The Sony α (alpha) DSLR-A200 camera is designed to be faster, lighter and easier to use than its predecessor - the DSLR-A100. With its 10.2-megapixel (effective) Super HAD APS-C sized CCD image sensor, the DSLR-A200 camera captures high-quality images with increased sensitivity, reduced image noise, and greater detail. The Sony BIONZ processing engine provides 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 camera also incorporates Sony's Super SteadyShot image stabilization in the body to allow shooting at shutter speeds of 2.5 to 3.5 steps slower than otherwise possible, and since the stabilization system is built into the camera body, every compatible lens attached to the camera (including all Minolta Maxxum and Sony Alpha lens) benefits from it. The DSLR-A200 model supports JPEG and RAW file formats, and it records images on CompactFlash (Type I & II) media cards. An adaptor for Memory Stick Duo media cards is sold separately as an accessory.
The camera has other upgraded features including a more compact body with an easily-accessible mode dial; an easy-to-use function menu (camera function display); an auto focus speed that is 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.
The camera's 2.7-inch Clear Photo LCD screen provides easy playback viewing. Its vibrant, easy-to-view screen features 230K-pixel resolution, an anti-reflection coating and a glare-reducing layer that 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, and the display's orientation automatically switches from landscape to portrait position when the camera is turned on its side.
| Camera Type | Interchangeable Lens SLR (Single Lens Reflex) Digital Camera With In-camera Image Stabilization |
| Image Quality | |
|---|---|
| Image Sensor | APS-C size (23.6x15.8mm) 10.8 Megapixel Super HAD CCD with RGB Primary Color Filter and Double anti dust system (anti-static coating and CCD shift mechanism) |
| Effective Resolution | 10.2 Million Pixels |
| Color Depth | 36-Bit RGB |
| Color Modes | Standard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, Night view, Sunset, B/W, AdobeRGB, Dynamic Range Optimizer |
| Image File Formats |
RAW JPEG RAW+JPEG 16:9 JPEG |
| Recorded Resolution |
RAW (3880 x 2600) L (3872 x 2592) M (2896 x 1936) S (1920 x 1280) |
| Video Recording | No |
| Audio Recording | No |
| Optics | |
|---|---|
| Lens Mount | Sony Alpha (compatible with Minolta A-type bayonet mount) |
| Focal Length Multiplier | 1.5x |
| Optical Image Stabilization | CCD-Shift Super SteadyShot system |
| Focus Control | |
|---|---|
| Focus Type |
TTL phase-detection system with Eye-start AF and AF illuminator (9-point Wide Area AF, Spot AF (center), Focus Area Selection (any of 9)) |
| Focus Modes | Single-shot AF, Direct Manual Focus, Continuous AF, Automatic AF, Manual focus, Predictive Focus Control, Focus Lock |
| Exposure Control | |
|---|---|
| Sensitivity |
Auto ISO Selectable ISO (100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200) |
| Shutter Type | Electronically-controlled, vertical-traverse, focal-plane shutter |
| Shutter Speed |
30 - 1/4000 seconds Bulb |
| Mirror Lock-Up | Yes |
| Exposure Metering | 40-segment honeycomb-pattern SPC TTL (Multi-segment, Center Weighted, Spot) |
| Exposure Modes | Automatic, Program Auto (with Program Shift), Shutter priority, Aperture priority, Manual, Scene selection, AE Lock, Exposure compensation (+/-2.0 EV, 0.3 EV step), AE Bracketing (0.3 EV or 0.7 EV increments, 3 frames) |
| White Balance Modes | Automatic White Balance, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Flash, Custom (2500-9900k with 19-step Magenta/Green compensation), White balance bracketing (3 frames, Selectable 2 steps) |
| Scene Modes | Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports, Sunset, Night portrait |
| Flash | |
|---|---|
| Built-in Flash | Yes (Autoflash, Fill-flash, Rear Flash Sync, Slow Sync, Red-Eye Reduction) |
| Effective Flash Range | 39' (12m) @ ISO 100 |
| External Flash Connection |
Proprietary Hot Shoe (compatible with Minolta and select Sony flashes) Wireless off camera flash (with optional compatible accessory flash) |
| External Flash Control | ADI / Pre-flash TTL flash metering with Flash Compensation (±2.0 EV in 0.3EV steps) |
| Maximum Flash Synchronization Speed | 1/160 second |
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Start-Up Time | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Shutter Lag | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Time Between Shots | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Burst Capability | 3 fps Continuous (limited to 6 frames in RAW) |
| Self Timer | 10 seconds & 2 seconds |
| Interval Recording | No |
