Amazon.com's Price: $699.00 as of 11/24/2009 11:07 EST
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
This item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping.
Binding: Electronics
Brand: Sony
Display Size: 2.7 inches
EAN: 0027242754720
Floppy Disk Drive Description: None
Has Red Eye Reduction: 1
Included Software: Yes
Item Dimensions: 732815419811
Label: Sony
Manufacturer: Sony
Maximum Focal Length: 55 millimeters
Maximum Resolution: 10200000 Pixels
Minimum Focal Length: 18 millimeters
Model: DSLRA230Y
MPN: DSLRA230Y
Optical Zoom: 3 x
Publisher: Sony
Studio: Sony
Features:- 10.2-megapixel APS-size CCD image sensor for ultra-fine detail
- Included SAL1855 18-55mm and 55-200mm standard zoom lenses
- SteadyShot INSIDE in-camera image stabilization; Eye-Start Autofocus
- 2.7-inch Clear Photo LCD Plus display
- Compatible with high-capacity Memory Stick PRO Duo, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo and SD/SDHC media (sold separately)
Accessories:
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Editorial Review:
Product Description:
10.2-megapixel effective recording * APS-C-size CCD image sensor (23.6 x 15.8 mm) * DT 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Sony zoom lens (35mm equivalent focal length: 27-82.5mm) * 3X optical zoom (approximate) * DT 55-200mm f/4-5.6 Sony zoom lens (35mm equivalent focal length: 82-300mm) * 3.6X optical zoom (approximate) * built-in sensor-shift SteadyShot INSIDE image stabilization (provides image stabilization with all attached lenses) * 2-11/16" LCD screen * optical SLR viewfinder (with diopter adjustment) * Eye-Start® Autofocus System begins focusing your picture as soon as you bring your eye to the viewfinder * built-in anti-dust technology to keep image sensor clean for spotless photos * 9-point autofocus with center cross-type sensor for accurate, high-speed focusing * Dynamic Range Optimizer for better shadow and highlight detail in high-contrast shooting conditions * built-in auto pop-up flash with flash compensation * 16:9 JPEG options (pixels): 3,872 x 2,176; 2,896 x 1,632; 1,920 x 1,088 *
Average Rating: 
Rating: -
After years of using Minolta and Canon SLRs, I had wanted a DSLR for a long time... but had a limited budget. The Alpha 230 is a great discovery in this sense, because you have almost all the pro features you need, including a very nice ISO range that goes up to 3200, plus two quality zoom lenses, for around 500 bucks.
That's the essence, but let me start with my first impressions... As soon as I pulled it out of the box and held it in my right hand, it felt too small. I can't hold it quite as firmly as my other cameras. I asked my girlfriend to hold it, and Voila! Perfect Fit. So I guess this camera is highly recommended for Cinderella photographers. So much, that I immediately looked into the Accesories catalogue for a Vertical grip, which usually makes the camera much larger... and found that Sony has three options, neither of which is compatible with the A230. I think that if I still lived in the USA, I would've returned this for another Sony Alpha that's a little larger (and a little more expensive) like the A300. But I'm in Colombia, and I just paid an additional 90 bucks just to get my big ol' hands on this baby, so I'm gonna have to get used to it. That said, I am aware that in most cases the main support for the camera's weight is actually my left hand, making its awkwardly small size a reminder of the proper way to hold a camera...
Since I first tried it out at night, one of the first things I tried out were the high ISO settings... and they were simply awesome for night shooting. Of course, when you push it too much you get noticeable noise, but that was no surprise... I was trying to shoot my cat in virtually NO light and no flash. The menus are really nice, helping you graphically to achieve the exposure you want. Using the camera in manual mode is comfortable, since both aperture and shutter speed are on the same wheel; you just switch between the two by pressing the +- button with your thumb. Construction is plastic, but feels very sold and durable. And the camera is actually heavier than it looks (but that's because it looks so small to me). Battery life seems quite good but still don't have reliable info on that.
I appreciated the in-depth, printed manual... I know it's not very eco-friendly, but those damn PDF manual are no good when you suddenly blank out in the middle of a shoot and can't remember how to the custom white balance works, for example.
Next related purchases: A decent flash unit (possibly using an adaptor for the sucky proprietary hot shoe), a carrying case that doesn't cost half the camera's price (in other words, not from Sony), and a filter kit, mostly to protect the lenses.
Oh, and Amazon't free shipping is the best. It arrived to my Miami address two days before the estimated delivery date.
Rating: -
After about a week with this camera, I really like it. I am a photographer and I needed a D-SLR, I wanted to start small, but not too small, and cheap. I did do a LOT of research before buying this. I would not recommend it if you need to take lots of fast consecutive shots, 2.5fps (frames per second) is not the fastest. Flash recovery time is a bit slow too. If you have large hands this camera might be strange too, the buttons have very little travel and are shallow and the grip is small. The menus and UI (user interface) are very very nice however. Easy to use and navigate. I really like this camera, it is basic, but has advanced features too. Color is pretty good, but for the best results you should play with the settings. Another plus is you can use Minolta lenses too. 18mm-55mm kit lens is pretty nice, 55mm-200mm is also very nice. Both are pretty light. Another thing is the shutter is kinda loud, not a huge down, but something to take note of. Also has a proprietary hot shoe (where you can attach an external flash) but you can buy an adapter online for about $5. The battery life is also pretty good. I really like it, and would recommend.
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