• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 10.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • 1 inch 116.2mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  • ISO 160 - 6400

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Differences

Sony DSLR-A230 advantages over Nikon J3

  • 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.
  • 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 2.86 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Higher effective ISO
    531 vs 420 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • 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

Nikon J3 advantages over Sony DSLR-A230

  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Thinner
    28 mm vs 67 mm
    Thinner
  • More dots on screen
    921k 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
    14.2 vs 10.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    60.0 fps vs 2.4 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    6400 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
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

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
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • 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

User reviews

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Review Excerpt

  • We haven’t finished our review of the Nikon J3, but we have extensive sample photos and a hands-on report.
  • See our Nikon J3 First Shots

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

Nikon J3
Canon XS
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • $440
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor

Compare Nikon J3 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

Nikon J3
Sony DSLR-A330
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • Thinner
  • $530
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor

Compare Nikon J3 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

Nikon J3
Nikon D3000
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • Thinner
  • $450
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor

Compare Nikon J3 vs Nikon D3000

Compared to Nikon J1

Sony DSLR-A230
Nikon J1
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • Thinner

Compare Sony DSLR-A230 vs Nikon J1

Nikon J3
Nikon J1
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • Higher effective ISO
  • More dots on screen
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon J3 vs Nikon J1

Compared to Nikon J2

Sony DSLR-A230
Nikon J2
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
  • $550
  • 1 inch
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • Thinner

Compare Sony DSLR-A230 vs Nikon J2

Nikon J3
Nikon J2
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • Higher effective ISO
  • More pixels
  • $550
  • 1 inch
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon J3 vs Nikon J2

Compare Other Cameras?