Product Description

10.2-megapixel effective recording * 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 lens (35mm equivalent focal length: 27-105mm) * compatible with Sony Alpha and Minolta A-type bayonet mount autofocus lenses * Super SteadyShot® image stabilization * anti-dust technology to keep image sensor clean *

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #604 in Camera & Photo
• Brand: Sony
• Model: B00125MHVM
• Released on: 2008-02-14
• Dimensions: 10.00" h x 14.00" w x 12.00" l, 6.00 pounds
• Display size: 2.7
• Included Software: Yes

Features

• 10-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 18 x 24-inch prints
• Kit includes 18-70mm lens
• Super Steadyshot image stabilization; Bionz image processor
• 2.7-inch ClearPhoto LCD; Eye-Start autofocus system
• Powered by lithium-ion battery (supplied); stores images on CF I/II and Memory Stick Pro Duo cards

Manufacturer Description

Powerful, versatile and simple to use, the Sony Alpha DSLR-A200 takes photography to the next level for customers stepping up from point-and-shoot cameras. The Alpha DSLR-A200 expands creative horizons with 10.2-megapixel imaging, high-speed processing, high sensitivity, advanced noise reduction and special features like D-Range Optimizer and Creative Style settings. Super SteadyShot in-camera image stabilization works with every lens in a superb optical system -- including new Sony DT zoom lenses, advanced Sony G-Series lenses, Carl Zeiss lens designs and a two-decade legacy of Minolta Maxxum a-mount lenses.

Alpha A200 Highlights

10.2-megapixel Super HAD CCD Superb image quality gives you great DSLR shots right from the start, with a large APS-size CCD imager developed by Sony to expand dynamic range, minimize noise more effectively and provide greater detail for making big prints or cropping in tight on your subject.

Expanded ISO sensitivity Broad sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 3200 enables the Alpha DSLR-A200 to capture beautiful color images even in very dim light -- with High ISO Noise Reduction technology that reduces picture noise artifacts at high-sensitivity ISO 1600 and ISO 3200 settings by eliminating noise from RAW data after analog-to-digital conversion.

Super SteadyShot in-camera image stabilization A high-performance sensor detects vibrations and the image stabilization system automatically compensates. Because image stabilization is built into the Alpha DSLR-A200, every lens benefits -- and with an advantage of from 2.5 to 3.5 stops, you can shoot effectively at higher shutter speeds even in very low light with minimum blur from shaky hands or fast-moving subjects.

Bionz Image Processor The "brain" of the a (alpha) DSLR-A200 is the advanced Sony Bionz Image Processor, using hardware-based Large Scale Integrated (LSI) circuitry to enhance images with rich tonal reproduction, improved white balance and exposure control, and expanded D-Range Optimizer capabilities. With 2-channel data transfer from CCD to processor, your camera can also respond faster.

Dynamic Range Optimizer To improve results with backlit subjects and recover details hidden in shadows or lost in glare, the Alpha DSLR-A200 provides Dynamic Range Optimizer at two levels: Normal DRO, to improve detail using standard gamma curves for fast shot-to-shot response time, or Advanced DRO, to adjust dynamic range area-by-area for the greatest precision.

Anti-dust technology Changing lenses in a DSLR can allow dust to enter the camera -- so to keep the CCD imager cleaner for better pictures, the Alpha DSLR-A200 utilizes both static-free anti-dust coating on the CCD filter and anti-dust vibration that automatically shakes the CCD to dislodge dust each time the camera is shut off.

Auto pop-up flash In Auto or some scene selection modes, the camera flash automatically pops up and fires when needed to help you shoot more effectively. Flash is cancelled in Landscape, Sport or Sunset modes and in "Flash Off" position on the Exposure Mode dial

Eye-Start Autofocus System It begins precision autofocus adjustments the moment you raise the camera to your eye -- so unlike some DSLR cameras that don't start focusing until the shutter button is half-pressed, the Sony Alpha DSLR-A200 never slows down your ability to catch fast action.

9-point center cross AF sensor A fast focus motor and improved focus control help bring images into sharp definition more quickly, with predictive focus control that automatically calculates the position of a fast-moving subject.

Flexible, accurate exposure control A 40-segment honeycomb sensing system provides multi-pattern measuring for superior exposure control accuracy -- and you can also select center-weighted or spot metering modes. You'll also have 6 preset White Balance control settings and RGB Histogram display to check color balance.

Scene Selection modes Along with auto exposure, the Alpha DSLR-A200 gives you scene selection modes to optimize camera performance for Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports, Sunset and Night Portrait/Night View situations.

Creative style settings To express your creativity and personal taste, you can adjust contrast, saturation and sharpness settings for any of 8 finishing styles -- including Standard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, Night View, Sunset, B&W and Adobe RGB modes.

