Sony DSLR-A200 - Expert Reviews

Award: Highly Recommended!

Review summary: A surprise announcement back at the CES show in January, the A200 is Sony's second entry-level DSLR camera. The Sony A200 follows on from the A100, apparently one of the best-selling DSLR's of 2007, and it also forms the basis for two more advanced ...

Verdict: Viewed in isolation, the A200 is an unremarkable re-working of the A100, with slightly improved auto-focusing, a more Sony-like, refined control layout with less dials and more menu screens, and the same great image quality up to ISO 800. Current A100 ...

Review summary: The entry-level Sony Alpha DSLR-A200 delivers a simple, no-nonsense approach to shooting. This 10-megapixel snapper shows off a solid yet simple design and a straightforward control system. You'll get good performance too, which keeps it on par with ...

Pros: In-body image stabilisation ; supports wireless flash

Cons: Loud shutter sound ; Sony doesn't have a stable of inexpensive lenses for consumers ; oddly located, proprietary USB connector

Verdict: The Sony Alpha DSLR-A200 is a solid entry-level dSLR, but it doesn't really stand out in its very competitive field

Pros: In-body image stabilization ; supports wireless flash

Cons: Loud ; Sony doesn't have a stable of inexpensive lenses for consumers ; oddly located, proprietary USB connector

Verdict: The Sony Alpha DSLR-A200 is a solid entry-level dSLR that doesn't really stand out in its very competitive field.

Review summary: WHILE its pictures are softer than those produced by some competing models, this is a great camera.

Pros: Great interface, simple control layout, vibrant colours, strong noise performance

Cons: Pictures are a little soft, some chromatic aberration

Verdict: While its pictures are a little softer than those produced by some competing models, there is no denying the A200 is a great overall camera, with particular appeal to novice users who may be afraid to take the next step.

Review summary: The camera with two lenses is sold as a kit. It has a 10mp sensor with in-body image stabilisation. There is automatic dust removal and the battery has exceptional capacity. The battery meter shows percentage of charge remaining. As part of its ...

Pros: Auto white balance is good and auto exposure is consistently accurate. Control layout is good. On camera flash is above average. Compact Flash memory cards are used as well as Sony's Memory Stick.

Cons: The lenses are disappointing. Focus is slow, noisy and haphazard. Contrast and sharpness are not as good as the competition. The longer lens has a stiff zoom mechanism and manual focus is not practicable on either lens because the control ring has no ...

Verdict: This camera enters a hotly contested field where Pentax, Nikon, Olympus and Canon are the competitors. Nikon and Olympus provide the best budget optics and set the standard. The excellent Pentax K10D is advertised at $1100 with a modest Sigma lens, a ...