| Date & Time Stamp | No (included in image metadata and available when using PictBridge) |
| Memory & Power | |
|---|---|
| Built-in Memory | No |
| Compatible Memory Cards |
CompactFlash (Type I & II) Microdrive Memory Stick Duo/PRO Duo media with optional MSAC-MCF1N adapter) |
| File Size | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Battery Type | NP-FM500H Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery |
| Power Adapter | AC Adapter (optional) |
| Input/Output | |
|---|---|
| Computer Interface | USB 2.0 Hi-Speed (mass storage or PTP) |
| Direct Print Capable | Yes (PictBridge) |
| Remote Control | Sony Remote Commander (optional) |
| Video Output | NTSC & PAL Selectable |
| System & Software Requirements |
Windows 2000, XP, Vista Macintosh OS X (10.3 or later) |
| Display | |
|---|---|
| Viewfinder | Fixed eye-level system with roof mirror and spherical acute matte focusing screen, and Diopter Adjustment (-2.5 to +1.0 diopter) |
| Viewfinder Info | AF information (AF points, focus confirmation light), exposure information (shutter speed, aperture, manual exposure, spot metering circle, ISO speed, exposure level, exposure warning), flash information (flash ready, flash exposure level), white balance correction, JPEG recording, number of remaining shots, memory card information, Anti-shake system indicator |
| Depth-of-Field Preview | No |
| LCD Display | 2.7" TFT color LCD (230,000 pixels) with Clear Photo LCD Plus design |
| Information Display | Uses 2.5" LCD to present all camera info; Metering mode, Shooting mode, Aperture, AF mode, AF point, Shutter speed, ISO, Shots remaining, Drive mode, Battery level, Exposure compensation setting, Flash compensation setting. |
| Language Options | English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Russian, Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, Finish, Polish, Czech, Hungarian |
| Playback Options | Single Image, Index (4, 9, 16 selectable), Image + text, Image + text + histogram, Enlarged playback (Up to approximately 5x), Luminance limit Display, File browser, Slideshow, Instant bracket playback, Enlarged display, Automatic rotate function, Image correction (Contrast, Color saturation, Sharpness, Hue (5 levels)) |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (HxWxD) | 3.9 x 5.2 x 2.8" (99 x 131 x 72mm) without lens |
| Weight | 18.8 oz. (532g) without lens & battery |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
Cons
Best Uses
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 23 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Alpha DSLR-A200 SLR Digital Camera with Sony 18-70mm Lens:
I recently came to the photography business and I started to use my dads Canon Rebel XT. As soon as I got some money I decided to give the A200 a try and I love it!!!! I would not trade this for the Rebel. It had a solid firm body and it fells great!! The image quality is superb, more than I have always been told, since my dad is a Canon user!! I would recommend this camera to anyone!!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Alpha DSLR-A200 SLR Digital Camera with Sony 18-70mm Lens:
This is an awesome camera! As a first-timer in DSLRs, I found the controls very easy to understand and use. The user manual itself is very helpful; it explains most of the jargon from photography in layman's terms. The lens compatibility is also superb. It can use all of the Minolta AF lenses. Battery-life is great as well. The cons of this product: its price here in the Philippines - [$]. (You guys are lucky in the US that you can get it as low as [$]). The Sony-made lenses are not built as well as the Minoltas. My recommendation, get a Sony Alpha body, and strap it on to a Konica-Minolta lens. You'll get the best results.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Alpha DSLR-A200 SLR Digital Camera with Sony 18-70mm Lens:
Overall, I have been pleased with the camera. works well, easy to use and takes some great pictures. battery life is excellent! Only negatives, and reason for 4 stars out of 5 is some low light photos have not come out so well (camera is noted as having sub par high iso performance in reviews, so i knew this going in)and the built in flash is on the weak side
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Alpha DSLR-A200 SLR Digital Camera with Sony 18-70mm Lens:
I use it in traveling, sport, wild Life
Sharp pictures, good autofocus, Good knight shots
Reasonable price
It is one of the greatest cameras I used
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Alpha DSLR-A200 SLR Digital Camera with Sony 18-70mm Lens:
Ive been doing studio photography for a few years. This camera reaches all my needs when using studio lighting and extra flash units and very well balanced quality.
