Nikon 1 V2 vs Sony Alpha DSLR-A230

      Nikon 1 V2

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A230
      60
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      60
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      Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Nikon 1 V2 and the Sony Alpha DSLR-A230, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Nikon 1 V2 was introduced in October 2012 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A230 was introduced in May 2009. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Nikon 1 V2 Highlights

      • 14.2 MP 1-inch CMOS Sensor
      • 160 - 6,400 Native ISO
      • 73 Focus Points
      • 3.0" 921k dot Fixed Screen
      • 1,440k dot Electronic Viewfinder
      • 15.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • 30 min Video Recording Limit
      • Built-in Flash

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A230 Highlights

      • 10.2 MP APS-C CCD Sensor
      • 100 - 3,200 Native ISO
      • 9 Focus Points
      • Image Stabilization
      • 2.7" 230k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentamirror) Viewfinder
      • 2.5 fps Continuous Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Nikon 1 V2
      4. Advantage of Sony Alpha DSLR-A230
      5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses
      6. Screen and Viewfinder
      7. Sensor
      8. Photography Features
      9. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
      10. Other Features
      11. Physical Parameters
      12. For Different Types of Photography
      13. Evaluations
      14. Specifications  

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Nikon 1 V2 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A230.

      PROS

      Nikon 1 V2

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A230

      •   Cheap
      •   Video Capture
      •   73 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Light - 278 g (0.61 lb / 9.81 oz)
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Light - 490 g (1.08 lb / 17.28 oz)
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Nikon 1 V2

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A230

      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 14.2 Megapixel
      •   160 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Viewfinder - 1,440k dot
      •   Low DxO Overall Score - 50
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 310 shots
      •   No Video Capture
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 10.2 Megapixel
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.5 fps
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 230 shots


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Nikon 1 V2

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A230

      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Electronic) - 1/16000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 15.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Screen Size - 2.7"
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 63

      Advantage of Nikon 1 V2

      Nikon 1 V2
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Nikon 1 V2 over Sony Alpha DSLR-A230.

      Nikon 1 V2 vs Sony Alpha DSLR-A230
      Video Capture vs
      Higher Sensor Resolution 14.2 Megapixel vs 10.2 Megapixel
      Higher Native ISO 6,400 vs 3,200
      Max Image Resolution 4608 x 3072 vs 3872 x 2592
      More Focus Points 73 vs 9
      Tracking Autofocus vs
      Face Detection vs
      Live View Autofocus vs
      Larger Screen 3.0" vs 2.7"
      Higher Resolution Screen 921k dot vs 230k dot
      Live View vs
      Higher Viewfinder Coverage 100% vs 95%
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 15.0 fps vs 2.5 fps
      Higher Flash Sync Speed 1/250 sec vs 1/160 sec
      Built-in Microphone Stereo vs
      Lighter 278 g (0.61 lb / 9.81 oz) vs 490 g (1.08 lb / 17.28 oz)
      Longer Battery Life 310 shots vs 230 shots

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Nikon 1 V2.

      Nikon 1 V3
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      1-inch

      18.4 MP

      Nikon 1 V1
      Image cannot be found

      1-inch

      10.1 MP

      Canon 7D II
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      20.2 MP

      Canon 1D X III
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      20.1 MP

      Nikon D2H
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      4.1 MP

      Samsung NX2000
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      20.3 MP

      Canon 5DS
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      50.6 MP

      Fujifilm X-T20
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      24.3 MP

      Canon Rebel T5
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      18.0 MP

      Canon Rebel SL1
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      18.0 MP

      Fujifilm X-A5
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Sony NEX-5R
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      APS-C

      16.1 MP

      Advantage of Sony Alpha DSLR-A230

      Sony DSLR-A230
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Sony Alpha DSLR-A230 over Nikon 1 V2.

      Nikon 1 V2 vs Sony Alpha DSLR-A230
      Larger Sensor 1-inch vs APS-C
      Lower Native ISO 160 vs 100
      Continuous Autofocus vs
      Image Stabilization vs Sensor Shift
      Higher DxO Low Light ISO 403 vs 531
      Higher DxO Color Depth 20.2 vs 22.3
      Higher DxO Dynamic Range 10.8 vs 11.4
      Higher DxO Overall Score 50 vs 63

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Sony Alpha DSLR-A230.

