Sony A200: Entry DSLR Roundup
by Wesley Fink on October 20, 2008 1:00 AM EST- Posted in
- Digital Camera
New Features, Improvements, and Omissions
The Sony A200 certainly epitomizes the fast pace of innovation in the DSLR market. When the Sony A100 was introduced it was the first of the 10MP DSLR cameras, and it was considered a breakthrough value at a price of just $999 with a kit lens. Now, just two years later the Sony A200 generally updates the A100 and cuts the price in half.
| Sony Camera Comparison | ||
| Sony A200 | Sony A100 | |
| LCD Screen | 2.7" Fixed | 2.5" Fixed |
| Sensor | 10.2 MP CCD | 10.2 MP CCD |
| AF Points | 9 | 9 |
| Sensor Size | 23.6x15.8mm | 23.6x15.8mm |
| Sensor Multiplier | 1.5x | 1.5x |
| Image Processor | BIONZ | BIONZ |
| Image Stabilization | Body Integral (All lenses) | Body Integral (All lenses) |
| Auto Sensor Clean | Yes | Yes |
| Live View | None | None |
| Metering Modes | Multi-Segment, CWt, Spot | Multi-Segment, CWt, Spot |
| ISO Range | 100-3200 | 100-1600 |
| Auto ISO Adjust | Yes | Yes |
| Continuous Speed | 3 fps | 3 fps |
| Wireless Flash Control with Built-in Flash | Yes | Yes |
| Remote Release | Wireless Remote, Cable | Wireless Remote, Cable |
| Storage | CF | CF |
| Viewfinder | .83x, 95% | .83x, 95% |
| Battery | NP-FM500H 1600mAh | NP-FM500H 1680mAh |
| Battery Life (50% Flash) | 750 | 730 |
| Battery Grip | VG-B30AM, Optional | No |
| Size | 131x98.5x71mm | 133x95x71mm |
| Weight (with Battery) | 1.39 lb. (626g) | 1.4 lb. (638g) |
| Kit Lens | 18-70mm f3.5-5.6 (28-105mm) | 18-70mm f3.5-5.6 (28-105mm) |
| Price with Kit Lens | $499 | $999 |
Normally a 50% price cut on a new model means reducing features. However, the A200 generally retains the same features as the well-regarded A100 while improving the camera in several areas. The LCD is now 2.7", up from 2.5" in the A100. While the sensor is the same resolution as the A100, the 10.2MP sensor now supports ISO 3200, up from the ISO1600 max of the A100. High ISO noise reduction is now adjustable on the A200.
Sony adds a 16:9 HDTV shooting mode to the A200, and image quality adjustments - contrast, saturation, sharpness - have wider adjustment ranges on the A200 than the A100. Super Steady Shot is also said to be improved on the A200. The only major omission sacrificed to the price reduction appears to be the depth-of-field preview button now absent on the A200.
The Sony A100 was criticized by many for not offering a battery grip option for extended battery life and better portrait handling. The A200 corrects that by supporting the Sony VG-B30AM battery grip that is also compatible with the Sony A300 and A350.
Sony has also continued some features you certainly don't expect to find in an entry-level DSLR. Most significant of these is the continued support for Wireless Flash capabilities that can be controlled by the built-in flash on the A200. Another is the 9-point AF module, which stands out in a class where some competitors try to get by with 3-point AF. The Sony A200 also continues real spot metering and adjustable bracketing, which are features some competitors have dropped to differentiate their higher-cost models.
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JarredWalton - Monday, October 20, 2008 - link
I think particularly in the entry level DSLR arena, using the included lenses for images is important. The pictures of even a moderate DSLR with kit lens should easily surpass what most P&S cameras can manage, which is one of the big attractions. As soon as you get into lenses, however, you open up a huge can of worms.As for the subject material... well, I'll leave it to the photography buffs to debate what should be used. I believe Wes is working on some photos showing what the A200 can do out of a static test environment, but in order to provide any semblance of apples-to-apples shooting comparisons I think you need to do something like the shots Wes uses. I know I for one wish the white balance on my XTi did better under Tungsten lighting.
nowayout99 - Monday, October 20, 2008 - link
"...it is easy to forget that many buyers are looking for the absolute best "bang-for-the-buck" in a camera."Really...? Therein lies a divide between AT and readers. Articles for high-end products really aren't appealing to that many people, yet that's almost all we've gotten for cameras.
Even this $500 cam is pretty high-end priced for the vast majority of people that just want something they can take around with them for fun. How about some comparisons of joe schmoe cameras?
strikeback03 - Tuesday, October 21, 2008 - link
On Sunday a friend and I went to a local state park to get some pictures of the leaves. He owns a Canon SD600, a relatively decent couple year old P&S. At one point he was asking me to get some close-ups of a rock face, so instead I tossed my Sigma 18-200 OS on my Rebel XT body (wasn't using either) and let him play with those. I think he is now in the market for an SLR, as some comparison shots he did with his SD600 just blew him away, and that was just in basic JPEG mode.GTVic - Monday, October 20, 2008 - link
This is what epinions and CNET is for. I don't think you will find too many serious reviewers who want to spend their time keeping updated on the sub $200 camera market. It is not interesting, there are too many cameras to keep track of and not many people do serious research on that level of purchase.adder - Monday, October 20, 2008 - link
well i hope u guys do some lens reviews,and for people who are going in for a entry level dslr may not know much about lenses other then the kits lenses.strikeback03 - Monday, October 20, 2008 - link
Is the grip the same as the A100? Between the length and positioning of the shutter release/dial, I found the A100 quite uncomfortable to use. For me either the shorter bodies like the Canon Rebels or the taller ones like Nikon D80/Canon 40D are far more comfortable.FATCamaro - Monday, October 20, 2008 - link
It is a great point and shoot camera. I use mine a LOT and couldn't be happier. I use it as a point and shoot except for ISO and flash control. The ISO control is incredible simple and useful. I would reccomend this to to anyone switching up to a DSLR from a shitty point and shoot.DanD85 - Monday, October 20, 2008 - link
It seems you forget the still available D40/D40x and I think they perfectly fit in the budget DSLRs you have here.Wesley Fink - Monday, October 20, 2008 - link
Ken Rockwell notwithstanding, the D40 is 6 megapixels and the D40x is the previous model to the D60. Both are capable entry DSLRs that have been updated in the D60, which we did test in our comparison.The D40/D40x are 3-point AF, have no sensor cleaning, and come with non-IS kit lenses. Their features have been upgraded on the D60, which is the entry model we tested.
xsilver - Monday, October 20, 2008 - link
also forgotten is the pentax line. The k200d doesnt have live view either but using old lenses on them is a joy.