Sony Alpha DSLR-A230 (Body Only) Reviews: Digital SLR Camera

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Score 8.9/10 Read 246
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This digital camera is a good all rounder.

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Sony Alpha DSLR-A230 (Body Only): See full product description

Ease of use	8.7
Image quality	8.9
Features	8.4
Build Quality	8.8
Value for money	9.0
Overall rating	8.9

Some customer reviews of Sony Alpha DSLR-A230 (Body Only)

Most helpful reviews

Brian , Livno - Bosnia and Herzegovina Experienced amateur

Score 8.0/10

Good points:: Wireless remote (capability) - Bulb feature (allows shutter to remain open for as long as you want) - Idiot guide is useful for me ha ha (can be switched off if not required) - Size and weight (although not small it is reasonable compared to some giants out there) - New kit lens 18-55mm (very adequate for wide angle and portrait format) - Menu button is simple to use (that and a separate Fn (Function) button are well thought out) - The image quality on auto is good and better I think when you use the options P.A.S.M. - The battery is the camcorder type and lasts for ever and charges in under two hours. New firmware version 1:10 is fantastic and allows exposure to be locked via half shutter depression (but see below)
Bad points:: No Exposure lock button, which was on the previous similar model a200 (AE-L) - no wired remote socket (only wireless) so cheap interval-meters are not available - no battery extension grip available - focus shifting is a menu driven experience and takes 6 steps to change point of focus (I use Spot and shift by holding down shutter while re-aligning) - the Grip may prove difficult for some as in this model it has been made very small (it takes getting used to)

Ease of use	7.0
Image quality	9.0
Features	7.0
Build Quality	8.0
Value for money	10.0
Overall rating	8.0

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Confirmed purchase: 30 Apr 2011

Confirmed purchaser Keen amateur

Score 9.0/10

Good points:: easy and fun to use
Bad points:: Reviewer left no comment

Ease of use	9.0
Image quality	9.0
Features	9.0
Build Quality	8.0
Value for money	10.0
Overall rating	9.0

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Confirmed purchase: 19 Sep 2010

Purchaser Keen amateur

Score 10.0/10

Good points:: very easy to use,it tells you eveything on the screen.
Bad points:: none yet.

Ease of use	9.0
Image quality	9.0
Features	10.0
Build Quality	9.0
Value for money	10.0
Overall rating	10.0

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Review date: 19 Jul 2010

Jon, Warrington Point & shoot

Score 10.0/10

Good points:: Very easy to use and for a novice to pick up and start taking quality pictures this camera is perfect. It also has additional features for those more experienced and a great first Digital SLR.
Bad points:: Camera ergonomics aren't perfect, sometimes doesn't feel like I am holding it properly but only a minor issue.

Ease of use	10.0
Image quality	10.0
Features	10.0
Build Quality	10.0
Value for money	10.0
Overall rating	10.0

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Confirmed purchase: 16 May 2010

Gavin, Swansea Keen amateur

Score 8.0/10

Good points:: Easy to use, from point and shoot to manual rear screen display modes make learning photographic techniques very easy to understand. I bought the camera for my daughters A level photography, unfortunately she droped the subject after 4 weeks, however she understands the basics and can make good use of the camera in manual or semi manual modes. I now have the use of a DSLR which I've missed since my 35mm film SLR. I'm very pleased with the ease of use and results from this camera. i'd lost interest with digital cameras due to shutter delay.
Bad points:: The only bd point is not having a live view to take point and shoot with the screen, however this is a minor concern and at the price I sourced the camera it is not an issue. For that type of photography a point and shoot compact is more conveinient anyway.

