can see out of. Why do I have to pay $200 – $300 for basically the same camera just to be able to see through the LCD screen?
Honestly, I’m beginning to wish I got the Nikon D060 instead. The bundle is nice but not really worth it.
Gary I. Thornley on September 23, 2009 at 3:44 am
Everything is great with this product and provider of services. It arrived on the date promissed in excellent condition. The camera does everything that I need and then some. The pictures are beautiful. I would recomend this item to anyone who is looking for an easy to use dslr that gives great results.
Chris Martin on September 23, 2009 at 5:19 am
I found a deal on a new Sony A230 that was too good to pass up (I really wanted the new kit lens). Knowing the comments I have read on the internet, I was skeptical on its performance and especially its ergonomics.
Let’s talk about the ergonomics first. It feels very solid and well made to me. I owned the A200 previously and actually think the A230 has a better build quality. It just feels more solid. The grip is different for sure but I find it is manageable for me by placing the right side of the camera against my palm. Plus it’s lightweight and this helps with the grip. You really cannot get an understanding of the grip by holding it in a store like Best Buy or Target where you cannot hold the camera by itself. I am not saying it’s my favorite grip by any means but it is manageable.
My main complaint in general usage is the lack of dedicated buttons. Many functions are menu driven. However in my case the main 2 options I change regularly are exposure compensation and ISO. There are dedicated buttons for these.
Simply stated, the new kit lens is quite an improvement over the 18-70. I am no expert but the overall image quality was noticeably sharper across the entire range. It is still entry level in feel though. The thing that stands out to me as an improvement over the A200 is the auto white balance. It is very good and a definite plus for new DSLR users. I actually compared it indoors to my Nikon D5000 and the white balance of the A230 was noticeably better. The Nikon tends toward a warmer white balance in general and this drives me nuts honestly.
Another aspect of the image quality that surprised me was its low light performance and noise performance. I tried last night to get it to take pictures without flash inside in a very dark room without flash. I changed to manual mode and raised the ISO to 1600 and then 3200. With the quality as JPEG fine, the noise was well controlled but noticeable, especially at ISO 3200. Then I changed to RAW and the difference was significant. I normally shoot JPEG but shooting RAW will make a difference when a special shot is needed or when the lighting is not optimal.
One area the Nikon noticeably performed better was in low light auto focus. The Nikon can focus quicker than the Sony. However the A230 usually did not give up and could eventually focus.
I personally do not use AEL or Kelvin white balance so Sony removing these features did not impact my decision to buy it. Each person will have to make his/her own opinion on the importance of certain features.
In the end, the A230 won me over for its great out of the box image quality, fantastic auto white balance, excellent kit lens and reasonable price. I definitely recommend it.
Patrick Nguyen on September 23, 2009 at 5:42 am
this is just about the perfect entry-level DSLR.
It has everything that you need to get great shots out of it, without the high price tag or a bloated feature set. I’d definitely recommend it. It’s not the best, technically, but it’s a great learning tool, performs well under stress, and an expert can get great shots out of it across the ISO range and in all lighting conditions. I would say that this will become legendary for its value as a DSLR. It’s the closest thing to a “throw it up and shoot” cheap little box film camera that you can get in a DSLR. But it still takes great photos, it’s very fast, nice and small, obviously cheap, and very easy to use.
I have to say I’m very happy so far with my choice, and this camera is my first DSLR Camera. The auto focus is fast and accurate. The shutter response is quick. The image quality is very good with lots of detail. The exposures have been very accurate with a minimal number of photos with blown highlights. The image stabilization kicks butt. The dynamic range optimization really does pull highlights out of the shade.
Pros:
-In-body Stabilization
-Compatible w/ Minolta lenses
-Smallest and lightest DSLR
-Very simple to use
-Vivid and good image quality
-Its high ISO (3200) low light performance is increbible
-Price
Cons:
-New Sony lens are expensive
-Some noise at high iso.
Just got this camera for couple days, will update more soon…
Update 08-31-2009:
I have returned this camera because I’m waiting for better deal on Sony A330 or Sony A500. Still love this camera alot.