Sony has thus released three new cameras: A230, A330 and A380. These will take over for the A200, A300 and A350. We recently tested the A380, and now takes us to the smallest and cheapest in the range.

Physical properties

It is the grip that has undergone the biggest change for the A230 and its two siblings. From traditional, round and voluminous on earlier versions, to short and almost pyramidal on the new models. It is shorter and rounded down lower than other cameras, so it allows more movement vertical to the breast height. With its maneuverable screen design works well for the A230. With heavy optics many will still find the camera a bit unbalanced. Fortunately, Sony has improved flash height considerably on its new camera range.

If you come from compact cameras Sony’s transition to SD memory cards is welcome. Those who are upgrading from, for example, A200 or switch to another brand, might dislike having to replace all their CF cards. Sony apparently wants to market A230, A330 and A380 entry level SLR cameras. Sony batteries have always been far ahead of the competition.

In use

The biggest developments since the A200 has been in the outer. Settings are much the same, and compared with competing cameras the A230 is well equipped, including creative settings for picture styles that you can define yourself. We note however the stripping of the white balance adjustment in the Kelvin temperature scale and WB bracketing. Built-in image stabilization is still a major plus.

Auto Focus is about as fast as before, quite ok, but this also depends on the optics. A230 is about as quick as its predecessor, about the average in continuous shooting, except in RAW, where it’s slightly above average. A separate button for white balance would have been a plus. The menus have become more user friendly with brief instructions on the different settings that follow you through the menus.

Picture quality

With the A230, it seems that things have improved almost to the level of the A380, of course minus the resolution. Although image quality is slightly better, namely, Sony is struggling still with considerable noise at high ISO. Shot in JPG the results are not far from the RAW format, although you will have greater scope for sharpening the latter. The good news is that the white balance seems more accurate, and that the test images show a significant improvement in dynamic range.

Conclusion

Where Sony A380 makes some important but more moderate improvements in the image-related, compared with Sony A350, the improvements are more noticeable if we compare the A200 and A230. This applies to the dynamic range and white balance, and a better processing of the noise at higher ISO numbers. The picture quality is reminiscent of what we see on the A380, but as I said minus the resolution. The increase of flash height is also a welcome upgrade. This will help Sony to position themselves in the SLR market, and attract new buyers. And the picture quality can compete with most its competitors. But a little more seriously specified camera, will give even more loyal customers in the longer term.

Features

• Dimensions (WxDxH) 12.8 cm x 6.8 cm x 9.7 cm
• Weight 450 g
• Supported Flash Memory SD Memory Card, Memory Stick PRO Duo, SDHC Memory Card, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo
• Sensor Dust Reduction Built-in
• Sensor Resolution 10.2 Megapixel
• Lens System 3 x zoom lens – 18 mm – 55 mm – f/3.5-5.6 DT SAM
• Focus Adjustment Automatic, manual
• Min Focus Range 25 cm
• Image Stabiliser Optical (SteadyShot INSIDE)
• Camera Flash Pop-up flash
• Red Eye Reduction Built-in
• Viewfinder Optical – eye-level penta-dach mirror
• Display LCD display – TFT active matrix – 2.7″ – colour
• Supported Battery 1 x Sony NP-FH50 Li-ion rechargeable battery ( included )
• Manufacturer Warranty 1 year warranty