Latest – Review and Sample Photos by PopPhoto (added 28 July’08)
Sony Alpha A200 features:
- 10.2-megapixel
- 2.7-inch LCD
- Super SteadyShot® image stabilization
- 750 shot lithium battery
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Read More Reviews – (updated 28 July’08)
PopPhoto has reviewed the Sony Alpha A200 and they write -
“The Alpha 200’s 9-point autofocus system proved speedy in our Lab tests, especially in very bright light. It was faster than the Canon Rebel XSi and Nikon D60 in bright conditions, though slower than both of them as the light dimmed.”
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DPReview has reviewed the Sony Alpha A200 and they write -
“In conclusion, the Sony DSLR-A200 is a solid overall performer that does not have any major flaws (AF button issue aside) and comes with a feature set that is more than adequate for its very attractive price point. Therefore it just earns our Highly Recommended badge.”
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DigitalCameraInfo has reviewed the Sony Alpha A200 and they write -
“It’s tough to argue with a full-featured SLR with acceptable performance that sells for $500 with an 18-70mm lens. You’re getting as much resolution as any consumer needs, controls that are easy to use once you’ve learned them, and construction that feels solid and reliable. There’s not a lot of flash to the A200 (well, there’s that eye sensor thing, but we’re lukewarm on that one). At the same time, if your photos don’t come out well, you’re not going to be able to blame the camera any more.”
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DigitalCameraReview has reviewed the Sony Alpha A200 and they write -
“Image and color quality are good and there’s a host of inputs available to customize image parameters if the default shots don’t suit your fancy. The shutter is “DSLR quick” and auto focus performance is good in normal to marginal light, and acceptable in dim light. The camera posed a few annoying ergonomic quirks for my medium-sized hands, but overall it’s well thought out and designed from a handling standpoint. The plastic of the 18-70 kit lens imparts a certain air of doubt as to its ability to withstand an impact, but operationally the lens performed flawlessly.”
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RegHardware has reviewed the Sony Alpha A200 and they write -
“This is an impressive camera that is ideal for anyone starting on the road to digital SLR photography. It’s got a fair spec and performs well, but it’s in the handling department that this camera really shines. It won’t confuse you with lots of bells and whistles or confusing menu systems, but it will let you take good pictures with little effort.”
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ePhotozine has reviewed the Sony Alpha A200 and they write -
“There are points both for and points against the Sony Alpha A-200. I like the performance of the processor, the weight and easy to use interface.
However, I don’t like Sony changing the battery or the slow downloading and I’ve never liked the inverted hotshoe since Minolta introduced it.”
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NeoCamera has reviewed the Sony Alpha A200 and they write -
“The bottom line is that the Sony Alpha A200 is positioned to satisfy new DSLR owners by giving them excellent image quality and speed in a simple to use model. Although the Alpha A200 has few customization options, it has a good feature set, including body-based image stabilization, dust-reduction and most features that are expected from a modern DSLR.”
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PhotographyBlog – 31 March’08 – reviews the Sony Alpha A200 and highly recommends it. Here’s a summary of their review -
“If you are new to the DSLR landscape the A200 should be one of the cameras on your short list. While it’s not a remarkable camera it is easy to use and a solid performer. In fact, in the overall scheme of things it’s easier and cheaper to upgrade from the A200 to one of Sony’s more feature rich cameras. Images straight out of the camera were very good overall but as the review point out they could use some additional sharpening in some editing software.”
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StevesDigicams – 26 March’08 – reviews the Sony Alpha A200 and feels it offers outstanding image quality. Here’s a summary of their review -
“The reviewer was impressed with the Super SteadyShot which is Sony’s image stabilization system and since it’s in the body it works with all lenses. For an entry level DSLR the image quality was superb. Another much appreciated feature was Sony’s D-Range Optimizer which help to recover details in dark or bright areas of an image. One little issue about performance was the camera worked perfect as long as you used the right right brand CF card.”
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DCResource – 22 March’08 – reviews the Sony Alpha A200 and noticed a BIG difference between its RAW and JPEG images. Here’s a summary of their review -
“Images shot in JPEG are visibly softer and there are noticeable artifacts that begin to show as low as ISO 200, probably due to the aggressive noise reduction system. Bottom line this is a good camera but great high ISO pictures out of the box is simply not going to happen. the camera is loaded with great features and as long as you stay at low ISO’s your images will look really good.”
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Imaging-Resource – 13 March’08 – reviews the Sony Alpha A200 and felt the Advanced DRO mode slowed the camera’s frame rate down a lot. Here’s a summary of their review -
“This is not a particularly advanced camera it does a good job of capturing great looking images. Lacking gadgetry does not diminish the A200’s ability to deliver performance and consistent results. This camera is all about form and function with the controls that are available are well thought out and easy to use. Granted it does not have live view but in the end it’ll will build your confidence because it deliver photos you with color and detail you’ll be proud of.”
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CNET – 12 March’08 – reviews the Sony Alpha A200 and notes it’s not the best camera in its class. Here’s a summary of their review -
“It is not particularly impressive in any area. A little better than point-and-shoot image quality, average performance and an uninspiring feature set. Even though the camera has on-board image stabilization it’s not really enough to make it stand out in the high competitive entry level DSLR class.”
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DPExpert – 05 March’08 – reviews the Sony Alpha A200 and notes it’s not the best camera in its class. Here’s a summary of their review -
“The camera was reviewed with the 18-70mm and 75-300mm lenses and as the reviewer noted it’s probably a good camera but not so good lenses. Auto white balance was good and auto focus was on the mark. One of the main gripes was the about the viewfinder which they found to be small and dim. Another dig was the eye proximity switch which starts seeking focus when your eye approaches the viewfinder. They found it to actually be annoying but admitted some people might find it useful.”