There are many settings to chose from when changing how your subject looks in front of the backdrops. (ONE) There are settings to blur the backdrop to give a brilliant sharp focus on the human image and their great smiles (IN THIS CASE USE THE (S) SETTING, GO TO MENU AND CHOSE PORTRAIT MODE.
(TWO) There are settings for your lighting when using softbox or umbrella reflectors and all other flash-head or strobe lighting units.. Such as the (S) setting on the selector knob.. This will disable the built in flash and will enable the hotshoe for your snyc adaptor (BEST TO USE LOW ISO 100 to 400 AND TURN YOUR MONO FLASH TO DESIRED WATTS. REMEMBER IN (S) MODE IT IS (SHUTTER PRIORITY), THEREFOR YOU MUST CHOSE SHUTTER SPEED TO GET A BRIGHT EXPOSEURE AFTER CHOSING ISO AND WATTS FROM YOUR LIGHTING.
I dont shoot photos long distance, so I cant say much about the 18-70 mm lense, but from what I see the zoom for this A200 is amazing. Very quick focus for any shooting purpose, very quick start up and very quick shutter.
To all who are looking for a DSLR, I have been reviewing for months on This camera as wells as the Nikon D40, D60 and D80, Olympus models E410, E420, E510 and E520 and canon XT, XS, XSI models and of course the SONY ALPHA line. I can not speak bad about any them either. All of them have their good qualitys.
When I decided to finally go out to buy a new camera, I had a hard time chosing from all of them. I took my chance with this one and I am happy. Maybe you can take your chance with this one too, maybe this one will reach all your needs as well as they did mine.
(REASON FOR MY SELECTION) NINE POINT AUTO FOCUS WITH SELECTABLE FOCUS ZONE, BIONZE IMAGING SENSOR, SAME AS THE A700. STUDIO FRIENDLY CONTROLLS, ENDLESS ATTACHMENTS AND ACCESSORIES OFFERED BY SONY AND SONY.COM FOR THE STUDIO PHOTOGRAPHER CHECK OUT SONY.COM FOR SHUTTER RELEASE REMOTE-WIRE OR WIRELESS AND SYNC ATTACHMENT AS WELL AS WIRELESS FLASH REMOTE
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Alpha DSLR-A200 SLR Digital Camera with Sony 18-70mm Lens:
I purchased this product to be a full second system and think this might become my main system. All the Minolta-Maxxum lenses I have work well.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Alpha DSLR-A200 SLR Digital Camera with Sony 18-70mm Lens:
So far I’ve taken about 700 pictures w/ my new camera. I love it! It is easy to figure out (especially if you read the manual) it tales great pictures in the preset modes. Though you must use the manual focus for lunar shots. The pop-up flash is a nice feature for info photography.
The 18-70mm lens is very nice as well especially for wide angel shots. Though w/ a Tamron 70-300mm lens a tripod or bracing is needed. It appear that when the larger lens is extended, the uneven distribution of weigh is too much for the (normally very useful) anti-shake system.
