Sony Alpha A230Y 10.2 MP Digital SLR Camera with Super SteadyShot INSIDE Image Stabilization and 18-55mm and 55-200mm Lenses

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Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 8.1 x 7.3 inches ; 4.2 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B0029U0WXO
• Item model number: DSLRA230Y
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,054 in Camera & Photo (See Bestsellers in Camera & Photo)

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  Camera & Photo > Digital SLRs

• Date first available at Amazon.com: May 17, 2009

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

From the Manufacturer

Capture your precious moments with improved clarity and reduced blur with the Sony a230 digital SLR camera, featuring 10.2-megapixel resolution and SteadyShot INSIDE in-camera image stabilization. Thanks to a small and light body and integrated on-screen Help Guide and Graphic Display, the a230 is remarkably easy to carry and use.

Sony Alpha A230 Highlights

10.2-megapixel resolution for ultra-fine detail

SteadyShot INSIDE in-camera image stabilization
SteadyShot INSIDE in-camera image stabilization is built directly into the camera body, so every a-mount lens benefits from the ability to minimize blur due to camera shake.

10.2-megapixel resolution for ultra-fine detail
A 10.2-megapixel APS-size CCD image sensor captures your images in stunning detail, giving you the freedom to make large prints and tight crops without sacrificing quality.

Smallest, lightest a-series body
The a230 features the smallest and lightest body of any Sony a (alpha) series camera for improved portability, as well as an intuitive button layout that allows for easy single-handed operation.

Integrated on-screen Help Guide and Graphic Display
An integrated on-screen Help Guide and Graphic Display help take the complexity out of DSLR photography. 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.

HDMI terminal with BRAVIA Sync compatibility
An HDMI terminal gives you the option of connecting your camera to a compatible HDTV and playing back your images in stunning high definition quality (HDMI cable required, sold separately). In addition, 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).

2.7-inch (diag.) Clear Photo LCD Plus display
Review your images and monitor camera settings on the large 2.7-inch (diag.) Clear Photo LCD Plus display, which provides sharp, clear viewing, even in outdoor environments.

High sensitivity (ISO 3200) for superior noise reduction
A broad sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 3200 enables you to capture beautiful color images even in very dim light -- High ISO Noise Reduction technology reduces picture noise artifacts at high-sensitivity ISO 1600 and ISO 3200 settings by eliminating noise from RAW data after analog-to-digital conversion.

Eye-Start Autofocus

Eye-Start Autofocus
Eye-Start Autofocus System begins precision autofocus adjustments the moment you raise the camera to your eye, so the camera is ready to catch the perfect moment.

9-Point AF Sensor
9-Point Center Cross AF Sensor uses with improved focus control to help bring images into sharp definition more quickly, and predictive focus control automatically calculates the position of fast-moving subjects.

Up to 2.5 fps continuous shooting
Continuous Shooting lets you shoot at up to 2.5 fps (frames per second) while viewing your subject through the optical viewfinder so you never lose track of the action.

Creative Style settings
Creative Style settings give you control over how the camera processes your images. Choose from 8 finishing styles, including Standard, Vivid, Potrait, Landscape, Night View, Sunset, B&W, and Adobe RGB, and fine tune them to your personal taste with the ability to adjust contrast, saturation, and sharpness settings.

Sony's Dynamic Range Optimizer in action

Dynamic Range Optimizer
Dynamic Range Optimizer provides two levels - Standard/Plus to improve results with backlit subjects and recover details hidden in shadows or lost in glare. Normal DRO improves detail using standard gamma curves for fast shot-to-shot response time, while Advanced DRO adjusts dynamic range area-by-area for greater accuracy.

Built-in Pop-Up Flash
The Auto Pop-Up Flash automatically pops up and fires as needed when the camera is set to certain scene selection modes, helping first-time DSLR photographers shoot more effectively. In addition, the a230 features an integrated hot shoe, which lets you expand your lighting options with a range of accessory flashes (sold separately).

Anti-Dust Technology keeps your pictures dust-free

Anti-Dust Technology
Anti-Dust Technology helps keep the CCD imager clean, resulting in consistently better pictures, by utilizing a static-free anti-dust coating on the CCD filter, as well as an anti-dust vibration that automatically shakes the CCD to help dislodge dust each time the camera is shut off.

Stamina Battery power
Stamina Battery power allows you to take up to 510 shots on a fully charged NP-FM50 InfoLITHIUM battery when using the optical viewfinder mode, and you'll be able to see how much power remains in percentage increments, so you can keep shooting in confidence.

BIONZ image processor
The advanced BIONZ image processor uses hardware-based Large Scale Integrated (LSI) circuitry to enhance images with rich tonal reproduction, reduced noise, and improved white balance and exposure control, for clear, sharp photos even at high sensitivity settings.

