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The Sony Alpha A200 is an upgrade of the Sony A100 (introduced in
June 2006).
Like the A100, the Sony A200 is compatible with all A-mount Minolta
SLR and
DSLR autofocus lenses and accessories (excluding Minolta MD-mount
manual focus lenses).
According to Sony, compared to the A100, the A200 adds ISO 3200
sensitivity,
1.7x faster autofocus, a larger (2.7") LCD, lower image noise,
a quieter shutter, and adds automatic popup to the built-in flash.
Sony has also added a battery life indicator and made some changes to
the menu system to make the camera easier to use.
When I reviewed the Sony A100,
I was quite impressed with the image stabilization system built into
the camera body, which the A200 shares. I was somewhat disappointed by
the
image noise at higher ISO settings,
but if Sony's claims to have
lowered noise prove to be true, the A200 should
be an improvement and a strong contender in the same price class as
the
Canon Rebel XT/XTi and Nikon D40 (none of which have body-based image
stabilization)
and the Pentax K10D/100D (which does).
Newcomers to the Sony DSLR system might want to read the photo.net
article
"Sony Digital
SLR cameras and Lenses," to get some perspective on what the
system has to offer.
The Sony A200 is
available for pre-order in various packages from amazon.com:
Sony says that the A200 should start shipping in February 2008.
Sony A200 Press Release
LAS VEGAS (CES BOOTH 14200), Jan. 6, 2008 - 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 model 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 model is designed to be faster, lighter and easier to
use. Upgraded features
include a wider, 2.7-inch Clear Photo LCDTM 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.
"With the DSLR-A200, we are helping consumers capture high-quality
images with
advanced technology that's practical and easy to use," said Phil
Lubell,
director of marketing for digital cameras at Sony Electronics. "This
model is an
ideal step-up for point-and-shoot users who are looking for a camera
that can capture
virtually all of the photographs they want."
High-Quality Images
With its 10.2-megapixel (effective) APS CCD image sensor, the
DSLR-A200 camera
continues to offer high-quality images by allowing more light to pass
through to each
pixel - increasing sensitivity, reducing noise, and providing greater
detail.
Clean, reduced-noise signals are sent from the image sensor to
Sony's BIONZ
processing engine, which processes data-rich picture information at
high speeds and
reduces picture noise in the RAW data stage before image JPEG
conversion. The results are
high-resolution, detailed images with rich tonal reproduction.
The DSLR-A200 model supports JPEG and RAW file format support. It
has a slot for
CompactFlash Type I/II media cards. An adaptor for Memory Stick Duo
media
cards is sold separately as an accessory.
Get The Photo Results You Want
In addition to Super SteadyShot image stabilization for virtually
blur-free photos, the
new model incorporates Sony's D-Range Optimizer (DRO). It helps you
capture
well-exposed images, especially when shooting high-contrast or backlit
scenes that often
lead to loss of highlight and shadow detail. Sony's DRO modifies the
range from
highlights to shadows, including gain and contrast, through its
in-camera hardware
processing to produce more natural, evenly exposed pictures. The
camera's image
analysis technology studies the captured image data and instantly
determines the best
exposure and color tonality for the image before JPEG
compression.
The BIONZ image processing engine powers the camera up immediately
and the eye-start
autofocus starts the focusing system before you even press the
shutter. The camera can
shoot up to three continuous frames per second at 10.2-megapixels at
the finest JPEG
compression level.
As seen in previous a (alpha) models, the new model carries a
static-free anti-dust
coating on the CCD filter which is gently vibrated to dislodge any
dust that might have
collected each time the camera is powered off.
Additionally, the DSLR-A200 camera's supplied lithium ion battery
offers up to 750
shots per full charge.
Bright and Easy Playback
The camera's smaller, more compact body along with its wider,
2.7-inch Clear Photo
LCD TM screen and a new on-screen navigation interface make it easier
to carry and to use.
The vibrant, easy-to-view screen features 230K-pixel resolution, an
anti-reflection
coating and glare-reducing layer assures vivid, accurate colors with a
wide viewing angle,
even in daylight. The on-screen navigation display shows camera
settings and key shooting
information in large, easy-to-read text. The display's orientation
automatically
switches from landscape to portrait position when the camera is turned
on its side.
Accessories Expand Creative Possibilities
Sony is providing a full line of accessories for the model,
including flashes,
rechargeable battery packs and several carrying cases. An interesting
addition is the
VG-B30AM ergonomic vertical grip equipped with the most essential
controls for portrait
orientation shooting. It also allows for the use of two InfoLITHIUM
batteries (sold
separately) for up to 1,500 shots on a single, full charge.
