This upgrade to the A100 includes a larger LCD and Dynamic Range Optimization (DRO)

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Product Description

A200 Series Digital SLR Camera - First Look! Features at a Glance Minolta A-type bayonet mount (amount) Super SteadyShot moving sensor Image Stabilization 10.2MP APS-C size CCD, Anti-dust cleaning system Eye-level penta-mirror OVF, 0.83x magnification 18-70mm f3.5-4.5 (27-105mm eq)3.9X zoom lens Dynamic Range Optimizer (Std/Advanced Selectable) Eye Start AF speeds shooting 3.0 FPS burst, limited only by media capacity 40 segment honeycomb photometry, 9point AF 2.7-inch 230K pixel Clear Photo LCD Plus display CF Type I/II Slot, Lithium Ion Battery, Stamina 750 shots Sony is advancing the digital SLR category for mainstream photographers with today's introduction of the new a (alpha) DSLR-A200 camera. The DSLR-A200 features upgrades influenced by the recently-introduced, enthusiast-class DSLR-A700 camera and replaces the former Sony DSLR-A100 model, which was Sony's first in the DSLR class. The new DSLR-A200 is designed to be faster, lighter and easier to use. Upgraded features include a wider, 2.7-inch Clear Photo LCD screen for easy playback viewing; a more compact body and an easily-accessible mode dial; an easy-to-use function menu (camera function display); improved noise control for higher quality images; an auto focus speed 1.7x faster than the previous model; improved predictive control performance; quieter shutter sound; automatic pop-up flash; and a battery life indicator that displays the percentage of battery life remaining so you know exactly when to recharge. As seen in all a (alpha) camera bodies, the DSLR-A200 camera incorporates Super SteadyShot image stabilization in the body to allow shooting at shutter speeds of 2.5 to 3.5 steps slower than otherwise possible - a benefit realized with every compatible lens attached to the camera. Compatible lenses encompass all Minolta Maxxum mount lenses, in addition to Sony a (alpha) lens lineup - including Carl Zeiss lenses.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #6906 in Camera & Photo
• Brand: Sony
• Model: B00125MHVM
• Released on: 2008-02-14
• Dimensions: 4.50 pounds
• Display size: 2.7

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.

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Customer Reviews

Dollar for dollar a truly great camera!
When I set out to buy a digital SLR I was first looking at the Nikon D40 ($499) and the Canon Rebel XTi ($599). I was turned off by the D40 due to it's 6MP sensor and lack of JPEG (fine) + Raw capabilities. I ended up passing on the Canon Rebel XTI because of the complaints about the low-quality kit lens which would've added costs beyond it's initial price tag.

Looking in various photography forums I discovered the Sony Alpha being recommended to other people looking in the same price range I was. It had a 10.1MP sensor, a good lens and was in the same price range as the Rebel XTi. I'm really happy with the purchase. Picture quality is excellent with the kit lens (SAL-1870). I also purchased the SAL-55200 telephoto lens and it is also a very nice lens for the money.

The battery life on the camera is excellent. The auto-focus is super fast and delving into the manual a bit will reveal many powerful configuration options (I don't think a lot of the Nikon and Canon fans who are critical of this camera ever did that because I've seen claims made on forums that just aren't true).

Some of the myths I've heard:

*No Shutter Lock (not true, just set the camera to "Manual" mode)
*Limited and expensive lens selection (Sony has a pretty decent selection on it's own but this camera can also use many Konica-Minolta lenses dating all the way back to 1985).
*Can't use standard flashes (while the Alpha does have a proprietary hot shoe which is lame, there are good adapters out there.

Lack of live preview a problem (this comes up a lot and apparently these people have never shot film before. most professionals I know do not need or use live preview)

There are many Pros but some that stand out in particular for this class are:

*Great bundled software (usually bundled software just sits in the box but the programs that Sony's included are actually quite good)
*3200 ISO (this is extremely rare in a camera in this price range)
*In camera image stablization
*Dynamic Range Optimization

All in all this camera is actually more in the class of the Nikon D80 as far as image quality goes but at nearly half the price.

