Last update 28 September’09 – Review and Sample Photos @ PhotoReview
Sony Alpha A230 announced on May 18, 2009 is an in camera image stabilized 10.2 megapixel DSLR that features advanced noise reduction, eye start auto focus, 2.7 inch LCD, 9 point auto focus, 2.5 fps continuous shooting, dynamic range optimizer, anti-dust technology, ISO range from 100 to 3200, camera dimensions are approx. 128 x 97 x 67.5 mm (W/H/D, and it weight approx. 452 g (without battery, memory card, accessories).
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Review Index – (updated 28 September’09)
PhotoReview (Editor’s Choice)
“Buy this camera if: – You want an affordable interchangeable-lens camera with fast autofocusing in bright light – You want body-integrated image stabilisation that works with all lenses – You’d like a wide range of user-adjustable controls and functions – You’re interested in shooting raw files and are prepared to edit them in Photoshop or Photoshop Elements.”
Rating: 
DSLR.uk
“It is relatively simple to use, handles well, the auto-focus responded accurately and quickly and the image quality was exceptionally good; better than I would have expected from an entry level camera. For a camera in this price bracket I believe the A230 offers great value for money. And, for the record, I found the instruction book easy to wade through.”
TrustedReviews
“The Sony Alpha A230 is currently the cheapest APS-C digital SLR on the market. It is very basic, and naturally it lacks many of the in bells and whistles such as HD video and live view found on more expensive models, but nonetheless it is a nice easy-to-use camera that is more than capable of taking excellent pictures. Experienced photographers will find it limited, but for first buyers it’s excellent value for money.”
Rating: 
PhotographyBlog
“The A230 also suffers in comparison to its bigger brother, the A330. If you do actually like this camera’s design (definitely try before you buy), then the A330’s excellent Live View system and tilting LCD screen are well worth the slight price premium, despite the slightly reduced optical viewfinder coverage. For us the A330 hits the sweet spot between the value of the A230 and increased megapixel count of the A380, although we still can’t strongly recommend it as all three models share the same handling flaws.”
Rating: 
PCMag
“With its user-friendly interface and budget price, the Sony Alpha DSLR-A230 is an excellent choice for D-SLR newbies. Another solid entry-level contender, the $600 (with lens) Pentax K2000 is user-friendly and takes sharp pictures but you won’t get the HDMI port or an accelerometer-enabled LCD.”
Rating:
CNET
“By the rest of the image-quality metrics–noise, exposure, and sharpness–the A230 renders decent photos for its class. The Dynamic Range Optimizer brings out a bit more detail in shadows and midtones and brings back some clipped shadows and highlights; in general, you shouldn’t regret leaving it enabled.”
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ePhotozine
“For an entry level model, it works nicely and feels well made in the hands. I like the smooth, curved lines, depite being a fan of vintage, and I think Sony have made a good move in allowing the camera to accept SD/SDHC cards. Hopefully the DLNA will open up more manufacturers into understanding that not everyone buys everything in the same make.”
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Owner Feedback
“This camera is an incredible value. Also, I’m tickled pink to have found a camera that accepts my lenses from my 1990’s Minolta SLR. The other great thing about this camera is my wife can put the camera in AUTO mode and it turns into a point and shoot, but I still have the ability to switch to other modes to fully control exposure settings. The picture quality is great, the controls are intuitive, the size and weight of the camera are very light/compact for a DLR.”
Rating: 
“This isn’t a bad camera at all, and if you are JUST looking for a system that will give you some flexibility to take “normal” shots of the variety that other people make you sit through after they’ve fed you dinner, then you are going to be immediately happy. The camera will do many of the things that you need for it to do automatically, and can easily take better shots than you would take, if you knew nothing or little about photography, and had no interest to learn. But like many things, if you DO know something about photography, you will be pleasantly surprised about the sorts of things that you CAN do with this rig, as long as you are willing to make an investment in accessories that will give the body a chance to show its stuff.”
Rating: 
“I have to say I’m very happy so far with my choice, and this camera is my first DSLR Camera. The auto focus is fast and accurate. The shutter response is quick. The image quality is very good with lots of detail. The exposures have been very accurate with a minimal number of photos with blown highlights. The image stabilization kicks butt. The dynamic range optimization really does pull highlights out of the shade.”
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Sample Photos
[ISO Performance Samples @ TrustedReviews]
[Image Quality Samples @ PhotographyBlog]
Similar Cameras
Press Release
SAN DIEGO, May 17, 2009 – Sony is making it easy for first-time digital SLR buyers to step up from point-and-shoot digital still cameras with the introduction today of three new easy-to-use ? (alpha) cameras (models DSLR-A380, DSLR-A330 and DSLR-A230), four new lenses, a flash and accessories.
Uniquely Matched to Customers’ Needs
The new cameras are designed to overcome challenges faced by many customers taking their first steps in DSLR photography. Without compromising performance and versatility, the new models are smaller, lighter, easier to use and offer innovative expansion options not found in other systems.
