Sony Alpha DSLR-A230 vs Sony Alpha DSLR-A700

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A230

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A700
      60
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      64
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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 Sony Alpha DSLR-A230 and the Sony Alpha DSLR-A700, 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.

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A230 was introduced in May 2009 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 was introduced in December 2007. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      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

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 Highlights

      • 10.24 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 6,400 Native ISO
      • 11 Focus Points
      • Image Stabilization
      • 3.0" 920k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
      • 5.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      • Wheather Sealed Body
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Sony Alpha DSLR-A230
      4. Advantage of Sony Alpha DSLR-A700
      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 Sony Alpha DSLR-A230 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A700.

      PROS

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A230

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A700

      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Light - 490 g (1.08 lb / 17.28 oz)
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A230

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A700

      •   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
      •   No Video Capture
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 10.24 Megapixel
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth


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

      AVERAGE

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A230

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A700

      •   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
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 66
      •   Weight - 768 g (1.69 lb / 27.09 oz)

      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 Sony Alpha DSLR-A700.

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A230 vs Sony Alpha DSLR-A700
      Contrast Detection for Autofocus vs
      Multi-Segment Metering vs
      Center Weighted Metering vs
      Spot Metering vs
      Lighter 490 g (1.08 lb / 17.28 oz) vs 768 g (1.69 lb / 27.09 oz)

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

      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
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A100
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A200
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A330
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A300
      Image cannot be found

      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

      Sony DSLR-A500
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      APS-C

      12.3 MP

      Advantage of Sony Alpha DSLR-A700

      Sony DSLR-A700
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 over Sony Alpha DSLR-A230.

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A230 vs Sony Alpha DSLR-A700
      Higher Native ISO 3,200 vs 6,400
      Max Image Resolution 3872 x 2592 vs 4272 x 2848
      More Focus Points 9 vs 11
      Larger Screen 2.7" vs 3.0"
      Higher Resolution Screen 230k dot vs 920k dot
      Higher Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent) 0.55x vs 0.60x
      Higher Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) 1/4000 sec vs 1/8000 sec
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 2.5 fps vs 5.0 fps
      Higher Flash Sync Speed 1/160 sec vs 1/250 sec
      Higher DxO Low Light ISO 531 vs 581
      Higher DxO Dynamic Range 11.4 vs 11.9
      Higher DxO Overall Score 63 vs 66
      Environmental Sealing vs
      More Storage Slots 1 vs 2

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Sony Alpha DSLR-A700.

      Sony DSLR-A390
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A580
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      APS-C

      16.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A350
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A300
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A330
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A550
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A380
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A900
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      Full Frame

      24.6 MP

      Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D
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      APS-C

      6 MP

      Sony DSLR-A850
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      Full Frame

      24.6 MP

      Sony DSLR-A500
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      APS-C

      12.3 MP

      Sony DSLR-A200
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      APS-C

      10.2 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 Sony Alpha DSLR-A230 Sony Alpha DSLR-A700
        Image StabilizationSensor ShiftSensor Shift
        Built-in Flash
        HDMI Output
        Orientation Sensor
      WEAKNESSES Sony Alpha DSLR-A230 Sony Alpha DSLR-A700
        No Video Capture
        Low Resolution Sensor10.2 Megapixel10.24 Megapixel
        Timelapse Recording
        Few Focus Points911
        No Face Detection
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        No Live View
        No Built-in Microphone
        No Microphone Input
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi
        No Built-In Bluetooth

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A230 has a 2.7" screen with 230k dot resolution and Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 has a 3.0" screen with 920k dot resolution. Both have Fixed screens.


      Viewfinder

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A230 has a built-in Optical (pentamirror) viewfinderSony Alpha DSLR-A700 has a built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder. They both have 95% coverage.

      Sensor

      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 369 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 3,200. Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 features a 10.24 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with dimensions of 23.5 x 15.6 mm and a total area of 243.4 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 6,400.


      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

      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. Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 can take pictures up to 4272 x 2848 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 3104 x 2064, 2128 x 1424 with 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios.


      Lens Mount

      Cameras have Sony A lens mount. Due to their APS-C sensor their crop factor (also called lens multiplier) 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

      The cameras have a built-in Sensor Shift in-body image stabilization (IBIS). This means that you are still getting vibration reduction when cameras are 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

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A230 comes with NP-FH50 battery pack with battery life of 230 shots and Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 comes with NP-FM500H battery pack.


      External Storage Slots

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A230 has a single SD/SDHC, Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo card slot. Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 has two card slots - one for Compact Flash (Type I/II), Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo and one for .

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 has Electronically controlled Vertical-traverse Focal-plane shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/4000 sec on Sony Alpha DSLR-A230, and up to 1/8000 sec on Sony Alpha DSLR-A700. Sony Alpha DSLR-A230 can shoot continuously up to 2.5 fps. Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 can shoot continuously up to 5.0 fps.


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 10.00 m on Sony Alpha DSLR-A230 and 12.00 m on Sony Alpha DSLR-A700. They also accept external flash which can be connected via Proprietary Hot Shoe (compatible with Minolta and select Sony flashes) to Sony Alpha DSLR-A700. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/160 sec on Sony Alpha DSLR-A230 and 1/250 sec on Sony Alpha DSLR-A700.

      Physical Parameters

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A230 body has dimensions of 128 x 97 x 68 mm (5.04 x 3.82 x 2.68") and Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 body has dimensions of 142 x 105 x 80 mm (5.59 x 4.13 x 3.15"). Sony Alpha DSLR-A230 weighs 490 g (1.08 lb / 17.28 oz) and Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 weighs 768 g (1.69 lb / 27.09 oz).

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A230

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A700

      128 mm

      97 mm

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      142 mm

      105 mm

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      97 mm

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      105 mm

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      68 mm

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      80 mm

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      Size comparisons of Sony Alpha DSLR-A230 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A700

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A230 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 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

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A230

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A700

      AVERAGE
      64
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      GOOD
      77
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A230

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A700

      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
      AVERAGE
      64
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A230

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A700

      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
      AVERAGE
      66
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A230

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A700

      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
      GOOD
      75
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A230

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A700

      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)
      GOOD
      81
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 768 g (1.69 lb / 27.09 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A230

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A700

      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
      GOOD
      83
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 768 g (1.69 lb / 27.09 oz)

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Sony Alpha DSLR-A230 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 and give them scores of 60 and 64 out of 100 recpectively. 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.


      Sony Alpha DSLR-A230

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A700

      OVERALL
      60
      OVERALL
      64

      Sensor

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A230

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A700

      GOOD
      70
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 10.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 63
      AVERAGE
      68
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 10.24 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 66

      Photo

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A230

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A700

      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
      GOOD
      72
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec

      Video

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A230

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A700

      BAD
      0
      •   Image Stabilization
      BAD
      0
      •   Image Stabilization

      Focusing

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A230

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A700

      GOOD
      76
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A230

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A700

      AVERAGE
      64
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 2.7"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      GOOD
      72
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot

      Connectivity

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A230

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A700

      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
      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

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A230

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A700

      BAD
      39
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 490 g (1.08 lb / 17.28 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 230 shots
      GOOD
      84
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 768 g (1.69 lb / 27.09 oz)
      •   2 Storage Slots


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

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