Great Camera, Great Price!!!
Sony has really done it. This isn't gonna be a technical review, just what I feel are strong points and weak points of this camera.

This is a great camera for beginners of SLR's to learn on but ain't too bad for those of you who know what you are doing. I myself have had film SLR's for many years, this is my first DSLR and cost was a factor for me. I am in no way made of money so the low price really sold me (no pun intended). The features you expect from an SLR are all there, and you can go from full auto to full manual and every point in between in a just a flip of a switch and the pressing of a few buttons to set up your shot.

Built in Image Stabilization is a great feature to have, especially when some camera makers build it into the lens, which, in turn, makes your lens prices considerably higher.

Some people complain about no live view on the LCD, but I personally prefer no live view. It saves on some battery life and it makes it feel like more of a real camera and less of a point and shoot. If you want live view, wait for the A300K

The camera feels sturdy and isn't too big or small. I have very large hands and the camera feels good in my hands. It is mostly plastic, which in a way can feel a bit cheap but doesn't seem to be a problem at this time.
ISO setting is great. If you want to shoot in low light situations you have ISO settings up to 3200 with a supposed noise reduction but I haven't checked that out yet. I personally have it set on 100 and will keep it there for the least amount of noise.

Media options are GREAT!!! Sony MemorySticks are ridiculously priced. Especially when you need to have a high capacity one for these big pics (esp. shooting in RAW). Luckily this camera takes CompactFlash cards, which are some of the cheapest one you can get. (I got mine here on Amazon 4GB for $42).
The only thing I have a problem with on this camera is that you have to pay an extra $12 for an LCD protector (small plastic cover for LCD screen). Some camera makers include this with their SLR's. Sony should have included this as well.

Just don't forget the accessories. It will be nice to get the 70mm-300mm lens (which I got for $229) for those far away and macro shots. Screen protector is $12. Memory will vary by the amount you get. I also bought a nice tripod/monopod for $40.

So that's it. With this camera you will be taking very nice pictures, at high resolutions and at a reasonable price. There are very few downfalls in the design, and a lot of extremely nice features. Hope this helps with your decision.

First hands on...very nice entry level DSLR!
I've been able to handle one of these off and on for several weeks now, and I'm very pleased with the handling and features for such a value price.

Compared to the older Alpha 100, this camera is a bit smaller, but not so much that a person would find it "too small" for their hands. It uses the same, full sized battery as the other current Alphas, including the now top-of-the-line Alpha 700. Additionally, it can be made bigger by adding the vertical grip (although this might make it a bit too large for some).

Typical of the Alpha series, the LCD is very good quality, and, when set to the larger type size, easily readable by older eyes.

Autofocus speed has definately been improved over the A100, and all performance levels seem to be at least as good, most improved to various degrees (but you'll notice the AF most).

Features that are lacking are a wireless remote option; depth-of-field preview; and a quick AF/MF (autofocus/manual focus) button or setting. Then again, there aren't any other cameras this inexpensive with a 9-point AF system, built-in anti-shake, and 10 megapixels! You should value the anti-shake as at least $100 bucks for every lens you plan on purchasing!

A decision to make might not be which camera brand to buy, but which model. The Alpha 300 will have the same features as the 200, but will add the articulated LCD with Live View, for an extra $100. Personally, my experience with this feature on the Alpha 350 says, to me, it is worth $100. You get the same 2.7" LCD, but now it articulates. The Live View works great (no autofocusing lag like other brands), and allows a live, digital crop of 1.4x or 2x. [The Live View feature does have one drawback the way Sony uses it. It only shows 90% of the entire image].

All-in-all, this is a fine camera at a GREAT price!

Here's some accessories you might find useful:

Sony PCK-LH2AM LCD Protector Cover Type for Sony A200 DSLR
Sony VG-B30AM Vertical Grip for Sony Alpha A200 DSLR