• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 10.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 12.3 megapixels
  •  

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Differences

Sony DSLR-A230 advantages over Olympus E-P2

  • Less expensive
    $549 vs $1100 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 6.12 vs 4.29 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Fast startup
    ~0.60 vs 2.3 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 510 vs 300 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Less shutter lag
    0.19 vs 0.96 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    21 vs 14 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Olympus E-P2 advantages over Sony DSLR-A230

  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Good
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Thinner
    35 mm vs 67 mm
    Thinner
  • More pixels
    12.3 vs 10.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    3.1 fps vs 2.4 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    6400 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • 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
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • 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
  • 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

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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

Olympus E-P2
Canon XS
  • $1100
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Thinner
  • $440
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare Olympus E-P2 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

Olympus E-P2
Sony DSLR-A330
  • $1100
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Thinner
  • $530
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare Olympus E-P2 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

Olympus E-P2
Nikon D3000
  • $1100
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Thinner
  • $450
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare Olympus E-P2 vs Nikon D3000

Compared to Olympus E-PL1

Sony DSLR-A230
Olympus E-PL1
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $392
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Thinner

Compare Sony DSLR-A230 vs Olympus E-PL1

Olympus E-P2
Olympus E-PL1
  • $1100
  • 4/3
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Faster shutter
  • $392
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Internal flash

Compare Olympus E-P2 vs Olympus E-PL1

Compared to Olympus E-P3

Sony DSLR-A230
Olympus E-P3
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
  • $561
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Thinner

Compare Sony DSLR-A230 vs Olympus E-P3

Olympus E-P2
Olympus E-P3
  • $1100
  • 4/3
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $561
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup

Compare Olympus E-P2 vs Olympus E-P3

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