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DigitalTrends – 25 February’08 – reviews the Sony Alpha A200 and warns you to avoid the 75-300mm bundled zoom lens. Here’s a summary of their review -
“The A200 has a lot going for it – quick focusing, lots of controls plus photos that have nice color and good tonal balance. Power up is FAST and the camera shows very little shutter lag. One of the biggest differences between the A200 and A100 is the ISO high end. The A200 cranks up to 3200 and A100 is 1600. However, the reviewer notes that to minimize noise you probably want to stay below ISO 800 with the A200.”
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TrustedReviews – 15 February’08 – reviews the Sony Alpha A200 and noted the dynamic range optimizer feature has only been slightly improved. Here’s a summary of their review -
“Here’s a great camera that a good performer but in all honesty the feature set will not be enough for enthusiasts and pros. But for an entry level camera it has a lot to offer, particularly image quality. The A200 uses the same Sony-made sensor as do the Canon 400D and the Nikon D60.”
Bottom Line – Reviews really liked the camera and gave it 9 out of 10.
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CameraLabs – 05 February’08 – reviews the Sony Alpha A200 and feels there is no compelling reason to upgrade for the A100. Here’s a summary of their review -
“This is great entry level DSLR that can hold its own against the competition. Camera controls have been switched to buttons over a function dial on A100 which some users may prefer. ISO performance is good up to 800 at which point smudging begins to appear.”
Bottom Line – CameraLabs calls the A200 “unremarkable.”
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PhotoReview – 01 February’08 – reviews the Sony Alpha A200 and thought some of the new design features make the camera easier to operate for novices. Here’s a summary of their review -
“The supplied lens did not come up to the image processing and sensor capabilities of the camera. Incandescent lights did managed to fool the white balance system but the camera did fine under fluorescent, however, once the camera was changed to its tungsten pre-set the resulting images looked great.”
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LetsGoDigital – 31 January’08 – reviews the Sony Alpha A200 and felt the camera offers great image quality with no photo massaging needed. Here’s a summary of their review -
“Straight up this camera is just fun to use and in addition it’s super easy to operate. ISO performance is pretty good however the reviewer recommends staying below ISO 800 for more predictable and noticeably better quality images. The onboard image stabilization works pretty good in most situations but the reviewer noted that in lens stabilization seemed to work slightly better. Yet the A200’s stabilization was very effective and produced sharp images that were shot in marginal lighting.”
CameraLabs – 14 January’08 – previews the Sony Alpha A200 and points out the camera is faster and quieter than the A100. Here’s a summary of their review -
“This preview was based on a full production model. sony has indicated the A200 is quieter than the A100 but as Camera Labs indicates, “it’s by no means silent” with non SSM lenses. It’s a more comfortable camera to old because of a new battery grip. This initial test is intended to show ISO performance across its full ISO range.”
ePhotographia – 12 January’08 – has a first impressions reviews of the Sony Alpha A200 and took the opportunity to use a preproduction model to photograph some strange looking bugs and reptiles plus a couple of not so strange looking human models. Here’s a summary of their review -
“Nice camera that won’t make a beginner sweat with feat and its images look really good. Look and feel of the camera are close to Sony’s bad boy, the A700. However, in consideration of the first time photographer some of the more complicated buttons and dials have been removed. After all Sony knows that first time DSLR owners won’t be nearly as impressed with an array of controls as a more advanced shooter would be.”
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DigitalCameraInfo – 10 January’08 – has a first impressions reviews of the Sony Alpha A200 and thought it was definitely a step up from the A100. Here’s a summary of their review -
“One improvement that’s welcomed is a more efficient and faster auto focus system. One item that was impressive was the battery level indicator which displays exact power in percentage points rather than the confusing bar system employed by most digital cameras. With all this in mind the A200 still tends to be boring. It’s not really innovative and it seems it’s more of “lets upgrade the A100″ move rather than lets make a great new camera.”
Sample Photos
[Sample Photos at PopPhoto]
[Sample Photos at DPReview ]
[Sample Photos at DigitalCameraInfo]
[Sample Photos at RegHardware]
[Sample Test Photos at NeoCamera]
[Sample Test Photos at PhotographyBlog]
[Sample Test Photos at StevesDigicams]
[Sample Test Photos at DCResource]
[Sample Test Photos at Imaging-Resource]
[Sample Test Photos at CNET]
[Sample Test Photos at TrustedReviews]
[Sample Test Photos at CameraLabs]
[Sample Test Photos at PhotoReview]
[Full Res Sample Test Photo at ePhotographia]
Press Release
Sony is advancing the digital SLR category for mainstream photographers with today’s introduction of the new ? (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 ? (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 ? (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 ? (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 will be available at sonystyle.com, Sony Style® retail stores (www.sonystyle.com/retail), military base exchanges, and authorized dealers nationwide. Pre-orders begin online on Jan. 7 at www.sonystyle.com/dslr.
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Not a beginner, I bought the A200 simply because it’s simple. The manual is thinner than my trusty KM A1 or the Canon S3 IS. Noise @ 800 ISO is minimal and what the heck, I never shot at more than 800 with film anyway. True, the kit lenses aren’t the best but using them manually, I get acceptable results. Candid and action shots can’t wait for fiddling
At the price, I won’t mind replacing it when Sony reaches a 4th generation.
Say what you will, I’m not disappointed.