Powerful, versatile and simple to use, the Sony Alpha DSLR-A200 takes photography to the next level for customers stepping up from point-and-shoot cameras. The Alpha DSLR-A200 expands creative horizons with 10.2-megapixel imaging, high-speed processing, high sensitivity, advanced noise reduction and special features like D-Range Optimizer and Creative Style settings. Super SteadyShot in-camera image stabilization works with every lens in a superb optical system -- including new Sony DT zoom lenses, advanced Sony G-Series lenses, Carl Zeiss lens designs and a two-decade legacy of Minolta Maxxum a-mount lenses.
Alpha A200 Highlights
10.2-megapixel Super HAD CCD Superb image quality gives you great DSLR shots right from the start, with a large APS-size CCD imager developed by Sony to expand dynamic range, minimize noise more effectively and provide greater detail for making big prints or cropping in tight on your subject.
Expanded ISO sensitivity Broad sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 3200 enables the Alpha DSLR-A200 to capture beautiful color images even in very dim light -- with High ISO Noise Reduction technology that reduces picture noise artifacts at high-sensitivity ISO 1600 and ISO 3200 settings by eliminating noise from RAW data after analog-to-digital conversion.
Super SteadyShot in-camera image stabilization A high-performance sensor detects vibrations and the image stabilization system automatically compensates. Because image stabilization is built into the Alpha DSLR-A200, every lens benefits -- and with an advantage of from 2.5 to 3.5 stops, you can shoot effectively at higher shutter speeds even in very low light with minimum blur from shaky hands or fast-moving subjects.
Bionz Image Processor The "brain" of the a (alpha) DSLR-A200 is the advanced Sony Bionz Image Processor, 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. With 2-channel data transfer from CCD to processor, your camera can also respond faster.
Dynamic Range Optimizer To improve results with backlit subjects and recover details hidden in shadows or lost in glare, the Alpha DSLR-A200 provides Dynamic Range Optimizer at two levels: Normal DRO, to improve detail using standard gamma curves for fast shot-to-shot response time, or Advanced DRO, to adjust dynamic range area-by-area for the greatest precision.
Anti-dust technology Changing lenses in a DSLR can allow dust to enter the camera -- so to keep the CCD imager cleaner for better pictures, the Alpha DSLR-A200 utilizes both static-free anti-dust coating on the CCD filter and anti-dust vibration that automatically shakes the CCD to dislodge dust each time the camera is shut off.
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
Eye-Start Autofocus System It begins precision autofocus adjustments the moment you raise the camera to your eye -- so unlike some DSLR cameras that don’t start focusing until the shutter button is half-pressed, the Sony Alpha DSLR-A200 never slows down your ability to catch fast action.
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 -- and you can also select center-weighted or spot metering modes. You’ll also have 6 preset White Balance control settings and RGB Histogram display to check color balance.
Scene Selection modes Along with auto exposure, the Alpha DSLR-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.
2.7-inch Clear Photo LCD screen A large built-in screen with anti-reflective coating makes it easy to read camera setup menus even in bright sunlight and improves image quality when you check your shots.
Index and Slide Show display To quickly review your photos, the Alpha DSLR-A200 can display 4, 9 or 25-frame index views -- or present automatic slide shows with fade-in/fade-out effect.
High-resolution thumbnails for PhotoTVHD viewing The Alpha DSLR-A200 can also create high-resolution thumbnail images for viewing on a Sony Bravia HDTV in optimized PhotoTVHD mode, with image format adjustable for standard 3:2 or widescreen 16:9 display.
Function Guide Display 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.
Continuous Burst Mode at 3 frames per second To capture action more effectively, the Alpha DSLR-A200 offers continuous JPEG shooting up to the limit of your flash memory card -- plus RAW Burst Mode (up to 6 shots) with intelligent buffer management to allow more shots to be captured without waiting for the buffer to clear.
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 Alpha DSLR-A200 accepts CompactFlash Type I/II media and optional Memory Stick Pro Duo media.
Advanced Lenses and Accessories The Sony Alpha system gives you everything you need to expand your creativity in DSLR photography: precision Sony DT zoom lenses and specialty lenses, Sony "G" Series lenses with advanced motorized autofocusing, amazingly bright Carl Zeiss T* coated lenses, professional-quality flash units, and over 16 million Minolta a-mount lenses sold worldwide.
Customer Reviews
Great entry level camera, not quite at a Nikon level
I have two Sony a200 and a Sony a300. In addition I have a Nikon D40, D40x, D50 and D300. The Sony a200 and a300 have the same sensor as the Nikon D40x/D60 however they seem to focus a little slower. Here are some strengths and weaknesses about the camera.
Strengths
- Image stabilization (SteadyShot)
- Kit lens is 18-70mm versus 18-55mm like Nikon and Canon
- Solid feel/construction
- Easy to use
- Uses older Minolta Alpha Mount lenses which can be found at a reasonable price on Amazon, eBay, Craigslist....
- Kiy lenses arepretty decent, heard otherwise about Canon (I am also a Nikon guy)
Weaknesses
- Sony (rather than Nikon or Canon), people won't mistake you for a pro
= Focus is a little slow
= Compact Flash cards rather than SD which are less expensive
- No affordable Prime lenses (e.g. 50mm)
- Harder to locate accessories
LOVE this camera
I'm not a fanboy of any model and don't know a lot about digital photography. Several years ago I purchased a Canon a70 as I was quite involved as an eBay powerseller and needed a small point and shoot to sell my wares. I purchased photoshop and away I went. I was most impressed with the clarity of the a70 images for being less than 4mp.
I've yet to read the entire instruction manual for the a200 as I was told the best way to get familiar with the camera was to simply spend time taking photos. I sense this is excellent advice.
I'm glad I purchased this model (as well as a warranty) as I plan to take many photos of my friends (and pets) as they're lovely people, and well, animals seem to photograph very well.
I am impressed with the number of features on the a200 and I certainly like the anti-shake correction,,,the feature which sold me on this model. I understand that Sony builds the anti-shake feature into the body and most other camera makers build the anti-shake into the lenses?
I was tempted to buy the a350 as I have big hands and it has a bigger body, however, the a350 felt like too much camera as I am new to digital photography. I've yet to play around with the ISO feature however, I understand that the ISO rating related to film speed??
I'm excited to play around with the features and test my luck with taking black and white photos.
I have a Great Dane and I'm sure she won't mind if I take 20 or 2000 photos of her. I'm somewhat excited to use her image on this years Christmas card.
I am open to any feedback and suggestions. Thanks for reading my post.
How to troubleshoot a camera when the LCD screen is dark or has no display
The manual list How to troubleshoot a camera when the LCD screen is dark or has no display. Unfortunately my new SONY DSLPR A350 still has a blank/black screen. Help....please.
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