Ease of use	10.0
Image quality	9.0
Features	7.0
Build Quality	7.0
Value for money	10.0
Overall rating	8.0

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Confirmed purchase: 08 Sep 2010

shaun, Keen amateur

Score 9.0/10

Good points:: This is my first dslr and for the price its great!
Bad points:: The firmware could be updated to make bracketing +2 -2

Ease of use	9.0
Image quality	9.0
Features	8.0
Build Quality	9.0
Value for money	10.0
Overall rating	9.0

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Confirmed purchase: 02 Jan 2011

Elaine, Falkirk Keen amateur

Score 9.0/10

Good points:: Excellent quality photographs, easy to use
Bad points:: No live display on the lcd screen

Ease of use	9.0
Image quality	9.0
Features	8.0
Build Quality	9.0
Value for money	9.0
Overall rating	9.0

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Review date: 02 Aug 2010

Read all 246 customer reviews

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This Sony Alpha DSLR-A230 (Body Only) is reviewed on Pocket Lint

Product Features

Camera Type	SLR
There are 2 main types of camera: The SLR and the Compact. SLR stands for Single Lens Reflex. SLR cameras use a prism to reflect the exact image as seen through the lens and so offers a more accurate viewfinder. SLR cameras have detachable lenses offering greater flexibility if you wish to take a variety of different photographs. Compact cameras have a built in lens and an ‘above lens’ viewfinder which is less accurate but they are often cheaper, more sleekly designed and easier to carry anywhere with you to capture that moment perfectly without having to fiddle with complex settings or a bag full of lenses.
Resolution (Megapixels)	10.2

Screen size (Inches)	2.7
Screen size is measured diagonally from corner to corner.
Type of image stabiliser	Yes
If a photo is taken at a slow shutter speed, or at a long focal length, the effects of ‘hand shake’ will be amplified. Some cameras come with built-in image stabilisation which is designed to act against this to produce sharper images. It’s great for low light shots without a tripod, like at a gig.
Touchscreen	No
Touchscreen technology allows you to move and click things directly on the screen using your finger or a stylus pen.
3D	No

Colour	Black
The main colour of the product.
Media format	SDHC Card
This is the type of storage that your digital camera or camcorder uses to save images to. The main types of card media format: Compact Flash Micro SD MMC (Multi Media Card) SD Card (Secure Digital) SDHC (Secure Disk High Capacity)
Media format	SD Card
This is the type of storage that your digital camera or camcorder uses to save images to. The main types of card media format: Compact Flash Micro SD MMC (Multi Media Card) SD Card (Secure Digital) SDHC (Secure Disk High Capacity)
Media format	Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo
This is the type of storage that your digital camera or camcorder uses to save images to. The main types of card media format: Compact Flash Micro SD MMC (Multi Media Card) SD Card (Secure Digital) SDHC (Secure Disk High Capacity)
PictBridge	Yes
An industry standard allowing images to be printed from camera to printer, without needing a computer. CIPA PictBridge Standard Website
Macro Mode	Yes
This mode allows close-up photograpy of small objects such as insects and flowers.
Video recorder	Yes
Video recording functionality allows the capture of videos in mpeg or avi format which is great if you want to capture a whole scene, not just one moment.
Manual Focus	Yes
Almost all modern cameras have autofocus. Manual focus allows you to override the autofocus and set the distance yourself. This is especially useful if your camera is struggling to focus in a low-light or confusing scene.
Timer	Yes

Weight (g)	450
The weight of the product in grams.
Flash	Yes
Whether or not your camera has an in-built flash. Flashes are essential for fully capturing a low light image.
Body Only	Yes
dSLR cameras have detachable lenses and are sold in a variety of combinations. This facet lets you know whether the package your are considering comes bundled with a lens or whether it is just the body of the camera.
WiFi	No
Wifi allows you to connect your device to wireless routers or modems which allows you to connect to broadband internet.
Shortest shutter speed (Fractions of a second)	1/4000
This is the fastest speed at which the camera can take a photo. Faster shutter speeds really freeze the action and are great for sports photography.
Longest shutter speed (Fractions of a second)	1/30
This is the longest exposure your camera will take. The longer you take a photo for, the more light is let in and the more motion is captured. Long shutter speeds can give fantastic, artistic results. Try photographing the night sky at 30s or longer to see how the rotation of the Earth causes the stars to curve through the scene.
Waterproof	No
If your camera is waterproof you will be able to film under water which is perfect for diving and snorkeling.
Viewfinder	Yes
USB port	Yes
Socket for connecting devices such as a computers and other components.
Dimensions (mm)	128x97x67.5
The size of the device in millimetres, in width x height x depth.
RAW Format	Yes
GPS Receiver	No

