Samsung GX-20 vs Sony DSLR-A230

Cameras
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Samsung GX-20 vs Sony DSLR-A230

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APS-C 369.7mm²
14.6 megapixels
ISO 100 - 3200

Go in depth with our full Samsung GX-20 Review.

APS-C 369.7mm²
10.2 megapixels
ISO 100 - 3200

Go in depth with our full Sony DSLR-A230 Review.
See real-world photos taken with the DSLR-A230.

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Differences

Samsung GX-20 advantages over Sony DSLR-A230

Lens selection
Excellent vs Good
Better lens selection gives you more options
Higher effective ISO

Higher effective ISO

Maximum effective ISO is an estimate of the highest sensitivity at which a camera can capture excellent quality photos.

Cameras with higher effective ISO will be better choices for indoor photography, night shooting, and indoor sports photography, especially if you intend to make large prints.

You can learn more at our glossary entry.

Maximum effective ISO test data courtesy of DxO Mark.
GX-20 test data on DxO Mark DSLR-A230 test data on DxO Mark

714 vs 531 iso
Take photos in low light with less noise
Top deck display
Yes vs No
Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
More cross-type AF points
9 vs 1
Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance
Pentaprism viewfinder
Pentaprism vs Pentamirror
Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
More pixels
14.6 vs 10.2 megapixels
Higher resolution photos
Higher extended ISO
6400 vs 3200 ISO
Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Sony DSLR-A230 advantages over Samsung GX-20

Less expensive
$549 vs $1400 (MSRP)
Save money for lenses or accessories
Bigger pixels
~ 6.12 vs 5.07 microns
Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
HDMI out
HDMI out vs None
Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

Similarities

Common Strengths

Eye-level viewfinder
Both provide
You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
In-Camera Image Stabilization
Both provide
Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
Internal flash
Both provide
Useful in a pinch for fill flash
Hot shoe
Both provide
Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
Bulb shutter
Both provide
Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

Focus peaking
Neither provide
Your camera will highlight what's in focus
Tilt-swivel screen
Neither provide
Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
Touchscreen
Neither provide
Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
In-camera panoramas
Neither provide
Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
Tiltable Screen
Neither provide
Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
Built-in Wi-Fi
Neither provide
Share your photos wirelessly
Built-in Bluetooth
Neither provide
Always-on wireless connectivity
Built-in GPS
Neither provide
Geotag your photos
On-sensor phase detect
Neither provide
Usually improves live view and video AF performance
External Mic Jack
Neither provide
Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
Dual card slots
Neither provide
Gives you more storage flexibility
Headphone jack
Neither provide
Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
Slow-motion videos
Neither provide
Shoot slow-motion videos

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Buy the Samsung GX-20

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Sony DSLR-A230

Review Excerpt

We haven’t reviewed the Samsung GX-20.
Read our Samsung GX-20 Preview

Read our Sony DSLR-A230 Review

The Competition

Compared to Pentax K20D

Samsung GX-20

Pentax K20D

$1400
APS-C

Higher effective ISO

$800
APS-C

Less expensive

Compare Samsung GX-20 vs Pentax K20D

Sony DSLR-A230

Pentax K20D

$549
APS-C

Less expensive
Bigger pixels

$800
APS-C

Lens selection
Fast startup

Compare Sony DSLR-A230 vs Pentax K20D

Compared to Canon 50D

Samsung GX-20

Canon 50D

$1400
APS-C

In-Camera Image Stabilization

$1000
APS-C

HDMI out
More dots on screen

Compare Samsung GX-20 vs Canon 50D

Sony DSLR-A230

Canon 50D

$549
APS-C

Less expensive
In-Camera Image Stabilization

$1000
APS-C

Lens selection
Fast startup

Compare Sony DSLR-A230 vs Canon 50D

Compared to Sony DSLR-A330

Samsung GX-20

Sony DSLR-A330

$1400
APS-C

Lens selection
Higher effective ISO

$530
APS-C

Less expensive
Bigger pixels

Compare Samsung GX-20 vs Sony DSLR-A330

Sony DSLR-A230

Sony DSLR-A330

$549
APS-C

Less expensive
More viewfinder magnification

$530
APS-C

Tiltable Screen

Compare Sony DSLR-A230 vs Sony DSLR-A330

Compared to Pentax K-7

Samsung GX-20

Pentax K-7

$1400
APS-C

Higher effective ISO

$1300
APS-C

HDMI out
More dots on screen

Compare Samsung GX-20 vs Pentax K-7

Sony DSLR-A230

Pentax K-7

$549
APS-C

Less expensive
Bigger pixels

$1300
APS-C

Lens selection
Longer stills battery life

Compare Sony DSLR-A230 vs Pentax K-7

Compared to Nikon D3000

Samsung GX-20

Nikon D3000

$1400
APS-C

In-Camera Image Stabilization
Higher effective ISO

$450
APS-C

Less expensive
Bigger pixels

Compare Samsung GX-20 vs Nikon D3000

Sony DSLR-A230

Nikon D3000

$549
APS-C

In-Camera Image Stabilization
HDMI out

$450
APS-C

Lens selection
Faster JPEG shooting

Compare Sony DSLR-A230 vs Nikon D3000

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