By
Leonard Goh
18/05/2009
URL:
http://asia.cnet.com/reviews/digitalcameras/0,39001469,62054133,00.htm
Today, Sony announced the Alpha DSLR-A230, A330 and A380. These three beginner-oriented models not only look quite identical, their specifications are pretty alike, too, with the exception of the tiltable LCDs and sensor resolution. However, the most surprising move by the Japanese company was to exclude video recording from its new shooters. Given that other camera manufacturers such as Canon and Nikon have been introducing such features into their entry-level dSLRs, we expected Sony to do the same. So how will the new cameras fare against the competition? We've compared the Alpha dSLRs with one another as well as against other snappers in their various classes. Here's a quick overview of the key differences in features.
A380 vs A330 vs A230
A380 vs EOS 500D vs D5000
A330 vs E-450 vs K2000
A230 vs EOS 1000D vs D60
| Specification/Model |
A380 |
A330 | A230 |
|
Sensor resolution
|
14.2 megapixels
|
10.2 megapixels
|
10.2 megapixels
|
|
ISO sensitivity
|
ISO 100 to ISO 3,200
|
ISO 100 to ISO 3,200
|
ISO 100 to ISO 3,200
|
|
LCD size
|
2.7-inch tiltable
|
2.7-inch tiltable
|
2.7-inch fixed
|
|
Video recording
|
No
|
No
|
No
|
|
Continuous shooting
|
2.5fps
|
2.5fps
|
2.5fps
|
|
Image stabilizer
|
In-body
|
In-body
|
In-body
|
|
Storage format
|
Memory Stick PRO Duo and SD/SDHC
|
Memory Stick PRO Duo and SD/SDHC
|
Memory Stick PRO Duo and SD/SDHC
|
|
No. of focusing points
|
9
|
9
|
9
|
Dimensions/
Weight (body only)
|
128 x 97 x 71.4 mm
490g
|
128 x 97 x 71.4 mm
490g
|
128 x 97 x 67.5 mm
450g
|
Sony Alpha DSLR-A380
Unlike the Canon and Nikon dSLRs, the A380 doesn't have video-recording capability. This may be the ultimate deal-breaker for consumers seeking a higher-end beginner's dSLR. Although the Sony camera has a tiltable LCD, the D5000's display is able to swivel as well. Specifications-wise the A380 is hardly impressive compared with rival models.
| Specification/Model |
A380 |
Canon EOS 500D | Nikon D5000 |
|
Sensor resolution
|
14.2 megapixels
|
15 megapixels
|
12 megapixels
|
|
ISO sensitivity
|
ISO 100 to ISO 3,200
|
ISO 100 to ISO 3,200
(expandable to ISO 12,800)
|
ISO 100 to ISO 1,600
(expandable to ISO 6,400)
|
|
LCD size
|
2.7-inch tiltable
|
3-inch fixed
|
2.7-inch tilt and swivel
|
|
Video recording
|
No
|
Yes. 1080p quality maximum
|
Yes. 720p quality maximum
|
|
Continuous shooting
|
2.5fps
|
3.4
|
4
|
|
Image stabilizer
|
In-body
|
Via compatible lenses
|
Via compatible lenses
|
|
Storage format
|
Memory Stick PRO Duo and SD/SDHC
|
SD/SDHC
|
SD/SDHC
|
|
No. of focusing points
|
9
|
9
|
11
|
Dimensions/
Weight (body only)
|
128 x 97 x 71.4 mm
490g
|
129 x 98 x 62 mm
480g
|
127 x 104 x 80 mm
560g
|
Sony Alpha DSLR-A330
In terms of size, the A330 is no match for the Olympus E-450. However, the Sony dSLR compensates with a 2.7-inch tiltable LCD, a feature other shooters in its class don't offer. As with its other siblings, the A330 employs a 9-point focusing system which leapfrogs its competition.
| Specification/Model |
A330 |
Olympus E-450 | Pentax K2000 |
|
Sensor resolution
|
10.2 megapixels
|
10 megapixels
|
10 megapixels
|
|
ISO sensitivity
|
ISO 100 to ISO 3,200
|
ISO 100 to ISO 1,600
|
ISO 100 to ISO 3,200
|
|
LCD size
|
2.7-inch tiltable
|
2.7-inch fixed
|
2.7-inch fixed
|
|
Video recording
|
No
|
No
|
No
|
|
Continuous shooting
|
2.5fps
|
3.5
|
3.5
|
|
Image stabilizer
|
In-body
|
Nil
|
In-body
|
|
Storage format
|
Memory Stick PRO Duo and SD/SDHC
|
CompactFlash and xD-Picture card
|
SD/SDHC
|
|
No. of focusing points
|
9
|
3
|
5
|
Dimensions/
Weight (body only)
|
128 x 97 x 71.4 mm
490g
|
129.5 x 91 x 53 mm
380g
|
122.5 x 91.5 x 67.5 mm
525g
|
Sony Alpha DSLR-A230
The A230 has a handy 9-point autofocus system but its lack of a Live View module puts the shooter at a disadvantage against the Canon EOS 1000D. However, some users may appreciate the 2.7-inch LCD, which is slightly larger than the rival models.
| Specification/Model |
A230 |
Canon EOS 1000D | Nikon D60 |
|
Sensor resolution
|
10.2 megapixels
|
10 megapixels
|
10 megapixels
|
|
ISO sensitivity
|
ISO 100 to ISO 3,200
|
ISO 100 to ISO 1,600
|
ISO 100 to ISO 1,600
(expandable to ISO 3,200)
|
|
LCD size
|
2.7-inch fixed
|
2.5-inch fixed
|
2.5-inch fixed
|
|
Video recording
|
No
|
No
|
No
|
|
Continuous shooting
|
2.5fps
|
3fps
|
3fps
|
|
Image stabilizer
|
In-body
|
Via compatible lenses
|
Via compatible lenses
|
|
Storage format
|
Memory Stick PRO Duo and SD/SDHC
|
SD/SDHC
|
SD/SDHC
|
|
No. of focusing points
|
9
|
7
|
3
|
Dimensions/
Weight (body only)
|
128 x 97 x 67.5 mm
450g
|
126.1 x 97.5 x 61.9 mm
450g
|
126 x 94 x 64 mm
495g
|