Release date	39995
The date the product was originally made available for purchase.
Height in mm	9.7

Width in mm	128

Depth in mm	6.8

Serial Shot Mode	Yes
Bluetooth	No
Bluetooth is a technology for the wireless transfer of data such as contacts, photos and music between mobile phones, computers and a host of other Bluetooth enabled devices. Read more about Bluetooth on Wikipedia
Autofocus	Yes
Changeable Lens	Yes

Digital Cameras Buyers' Guide

Manufacturer's Description

A230Digital SLR camera. Very light, compact and easy to use with excellent picture quality

10.2 megapixels with 2.7" LCD and SteadyShot INSIDE. Body only.

Crisp, clear, detail-packed images
Very light, stylish and easy to carry
Powerful creative features made simple to use
Reduced camera shake for crisp, clear handheld shooting

DSLR quality that’s fun for everyone

It’s never been easier to capture great-looking images. Extremely compact, light and so simple to use – a perfect introduction to the world of digital SLR photography.

Say no to camera shake

Keep things crisp and even. SteadyShot INSIDE reduces camera shake when youre shooting handheld. Its great for atmospheric, low-light scenes without flash as well as high-zoom shots when you havent got a tripod handy. And it works with all your ? lens collection, too.

Learn more about SteadyShot INSIDE
Beautiful images, razor-sharp responses

The BIONZ processor inside your ? camera is the key to its lightning-fast shooting responses. This powerful processing engine handles large amounts of digital information from the cameras sensor, delivering beautiful, low noise images, frame after frame.
Quality that won’t weigh you down

Who wants to be weighed down by their DSLR? Small, light and comfortable to hold, there’s less to carry on days out, weekends away or longer trips abroad. Now there’s no excuse for leaving your camera at home.
Great results made beautifully simple

Never used a DSLR camera before? Don’t worry – help is at hand. There’s an on-screen help guide, plus a choice of Scene Selection modes to suit any subject. You’ll get amazing results without having to worry about fiddly settings.
Control the show in comfort

Connect the camera to your BRAVIA television – then effortlessly control playback functions with your BRAVIA TVs remote. Theres no need to get up from your favourite chair to enjoy the show in sparkling HD.

We searched for this product high and low,
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not 400 retailers nor anyone on eBay,
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Here’s a list of the questions other shoppers have asked owners of the Sony Alpha DSLR-A230 (Body Only)

Hi. Is it possible to find updates, so the camera can work together with windows 7. Jonas

jonas asked on 01 Aug 2010
1. Mine works just fine with Win 7. If not, set as in previous system e.g. Vista etc.
  Cheers
  
  Richard replied on 09 Aug 2010
how do you save the enlarged image

stuart asked on 19 Aug 2010
1. Stuart,
  Mainly I save them as Tiff files. Does that answer your question or do you mean something else?
  Jim
  
  Jim replied on 16 Oct 2010
Does the a230 feel well built etc? I've heard that it feels cheap and plastic-y so i wanted to check with other people before buying

Liam asked on 04 Sep 2010
1. Its well built and i am happy with that.
  
  Marbin replied on 06 Sep 2010
2. It could be argued that it is not the most robust DSLR on the market but then it is not the most expensive either. I have now had the opportunity to use mine quite extensively both outdoors and in a studio and I have no complaints about the build qaulity. In fact, my only issue with the camera is that the hotshoe is non standard and Sony's own make adapters for firing flash heads via a sync cord or radio trigger are particularly expensive. Other than that I am happy with the camera.
  
