Sony (alpha) A230 10.2 Megapixel DSLR Camera with 18-55mm SAM Kit Lens

2013-01-16T19:00:00

My daughter is 12 and just starting to get interested in photography. This is great beginner camera. My father use to shoot Minolta and I still have his gear. Since Sony kept the mount when they bought out Minolta, we can use some really good glass with this camera and improve the already great images that it takes. Highly recommend to beginners looking to get great shots at a reasonable price.

Nathan M.

2011-05-01T20:00:00

Its been just an year and half since I bought this camera and it started giving me error msg(either black picture or camera error all together) every time I click the first picture. I either need to reset the camera or wait for some time to get next image right.. I am highly disappointed and already worried that this camera might just die anytime..

Vaikul

Originally posted at

2011-02-04T19:00:00

I bought this camera a little under 10 months ago, so I've gotten to use it a lot (hundreds of pictures, lots of memory cards!) This camera isn't the most professional out there, but it truly is incredible, especially for beginners. It's easy to operate and the auto settings are great for those who struggle with ISO and aperture balance. I think the FN settings on the camera makes it easy to put whether or not you want vivid or black and white or a portrait (you can edit many settings right there). It's a brilliant camera: anyone who wants a cheap camera with sharp quality, this is definitely one I would recommend.

ColoradoChick

Originally posted at

2011-01-08T19:00:00

I bought the camera almost a year ago and at the begining I saw some dark spots on the photos, I cleaned the lens but they are still there. Now, when I take photos "Camera Error" appears. I am really disappointed about the quality, reliability and perfomance of this camera.

Giannina

Originally posted at

2011-01-01T19:00:00

Bought this camera about a month ago, still learning all the details on it but it takes great pictures. Easy to use right out of the box. This is my first DSLR camera. Also bought a 75-300 zoom lens and love it. We live out in the country and love to take pictures of wildlife as well as our grandkids. This camera is working out great for us.

dirtracin3h

Originally posted at

2010-12-10T19:00:00

This is my first foray into the world of DSLR imaging, and frankly speaking, I love it. I've owned a Canon EOS A2 for nearly ten years and despite being the camera of my dreams I could never really explore it's potential due to the cost of film and developing, and sadly I no longer have it. I've toyed round with the idea of getting a digital camera but up til I bought my A230, it was again an issue of economics. Long story short, I finally had the cash and got a good deal on a Sony...frankly speaking I wasn't expecting much...Sony has cameras? How is this gonna measure up against the big boys? Guess what, kids...it measures up just fine. My A230 was surprisingly light weight (but then again I was used to the heft of my A2) and smaller than I'd figured, but underneath that unassuming exterior beat the heart of a picture taking tiger. Right out of the gate I was snapping terrific photos and getting amazing results...the little guide that tells you about each function as your'e shooting is a wonderful tool for those who are just starting out ( and a good refresher for those who haven't shot in a long time)...the response time when shooting in continuous mode was terrific and the autofocus was spot on. The color is amazing and the pictures..well let's just say when I show people my photos and I tell 'em what kind of camera I had...lots of surpised expressions to say the least. Low light photos are very good, though I would prefer a bit higher ISO as I don't use any artificial light and prefer to be as natural as possible...that and the lack of Live View and Video are the only things that keep this little warhorse from being the perfect camera. I will eventually upgrade, but if the rest of Sony's lineup is as is as champion as this wee beasty has been, then I'm sticking with the family!

maxeythecat

Originally posted at

2010-10-05T20:00:00

I purchased a Sony Refurbished A230 from Sony Style Outlet with the 18-55mm kit lens for crime scene photography and things that might catch my fancy. I have a Sony A100 and its ISO settings only go so far. I am happy with the higher ISO settings with the A230 for low light photography. The only thing I dislike about the A230 is that you can't set the ISO on the automatic setting like with the A100. Other than that, its a great camera.

oldcop121

Originally posted at

2010-08-05T20:00:00

Since acquiring my a230 about 10 months ago, i've been satisfied with its performance. I especiaally admire the b&w image capture. Although I would admit, I still have to discover its full potential and possibly its shortcomings.

arki230

Originally posted at

2010-06-22T20:00:00

I bought this camera to replace a kodak that I have had for a few years. By far the best purchase to date. First day I had it I took over 500 pics. Second weekend, I took over 1201 pics at the local rugby game. The action function is amazing for taking pics of plays as the form.

