A memory card is not included with the camera.
Get a high-capacity memory card so you don't get caught without memory.
The Sony Alpha A230 is a compact DSLR designed around a 10.2 (effective) megapixel APS-C format CCD sensor, that utilizes a Sony BIONZ image processor to capture and process image files as RAW, JPEG, or RAW+JPEG, at speeds of up to 2.5 frames-per-second. The Alpha A230's body design is smooth and rounded, and features flush-mounted yet easy-to-use camera controls. JPEG image files can be recorded in a choice of 3 compression ratios onto Memory Stick PRO Duo or SD/SDHC memory cards.
For indoor snapshots or eliminating 'raccoon eyes' when shooting portraits outdoors on sunny days, the Alpha A230 has a built-in pop-up flash (Guide number 10 in meters @ ISO 100). There's also a hot-shoe for use with Sony dedicated TTL flashguns and other Sony-compatible flashguns.
For composing images the A230's eye-level pentamirror viewfinder shows 95% of the total image area. A rear-mounted 2.7" (230,400-dot) TFT Clear Photo LCD allows you to view 100% of the total image area.
To facilitate sharp, well-exposed images, the Sony Alpha A230 utilizes a 9-point autofocus (AF) system that can be used in single or multi-shot mode. There's also an 'eye-start' mode which kick-starts the AF system when you raise the camera to your eye. For on-the-nose exposure readings the A230 features a 40-segment honeycomb-pattern SPC TTL metering system and Sony's D-Range Optimizer for balanced shadow and highlight details.
Other features of the Sony Alpha A230 include a Dust Reduction system, ISO settings that can be adjusted from a native 100 through an extended ISO 3200, a wide selection of shooting modes, an easy-to-read, easy-to-use menu interface, and Sony SteadyShot INSIDE image stabilization system for sharper imagery when shooting under low-light conditions with all Sony, Minolta, and Konica AF-mount lenses.
The Sony Alpha A230 powers off a Sony NP-FH50 lithium-ion battery, which can capture 500-plus images-per-charge.
| Camera Type | Digital SLR Camera |
| Imaging | |
|---|---|
| Resolution | Effective: 10.2MP, Recorded: 10.8MP |
| Sensor | 23.6x15.8mm APS-C format CCD sensor |
| Bit Depth | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| File Formats | RAW, RAW+JPEG |
| File Size | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Color Spaces | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Creative Color Modes | Standard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, Night view, Sunset, & Black/White |
| Image Stabilization | Optical Image Stabilization (Sony SteadyShot INSIDE) |
| Crop Factor | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Optics | |
|---|---|
| Lens | Interchangeable Lens System |
| Zoom | N/A |
| Lens Mount | Sony a lens, Minolta and Konica Minolta AF lens |
| Focus Type | N/A |
| Focus Range | N/A |
| Accessory Lens/Filter Mount | N/A |
| Shooting Controls | |
|---|---|
| Sensitivity | ISO 100-3200 |
| Shutter Speeds | 1/4000 second - 30 sec, bulb |
| Metering | TTL metering w/ 40-segment honeycomb-pattern SPC |
| Exposure Modes | Auto, Auto Flash Off, Program Auto, Aperture priority, Shutter priority, Manual |
| White Balance | Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Flash, Custom |
| Mirror Lock-Up | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Burst Capability | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Self Timer | Yes |
| Interval Recording | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Remote Control | Yes, (Not included) |
| Flash | |
|---|---|
| Built-in Flash | Yes |
| Effective Flash Range | 10 meters |
| External Flash Connection | Hot Shoe |
| Dedicated Flash System | Sony TTl Dedicated Flash System |
| Max Sync Speed | 1/160 second |
| Memory | |
|---|---|
| Built-in Memory | No |
| Memory Card Type | Memory Stick PRO Duo, SD and SDHC memory cards |
| Still Images per GB | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| A/V Recording | |
|---|---|
| Video Recording | No |
| Video Resolution | N/A |
| Video Clip Length | N/A |
| Audio Recording | No |
| Viewfinder/Display | |
|---|---|
| Viewfinder Type | Fixed eye-level, penta-Dach-mirror |
| Viewfinder Coverage | 95% |
| Display | 2.7" LCD |
| Connectivity/System Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Connectivity | USB 2.0, HDMI mini connector (Type C) |
| System & Software Requirements |
PC: Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional, XP SP2, Vista Mac: OS X(v10.1.3) or later |
| Environmental | |
|---|---|
| Operating/Storage Temperature | Operating: 32 - 104°F (0 - 40°C) |
| Weatherproofing | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Durability | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Power | |
|---|---|
| Battery Type | NP-FH50 Li-ion |
| Power Adapter | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 5 x 3.8 x 2.7" (128 x 97 x 67.5mm) |
| Weight | Body only: 15.9 oz (452g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
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Most Liked Positive Review
Great Camera! I'm very impressed!
