Sony NEX-5 vs Sony a230

This is a full comparison between the cameras Sony NEX-5 and Sony a230. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

These cameras are both manufactured by Sony.

Type of camera

Sony NEX-5 is a Mirrorless camera while Sony a230 is a DSLR camera. More information about their differences will come soon.

Sensors / crop factor

Both these cameras have the same sorts of sensor (called "Sony APS-C") which means that if you compare these cameras side by side the lenses will also have the same experienced focal length. Neither of the cameras has a Full frame sensor which means that you will get a "crop factor" where the camera's sensor size affect the focal length with a multiplier.

** 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)

Resolution

Sony NEX-5 has a 14 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Sony a230 has 10 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Sony NEX-5 has a 40 % larger resolution than Sony a230. This could give you more details in the picture but also a possibility to crop more in the pictures, afterward while editing the pictures, if needed that is.

ISO range

Sony NEX-5 has a larger ISO-range than Sony a230. Sony NEX-5 has an ISO range that stretches from 200 to 12800 while Sony a230 has 100 to 3200.

Autofocus and lens compatibility

Both of these cameras have a built-in autofocus motor. Some lenses, that support autofocus, do not have an autofocus motor of their own but this won't cause any problems with these two cameras.

Here is a complete overview of which lenses work with each camera:
Lens compatibility chart for Sony NEX-5
Lens compatibility chart for Sony a230

Pictures per second

Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Sony NEX-5 can shoot up to 7 pictures per seconds and Sony a230 can shoot up to 2,5 pictures per seconds.

Ability to record movies

It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.

When comparing these two cameras there is only one of them that can shoot movies and that is Sony NEX-5. Unfortunately Sony a230 does not support recording movies and movie clips.

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.

Sony a230 weighs 490 gr (equal to 1.08 lb) which is 71% heavier than Sony NEX-5 and its 287 gr (or 0.63 lb).

Sony NEX-5 vs Sony a230 Specs

Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Sony NEX-5 and Sony a230, 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 NEX-5	Sony a230
Name	Sony NEX-5	Sony a230
Manufacturer	Sony	Sony
Release Date and Price	Sony NEX-5	Sony a230
Release Year	2010	2009
Release Date	2010-05-11	2009-05-18
MSRP	649 USD	549 USD
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Camera Type	Sony NEX-5	Sony a230
Camera Type	Mirrorless	DSLR
Sensor	Sony NEX-5	Sony a230
Sensor Size	APS-C (approx 23.5 x 15.6 mm)	APS-C (approx 23.5 x 15.6 mm)
Sensor Type	CMOS	CCD
Resolution	4592 x 3056 pixels	3872 x 2592 pixels
Megapixels	14 MP	10 MP
Image Processor	Bionz	Bionz
Image	Sony NEX-5	Sony a230
ISO Range	200 - 12800	100 - 3200
White Balance Presets	6	6
Custom White Balance	Yes	Yes
Image Stabilization	No	Yes (Sensor-Shift)
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating	0 stops	0 stops
Uncompressed format	RAW	RAW
Optics & Focus	Sony NEX-5	Sony a230
Autofocus Motor	Yes	Yes
Autofocus	Contract Detect (sensor) Multi Area Selective Single Point Single Continuous LiveView	Contract Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Single Continuous
Focus Points	25	9
Lens Mount	Sony E See Compatible Lenses	Sony A 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	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
Screen & Viewfinder	Sony NEX-5	Sony a230
Articulated LCD	Tilting	Fixed
Screen size	3”	2.7”
Screen dots	920000	230400
Touch screen	No	No
Screen type	N/A	N/A
Live view	Yes	No
Viewfinder Type	No Viewfinder	Optical (pentamirror)
Viewfinder Coverage		95%
Viewfinder Magnification		0.83× (0.55× 35mm equiv.)
Viewfinder Resolution	N/A	N/A
Photography features	Sony NEX-5	Sony a230
Frames per second	7 fps	2,5 fps
Minimum Shutter Speed	30 seconds	30 seconds
Maximum Shutter Speed	1/4000 seconds	1/4000 seconds
Built-in Flash	No	Yes
Built-in Flash Range	N/A	10 meters
External Flash	Yes	Yes
Self-Timer	Yes	Yes
Time-lapse	No	No
Metering modes	Multi Center Weighted Spot	Multi Center Weighted Spot
Exposure Compensation	+/- 2 (at 1/3 EV steps)	+/- 2 (at 1/3 EV steps)
Videography features	Sony NEX-5	Sony a230
Video recording	Yes	No
Video format	AVCHD	N/A
Video resolution	1440 x 1080 1920 x 1080	N/A
Built-in Microphone	Yes	No
Built-in Speakers	Yes	No
Storage	Sony NEX-5	Sony a230
Memory Card	Memory Stick Pro Duo SD/SDHC	Memory Stick Pro Duo SD/SDHC
Connectivity	Sony NEX-5	Sony a230
HDMI Output	Yes	No
Microphone Port	No	No
Headphone Port	No	No
Wireless	No	No
Remote Control	Yes (InfraRed (optional))
GPS	No	No
Body & Dimensions	Sony NEX-5	Sony a230
Enviromentally sealed	No	No
Battery	Battery Pack	Battery Pack
Battery Details	Lithium-Ion NP-FW50 rechargeable battery & charger	Lithium-Ion NP-FH50 rechargeable battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA)	330 shots	230 shots
Width	111 mm	128 mm
Height	59 mm	97 mm
Depth	38 mm	68 mm
Weight	287 gram	490 gram