• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 10.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • 1/2.33 inch 28.2mm2
  • 14.1 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 600.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Sony DSLR-A230 advantages over Leica V-LUX 2

  • Less expensive
    $549 vs $850 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1/2.33 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 6.12 vs 1.42 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Thinner
    67 mm vs 95 mm
    Thinner
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    3200 vs 1600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Leica V-LUX 2 advantages over Sony DSLR-A230

  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Lighter weight
    520g vs 725g
    Lighter weight
  • More dots on screen
    460k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • More pixels
    14.1 vs 10.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • 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
  • 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
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities

Common Weaknesses

  • 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
  • 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
  • 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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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

Compare Sony DSLR-A230 vs Canon XS

Leica V-LUX 2
Canon XS
  • $850
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $440
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare Leica V-LUX 2 vs Canon XS

Compared to 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

Leica V-LUX 2
Sony DSLR-A330
  • $850
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Lighter weight
  • More dots on screen
  • $530
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare Leica V-LUX 2 vs Sony DSLR-A330

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

Compare Sony DSLR-A230 vs Nikon D3000

Leica V-LUX 2
Nikon D3000
  • $850
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $450
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare Leica V-LUX 2 vs Nikon D3000

Compared to Panasonic DMC-FZ100

Sony DSLR-A230
Panasonic DMC-FZ100
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $500
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Tiltable Screen
  • More dots on screen

Compare Sony DSLR-A230 vs Panasonic DMC-FZ100

Leica V-LUX 2
Panasonic DMC-FZ100
  • $850
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Slow-motion videos
  • $500
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Shoots 60p video

Compare Leica V-LUX 2 vs Panasonic DMC-FZ100

Compared to Panasonic FZ150

Sony DSLR-A230
Panasonic FZ150
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $498
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Lighter weight

Compare Sony DSLR-A230 vs Panasonic FZ150

Leica V-LUX 2
Panasonic FZ150
  • $850
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • More pixels
  • Longer exposure
  • $498
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Shoots 1080p video

Compare Leica V-LUX 2 vs Panasonic FZ150

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