Sony Alpha DSLR-A230

Opinion: This is my first DSLR and I honestly got it b/c of the price point (Walmart had it for around $350 including 2 4G memory cards). I didn't know a whole lot about cameras or photography when I bought it but I have had it for maybe 6 or 8 months now and I am very pleased. I have taken shots of everything from brightly colored landscape scenes, waves crashing, birds flying, deer walking around, self-portraits when I was pregnant, TONS of shots of my baby girl, high contrast urban scenes, etc. The camera performs and does what I want 99% of the time (the other 1% might be user error!). The learning curve isn't so steep, I rarely used auto mode even at the beginning. I mostly shoot in aperture priority but am slowly becoming more comfortable with full manual mode.

I did upgrade the lens to a 50mm f/1.7 from Minolta and I can get some awesome bokeh, which has less to do with the camera but I figured I would mention it, since the camera can in fact take limited non-Sony accessories. I also have a Sigma zoom lens but I'm not that happy with it, when I'm totally zoomed in to 105mm (just a short telephoto lens), it is very noisy. My next lens will be a Sony 35mm f/1.8 and I expect that will delivery quality results. I got some of those "macro" screw-on rings that magnify the subject and I have had good success with those, very little camera shake thanks to the image stabilization inside the camera (whereas Nikon and Canon have that technology as an option in their lenses). Remember this is a crop body camera and you need to do some number crunching when you're buying lenses, just something to keep in mind. So my new 35mm will be more like a 50mm when in action due to the cropped sensor.

It has wireless flash capability if you use Sony flash units but this has not been reliable for me, or perhaps it just has a low range for how far away the flash can be. The pop-up flash is basically useless if you want pro-quality photos. The best option is still probably to go with Pocket Wizards or the like, although I haven't done the research to ensure they are compatible with Sony.

I do get some noise, mostly at high ISOs (which is sets automatically in low light situations if you use auto ISO), that is just something that can be expected at this price point since the sensor isn't the greatest, but in most situations, I don't have a problem or just set the ISO myself to avoid this (that fast lens comes in handy for this).

You can do custom white balance, seems to be pretty reliable. Another perk for this price point is the d-range optimizer, I just started using it so I can't say how good the quality is for sure but it seems to be okay. You can shoot RAW so that is a tremendous help and the software provided is quite good, although I have nothing to compare it to and do not use Photoshop (I'm a GIMP fan).

This camera does not have live view! That's okay with me but some users might take issue with that. It also does not do video, again, not a problem for me. You can see histograms on the LCD screen, though, so that is a plus, especially for beginners learning how to use light properly, or well, just anyone who wants to ensure their shots are properly exposed. I am a fan of chimping no matter what anyone says!

Camera seems solid but doesn't feel overly heavy. I have relatively small hands, the only issue I have had is doing back button focusing and trying to use my other hand for something, like get a baby's attention. :) No issues with the hot shoe, just that it's Sony's proprietary hot shoe and you can only use Sony flashes or off-brand flashes specifically made just for Sony compatibility. You can also buy an adapter from Sony so you can use other brands.

Overall, a great camera for the price and I would highly recommend it. I only give it 4 stars due to the low quality sensor.

Opinion: Sony Alpha 230 is my first DSLR camera. Its been just 1 year old but from this 1 year experiences with it, i must say its a best camera anyone can buy. It have all those quality which any upper range DSLR have. The DP range, focus and sharpness is very good. My other friends have Nikon DSLR around the same range or so but even they believe that this Sony 230 is just amazing. The best camera for you if you just entering into photography.

Opinion: I believe in elaborating on very high and very low ratings.

This camera is an excellent introduction to DSLRs and is easy to learn. The Fn button for common options and the selection wheel for changing shutter speed or aperture is an outstanding feature.

Not pro-quality construction but this will hold up under most amateur activity.

Opinion: I am an amateur landscape photographer
and after using last month the Sony A230
i am very pleased
for the features,easy of use and very good image quality.

You can check my photo album with photos from greek islands at : community.webshots.com/user/btbill

last photos in Sifnos.

Opinion: I was not expecting much considering I got this at closeout and having an a200 and a w230 to compare to and I liked both of those . I also had an a100 that was a tad slow indoors But the a230 was the first Sony that broke the a100 a200 mold of just ok shots. its better then the first two but thats it

Opinion: this is just about the perfect entry-level DSLR.

It has everything that you need to get great shots out of it, without the high price tag or a bloated feature set. I'd definitely recommend it. It's not the best, technically, but it's a great learning tool, performs well under stress, and an expert can get great shots out of it across the ISO range and in all lighting conditions. I would say that this will become legendary for its value as a DSLR. It's the closest thing to a "throw it up and shoot" cheap little box film camera that you can get in a DSLR. But it still takes great photos, it's very fast, nice and small, obviously cheap, and very easy to use.

I have to say I'm very happy so far with my choice, and this camera is my first DSLR Camera. The auto focus is fast and accurate. The shutter response is quick. The image quality is very good with lots of detail. The exposures have been very accurate with a minimal number of photos with blown highlights. The image stabilization kicks butt. The dynamic range optimization really does pull highlights out of the shade.

Opinion: My first DSLR, after comparing with the other candidates (D3000 and 1000D). This camera has features that I really like and need : d-range optimizer, spot metering and bracketing. I can't have all those three all together in one camera with the other two.
Since this camera is in the first line of Sony's DSLR for beginners, I'm not expecting much for more advance features.

Opinion: solid...would be a nice entry level for a good price...

Opinion: For pirinchov