PhotoTV HD compatibility
PhotoTV HD compatibility lets you automatically create high-resolution thumbnails optimized for viewing on a compatible Sony BRAVIA HDTV.

Index and Slide Show Display
Index and Slide Show Display enable you to quickly review your photos using 4, 9 or 25-frame index views, or as an automatic slide show with fade-in/fade-out effect.

Function Guide Display
Function Guide Display provides intuitive and easy to use on-screen menus that can be activated and operated with one hand using the Fn (Function) button and controller button to adjust Flash mode, Autofocus mode, White Balance, Metering mode, AF area and D-Range Optimizer.

Dual slot Compatibility for Memory Stick and SD media
Compatible with high-capacity Memory Stick PRO Duo, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo and SD/SDHC media (sold separately) for convenient storage and sharing of your images.

Product Description

Capture your precious moments with improved clarity and reduced blur with the Sony a DSLR-A230Y digital SLR camera. Brimming with features, the a A230 combines high-resolution 10.2-megapixel, simple operation, high sensitivity (ISO 3200), and advanced noise reduction. Plus, eye-start autofocus and pop-up flash help you shoot faster while SteadyShot INSIDE in-camera image stabilization works with virtually every lens. In addition to the on-screen help guide and convenient Creative style settings, the a A230Y has a bright 2.7" LCD and comes with an 18-55mm standard zoom lens and a 55-200mm telephoto lens.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Sony a230: great camera, November 1, 2009

By	Alexander Patellis "alexpete" (Central Florida) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

After about a week with this camera, I really like it. I am a photographer and I needed a D-SLR, I wanted to start small, but not too small, and cheap. I did do a LOT of research before buying this. I would not recommend it if you need to take lots of fast consecutive shots, 2.5fps (frames per second) is not the fastest. Flash recovery time is a bit slow too. If you have large hands this camera might be strange too, the buttons have very little travel and are shallow and the grip is small. The menus and UI (user interface) are very very nice however. Easy to use and navigate. I really like this camera, it is basic, but has advanced features too. Color is pretty good, but for the best results you should play with the settings. Another plus is you can use Minolta lenses too. 18mm-55mm kit lens is pretty nice, 55mm-200mm is also very nice. Both are pretty light. Another thing is the shutter is kinda loud, not a huge down, but something to take note of. Also has a proprietary hot shoe (where you can attach an external flash) but you can buy an adapter online for about $5. The battery life is also pretty good. I really like it, and would recommend.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Value, Not For Large Hands, November 12, 2009

By	Pablo Castro "Man of Surprises" (Bogotá, Colombia) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Amazon Verified Purchase

After years of using Minolta and Canon SLRs, I had wanted a DSLR for a long time... but had a limited budget. The Alpha 230 is a great discovery in this sense, because you have almost all the pro features you need, including a very nice ISO range that goes up to 3200, plus two quality zoom lenses, for around 500 bucks.

That's the essence, but let me start with my first impressions... As soon as I pulled it out of the box and held it in my right hand, it felt too small. I can't hold it quite as firmly as my other cameras. I asked my girlfriend to hold it, and Voila! Perfect Fit. So I guess this camera is highly recommended for Cinderella photographers. So much, that I immediately looked into the Accesories catalogue for a Vertical grip, which usually makes the camera much larger... and found that Sony has three options, neither of which is compatible with the A230. I think that if I still lived in the USA, I would've returned this for another Sony Alpha that's a little larger (and a little more expensive) like the A300. But I'm in Colombia, and I just paid an additional 90 bucks just to get my big ol' hands on this baby, so I'm gonna have to get used to it. That said, I am aware that in most cases the main support for the camera's weight is actually my left hand, making its awkwardly small size a reminder of the proper way to hold a camera...


Since I first tried it out at night, one of the first things I tried out were the high ISO settings... and they were simply awesome for night shooting. Of course, when you push it too much you get noticeable noise, but that was no surprise... I was trying to shoot my cat in virtually NO light and no flash. The menus are really nice, helping you graphically to achieve the exposure you want. Using the camera in manual mode is comfortable, since both aperture and shutter speed are on the same wheel; you just switch between the two by pressing the +- button with your thumb. Construction is plastic, but feels very sold and durable. And the camera is actually heavier than it looks (but that's because it looks so small to me). Battery life seems quite good but still don't have reliable info on that.

I appreciated the in-depth, printed manual... I know it's not very eco-friendly, but those damn PDF manual are no good when you suddenly blank out in the middle of a shoot and can't remember how to the custom white balance works, for example.

Next related purchases: A decent flash unit (possibly using an adaptor for the sucky proprietary hot shoe), a carrying case that doesn't cost half the camera's price (in other words, not from Sony), and a filter kit, mostly to protect the lenses.

Oh, and Amazon't free shipping is the best. It arrived to my Miami address two days before the estimated delivery date.