This is my first DSLR. I have been using point and shoot digital cameras for the past 6 years and hated them all. In the 80's and 90's I used Minolta SLR's ...Read complete review
This is my first DSLR. I have been using point and shoot digital cameras for the past 6 years and hated them all. In the 80's and 90's I used Minolta SLR's and own a SRT100, SRT202, X370 and X700. My lenses ranged from 28mm wide angle to 600mm telephoto. I never made the switch to AF because I loved to have the control over my photos that only manual operation could accomplish.
After much deliberation, I realized that the old Minolta gear just wasn't practical anymore, so hesitantly I looked for something to use my old lenses on. Sony fit the bill, IF I used an adapter and used the camera in manual mode, a nice feature to me.
Once I got this little gem in my hands, I quickly realized that there is absolutely no reason for me to even try to use my old MC/MD lenses. With Maxxum lenses all over the place, it doesn't make any sense to adapt the old lenses to my new camera.
However, once I started shooting pictures, I was quickly impressed with the quality and versitlity of the 18-55mm Macro Zoom that came with the A230. It is fast, light and the colors are spot on. The manual focus feature is great for getting those close ups that I want. In full auto, the snapshots that I have taken indoors are excellent. I will be buying a 70-210 "Beercan" and hopefully a 100mm prime Macro in the near future.
The only thing that I miss from my old film SLR's is DOF preview. If this camera had that and live view, it would be perfect.
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Most Liked Negative Review
Nice Camera
Nice camera for the price. Cameras of this level from the top manufacturers are equal, but this one comes at a cheaper price. Dont pay for the name Nikon, when you can get ...Read complete review
Nice camera for the price. Cameras of this level from the top manufacturers are equal, but this one comes at a cheaper price. Dont pay for the name Nikon, when you can get the same features and usability by Sony
Reviewed by 78 customers
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Pros
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Comments about Sony Alpha A230 Digital SLR with 18-55mm Lens:
Easy to use, interchangeable lenses that I can use from my old Minolta Maxxum
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Comments about Sony Alpha A230 Digital SLR with 18-55mm Lens:
I have old minolta lenses which make it possible for me to have more lenses to work with on the sony camera. It is light, small, and easy to take picture with the menu options to choose from.
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Comments about Sony Alpha A230 Digital SLR with 18-55mm Lens:
I was searching this product since december 2010. It was sold out every where[...] The camera is really great, i love it! Easy to use, pictures are so nice! Im glad. [...]
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Comments about Sony Alpha A230 Digital SLR with 18-55mm Lens:
Best value for the money I could find. Easy to use, gret desing. I definitively recomend for people who wants the best quality for low MP pictures (like small print photos, or digital picture viewers).
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Comments about Sony Alpha A230 Digital SLR with 18-55mm Lens:
I have already recommended to a friend, I have a small videography business and use the camera for b-roll shots. I also use it for family events and will be taking it on vacation in a few weeks. The camera is easy to read and come with a easy to follow instruction book. It does take getting use to not looking through the LCD screen but no big deal once you get familiar with it.
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Comments about Sony Alpha A230 Digital SLR with 18-55mm Lens:
I bought this camera for my daughter for her 16th birthday who is very interested in photography and is taking classes in school, even the teacher comented on what a great camera she has and she spoke to me about it and couldn't believe the price for such a great piece of equipment so needless to say everyone is happy especially my bank account for finding such a great deal. This camera takes beautiful pictures, i own a nikon 3100 and you can't tell the difference in picture quality from one to the other would definately recomend this camera for anyone who wants a camera that takes proffessional quality pictures at a budget price...
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Comments about Sony Alpha A230 Digital SLR with 18-55mm Lens:
This is my first DSLR camera and it has me wanting to do more with photography. The flash needs to be upgraded for indoor shots, but I am sure they all do. Great buy.
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Comments about Sony Alpha A230 Digital SLR with 18-55mm Lens:
If you are looking for a starter DSLR, this is the perfect camera. I have had Sony point-and-shoots and was very impressed with them. This DSLR does everything I would ever need out of a DSLR. It is the perfect size and very easy to use.
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Comments about Sony Alpha A230 Digital SLR with 18-55mm Lens:
This is my first DSLR and after an ample amount of time researching for the best, yet affordable entry-level DSLR, I found the A230. When I first received the camera, I already fell in love with it. The image quality of A230 is superb. I found it to be very user-friendly, although I still have to work on figuring how to mess with P/A/S/M modes of the camera. Overall, I am totally satisfied with this product!
