The LCD monitor is slightly larger at 2.7 inches instead of 2.5; the body is a bit smaller and lighter; and noise control is claimed to be better. Sony says autofocus is 1.7 times faster than in its predecessor and the shutter is quieter. Other than that, it looks like it has the same resolution, sensor, and anti-shake technology that was in the A100. The big news is the price: While the A100 entered the market at around $900 body only, the A200 is being introduced for $700–including an 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens.
For details, read the Sony press release:
SONY UNVEILS NEW MAINSTREAM DSLR CAMERA
LAS VEGAS (CES BOOTH 14200) – Sony is advancing the digital SLR category for mainstream photographers with today’s introduction of the new a (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 a (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 a (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 .
General
Camera Type: SLR
Manufacturer: Sony
Model Number: DSLR-A200
Dimensions: 5.2 x 3.7 x 2.8″ (133.0 x 95.0 x 71.0mm)
Weight: 545.0 g (19.1 oz)
Planned Price: $700.00
Planned Availability: 2008
Warranty: 1 years
Image Capture
Sensor Type: APS-C Sony CCD;
10.80 megapixels (total);
10.20 megapixels (effective)
Filter Type: RGBG
Aspect Ratio: 3:2
Image Dimensions: 3872 x 2592 (10.0 megapixels),
2896 x 1936 (5.6 megapixels),
1920 x 1280 (2.5 megapixels)
Capture Speed: Continuous: 3.0 frames per second for 9999 frames
Image Preview / Review
Viewfinder: Yes, SLR type; eye-level pentamirror, 95% coverage, 0.83x magnification
LCD: 2.7″, 230,000 pixels
Playback Zoom: 12.0x max
Lens
Lens Type: Interchangeable Lens;
3.9x optical zoom;
55mm lens thread
Lens Mount: Sony Alpha (Minolta A) mount
Image Stabilization: Yes
Focal Length: 18.0 – 70.0mm (actual);
27 – 105mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Range: f/3.5 – 22 (W), f/5.6 – 36 (T)
Focusing System: 9-point TTL phase detection (one cross-type sensor) with eye-start AF with AF assist lamp
Manual Focus: possible (0) steps
Focusing Range: Normal: 16″ – infinity (38 cm – infinity)
Exposure
ISO Sensitivity: Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200
Shutter Speed: 30 – 1/4000 second
Exposure Modes: Aperture, Shutter, Manual
Metering Modes: 40-segment honeycomb pattern, center-weighted, spot
Exposure Compensation: /- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments
White Balance: Image Sensor – Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Flash, Color temperature/Color filter, Custom, Manual
Internal Flash: Guide Number: 12
Modes: Auto, Fill-flash, Rear sync, Wireless, High-Speed sync, Slow sync, Red-eye reduction: On/Off
Range: Lens dependent
Flash Exposure Compensation: /- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments
Creative
Scene Modes: Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports, Sunset, Night Portrait/Night View
Self Timer: Yes, 2 or 10 seconds
Storage
Recording Medium: CompactFlash Type 1, CompactFlash Type 2
File System: FAT16, FAT32, complies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF)
File Format: CCD-RAW, RAW, JPEG
Connectivity
Video: Yes, NTSC / PAL switchable
Computer: USB 2.0 High Speed
Other: Wired remote, DC input
Power
Battery Type: Lithium Ion rechargeable
Battery Form Factor: Proprietary NP-FM500H
Product Bundle
Battery / Charger: 1 x Proprietary NP-FM500H Lithium Ion rechargeable battery and charger
Flash Memory: 0.0MB
Other
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliant: Yes
PictBridge Compliant: Yes
Internal Microphone: No
Tripod Mount: Yes
Remote Control: Yes, Optional
