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Sony Alpha DSLR-A200 SLR Digital Camera with Sony 18-70mm Lens

BH #SODSLRA200K • MFR #DSLRA200K
23 reviews
Sony
Sony Alpha DSLR-A200 SLR Digital Camera with Sony 18-70mm Lens
Key Features
  • 10.2 Megapixels
  • Uses Sony Alpha & Minolta Maxxum Lenses
  • 2.7" ClearPhoto LCD Display
  • Super SteadyShot
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.

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Sony A200 Overview

  • 1Description
  • 210.2 Megapixel Super HAD CCD
  • 3Bionz Image Processor
  • 4Super SteadyShot in-camera Image Stabilization
  • 5Expanded ISO Sensitivity
  • 6Dynamic Range Optimizer
  • 7Anti-Dust Technology
  • 83 fps Continuous Burst Mode
  • 9Auto Pop-Up Flash
  • 10Eye-Start Autofocus System
  • 119-Point Center Cross AF Sensor
  • 12Flexible, Accurate Exposure Control
  • 13Scene Selection Modes
  • 14Creative Style Settings
  • 15Selectable 16:9 Aspect Ratio
  • 162.7" Clear Photo LCD Screen
  • 17Index and Slide Show Display
  • 18Function Guide Display
  • 19Stamina Battery Power
  • 20High-Capacity Media Options

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.

10.2 Megapixel Super HAD CCD
The large APS-size Super HAD (Hole Accumulated Diode) CCD provides 10.2 megapixels of resolution for images with detail and definition. Furthermore, The Super HAD CCD allows more light to pass to each pixel to expand dynamic range, minimize noise more effectively and provide greater detail for making big prints or cropping in tight on your subject.
Bionz Image Processor
The A200 is equipped with a BIONZ image processing engine 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 to assure superb print quality and greater post-processing flexibility. Furthermore, with 2-channel data transfer from CCD to processor, BIONZ image processing engine allos the camera to respond faster.
Super SteadyShot in-camera Image Stabilization
The Super SteadyShot Image Stabilization system uses a high-performance sensor that detects vibrations and the image stabilization system automatically compensates by moving the image sensor. Because image stabilization is built into the A200, the system works with any Alpha lens, enabling you to capture sharp images at shutter speeds from 2.5 to 3.5 steps slower than would otherwise be possible, so you can shoot effectively at higher shutter speeds even in very low light with minimum blur from shaky hands or fast-moving subjects.
Expanded ISO Sensitivity
Broad sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 3200 enables the DSLR-A200 to capture beautiful color images even in very dim light. When shooting at these higher settings, the BIONZ engine assures the highest possible image quality by applying high-ISO noise reduction immediately before each image is processed. This, together with powerful Super SteadyShot image stabilization, enables you to use faster shutter speeds in low light, and greatly expands the range of situations in which you can shoot.
Dynamic Range Optimizer
An improved D-Range Optimizer helps ensure even more beautifully balanced exposures in backlit situations, and helps to recover details hidden in shadows or lost in glare. In the Normal DRO mode, it optimizes brightness and contrast for the image overall, and in the Advanced DRO mode, it optimizes each area of the composition separately to bring out maximum shadow and highlight detail. The D-Range Optimizer can be used on all image formats in all metering modes.
Anti-Dust Technology
All digital SLR cameras are susceptible to dust contamination when changing lenses, but the A200 employs built-in systems to keep the sensor clean, and your images beautiful. First, there's an anti-static coating to help prevent dust from adhering to the low-pass filter and other internal components. And to dislodge any particles that do manage to reach the CCD, the sensor is vibrated at ultra-high speed every time the camera is switched off.
3 fps Continuous Burst Mode
To capture action more effectively, the A200 offers continuous JPEG shooting up to the limit of your flash memory card at a rate of 3 frames per second, and the RAW Burst Mode can capture up to 6 shots thanks to the intelligent buffer management system that allow more shots to be captured without waiting for the buffer to clear.
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. The flash power is rated GN12 (ISO100â¿¢m), with wide enough coverage to allow use with an 18mm fisheye lens.
Eye-Start Autofocus System
With the Eye-Start Autofocus System, the camera begins precision autofocus adjustments the moment you raise the camera to your eye - unlike most DSLR cameras that don't start focusing until the shutter button is half-pressed.
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, plus you can also select center-weighted or spot metering modes. There is also 6 preset White Balance control settings and RGB Histogram display to check color balance.
Scene Selection Modes
Along with auto exposure, the 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.
Selectable 16:9 Aspect Ratio
The A200 provides the option of recording images in the 16:9 format that enables you to view dramatic slideshows on a widescreen HDTV. In addition, if you use PhotoTV HD-compatible Sony peripheral devices for image playback, you can enjoy an even higher level of big-screen display quality.
2.7" Clear Photo LCD Screen
The large 2.7-inch Clear Photo LCD monitor makes it easy to review photos after they are taken, and lets you zoom in on specific details to confirm focus. Its anti-reflective coating makes it easy to read camera setup menus even in bright sunlight and detailed shooting information and histograms can also be displayed for on-the-spot confirmation of exposure balance and highlight/shadow reproduction. In addition, the screen automatically switches to a vertical-format display when you rotate the camera for vertical-format shooting, and switches off automatically when you put your eye to the viewfinder.
Index and Slide Show Display
The large screen is great for viewing photos - to quickly review your photos, the α (alpha) DSLR-A200 can display a 4, 9 or 25-frame index to help you find your favorites fast, or use the automatic slide shows with fade-in/fade-out effect to view all of your images.
Function Guide Display
The 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. It's a fast and easy way to get to frequently used functions without having to navigate through multi-level menus.
Stamina Battery Power
You can take up to 750 shots 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 A200 accepts CompactFlash Type I & II media and Memory Stick PRO Duo media via an optional adaptor.

