Beyond the new body shape and control layout, what else is new over the original A100? Sony’s increased the maximum sensitivity from 1600 to 3200 ISO, accelerated the AF performance by 1.7 times, enlarged the screen slightly to 2.7in, employed the same InfoLithium battery pack as the A700 for accurate feedback of remaining charge, and it now supports an optional battery grip.

These are all nice improvements, but they’re hardly ground-breaking, nor do they include the latest technology darling of Live View. At the A200’s launch, this seemed like an oversight by Sony, but a few weeks later at the PMA show, all became clear. The A200 is Sony’s entry-level DSLR, but it’s also the base model for others to build on.

At PMA, Sony announced the A300 and A350 models, which essentially take the A200 and add extra features. For example, the A300 takes the A200 and adds Live View and a vertically tiltable screen. Then the A350 takes the A300 and switches its 10.2 Megapixel sensor for one with 14.2 Megapixels. By doing this, Sony’s effectively created three versions of the same DSLR, allowing you to choose the model which best suits your budget and requirements.

to continue to read the full article click here ...   

 

FEATURES 

 

The Sony α (alpha) DSLR-A200 camera is perfectly positioned to carry a new generation of photographers into the creative world of DSLR performance. A DT 18-70mm f3.5-5.6 standard zoom lens is included here, as well as superb 10.2 megapixel imaging, high-sensitivity shooting, and Super SteadyShot® in-camera image stabilization that reduces blur with a brilliant array of Sony, Carl Zeiss® and Minolta a-mount lenses. It's also fast, lightweight and incredibly easy to operate, with a large 2.7" LCD screen, simple Function Guide menu display and Creative Style settings to fine-tune camera performance. The powerful Bionz™ processing engine is also included to increase response time.

10.2 MP 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 α (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 α (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 α (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 α (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 α (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 α (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 α (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”¹ 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 α (alpha) DSLR-A200 can display 4, 9 or 25-frame index views -- or present automatic slide shows with fade-in/fade-out effect.

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 α (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 shots² 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 α (alpha) DSLR-A200 accepts CompactFlash™ Type I/II media and Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media via an optional adaptor.

Advanced Lenses and Accessories

The Sony α (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.