2.7-inch Clear Photo LCD screen A large built-in screen with anti-reflective coating makes it easy to read camera setup menus even in bright sunlight and improves image quality when you check your shots.

Index and Slide Show display To quickly review your photos, the Alpha DSLR-A200 can display 4, 9 or 25-frame index views -- or present automatic slide shows with fade-in/fade-out effect.

High-resolution thumbnails for PhotoTVHD viewing The Alpha DSLR-A200 can also create high-resolution thumbnail images for viewing on a Sony Bravia HDTV in optimized PhotoTVHD mode, with image format adjustable for standard 3:2 or widescreen 16:9 display.

Function Guide Display On-screen menus are intuitive and easy to use -- and a simple Camera Function Display can be activated and operated with one hand using the Fn (Function) button and controller button to adjust Flash mode, Autofocus mode, White Balance, Metering mode, AF area and D-Range Optimizer.

Continuous Burst Mode at 3 frames per second To capture action more effectively, the Alpha DSLR-A200 offers continuous JPEG shooting up to the limit of your flash memory card -- plus RAW Burst Mode (up to 6 shots) with intelligent buffer management to allow more shots to be captured without waiting for the buffer to clear.

Stamina battery power You can take up to 750 shots on a fully-charged NP-FM500H InfoLithium battery -- and you'll be able to see about how much power remains in percentage increments, so you can keep shooting in confidence.

High-capacity media options For conveniently storing and sharing your images, the Alpha DSLR-A200 accepts CompactFlash Type I/II media and optional Memory Stick Pro Duo media.

Advanced Lenses and Accessories The Sony Alpha system gives you everything you need to expand your creativity in DSLR photography: precision Sony DT zoom lenses and specialty lenses, Sony "G" Series lenses with advanced motorized autofocusing, amazingly bright Carl Zeiss T* coated lenses, professional-quality flash units, and over 16 million Minolta a-mount lenses sold worldwide.

Customer Reviews

Best choice for the first time dslr buyer who wants to stay amateur/ hobbyist
This one is for first time dslr buyers who do not want to go the nikon or canon way, yeah theres olympus, pentax, lumix, so on...so whats special about the Sony A200? The A100 has proved that Sony can live up to the levels of the big players. The A200 has a feature set for a price a 100-300 $ cheaper than rivals...
....thats not it....
I made up my mind on the A200 only after I played with in the store, it felt great on my hands, more like a mid range than entry level, and the most ergonomic. Do not decide solely on internet reviews and flickr images, you have to feel and handle a camera before you buy, and then you can decide if you really want to spend an extra 300 on the canon.
Picture quality is much better than the best point and shoots, but the bundled lens is average. Like any dslr you have to invest in better lenses, may be next year.....
Its a great choice for an entry dslr to learn and grow with.

A great DSLR
This is a great DSLR at an amazing price. It is a very sophisticated camera yet easy to use. The fucntions you need to change most often are easily accessable, not buried in a menu.

Although this is considered an entry level DSLR, it's far more advanced then that description would imply. You have total creative control over the image as well as in body stabilization.

I would have given this camera 5 stars had it not been for the lens included in this kit. The lens is an old Minolta design that probably worked well with a 6MP camera but its limitations are clear with this 10MP CCD, the lens exhibits a limited area of sharpness and produces retatively flat images.

My suggestion is to buy the body and look elsewhere for the glass.

I simply cannot BELIEVE this kit is priced so cheap!
Prequel: I am coming from a strict Nikon background and due to having my $4000 kit(D80, 3 VR, 3 2.8 pro lenses, etc) stolen out of my car, am starting all over again.

That being said, I don't have $4000 to plop down at once, so I decided to get an "entry to mid-level" system and after many internal battles, decided to try something different and go with the Alpha system. My thoughts were if things didn't work out with this setup, I haven't spent that much and could use it for a carry-around camera. So far I see absolutely NO reason to go back to Nikon. Yes, this system is THAT good.

First off, the built-in Image Stabilization(Super Steady Shot) works wonders. I was able to hand hold the camera at a shutter speed of 1/5th of a second with an ISO of 400 and still get usable output.

Second, the kit lens is actually pretty darn good! There are some signs of CA(purple fringing) and softness wide open, but they are kept to a minimum. This lens is CERTAINLY better than the kit lens offered with the XT and Xti (I haven't had a chance to try out the XSi kit yet) and equivalent to the excellent 18-55mm Nikon kit lens(The De facto of kit lenses). Not to mention the image quality the body brings to the table! I have printed out and framed a picture taken at (ASA) ISO 1600! Now don't get me wrong, theres noise at that level, but its nothing like the 1st gen, a100. Of course, it goes without saying, lower ISO shots are very vivid and sharp.

Lastly, the menu structure and usability are second to none. Everything is laid out in a fashion that just makes sense.

All-In-All, this is a system I have NO problems recommending to ANYONE!