Sony Alpha 200 Review

Sony A200 - Entry-level digital SLR camera
With the introduction of the Alpha 100, Sony entered the DSLR market. This model has now been replaced by the new Sony Alpha 200. The new Alpha camera is Sony's entry-level model and offers a stack of setting possibilities for a very attractive price. When we look back at the moment the Alpha 100 got introduced, and after that the Alpha 700 with on top of that Sony's promise to introduce a professional DSLR in 2008, and we look at the A200 now, we can say that Sony are definitely branding their name on the DSLR market.

Sony Alpha 200 - 10 Megapixel resolution
The lens range is also enhanced time after time which makes the Alpha package very complete. The Sony Alpha 200 is an entry-level model but with serious intentions. It is a tool for those photographers that like to take their shooting skills to a higher level and grow to a higher segment. The resolution suffices for all-round photography and for editing pictures or making crops.

Sony A200 SLR - Good image quality
The test results are convincing; an optimal resolution is obtained from the 10 Megapixel CCD which results in excellent image quality. The various parameters inside the camera enable adjusting the end result at will, but I expect the majority of the photographers working with JPEG to be completely satisfied. And for those who want a little extra can work in the available RAW format to get even more out of the camera.

Sony Alpha A200 DSLR - ISO values
As far as ISO sensitivity is concerned you will achieve the best results with this sensor using ISO sensitivity up to ISO 800. Higher ISO than this will influence the image quality due to noise even with the improved noise reduction trying hard. The higher the ISO setting the more the quality drops. To prevent using high ISO you can activate the SuperSteady Shot mode. Just leave it on and profit by the number of extra stops you can play with regarding the shutter speed. The inbuilt image stabilizer inside the body offers a lot of convenience and although a stabilizer integrated in a lens is a tad more effective, the ease of a built-in stabilizer that works in combination with any type of lens you use on the A200, is impeccable.

Sony A200 digital SLR - Excellent choice!
Sony got off to a good start this year. The Sony Alpha did well and shows that even an entry-level model can be all-round. We expect 2008 to be the year of the SLR cameras and Sony has made a head start. It will undoubtedly not be the last D-SLR of Sony that we will see this year. The upcoming PMA in Las Vegas could surprise us and also the summer and the Photokina world event in Cologne will be the time for 'breaking DSLR news'. The Sony Alpha 200 is a joy to work with and the camera performs really well. So if you can't wait any longer and you want to get going shooting away, the choice for the Alpha 200 is an excellent one!

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