      Sony DSLR-A700
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      APS-C

      10.24 MP

      Sony DSLR-A350
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A900
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      Full Frame

      24.6 MP

      Sony DSLR-A390
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A100
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A200
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A330
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A300
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A850
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      Full Frame

      24.6 MP

      Sony DSLR-A290
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A560
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A450
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Nikon 1 V2 Sony Alpha DSLR-A230
        Built-in Flash
        HDMI Output
        Light278 g (0.61 lb / 9.81 oz)490 g (1.08 lb / 17.28 oz)
      WEAKNESSES Nikon 1 V2 Sony Alpha DSLR-A230
        Low Resolution Sensor14.2 Megapixel10.2 Megapixel
        Timelapse Recording
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        No Microphone Input
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi via optional WU-1b mobile adapter
        No Built-In Bluetooth
        No Environmental Sealing
        Short Battery Life310 shots230 shots

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Nikon 1 V2 has a 3.0" screen with 921k dot resolution and Sony Alpha DSLR-A230 has a 2.7" screen with 230k dot resolution. Both have Fixed screens.


      Viewfinder

      Nikon 1 V2 has a built-in Electronic viewfinder with 1,440k dot resolution and Sony Alpha DSLR-A230 has a built-in Optical (pentamirror) viewfinder. Nikon 1 V2 has 100% coverage magnification and Sony Alpha DSLR-A230 has 95% coverage with 0.83x (0.55x 35mm equivalent) magnification.

      Sensor

      Nikon 1 V2 features a 14.2 megapixel 1-inch CMOS sensor with dimensions of 13.2 x 8.8 mm and a total area of 116.2 mm2. Its native ISO range is 160 - 6,400. Sony Alpha DSLR-A230 features a 10.2 megapixel APS-C CCD sensor with dimensions of 23.5 x 15.7 mm and a total area of 246.5 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 3,200.


      Here is a sensor size comparison chart where you can see how different sensors compare with each other:

      Sensor size chart
      Sensor Dimensions Area Aspect Ratio Crop Factor
      Image cannot be displayedMedium Format44 x 33 mm1452 mm24:30.79x
      Image cannot be displayedFull Frame36 x 24 mm864 mm23:21x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-H27 x 18 mm486 mm23:21.3x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C23.6 x 15.6 mm368.2 mm23:21.5x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C (Canon)22.3 x 14.9 mm332.3 mm23:21.6x
      Image cannot be displayedMicro Four Thirds17.4 x 13 mm226.2 mm24:32x
      Image cannot be displayed1-inch13.2 x 8.8 mm116.2 mm23:22.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/1.7-inch7.44 x 5.58 mm41.5 mm24:34.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/2.3-inch6.17 x 4.55 mm28.1 mm24:35.6x

      Photography Features

      Nikon 1 V2 is equipped with EXPEED 3A processor and can take pictures up to 4608 x 3072 resolution. Sony Alpha DSLR-A230 is equipped with BIONZ processor and can take pictures up to 3872 x 2592 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 3872 x 2176, 2896 x 1936, 2896 x 1632, 1920 x 1280, 1920 x 1088 with 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios.


      Lens Mount

      Nikon 1 V2 has Nikon 1 lens mount and Sony Alpha DSLR-A230 has Sony A lens mount. Due to 1-inch sensor in Nikon 1 V2 its crop factor is equal to 2.7x, this means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 2.7. Due to APS-C sensor in Sony Alpha DSLR-A230 its crop factor is equal to 1.5x, this means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 1.5.


      In-Body Image Stabilization on Sony Alpha DSLR-A230

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A230 has a built-in Sensor Shift in-body image stabilization (IBIS). This means that you are still getting vibration reduction when camera is paired with non-image stabilizied lenses. It also works with lenses with optical image stabilization and in combination can achieve even better compensation.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer. Both cameras have HDMI connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Nikon 1 V2 comes with EN-EL21 battery pack with battery life of 310 shots and Sony Alpha DSLR-A230 comes with NP-FH50 battery pack with battery life of 230 shots.