  Jim replied on 06 Sep 2010
3. Weighted very well. Seems to be very good camera for the money. mine is 12 months old and very happy with everything . Dave
  
  David replied on 07 Sep 2010
The Sony Retailer near my place sells this Camera with 18-70mm lens and the body is made in China, is this an issue? or the camera is just as reliable than the Japan ones?

Thanks

Mercury asked on 06 Sep 2010
1. The body and lens I have were both made in Thailand, There is no reason to believe that manufacture in China will be any different as long as you have the genuine Sony Guarantee. The Sony Company has too much to lose by not maintaining the same production standards, no matter where the equipment is made.
  
  Graham replied on 09 Sep 2010
I live in the UK and bought my camera with a Sigma 28 - 200 mm lens in the US last year. One fault that I have found is that when I take a photo it often freezes and the display screen shows " camera error ". This happens all too often and as I paid a reasonable mount of money I am not happy with the performance of the camera and this fault.
Is there a software download which will fix this problem ??

You might ask why I havn't taken it back to Sony but because I bought it in the US the warranty is not covered in the UK. They say I have to send it back to the US but not directly to them and because I don't know anyone in the US it makes it quite difficult.

If anyone can advise me of whether this is a known fault and whether a software download will fix the problem. I would really appreciate any help as I am really not happy with the response from Sony.

Thankyou

Paul asked on 22 Sep 2010
1. I am sorry but I can't help but my thought is that the lens is at fault by not being completely compatible. Why not go to a Sony store and ask to try the sony lens of the same spec to see if the same thing happens.
  You could always say that if it works you will probably buy one from them in the future when you have saved up! At least that way you could possibly eliminate the fault being with the camera and could contact Sigma.
  Alternatively could you ask if there is someone in your area who could try it on their camera? That may give you another answer.
  Sony's answer is not really acceptable.
  Good luck
  Peter
  
  Peter replied on 22 Sep 2010
In the menu "steady shot" is in light grey text and stays off all the time.
So when one scrolls down the menu it is not possible to change it to on
How does one turn it on

Mick asked on 05 Feb 2011
1. That's strange that it remains grey. I have tried all the different settings to see if I can simulate what you are experiencing my steadyshot can either be turned on or off. Take it back to your dealer to show you how to turn it on. Sorry I can't be of anymore help.
  
  Elaine replied on 13 Feb 2011
the zoom lens wont move when i try to rotate use my zoom. anyone knows how to fix this? am bothered i got this camera less than a year maybe 5months ..

anna asked on 02 Aug 2011
1. take it to a reputable camera shop nearest you and ask the sales staff to check it out for you - then they will give you advice as what to do presuming it was a new purchase you are in your 1 year guarantee period then it may have to go back to the vendor for there action/replacement.
  
  Brian replied on 02 Aug 2011
2. Take it back to where you bought it, or to any Sony Photographic Dealer.
  
  Graham replied on 05 Aug 2011
Hi,

What flash gun do people use with their A230's. Have people bought Sony's own or a third party? I'm looking for wireless capability.

Cheers,
Tim

Tim asked on 12 Jan 2012
1. I use Sony's own flashgun. Ken
  
  Ken replied on 13 Jan 2012
How quickly can you take pictures with it from first putting it in your hand to snaping a shot quickly? Is there a long load up time or a lot of fiddling around required?

George asked on 26 Mar 2012
1. It is very quick to load up from switch on , focus and shoot is about 2/3 seconds which is ample for my needs and probably the majority of users. I hope this is useful as I have been very happy with mine
  
  Peter replied on 26 Mar 2012
2. I agree with Peter, above.
  
  Richard replied on 28 Mar 2012

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Sony Alpha DSLR-A230 (Body Only) Reviews: Digital SLR Camera

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