“Our new alpha cameras, lenses and accessories make it easier for new users to get the great photos they expect without the steep learning curve that DSLRs have traditionally required,” said Kristen Elder, senior manager for the alpha business at Sony Electronics Inc. “By overcoming the obstacles, we’ve made it much easier for newcomers to take great pictures with DSLRs.”
Light and Compact
The 10.2 megapixel ?230 camera is the lightest, most compact alpha DSLR camera body ever at 15.9 ounces. The 10.2 megapixel ?330 and the 14.2 megapixel ?380 cameras are also smaller and lighter than their predecessor models (the DSLR-A300 and DSLR-A350, respectively). These cameras are also more compact and feature an intuitive control layout that allows for easy single-handed operation.
SteadyShot INSIDE™ in-camera image stabilization is built into each camera body, so every ?-mount lens benefits from the ability to minimize blur due to camera shake.
Quick AF Live View System
Both the ?380 and ?330 cameras offer Sony’s Quick Autofocus (AF) Live View technology, so you can frame photos on the camera’s LCD screen as well as in the optical viewfinder. Through the use of a dedicated image sensor, Quick AF Live View maintains the rapid response of a DSLR, while avoiding the focus delay common to other live view systems.
The new cameras feature a 2.7-inch (diagonally) Clear Photo LCD™ screen that is easy to view even in bright sunlight. Additionally, the LCD on the ?380 and ?330 models can be tilted up or down, making it easy to frame your subject from high or low positions, otherwise difficult to see using an eye-level viewfinder. The range of adjustment has been increased from their predecessors, making it even easier to get shots from difficult angles.
By combining Quick AF Live View and an adjustable LCD, users can frame the scene without holding the camera in front of their face, allowing parents, for example, to maintain eye-contact when photographing their children for more natural expressions.
An HDMI™ terminal gives you the option of connecting your camera to a compatible HDTV and playing back your images in high definition quality (HDMI cable required, sold separately). Additionally, BRAVIA® Sync™ works with compatible Sony® BRAVIA HDTVs to let you control camera playback using the television’s remote (HDMI cable and BRAVIA Sync capable HDTV required, sold separately).
The new cameras include dedicated slots for high-capacity Memory Stick PRO Duo™, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™ and SD/DSHC media (sold separately).
Built-in Help Guide
The ?380, ?330 and ?230 models are Sony’s first DSLR cameras to feature a graphical user interface (GUI) with built-in on-screen Help Guide.
The Help Guide offers clear, concise explanations of various modes and settings, while the Graphic Display helps you understand the relationship between aperture and shutter speed, as well as the effect each has on photographic results.
Systems, Lenses and Flash
Making it easier for first-time DSLR users to get started, the new Sony cameras come in camera-and-lens packages. In addition to the two new standard zoom and telephoto lenses that are offered with the camera bodies, the company introduced new portrait and macro lenses. These purpose-built lenses make it much easier to obtain professional-looking, creative results.
Optimized for use with APS-C sized image sensors, these lenses feature a Smooth Autofocus Motor (SAM) that enables in-lens auto focus (AF) drive for smooth, quiet operation, and high optical performance in a compact size.
The DT 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6 standard zoom lens (model SAL-1855) incorporates aspherical and Extra-low Dispersion (ED) elements to provide an all purpose lens with outstanding image quality. The DT 55-200mm F/4-5.6 telephoto zoom lens (model SAL-55200/2) features an ED glass element and helps bring distant subjects closer, ideal for capturing sports. Both the SAL-1855 and SAL-55200 lenses are available separately, or packaged as kits with the new cameras.
To make the benefits of portrait and macro photography easier and more accessible, Sony is introducing a DT 50mm F/1.8 portrait lens (model SAL-50F18) and DT 30mm F/2.8 (model SAL-30M28) macro lens. The wide aperture SAL-50F18 lens helps users capture beautiful portraits with gently defocused backgrounds while the SAL-30M28 macro lens captures intricate close-ups. Both techniques are difficult to achieve with standard lenses.
To help users take better shots with flash, Sony offers an affordable, compact external flash unit (model HVL-F20AM) that is simple to operate. Unlike a camera’s built-in flash, this external flash provides higher output (Guide Number 20), and enables users to bounce light off the ceiling to eliminate harsh shadows and achieve more even illumination when shooting indoors.
Pricing and Availability
Pre-orders will begin on May 18, 2009 at www.sonystyle.com/retail and at selected retailers nationwide. The cameras and a range of accessories will be available in July at Sony Style® retail stores (www.sonystyle.com/retail), at military base exchanges and at authorized dealers nationwide.
The ?380L, ?330L and ?230L will cost about $850, $650 and $550, respectively. The L series one-lens kit comes with the SAL-1855 standard zoom lens.
The ?380Y, ?330Y and ?230Y will cost about $1050, $850 and $750, respectively. The Y series two-lens kit comes with both the SAL-1855 standard zoom and SAL-55200 telephoto zoom lenses.
