• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 30.00mm - 120.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.2 megapixels
  • 23.00mm - 483.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Sony DSC-W230 advantages over Samsung WB850F

  • Less expensive
    $199 vs $379 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.54 vs 1.34 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Lighter weight
    127g vs 226g
    Lighter weight

Samsung WB850F advantages over Sony DSC-W230

  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • More telephoto lens reach
    483 mm vs 120 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • More dots on screen
    614k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    16.2 vs 12.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Wider angle lens
    23 mm vs 30 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • Longer exposure
    16 vs 1 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • 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
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.

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
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • RAW file ability
    Neither provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    Neither provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Neither provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Neither provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Panasonic DMC-F3

Sony DSC-W230
Panasonic DMC-F3
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $96
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer exposure
Samsung WB850F
Panasonic DMC-F3
  • $467
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Touchscreen
  • $96
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Lighter weight

Compared to Olympus Stylus-5010

Sony DSC-W230
Olympus Stylus-5010
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Manual focus
  • $106
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • HDMI out
  • More pixels
Samsung WB850F
Olympus Stylus-5010
  • $467
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $106
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • HDMI out

Compared to Canon SD1300 IS

Sony DSC-W230
Canon SD1300 IS
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Manual focus
  • $200
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer exposure
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
Samsung WB850F
Canon SD1300 IS
  • $467
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $200
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Samsung Galaxy Camera

Sony DSC-W230
Samsung Galaxy Camera
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
  • $520
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • In-camera panoramas
Samsung WB850F
Samsung Galaxy Camera
  • $467
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Slower slow-motion
  • $520
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Thinner

Compared to Samsung WB800F

Sony DSC-W230
Samsung WB800F
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
Samsung WB850F
Samsung WB800F
  • $467
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • Slow-motion videos
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
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