I am a life long Minolta user and I am very satisfied w/ the Sony A200 DLSR.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Alpha DSLR-A200 SLR Digital Camera with Sony 18-70mm Lens:
High resolution at a good price from a reputable maker.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Alpha DSLR-A200 SLR Digital Camera with Sony 18-70mm Lens:
I haven't held many other cameras to compare to this, but I absolutely love it. Very easy to use, solid, comfortable to hold, and takes great pics. I wasn't very familiar with Sony DSLRs but figured I'd give this a try when it beat the Nikon D40 and Canon XT in specs and was cheaper. Very happy with the product and would buy again. I've had the camera for about 2 months and have taken over a thousand pics and the only problem is noise. Nothing too serious, but if I had to find something wrong with the camera, that would be the answer.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Alpha DSLR-A200 SLR Digital Camera with Sony 18-70mm Lens:
the a200 is easy to figure out and very simplistic
i like all of the options it includes like the super steady shot
nothing will dissapoint you with the a 200
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Alpha DSLR-A200 SLR Digital Camera with Sony 18-70mm Lens:
I use for basically everything. Portraits turn out very well but i don't use in the portrait setting in low light. I am not particularly fond of the stock flash. the camera also takes great landscapes, though i found it more convenient, for many daylight shots, to buy a UV Filter so that i don't have to fiddle with the settings that some shots don't come out overexposed. Especially with the filter this camera is a great buy. I have had no problems. It is easy to use and takes awesome photographs.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Alpha DSLR-A200 SLR Digital Camera with Sony 18-70mm Lens:
Sony Alpha DSLR-A200, a compact, ten megapixel (CCD) digital SLR with a (Konica) Minolta lens mount, Anti-Shake (now Super SteadyShot) and a definite cross-breed appearance. fast it is i love this Camera i upgraded from The Olympus Brand SP550 & the SP570UZ the upgrade is like going from a Metro Geo Car to a F1 Race car test drive one and you will see what i mean.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Alpha DSLR-A200 SLR Digital Camera with Sony 18-70mm Lens:
I was still clinging to my minolta maxxum slr, and was hoping this would be an easy transition for me. I don't know why I waited so long!!! My lenses interchange, it takes great pictures and it's very easy to use. Everyone thinks I'm a professional.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Alpha DSLR-A200 SLR Digital Camera with Sony 18-70mm Lens:
350 pictures later
Great Color, Clarity, in all conditions
Used all settings except manual and picture results were excellent.
The anti-shake is outstanding when I used it with my Minolta 100-200 lens, even with action setting and shooting out of a moving train.
Have not found any issues
Use camera for vacations and family pictures.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Alpha DSLR-A200 SLR Digital Camera with Sony 18-70mm Lens:
So Far I love my New Camera . I have been shooting 35 mm for 18 years now and I switched to digital about 3 years ago. I first got a Nikon , But I wanted a Digital that I could use with all of my Minolta equipment . I am Very Pleased with the Sony and the Compatablity with all of my lens . The Controls and responce is much better. I am very please with the 200 .
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Alpha DSLR-A200 SLR Digital Camera with Sony 18-70mm Lens:
I have owned Minolta cameras for a long time and when Sony purchased Minolta cameras I knew that it was a match made in heaven. I haven’t taken many pictures with my new camera, but I am looking forward to using it this summer.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Alpha DSLR-A200 SLR Digital Camera with Sony 18-70mm Lens:
Pictures are clean and clear, and really a good buy with the extra lens. Love the idea that the IS is on the camera, so I don't need to buy lenses with it, and that it's compatiable with other Konic lenses, just and added attraction. It's a bit heavy, but that really a small issue compared to the lists of advantages. Really great buy.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Alpha DSLR-A200 SLR Digital Camera with Sony 18-70mm Lens:
I have used the camera for about 2 weeks now and I am really liking it. It is my first DSLR. I had a 35mm Minolta SLR prior. It is quite a step up for my piont and shoot digital too. I have used the camera for taking some pics of my dog and the cheery blossoms here in DC as well as some pics at the new Nationals Park. All pics have come out very clear and the anti-shake makes a world of difference. If you are looking for a solid entry level DSLR, this is a great choice, especially if you have old Minolta lenses like I do.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Alpha DSLR-A200 SLR Digital Camera with Sony 18-70mm Lens:
Upgrade from the 7I. This thing rocks. Works great on everything I tried so far. Took months before a pulled the triger on this one and I am glad I did.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Alpha DSLR-A200 SLR Digital Camera with Sony 18-70mm Lens:
Very Good camera. The default settings have helped me learn. With a little practice, I am well on my way. Very good Beginner camera w/ the ability to be more advaced/progress.
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »