• APS-C 328.6mm2
  • 10.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 1600
  • APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 10.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 3200

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Differences

Canon XS advantages over Sony DSLR-A230

  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Good
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Fast startup
    ~0.30 vs 0.6 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    2.9 fps vs 2.4 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)

Sony DSLR-A230 advantages over Canon XS

  • Less expensive
    $549 vs $700 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    21 vs 7 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    3200 vs 1600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Pentaprism viewfinder
    Neither provide
    Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Sony DSLR-A200

Canon XS
Sony DSLR-A200
  • $440
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
  • $470
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
Sony DSLR-A230
Sony DSLR-A200
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • HDMI out
  • $470
  • APS-C
  • Longer stills battery life
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compared to Pentax K200D

Canon XS
Pentax K200D
  • $440
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Sony DSLR-A230
Pentax K200D
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Top deck display

Compared to Sony DSLR-A330

Canon XS
Sony DSLR-A330
  • $440
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
  • $530
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Sony DSLR-A230
Sony DSLR-A330
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • More viewfinder magnification
  • $530
  • APS-C
  • Tiltable Screen

Compared to Nikon D3000

Canon XS
Nikon D3000
  • $440
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • Less shutter lag
  • $450
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
Sony DSLR-A230
Nikon D3000
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • HDMI out
  • $450
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Faster JPEG shooting

Compared to Pentax K-x

Canon XS
Pentax K-x
  • $440
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • $702
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Sony DSLR-A230
Pentax K-x
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $702
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Higher effective ISO
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