Sony A200 DSLR

The Sony A200 is a new 10 megapixel, entry-level DSLR camera with 2.7 inch LCD screen and a maximum ISO speed of 3200. The A200 features Super SteadyShot optical image stabilisation inside the camera body, faster, more accurate Auto Focus, 3fps continuous shooting mode, and an optional vertical grip for portraits. In the UK, the Sony A200 will be available body only for £369 and in kit form with an 18-70mm lens for £449 from February 2008. In the US the A200K kit costs $700. The A200W kit includes the camera body, the DT18-70mm lens and a 75–300mm f4.5-5.6 lens for about $900.

Sony Europe Press Release

AFFORDABLE PERFORMANCE: A200 DSLR MAKES SUPERLATIVE IMAGING EVEN MORE ACCESSIBLE

Jan 7, 2008

* 10.2 effective megapixel sensor with High ISO Noise Reduction
* High sensitivity up to ISO3200
* Enhanced Super SteadyShot™ inside offers 2.5-3.5 steps anti-shake performance with all α lenses
* Large 2.7-inch Clear Photo LCD with easy-to-use function display and percentage battery life indicator
* Faster, more accurate Auto Focus (AF)
* Optional vertical grip for portraits

Weybridge, 7th January 2008 - A perfect introduction to the exciting world of digital SLR photography, the new A200 digital SLR camera teams superb imaging quality with ease of use and advanced creative options.

Compact and comfortable to handle, the A200 is compatible with the growing α range of over 20 interchangeable lenses plus lighting systems and other accessories.

Superb imaging quality
The A200 features powerful noise reduction and image processing techniques borrowed from the advanced Sony α700 to deliver even higher picture quality – even under challenging shooting conditions. Delivering rich, vivid colours and brilliantly detailed tonal reproduction, 10.2 effective megapixel CCD sensor gains new noise reduction circuitry. Performance of the BIONZ image processing engine is also enhanced, contributing to lower picture noise in all shooting situations.

Sensitivity is boosted to a maximum ISO 3200, allowing successful handheld shooting in low-light conditions without flash. A special High ISO Noise Reduction mode improves picture quality still further at increased sensitivity settings.

Super SteadyShot™ inside compatible with all α lenses
Super SteadyShot™ optical image stabilisation inside the camera body gives effective anti-shake performance with all α lenses: this includes the supplied 18-70mm kit lens as well as macro and standard optics that aren’t typically available in stabilised form. A new control algorithm on the A200 now boosts Super SteadyShot™ effectiveness between 2.5 and 3.5 steps, compared with the 2.0-3.5 step range of the A100.

Responsive and easy to use
Alongside its superb picture quality, the A200 allows photographers of all abilities to shoot great-looking pictures with greater comfort and confidence.

The large, easy-to-view 2.7-inch Clear Photo LCD now features a handy Camera Function Display. The uncluttered screen allows quick, unambiguous selection and adjustment of camera settings, even for novice photographers. The display also gains a new RGB histogram mode for checking the colour balance of captured images.

The camera’s enhanced responsiveness allows photographers to react quickly to spontaneous picture opportunities. Faster, more accurate AF with improved predictive control performance allows successful capture of subjects even when they’re moving. The centre-cross 9-point AF sensor module now features a new AF motor plus improved control logic, accelerating overall AF speed. An AF button allows quick manual switchover of focus area to the centre of the frame – ideal for quick focusing on small subjects.

The powerful InfoLITHIUM™ NP-FM500H rechargeable battery pack delivers up to 750 shots between charges (CIPA measurement). Remaining battery life is displayed on the LCD screen as a percentage for extended shooting without worrying about power levels.

Available as an option, the new VG-B30AM Vertical Grip allows comfortable shooting in portrait or landscape positions. It also accepts up to two NP-FM500H batteries for extended shooting time between charges.

A new pop-up flash fires automatically in Auto or Scene Selection modes, or can be overridden if required for shooting in ambient light.

Enhanced creative features
As with its predecessor, the α200 makes it easy even for newcomers and causal photographers to achieve great-looking results with any scene.

The enhanced D-Range Optimiser (DRO) adjusts exposure and contrast for natural, balanced results, even with tricky backlit subjects. In DRO Advanced mode*, auto detection and correction with backlit scenes has now been significantly improved for beautifully exposed images.

Six Scene Selection modes set exposure and white balance settings, allowing the user to concentrate on the subject without worrying about camera parameters. In addition, eight Creative Styles make it easy to achieve a particular ‘look’ for a shot without complex settings.

* D-Range Optimiser Advanced mode uses technology provided by Apical Limited.

Availability
The A200 Digital SLR camera will be available in kit form with an 18-70mm lens from February 2008.