      External Storage Slots

      Nikon 1 V2 has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot. Sony Alpha DSLR-A230 has a single SD/SDHC, Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Nikon 1 V2 has Electronically-controlled vertical-travel focal plane mechanical shutter and electronic shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/16000 sec with electronic shutter and up to 1/4000 sec with mechanical shutter on Nikon 1 V2, and up to 1/4000 sec on Sony Alpha DSLR-A230. Nikon 1 V2 can shoot continuously up to 15.0 fps. Sony Alpha DSLR-A230 can shoot continuously up to 2.5 fps.


      Focusing

      Nikon 1 V2 has Hybrid autofocus (phase detection/contrast-detect AF)
      AF-assist illuminator system with 73 focusing points and Sony Alpha DSLR-A230 has 9 focusing points..


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 10.00 m on Sony Alpha DSLR-A230. They also accept external flash which can be connected via Hot Shoe to Nikon 1 V2. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/250 sec on Nikon 1 V2 and 1/160 sec on Sony Alpha DSLR-A230.

      Physical Parameters

      Nikon 1 V2 body has dimensions of 109 x 82 x 46 mm (4.29 x 3.23 x 1.81") and Sony Alpha DSLR-A230 body has dimensions of 128 x 97 x 68 mm (5.04 x 3.82 x 2.68"). Nikon 1 V2 weighs 278 g (0.61 lb / 9.81 oz) and Sony Alpha DSLR-A230 weighs 490 g (1.08 lb / 17.28 oz).

      Nikon 1 V2

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A230

      109 mm

      82 mm

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      128 mm

      97 mm

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      82 mm

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      97 mm

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      Size comparisons of Nikon 1 V2 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A230

      Nikon 1 V2 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A230 for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Nikon 1 V2

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A230

      AVERAGE
      64
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      AVERAGE
      64
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Nikon 1 V2

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A230

      AVERAGE
      61
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   73 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Low Resolution Viewfinder - 1,440k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 15.0 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 310 shots
      AVERAGE
      60
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.5 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 230 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Nikon 1 V2

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A230

      POOR
      52
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   73 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Low Resolution Viewfinder - 1,440k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 15.0 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 310 shots
      AVERAGE
      58
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.5 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 230 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Nikon 1 V2

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A230

      GOOD
      76
      •   Small Sensor
      •   73 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      GOOD
      75
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 2.7"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Nikon 1 V2

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A230

      GOOD
      81
      •   Small Sensor
      •   73 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 278 g (0.61 lb / 9.81 oz)
      GOOD
      81
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 490 g (1.08 lb / 17.28 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Nikon 1 V2

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A230

      GOOD
      83
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 278 g (0.61 lb / 9.81 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 310 shots
      GOOD
      82
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 490 g (1.08 lb / 17.28 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 230 shots

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Nikon 1 V2 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A230 and give both of them the score of 60 out of 100. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Nikon 1 V2

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A230

      OVERALL
      60
      OVERALL
      60

      Sensor

      Nikon 1 V2

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A230

      AVERAGE
      63
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 14.2 Megapixel
      •   160 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   Low DxO Overall Score - 50
      GOOD
      70
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 10.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 63

      Photo

      Nikon 1 V2

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A230

      AVERAGE
      56
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Electronic) - 1/16000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 15.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.5 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec

      Video

      Nikon 1 V2

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A230

      BAD
      16
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      BAD
      0
      •   Image Stabilization

      Focusing

      Nikon 1 V2

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A230

      GOOD
      81
      •   73 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      GOOD
      76
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Nikon 1 V2

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A230

      AVERAGE
      67
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Low Resolution Viewfinder - 1,440k dot
      AVERAGE
      64
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 2.7"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot

      Connectivity

      Nikon 1 V2

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A230

      AVERAGE
      65
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      AVERAGE
      57
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Nikon 1 V2

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A230

      POOR
      42
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 278 g (0.61 lb / 9.81 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 310 shots
      BAD
      39
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 490 g (1.08 lb / 17.28 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 230 shots


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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