Sony Alpha DSLR A200 was first announced by Sony Corporation during Janurary 2008 this year at CES 2008. Alpha A200 is the direct replacement for the older Alpha A100, which has been in the market for almost 2 years since 2006 after they took over from Konica Minolta.

As compared to A100, Sony Alpha 200 possesses several notable key improvements in features and specifications

The most significant differences can be summed up as below:

Available only in kit lens packages, Sony Alpha A200 is obviously targeting first time DSLR users, rivaling competitors models like Nikon D60 or Canon 450D.

Detailed Specifications

• Camera type: Digital SLR with built-in flash and interchangeable lenses
• Lens mount: Compatible with Sony a lenses and Konica Minolta/Minolta MAXXUM/
• DYNAX lenses
• Image sensor: APS-C size CCD with anti-dust system
• Sensor resolution: 10.2 effective megapixels
• Image processor: Sony BIONZ engine
• Image stabilisation: Super SteadyShot with approx. 2.5 – 3.5 EV decrease in shutter speed
• Noise reduction: Long exp. & High ISO NR at ISO1600 / 3200 (optional)
• Creative Styles Preset modes: Standard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, Night View, Sunset,
• B/W, Adobe RGB. Adjustable parameters: Contrast, Saturation, Sharpness
• D-Range Optimiser operating modes: Off, Standard, Advanced
• Scene Selection modes: Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports, Sunset, Night Portrait / Night View
• Viewfinder Field of view: 95% / Magnification: 0.83x
• AF system: TTL phase detection, centre-cross 9-point
• Sensitivity: ISO100 - 3200 equivalent(Recommended Exposure Index)
• Light metering: 40-segment honeycomb with multi-segment, spot and centre weighted
• modes
• Flash modes: Auto, Fill-in, Wireless, Rear, High Speed Synchro and Slow Synchro
• (Wireless and High Speed Synchro modes require optional accessory flash
• HVL-F56AM or HVL-F36AM)
• Built-in flash system: Auto popup (GN 12) with manual popup button
• Shutter speed range: 1/4000 sec. - 30 sec., bulb (Flash sync speed 1/160 sec.)
• Continuous shooting rate: Up to approx. 3 fps
• Max no. of frames JPEG Fine/Std: unlimited (until memory card is full), RAW+JPEG: 3, RAW: 6
• recordable (continuous)
• Monitor screen: Transparent TFT / 2.7-inch Clear Photo LCD (230k dots) with AR coating
• Histogram display: Brightness, RGB
• Function menu: Camera Function Display with direct control of Flash Mode, AF Mode, WB,
• Metering Mode, AF Area, DRO
• Battery type: NP-FM500H with InfoLITHIUM % power remaining display on screen
• Battery life: Approx. 750 shots (CIPA measurement)
• Vertical control grip: VG-B30AM (optional) accepts up to 2x NP-FM500H batteries
• Recording media: CompactFlash card: Type I, Type II (Microdrive)
• Memory Stick Duo: Memory Stick PRO Duo, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo with
• optional adaptor.
• Dimensions (WxHxD): Approx. 130.8 x 98.5 x 71.3 mm (excl. protrusions)
• Weight: Approx. 532 g (w/o batteries or memory card)

Ergonomics

The overall feel of A200 is good, comfortable and lightweight. At a weight of 532g (w/o battery), this camera will certainly be ideal for overseas trip where one has to compromise between weight and image quality.

The dimension of the camera should be compact enough to be placed inside a travelling bag without too much budge. For those who require the camera to be more “bulky” or better vertical shooting experience, an original Sony vertical grip,VG-B30AM  is available  too.

The placement of the controls are good and intiutive except for AV button where it will be awkward for one to change aperture setting during manual mode as there is no secondary adjustment dial at the  back for that purpose.

ISO button can be easily reached for fast changing of ISO sensitivity. There is a Fn Button located at the back of the camera, which allows direct and easy access to the following functions without going to the main menu:

• Flash Mode
• Metering Mode
• AutoFocusing Mode
• White Balance
• AF area
• D-Range Optimizer

The camera does not accept 2 memory cards at a time like Sony Alpha 700. It accepts only CF card and a Memory Stick to CF card convertor was part of the package that I bought.

16:9 Format

The introduction of 16:9 format to Sony Alpha 700 has been found in Sony Alpha 200 too. This function gives photographer more creativity in shooting landscape photos at a wider format. The wider format allows the photographs to be viewed in full size when viewing with wide format Photo TV or LCD monitor. Just make sure you don’t shoot in portrait orientation using the 16:9 format mode!

Auto Focus

Alpha A200 is claimed to have a focusing speed 1.7 times faster than Alpha A100 as it is equipped with a high torque AF motor which the higher end brother A700 uses too. While no formal test is done against A100, the focusing speed of A200 does prove to be faster and more responsive to my Old Konica Minolta 7D. Focusing was fast and precise though it is slightly noiser if it is to be compared with Canon or Nikon DSLRs. Maybe next time Sony can do a better job in getting its autofocus to operate in a more sleek and slient mode. Performance is already not an issue anymore!

ISO Noise Control

The A200 is equipped with a BIONZ image processing engine that uses advanced Sony technologies to achieve truly vibrant color reproduction with rich texture and depth. In addition, the BIONZ engine assures the highest possible image quality by applying high-ISO noise reduction immediately before each image is processed.

Below are some test shots, which show the capability of Sony Alpha 200’s nose control

Pros:

• Lightweight, suitable for travel
• Vertical grip option available
• Fast and responsive auto focus
• Easy to use (noob friendly)
• Dust reduction provided by anti-static coating and ’sensor shake’ using stabilization system
• Battery life display in percentage level
• DRO Function for easy shooting of high constrast situation

Cons:

• No live view capability (available in Alpha A300/A350)
• Hard to set aperture size during Manual mode due to placement of AV button.
• No top LCD panel display
• Lack of LCD cover
• Doesnt has a solid feel (for entry level model, this is acceptable)

Conclusion:

Sony Alpha A200 is the new entry level DSLR in the whole lineup of Sony Alpha series beside A300 and A350 that are going to have the Live View Function. It had clearly shown that it is a dependable camera that is capable of delivering great results. The improvement in auto focus is one of the best thing that can happen in an A-mount camera since the days of Minolta. With slow and laggy auto focus in Minolta DSLR previously, the focusing speed of the Alpha 200 now is signficantly faster and matching up to the quality of the product offered by more established competitors such as Nikon and Canon.

If you are new to the world of DSLR, Sony Alpha A200 is definitely one camera you will not regret starting to learn with.