Optional accessories
The appeal of the A200 is enhanced with a full range of compatible α branded accessories. These include versatile high-power external flash units and flash accessories, eyepiece magnifier, angle finder for convenient macro photography, cable remote commanders and AC adaptor/charger. A range of high quality Carl Zeiss filters enriches photographic possibilities while protecting your valuable lens collection. There’s also a choice of branded camera cases, lens cases and strap options.

A200 Key Features
Camera type Digital SLR with built-in flash and interchangeable lenses
Lens mount Compatible with Sony a lenses and Konica Minolta/Minolta MAXXUM/DYNAX lenses
Image sensor APS-C size CCD with anti-dust system
Sensor resolution 10.2 effective megapixels
Image processor Sony BIONZ engine
Image stabilisation Super SteadyShot with approx. 2.5 – 3.5 EV decrease in shutter speed (actual stabilisation depends on shooting conditions and lens)
Noise reduction Long exp. & High ISO NR at ISO1600 / 3200
Creative Styles Preset modes: Standard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, Night View, Sunset, B/W, Adobe RGB. Adjustable parameters: Contrast, Saturation, Sharpness D-Range Optimiser operating modes: Off, Standard, Advanced
Scene Selection modes Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports, Sunset, Night Portrait / Night View
Viewfinder Field of view: 95% / Magnification: 0.83x
AF system TTL phase detection, centre-cross 9-point
Sensitivity ISO100 - 3200 equivalent(Recommended Exposure Index)
Light metering 40-segment honeycomb with multi-segment, spot and centre weighted modes
Flash modes Auto, Fill-in, Wireless, Rear, High Speed Synchro and Slow Synchro (Wireless and High Speed Synchro modes require optional accessory flash HVL-F56AM or HVL-F36AM)
Built-in flash system Auto popup (GN 12) with manual popup button
Shutter speed range 1/4000 sec. - 30 sec., bulb (Flash sync speed 1/160 sec.)
Continuous shooting rate Up to approx. 3 fps
Max no. of frames JPEG Fine/Std: unlimited (until memory card is full), RAW+JPEG: 3, RAW: 6 recordable (continuous)
Monitor screen Transparent TFT / 2.7-inch Clear Photo LCD (230k dots) with AR coating
Histogram display Brightness, RGB
Function menu Camera Function Display with direct control of Flash Mode, AF Mode, WB, Metering Mode, AF Area, DRO
Battery type NP-FM500H with InfoLITHIUM % power remaining display on screen
Battery life Approx. 750 shots (CIPA measurement)
Vertical control grip VG-B30AM (optional) accepts up to 2x NP-FM500H batteries
Recording media CompactFlash card: Type I, Type II (Microdrive) Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO Duo, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo with optional adaptor.
Dimensions (WxHxD) Approx. 130.8 x 98.5 x 71.3 mm (excl. protrusions)
Weight Approx. 532 g (w/o batteries or memory card)

Published: Monday, January 07, 2008

Reader Comments

1. They just keep on making 'em, don't they? Is there really that much room in the market for them to make money on this stuff? I am amazed - I guess there must be.
   
   I do like the looks of the Sonys. Shame about the functionality. They just need to stop pretending and take the best bits of Nikon and Canon and stick 'em in. If they did that, I would jump on the Sonys.

   Kaka at 11:08pm on Tuesday, January 08, 2008

2. If you haven't gotten an Alpha camera ... the α200 is looking like an excellent place to start. It's high ISO-noise response appears to be rather typical of Intro-DSLR cameras, so inter-manufacturer comparisons are relatively on a per shot basis. Could this be improved? Yes ... when you pony-up and buy the α700! It has a CMOS-sensor versus a CCD, and that makes for more controlled noise response.

   Sony A200 information page at 09:19am on Wednesday, January 09, 2008

3. Hi,
   I am going to usa soon. not sure, should I buy from there and bring it back. According to the prices, I will be saving about £130 pounds. not sure about the problems I will be facing, buying from us, ie charging.....

   Farhad at 11:16pm on Sunday, January 13, 2008

4. Sony offer good quality DSLR's for the independantly minded buyer.
   
   I will certainly get one as I have an A100 and need a second body for wedding photography.

   Sir Harvo at 10:20am on Tuesday, January 22, 2008

5. I received a mail from editor, that I have a response for my question, but I am unable to see it (I don't even know where to look for it).
   tnx
   farhad

   farhad at 12:35pm on Tuesday, January 22, 2008

6. Quote....."They just need to stop pretending and take the best bits of Nikon and Canon and stick 'em in.!"
   
   
   What you on about you idiot, Sony make the sensors for Nikon and have done for ages! Get the facts right before you let your belly rumble!!
   
   What a prat!

   Ice at 08:59pm on Thursday, June 12, 2008