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Comments about Sony Alpha A230 Digital SLR with 18-55mm Lens:
This is my first DSLR, and I adore it. It has all the features I'd ever want, and some I never thought of. The menus are very intuitive; once I knew the basics, I was up and running. I had to go through the manual a couple times and spend some hours hands-on to fully understand all the features, but everything is quickly accessible through a variety of function, menu, program and navigation buttons, not hidden deep within layers of menus. Stepping up from a film SLR, I find the focus, metering, flash and white balance functions surprisingly flexible. I'm impressed that it handles indoor shooting without a flash at higher ISO; settings above 800 are grainy, but analogous to high ISO film grain. Detail and color dynamics are good, not astounding. Good battery life. Nice balance, comfortable weight, ergonomics are okay.
I miss having a depth-of field preview button, but it's not absolutely necessary since one can review results on the fly. I wish the spot meter could freeze its setting when the shutter release is pressed halfway, like the autofocus can. As it is designed, the spot meter is really only useful in manual mode. And it's odd there is no autoflash option in P/A/S/M modes, only in the Auto and preset programs.
Overall, a nice camera, a joy to use, at a great price.
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Comments about Sony Alpha A230 Digital SLR with 18-55mm Lens:
I use this camera to mostly take unique, artistic photos and for astrophotography. This camera has served me very well so far. I bought this mostly to try my hand at AP and it works great. The pictures I have taken of the Moon and the Orion Nebula are gorgeous. As far as normal pictures go, this still works very well but it is not the best in low light. It has the ability to take wonderful pictures in all conditions if you have a tripod. The camera is very good for sports and outdoor pictures. One thing worth noting is that the camera is made for those who are new to DSLRs. The user interface does a great job at showing new users how the camera functions. Unfortunately, the camera does not have a live view mode. I personally have no problems with this because I always like using the view finder for my shots, but others may disagree. For anyone wanting to get their first DSLR, this is an awesome camera.
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Comments about Sony Alpha A230 Digital SLR with 18-55mm Lens:
So far I love it. It is light, small and easy to use. Instructions were easy to understand. Great for someone to either start with or for someone who is not into alot of gadgets, just wants nice pictures.
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Comments about Sony Alpha A230 Digital SLR with 18-55mm Lens:
I had borrowed a Sony Alpha from a friend for a few weeks before I got this one, so I knew what I was getting into. As a novice photographer, I did not really notice a difference in my shooting between the Alpha and some of the more expensive cameras I also borrowed to shoot with. I'm pretty happy with the work I'm getting out of it and would recommend it as a entry level SLR.
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Comments about Sony Alpha A230 Digital SLR with 18-55mm Lens:
This camera far exceeds my expectations. I'm able to use my old Minolta 7000 lenses with this camera & it's so easy to set up & use. I was snapping pictures like a pro as soon as the battery was charged!
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Comments about Sony Alpha A230 Digital SLR with 18-55mm Lens:
I love this camera!! I'm a beginer and it is so easy for me to use! I would recommend it!
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Comments about Sony Alpha A230 Digital SLR with 18-55mm Lens:
This camera is a perfect step up for those looking for more than a point and shoot, without the complexities that SLR's can present to a newbie. Great value for the money.
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Comments about Sony Alpha A230 Digital SLR with 18-55mm Lens:
love this camera. beautiful pictures of my kids. and easy to use.[...]
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Comments about Sony Alpha A230 Digital SLR with 18-55mm Lens:
This camera takes wonderful, detailed pictures. I had looked at a couple of other brands but decided to go with this one, and I am glad I did. It is easy to use, and while it is noisy at the higher iso speeds (1600-3200) the noise is more film like and not as objectionable as on other makes/models. This is a great camera for starting out or as a second/backup. I have been very impressed by this camera and I am generally hard to impress.
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Comments about Sony Alpha A230 Digital SLR with 18-55mm Lens:
Great entry level DSLR for a casual photographer, amateur, or simi-pro. Auto mode does a great job on its own. Everything I shoot is in full manual mode with 100% control over the camera settings and I could not be happier with the results. Camera is light and super easy to use. Kit lens is a decent lens for beginners or the casual shooter, it does a pretty good job, but for anyone thinking about getting serious with there shooting, or anyone who gets bit by the shutter bug, you will be upgrading lenses soon. Battery life is excellent. Overall I have no complaints with this camera.
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Comments about Sony Alpha A230 Digital SLR with 18-55mm Lens:
This is a great camera. It's great for all skill levels. The pictures are great quality. I use auto shutter speed with manual focus, & I love it. If it had video it would be perfect.
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