The DSLR-A200K kit includes the camera body and a DT 18-70mm
f3.5-5.6 3.9x zoom lens
for about $700. The DSLR-A200W kit includes the camera body, the DT
18-70mm lens and a
75-300mm
f4.5-5.6 lens for about $900. Both will ship in February and are
available for pre-order from
amazon.com.
Sony Alpha A200 Specifications
10.2MP APS CCD Sensor; 23.6 x 15.8 mm
0.83x magification viewfinder with 50mm lens at infinity; 95%
coverage
ISO Auto/100/200/400/800/1600/3200
Shutter speeds 30 - 1/4000 sec, Bulb
3fps continuous shooting speed
Unlimited continuous shooting in JPEG mode, 6 frame buffer in RAW
mode,
3 frame buffer in RAW + JPEG mode
40 segment metering plus spot and centerweighted patterns
Built-in flash, GN 12 (m @ ISO 100), auto popup
Uses Compact Flash memory (can also use Sony Memory Stick with
adapter)
2.7in "Clear Photo" LCD
Size (WHD) 5 1/4 x 3 3/4 x 2 7/8 in (133 x 95 x 71 mm)
Weight 1 lb., 3 oz (545 g) body, not including battery, lens and
media
The A200 is 10MP and The A700 is 12MP. The A200 goes to ISO 3200. The A700 goes to ISO6400. The A200 is a CCD sensor. The A700 is a CMOS sensor.
Thats how they compare is basic specs. Wait until we get some reputable reviews (i mean reviews, not previews) until we see how the A200 performs in terms of noise.
I was planning on buying an A100, but now think I might get the A200 instead. I just wish the A200 was available as body only - I inherited my dad's Maxxum 600si with a number of excellent lenses, so I really don't need another one.
By the way, do you think there will be any compatibility issues between the A200 and 3rd party dedicated flashes. I'm leaning toward the Sigma EF-500 DG Super, and it's my understanding that it works great with both the A100 and the A700.
I haven't checked today, but Sony, B & H, almost every retailer I have seen carries the body only or a choice of "primary" lens, priced accordingly. I love my 100 and am considering the 700, also purchased because I had inherited so many Minolta AF lenses.
I think all Auto Focus Minolta & Sony cameras can't use the MD manual focus lenses, so it'd be safe to assume the same with the A200.
What is the real difference between the a100 and the a200? Really, I don't see much, it looks like an upgraded a100. So, if they did upgrade the a100, what features would have it set apart from the a200?
The A200 is not an A100 upgrade, really. The A100 was a nearly $1000 camera when it was released, and now the A200 comes with similar features (although it has faster AF, better noise handling, vertical grip option, etc.,) but it is gonna be the low end of the Sony line. Sony is expected to announce 2-3 more cameras in between the A200 and the A700 in the next week or so. Stay tuned :)
We can more or less say that the A100 was a 'quick' or even 'bodged' model put out by Sony asap. They needed to get one out there and they did so very well. Remember there was nothing else like the A100 when it was released and was very successful. It gave them the chance to get feedback from it i guess, as well as work on the bigger picture, of creating a complete DSLR system.
The A200 will lack SOME features that the A100 had, because the A100 was not a "proper" entry level model. Furthermore, a reduction in features allows one to make steady upgrades between the different models, allows more options. Those are my feelings anyway.
I think the A900 will be a very interesting camera, cant wait!
Though I planned to buy the A200 (Retailprice in Holland Eur.849,-- for the double lens kit) I decided today to wait a month or two since Sony announced the A300 AND A350 (both with live-preview and CMos) to be available in March.
Lars, they are al CCD. The A300 is the same as the A200, but with live view. The A350 has a higher MP count at 14, also has a few extra features, non really significant.
Luk, use your EOS lenses on a Canon camera. Or buy minolta/sony fit lenses for this A200. Dont bother trying to mix and match.
which on will you buy if you dont have any older lenses and a limited budget like me that makes you live for a while with youre kit lenses a200 , a300 or oly e510?
Hi, I`ve been using the a200 for approx 8 month now and have found it to be a fairly versitle unit, have also been using it with the Hoya R72 IR filter with some very good results, also it is an easy camera to work with. This is just my two cents worth.
, January 15, 2008; 02:29 A.M. 
