Sony a230 vs Nikon D40x
This is a full comparison between the cameras Sony a230 and Nikon D40x. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.
Manufacturing
Sony a230 is manufacturered by Sony but Nikon D40x is from Nikon. Both Sony and Nikon are well known brands though.
Sony a230 were released 2009 and Nikon D40x was released 2007. That is a 2 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.Camera | Released |
Sony a230 | 2009 |
Nikon D40x | 2007 |
Type of camera
Both these cameras are DSLR cameras. No difference there.
Sensors / crop factor
These cameras have different sensors. Sony a230 has a "Sony APS-C"-sensor while Nikon D40x has a "Nikon DX"-sensor, and their difference in sensors will also affect the crop factor and experience focal length. See the table below.
Camera | Focal length, 50mm f/1.8 ** |
Sony a230 | 75 mm Sony APS-C sensor Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5 |
Nikon D40x | 75 mm Nikon DX sensor Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5 |
** Experienced focal length when using a lens such as a common "50mm f/1.8"
Learn more about crop factor and focal length multiplier here:
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Sony)
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Nikon)
Resolution
Both these cameras have the exact same resolution. Sony a230 has a 10 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon D40x has 10 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:
Camera | Megapixels |
Sony a230 |
10 MP
10036224 pixels 3872 x 2592 |
Nikon D40x |
10 MP
10036224 pixels 3872 x 2592 |
ISO range
Both of these cameras offer the exact same ISO range. They both have 100 to 3200.
Camera | ISO Range |
Sony a230 | 100-3200 |
Nikon D40x | 100-3200 |
Autofocus and lens compatibility
There is a big difference between these two cameras. Sony a230 has a built-in autofocus motor but Nikon D40x does not. If you want to be able to use autofocus on Nikon D40x there is a need for having an autofocus motor inside the lens. We really encourage you to look closely at our lens compatibility charts at the links below.
Here is a complete overview of which lenses work with each camera:
Lens compatibility chart for Sony a230
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D40x
Pictures per second
Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Sony a230 can shoot up to 2,5 pictures per seconds and Nikon D40x can shoot up to 3 pictures per seconds.
Camera | FPS (Frames per second) |
Sony a230 | 2,5 |
Nikon D40x | 3 |
Ability to record movies
It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.
Though, neither Sony a230 or Nikon D40x can shoot movies so if that is a functionality that you are really looking for you should look elsewhere.
Weight
The weight of the camera can be an extremely important factor, especially if the camera is about to be used, or carried around, for several hours at a time.
Nikon D40x weighs 522 gr (equal to 1.15 lb) which is 7% heavier than Sony a230 and its 490 gr (or 1.08 lb).
Camera | Weight |
Sony a230 | 490 gr 1.08 lb |
Nikon D40x | 522 gr 1.15 lb |
Sony a230 vs Nikon D40x Specs
Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Sony a230 and Nikon D40x, next to each other. Each category of data is a link to an article covering the subject, giving you a deeper understanding so you can better understand the strengths and weaknesses of the two camera models.
Product |
Sony a230 |
Nikon D40x |
Name | Sony a230 | Nikon D40x |
Manufacturer | Sony | Nikon |
Release Date and Price |
Sony a230 |
Nikon D40x |
Release Year | 2009 | 2007 |
Release Date | 2009-05-18 | 2007-03-06 |
MSRP | 549 USD | 729 USD |
Buy it today | ||
Camera Type |
Sony a230 |
Nikon D40x |
Camera Type | DSLR | DSLR |
Sensor |
Sony a230 |
Nikon D40x |
Sensor Size | APS-C (approx 23.5 x 15.6 mm) |
APS-C (approx 23.7 x 15.5 mm) Also known as "DX" |
Sensor Type | CCD | CCD |
Resolution | 3872 x 2592 pixels | 3872 x 2592 pixels |
Megapixels | 10 MP | 10 MP |
Image Processor | Bionz | EXPEED |
Image |
Sony a230 |
Nikon D40x |
ISO Range | 100 - 3200 | 100 - 3200 |
White Balance Presets | 6 | 6 |
Custom White Balance | Yes | Yes |
Image Stabilization |
Yes (Sensor-Shift) |
No |
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating | 0 stops | 0 stops |
Uncompressed format | RAW | RAW |
Optics & Focus |
Sony a230 |
Nikon D40x |
Autofocus Motor | Yes | No |
Autofocus |
Contract Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Single Continuous |
Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Single Continuous |
Focus Points | 9 | 3 |
Lens Mount |
Sony A See Compatible Lenses |
Nikon F See Compatible Lenses |
Focal Length Multiplier |
APS-C Sensor (1.5x) 1.5x multiplier Example: 24 mm becomes 36 mm 50 mm becomes 75 mm 100 mm becomes 150 mm 200 mm becomes 300 mm |
DX / APS-C (1.5x) 1.5x multiplier Example: 24 mm becomes 36 mm 50 mm becomes 75 mm 100 mm becomes 150 mm 200 mm becomes 300 mm |
Screen & Viewfinder |
Sony a230 |
Nikon D40x |
Articulated LCD | Fixed | Fixed |
Screen size | 2.7” | 2,5” |
Screen dots | 230400 | 230000 |
Touch screen | No | No |
Screen type | N/A | N/A |
Live view | No | No |
Viewfinder Type | Optical (pentamirror) | Optical (pentamirror) |
Viewfinder Coverage | 95% | 95% |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.83× (0.55× 35mm equiv.) | 0.8× (0.53× 35mm equiv.) |
Viewfinder Resolution | N/A | N/A |
Photography features |
Sony a230 |
Nikon D40x |
Frames per second | 2,5 fps | 3 fps |
Minimum Shutter Speed | 30 seconds | 30 seconds |
Maximum Shutter Speed | 1/4000 seconds | 1/4000 seconds |
Built-in Flash | Yes | Yes |
Built-in Flash Range | 10 meters | 17 meters |
External Flash | Yes | Yes |
Self-Timer | Yes | Yes |
Time-lapse | No | Yes |
Metering modes |
Multi Center Weighted Spot |
Multi Center Weighted Spot |
Exposure Compensation | +/- 2 (at 1/3 EV steps) | +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV steps) |
Videography features |
Sony a230 |
Nikon D40x |
Video recording | No | No |
Video format | N/A | N/A |
Video resolution | N/A | N/A |
Built-in Microphone | No | No |
Built-in Speakers | No | No |
Storage |
Sony a230 |
Nikon D40x |
Memory Card |
Memory Stick Pro Duo SD/SDHC |
SD/SDHC |
Connectivity |
Sony a230 |
Nikon D40x |
HDMI Output | No | No |
Microphone Port | No | No |
Headphone Port | No | No |
Wireless | No | No |
Remote Control |
Yes (Optional (ML-L3))
|
|
GPS | No | No |
Body & Dimensions |
Sony a230 |
Nikon D40x |
Enviromentally sealed | No | No |
Battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery Details |
Lithium-Ion NP-FH50 rechargeable battery & charger
|
Nikon EN-EL9 Lithium-Ion & charger included
|
Battery Life (CIPA) | 230 shots | 520 shots |
Width | 128 mm | 124 mm |
Height | 97 mm | 94 mm |
Depth | 68 mm | 64 mm |
Weight | 490 gram | 522 gram |