• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 10.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • 35mm 855.6mm2
  • 18.0 megapixels
  • ISO 320 - 10,000

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Differences

Sony DSLR-A230 advantages over Leica M Monochrom

  • Lens selection
    Good vs Limited
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Less expensive
    $549 vs $7950 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    2.4 fps vs 2.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    21 vs 8 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Leica M Monochrom advantages over Sony DSLR-A230

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Thinner
    37 mm vs 67 mm
    Thinner
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.68x vs 0.55x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • More pixels
    18.0 vs 10.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Higher extended ISO
    10000 vs 3200 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
  • 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
  • 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

User reviews

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Buy the Leica M Monochrom

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Canon XS

Sony DSLR-A230
Canon XS
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
  • $440
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
Leica M Monochrom
Canon XS
  • $7950
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $440
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Lens selection

Compared to Sony DSLR-A330

Sony DSLR-A230
Sony DSLR-A330
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • More viewfinder magnification
  • $530
  • APS-C
  • Tiltable Screen
Leica M Monochrom
Sony DSLR-A330
  • $7950
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Thinner
  • $530
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive

Compared to Nikon D3000

Sony DSLR-A230
Nikon D3000
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • HDMI out
  • $450
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Faster JPEG shooting
Leica M Monochrom
Nikon D3000
  • $7950
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Thinner
  • $450
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive

Compared to Leica M (Typ 240)

Sony DSLR-A230
Leica M (Typ 240)
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $6995
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
Leica M Monochrom
Leica M (Typ 240)
  • $7950
  • 35mm
  • Higher extended ISO
  • $6995
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoots 24p video

Compared to Leica M-E (Typ 220)

Sony DSLR-A230
Leica M-E (Typ 220)
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $7999
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
Leica M Monochrom
Leica M-E (Typ 220)
  • $7950
  • 35mm
  • Higher extended ISO
  • $7999
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
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