RealTallWolf

Originally posted at

2010-05-22T20:00:00

I bought this camera about 4 months ago and I can't keep my hands off of it. I love this thing and I'm looking into professional photography now. I recommend this to any beginner wanting to get started.

Batmanbrad88

Originally posted at

2010-05-09T20:00:00

Very easy for beginners and intermediate skill level photographers to take outstanding photos. Different modes are easy to use and understand and help with the right settings for different lights/angles/etc. solid all around choice.

theraj

Originally posted at

2010-05-01T20:00:00

Dude - nice entry level camera. Why pay $100 more for the competition, use this money to buy another lense on ebay. After you read the reviews from the pro's - throw thier advise in the trash - this is a great camera entry level for the money. I shot 1000 pics over the weekend, viewed them on my playstation and 50" plasma - great quality on both auto or manual. Easy user interface. The plastic materials are still great and make the camera weigh less =- great after a full day of it around the neck, unlike the others who think heavy equals quality. Its not the fastest camera, but great for the money. BUy an additional lense with the savings. My wife loves the lightweight and also smaller grip for smaller hands but also my big hands no problem. Its a small profile for better smaller travel bag gear. Sony also gave us the SD card option - awesome! I would say that only the battery life is my only complaint, you may have to buy two batteries, but they are cheap.

averagejoe1

Originally posted at

2010-04-26T20:00:00

At this price point, the A230 can't be beat. The only shortcoming I've found is the lack of easy connection for remote shutter release. It can be done with IR, but most of the after market remote releases can't be connected to the A230, although they can connect to other alpha models.

coolhoosier

Originally posted at

2010-03-06T19:00:00

I just purchased this camera and I absolutely LOVE it! It is worth the price and more. I was actually looking at a Cannon Rebel at the time but I bought this camera because of the price. Oh man, was it worth it! I actually can't see myself using the Cannon camera anymore. This camera is light, fast, and an amazing product. I highly recommend this camera. And don't think twice.

Director12

Originally posted at

2010-03-06T19:00:00

I bought this camera because I am starting an online jewelry store and I needed a camera which would take great detailed close up pictures. This camera does it! I am very happy with this camera. The pictures are crisp and beautiful. I use natural lighting which comes in from our kitchen window. No flash. Macro setting. I can't wait to use this camera to take pictures of nature outside this spring. I recommend this camera for a person moving into DSLR camera's like me. This is my first DSLR and I really love the easy, clear help screens! Thank You Sony!

katieinohio

Originally posted at

2010-01-12T19:00:00

I just received this camera for Christmas and I love it. I had been using a click and shoot as well as a Sony F707 for years as digitals and using a Nikon SLR many years ago. This camera is great! I too was a little shocked that it didn't have a live view on it's LCD screen after it becoming a staple on other digitals. However after some consideration I'm grateful it doesn't! DSLR's like SLR's operate with a mirror to display the potential picture on the viewfinder. When you press the button to release the shutter the mirror is quickly moved out of the way to allow light to reach the sensors. If there was a live view using this mirrored technique it would come at a price.... both light reaching the sensors (for viewfinder and LCD) and money. I'm glad they are keeping this camera affordable without sacrificing light to the picture. It's the perfect intro to a professional style camera for any novice.

lovethiscamera

Originally posted at

2009-12-19T19:00:00

I bought this as an early Christmas present for my girlfriend. On our trip to DC, we spent the first 2 days completely frustrated, trying to figure out how to enable the large LCD screen as a viewfinder-- LIKE MOST CAMERAS DO. I had no idea this feature was unsupported on this model, so beware!

Scenario

Originally posted at

2009-08-18T21:00:00

This camera was purchased as a replacement for my Konica Minolta which died. I was looking for a camera that would allow me to use the lenses and other accessories I already had. This one meets that need. It is an excellent buy and works equally well with all of my accessories.

jim

2009-06-23T20:00:00

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. The battery life seems very good so far too, something that has driven me crazy with previous digital cameras. The cameras continuous mode shoots 2.5 fps which isn't the greatest but plenty good enough for basic shooting at kids sporting events and such. I've not noticed any delay whatsoever when taking pictures in normal circumstances. The autofocus works quickly and smoothly, and the lens glass is quite nice for a kit lens. Overall, I think this is an awesome camera for the price.

Kennyo

Originally posted at