• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 10.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 392.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Sony DSLR-A200 advantages over Canon SX230 HS

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 6.12 vs 1.54 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Fast startup
    ~1.50 vs 2.0 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 750 vs 210 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Less shutter lag
    0.19 vs 0.40 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 15 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Canon SX230 HS advantages over Sony DSLR-A200

  • Less expensive
    $350 vs $600 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Thinner
    33 mm vs 71 mm
    Thinner
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Lighter weight
    218g vs 625g
    Lighter weight
  • More dots on screen
    461k 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
    12.1 vs 10.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    3.2 fps vs 2.8 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • 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

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • 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
  • 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
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

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Your purchases support this site

Buy the Sony DSLR-A200

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Canon SX230 HS

Review Excerpt

  • Great zoom range from 28mm to 392mm equivalent; Full HD and slow-motion video; excellent print quality.

  • Low battery life; some chromatic aberration; flash pops up when powered on every time.

  • Read our Canon SX230 HS Express Review

The Competition

Compared to Pentax K200D

Sony DSLR-A200
Pentax K200D
  • $470
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup

Compare Sony DSLR-A200 vs Pentax K200D

Canon SX230 HS
Pentax K200D
  • $269
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in GPS
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Canon SX230 HS vs Pentax K200D

Compared to Nikon D60

Sony DSLR-A200
Nikon D60
  • $470
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup

Compare Sony DSLR-A200 vs Nikon D60

Canon SX230 HS
Nikon D60
  • $269
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Canon SX230 HS vs Nikon D60

Compared to Sony DSLR-A300

Sony DSLR-A200
Sony DSLR-A300
  • $470
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • More viewfinder magnification
  • $563
  • APS-C
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Bigger JPEG buffer

Compare Sony DSLR-A200 vs Sony DSLR-A300

Canon SX230 HS
Sony DSLR-A300
  • $269
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in GPS
  • $563
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Canon SX230 HS vs Sony DSLR-A300

Compared to Samsung HZ35W

Sony DSLR-A200
Samsung HZ35W
  • $470
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $350
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner

Compare Sony DSLR-A200 vs Samsung HZ35W

Canon SX230 HS
Samsung HZ35W
  • $269
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Fast startup
  • Built-in GPS
  • $350
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More dots on screen
  • Shoots 60p video

Compare Canon SX230 HS vs Samsung HZ35W

Compared to Canon SX210 IS

Sony DSLR-A200
Canon SX210 IS
  • $470
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $262
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner

Compare Sony DSLR-A200 vs Canon SX210 IS

Canon SX230 HS
Canon SX210 IS
  • $269
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • Shoots 24p video
  • $262
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • More pixels

Compare Canon SX230 HS vs Canon SX210 IS

Compare Other Cameras?