Sony A200: Entry DSLR Roundup

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.

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.