Sony A200 Specs

Camera TypeInterchangeable Lens SLR (Single Lens Reflex) Digital Camera With In-camera Image Stabilization
Image Quality
Image SensorAPS-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 Resolution10.2 Million Pixels
Color Depth36-Bit RGB
Color ModesStandard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, Night view, Sunset, B/W, AdobeRGB, Dynamic Range Optimizer
Image File FormatsRAW
JPEG
RAW+JPEG
16:9 JPEG
Recorded ResolutionRAW (3880 x 2600)
L (3872 x 2592)
M (2896 x 1936)
S (1920 x 1280)
Video RecordingNo
Audio RecordingNo
Optics
Lens MountSony Alpha (compatible with Minolta A-type bayonet mount)
Focal Length Multiplier1.5x
Optical Image StabilizationCCD-Shift Super SteadyShot system
Focus Control
Focus TypeTTL 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 ModesSingle-shot AF, Direct Manual Focus, Continuous AF, Automatic AF, Manual focus, Predictive Focus Control, Focus Lock
Exposure Control
SensitivityAuto ISO
Selectable ISO (100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200)
Shutter TypeElectronically-controlled, vertical-traverse, focal-plane shutter
Shutter Speed30 - 1/4000 seconds
Bulb
Mirror Lock-UpYes
Exposure Metering40-segment honeycomb-pattern SPC TTL (Multi-segment, Center Weighted, Spot)
Exposure ModesAutomatic, 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 ModesAutomatic 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 ModesPortrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports, Sunset, Night portrait
Flash
Built-in FlashYes (Autoflash, Fill-flash, Rear Flash Sync, Slow Sync, Red-Eye Reduction)
Effective Flash Range39' (12m) @ ISO 100
External Flash ConnectionProprietary Hot Shoe (compatible with Minolta and select Sony flashes)
Wireless off camera flash (with optional compatible accessory flash)
External Flash ControlADI / Pre-flash TTL flash metering with Flash Compensation (±2.0 EV in 0.3EV steps)
Maximum Flash Synchronization Speed1/160 second
Performance
Start-Up TimeNot Specified by Manufacturer
Shutter LagNot Specified by Manufacturer
Time Between ShotsNot Specified by Manufacturer
Burst Capability3 fps Continuous (limited to 6 frames in RAW)
Self Timer10 seconds & 2 seconds
Interval RecordingNo
Date & Time StampNo (included in image metadata and available when using PictBridge)
Memory & Power
Built-in MemoryNo
Compatible Memory CardsCompactFlash (Type I & II)
Microdrive
Memory Stick Duo/PRO Duo media with optional MSAC-MCF1N adapter)
File SizeNot Specified by Manufacturer
Battery TypeNP-FM500H Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery
Power AdapterAC Adapter (optional)
Input/Output
Computer InterfaceUSB 2.0 Hi-Speed (mass storage or PTP)
Direct Print CapableYes (PictBridge)
Remote ControlSony Remote Commander (optional)
Video OutputNTSC & PAL Selectable
System & Software RequirementsWindows 2000, XP, Vista
Macintosh OS X (10.3 or later)
Display
ViewfinderFixed eye-level system with roof mirror and spherical acute matte focusing screen, and Diopter Adjustment (-2.5 to +1.0 diopter)
Viewfinder InfoAF 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 PreviewNo
LCD Display2.7" TFT color LCD (230,000 pixels) with Clear Photo LCD Plus design
Information DisplayUses 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 OptionsEnglish, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Russian, Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, Finish, Polish, Czech, Hungarian
Playback OptionsSingle 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
Dimensions3.9 x 5.2 x 2.8" (99 x 131 x 72mm) without lens
Weight18.8 oz. (532g) without lens & battery

Sony A200 Reviews

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