Sony DSLR-A230 vs Nikon J1

Sony DSLR-A230 advantages over Nikon J1

• Lens selection
  Good vs Limited
  Better lens selection gives you more options
• Larger sensor
  APS-C vs 1 inch
  More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
• Less expensive
  $549 vs $650 (MSRP)
  Save money for lenses or accessories
• 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 3.41 microns
  Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
• Fast startup
  ~0.60 vs 1.4 sec
  Faster startup lets you catch the moment
• 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.

  DSLR-A230 test data on DxO Mark J1 test data on DxO Mark
  531 vs 372 iso
  Take photos in low light with less noise
• Longer stills battery life
  More info

  Longer stills battery life

  Cameras with longer battery life can take more photos before exhausting their batteries.

  Special note: The measurement standard for battery life stipulates that if a camera has an internal flash, it must be used for 50% of photos taken. For this reason, comparisons of one camera with an internal flash to another without will not be comparable

  510 vs 230 shots
  Capture more photos
• Higher max flash sync
  1/160 vs 1/60 sec
  Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
• Hot shoe
  Hot shoe vs None
  Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
• Bigger JPEG buffer
  21 vs 12 shots
  Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)