Sony Alpha a230 review
Verdict
Underneath the veneer, very little has changed from the old model but that is not necessarily a bad thing, as this still offers a very competitive performance, and currently a cheaper price than its competitors once you take into account the kit lens.
The new outside of the camera certainly looks slicker and is well built with some nice little features, such as the sliding port/card cover, and overall it is smaller and lighter; but the handling has suffered making it more difficult to get a solid grip.
These handling issues are the only real let down to an otherwise very competent camera, and if your budget is tight, it's well worth considering.
But, if your cash can stretch a little further it might be also worth considering Nikon's new entry-level offering, the D3000, which we have also reviewed.
Have your say!
Latest comments
October 06 01:24
Harrow
I think the prod price is good for what is does. I'd give it 4/5 stars. Its very light despite what the pic looks like: sony-alpha-a230l-10-2-mp-digital-slr-camera-with-super-steadyshot-inside-image-stabilization-and-18-product For the most part I think this is for the middle skilled user. Its too much for a beginner and too little for the pro. Thats not to say that the quality is off, its a fantastic quality piece, but just know that you must read up a bit to use it.
April 07 20:42
Michael McGrath
Being shortsighted always having to wear spetacles , I am simply delighted with the diopter control on this camera placed nicely beside the viewfinder. The moment I tested this in the shop against the competition, I knew that this is the only possible camera for me . There's a good diopter adjustment on my Fuji S2 Pro as well, but it's massively hefty and heavy compared to this camera, so I think I'll be carrying this one a lot more through the long hot summer forecast here in Ireland for 2010. I am also pleased with the Dynamic Range Optimiser feature on the Sony. I am hoping that either Sony or a third-party manufacturer provides an add-on rubber grip - that would be the making of this Sony Alpha 230 which I have only had for 24 hours and already find excellent, being a photographer for 44 years . I do like the rubberised covering over the body as well. I find this Sony DSLR to be better than the midrange Canons and the equal of Nikons up to, but not having the features of, the D90. But I don't want video on a still camera, live view would have been nice though I always use a viewfinder , and as I say, the diopter adjustment on this camera made my day ! I am delighted so far with my choice of the Sony Alpha 230, and will report back when I really put it through its paces .
February 02 20:47
colin
I HAVE HAD SONY A230 FOR AROUND 18 MONTH OLD IT HAS STARTED TO DEVELOP A FEW FAULTS 1 NO ANTI-SHAKE 2 NO SENSOR CLEANER 3 EVERY 8 - 1OTH SHOT THE MIRROR JAMS AND I GET CAMERA ERROR MORE RECENTLY MY SHOTS ARE NOT CENTERED WITH THE VIEW FINDER AND THE AUTO FOCUS WILL NOT WORKED FURTHER THAN AROUND 1O FEET. THE CAMERA IS ALMOST UNUSABLE AND SONY (UK) ARE NOT INTERESTED. 2 NO SENSOR CLEANER 3 EVERY 8 - 1OTH SHOT THE MIRROR JAMS AND I GET CAMERA ERROR MORE RECENTLY MY SHOTS ARE NOT i BOUGHT ONE OF THESECENTERED WITH THE VIEW FINDER AND THE AUTO FOCUS WILL NOT WORKED FURTHER THAN AROUND 1O FEET.
March 07 11:00
Peter Cain
find camera very good takes very good snaps macro shots brill very simple to use sports action very good very pleased with overall performance