• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 10.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • APS-C 370.5mm2
  • 16.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,500

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Differences

Sony DSLR-A230 advantages over Leica TL

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 6.12 vs 4.77 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 510 vs 400 shots
    Capture more photos
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    21 vs 12 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Leica TL advantages over Sony DSLR-A230

  • 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
  • Thinner
    33 mm vs 67 mm
    Thinner
  • Newer
    8 years vs 15 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Lighter weight
    384g vs 725g
    Lighter weight
  • More dots on screen
    1230k 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
    16.3 vs 10.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    5.0 fps vs 2.4 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    12500 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities

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
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • 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
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • 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

User reviews

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Canon XS

Sony DSLR-A230
Canon XS
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
  • $440
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
Leica TL
Canon XS
  • $1350
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Touchscreen
  • $440
  • APS-C
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Sony DSLR-A330

Sony DSLR-A230
Sony DSLR-A330
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • More viewfinder magnification
  • $530
  • APS-C
  • Tiltable Screen
Leica TL
Sony DSLR-A330
  • $1350
  • APS-C
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $530
  • APS-C
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Nikon D3000

Sony DSLR-A230
Nikon D3000
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • HDMI out
  • $450
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Faster JPEG shooting
Leica TL
Nikon D3000
  • $1350
  • APS-C
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $450
  • APS-C
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Samsung NX3000

Sony DSLR-A230
Samsung NX3000
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $950
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Tiltable Screen
Leica TL
Samsung NX3000
  • $1350
  • APS-C
  • Touchscreen
  • Internal flash
  • $950
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Tiltable Screen

Compared to Leica TL2

Sony DSLR-A230
Leica TL2
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $2495
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
Leica TL
Leica TL2
  • $1350
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
  • $2495
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
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