- Brand Name: Sony
- Model: B00125MHVM
- Optical Sensor Resolution: 10 MP
- Optical Sensor Technology: CCD
- Optical zoom: 3 x
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Sony Alpha A200 DSLR: Highly Recommended by dpreview.com
›Read the full Sony Alpha A200 in-depth review at dpreview.com
Product DetailsStyle: A200 w/ 18-70mm Lens
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Product Description
Style: A200 w/ 18-70mm Lens
A200 Series Digital SLR Camera - First Look! Features at a Glance Minolta A-type bayonet mount (amount) Super SteadyShot moving sensor Image Stabilization 10.2MP APS-C size CCD, Anti-dust cleaning system Eye-level penta-mirror OVF, 0.83x magnification 18-70mm f3.5-4.5 (27-105mm eq)3.9X zoom lens Dynamic Range Optimizer (Std/Advanced Selectable) Eye Start AF speeds shooting 3.0 FPS burst, limited only by media capacity 40 segment honeycomb photometry, 9point AF 2.7-inch 230K pixel Clear Photo LCD Plus display CF Type I/II Slot, Lithium Ion Battery, Stamina 750 shots Sony is advancing the digital SLR category for mainstream photographers with today's introduction of the new a (alpha) DSLR-A200 camera. The DSLR-A200 features upgrades influenced by the recently-introduced, enthusiast-class DSLR-A700 camera and replaces the former Sony DSLR-A100 model, which was Sony's first in the DSLR class. The new DSLR-A200 is designed to be faster, lighter and easier to use. Upgraded features include a wider, 2.7-inch Clear Photo LCD screen for easy playback viewing; a more compact body and an easily-accessible mode dial; an easy-to-use function menu (camera function display); improved noise control for higher quality images; an auto focus speed 1.7x faster than the previous model; improved predictive control performance; quieter shutter sound; automatic pop-up flash; and a battery life indicator that displays the percentage of battery life remaining so you know exactly when to recharge. As seen in all a (alpha) camera bodies, the DSLR-A200 camera incorporates Super SteadyShot image stabilization in the body to allow shooting at shutter speeds of 2.5 to 3.5 steps slower than otherwise possible - a benefit realized with every compatible lens attached to the camera. Compatible lenses encompass all Minolta Maxxum mount lenses, in addition to Sony a (alpha) lens lineup - including Carl Zeiss lenses.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
159 of 160 people found the following review helpful
By Gronne
Style Name:A200 w/ 18-70mm Lens
When I set out to buy a digital SLR I was first looking at the Nikon D40 ($499) and the Canon Rebel XTi ($599). I was turned off by the D40 due to it's 6MP sensor and lack of JPEG (fine) + Raw capabilities. I ended up passing on the Canon Rebel XTI because of the complaints about the low-quality kit lens which would've added costs beyond it's initial price tag.
Looking in various photography forums I discovered the Sony Alpha being recommended to other people looking in the same price range I was. It had a 10.1MP sensor, a good lens and was in the same price range as the Rebel XTi. I'm really happy with the purchase. Picture quality is excellent with the kit lens (SAL-1870). I also purchased the SAL-55200 telephoto lens and it is also a very nice lens for the money.
The battery life on the camera is excellent. The auto-focus is super fast and delving into the manual a bit will reveal many powerful configuration options (I don't think a lot of the Nikon and Canon fans who are critical of this camera ever did that because I've seen claims made on forums that just aren't true).
Some of the myths I've heard:
*No Shutter Lock (not true, just set the camera to "Manual" mode)
*Limited and expensive lens selection (Sony has a pretty decent selection on it's own but this camera can also use many Konica-Minolta lenses dating all the way back to 1985).
*Can't use standard flashes (while the Alpha does have a proprietary hot shoe which is lame, there are good adapters out there.
Lack of live preview a problem (this comes up a lot and apparently these people have never shot film before. most professionals I know do not need or use live preview)
There are many Pros but some that stand out in particular for this class are:
*Great bundled software (usually bundled software just sits in the box but the programs that Sony's included are actually quite good)
*3200 ISO (this is extremely rare in a camera in this price range)
*In camera image stablization
*Dynamic Range Optimization
All in all this camera is actually more in the class of the Nikon D80 as far as image quality goes but at nearly half the price.
Looking in various photography forums I discovered the Sony Alpha being recommended to other people looking in the same price range I was. It had a 10.1MP sensor, a good lens and was in the same price range as the Rebel XTi. I'm really happy with the purchase. Picture quality is excellent with the kit lens (SAL-1870). I also purchased the SAL-55200 telephoto lens and it is also a very nice lens for the money.
The battery life on the camera is excellent. The auto-focus is super fast and delving into the manual a bit will reveal many powerful configuration options (I don't think a lot of the Nikon and Canon fans who are critical of this camera ever did that because I've seen claims made on forums that just aren't true).
Some of the myths I've heard:
*No Shutter Lock (not true, just set the camera to "Manual" mode)
*Limited and expensive lens selection (Sony has a pretty decent selection on it's own but this camera can also use many Konica-Minolta lenses dating all the way back to 1985).
*Can't use standard flashes (while the Alpha does have a proprietary hot shoe which is lame, there are good adapters out there.
Lack of live preview a problem (this comes up a lot and apparently these people have never shot film before. most professionals I know do not need or use live preview)
There are many Pros but some that stand out in particular for this class are:
*Great bundled software (usually bundled software just sits in the box but the programs that Sony's included are actually quite good)
*3200 ISO (this is extremely rare in a camera in this price range)
*In camera image stablization
*Dynamic Range Optimization
All in all this camera is actually more in the class of the Nikon D80 as far as image quality goes but at nearly half the price.
78 of 78 people found the following review helpful
By Reza K.
Style Name:A200 w/ 18-70mm Lens
Sony has really done it. This isn't gonna be a technical review, just what I feel are strong points and weak points of this camera.
This is a great camera for beginners of SLR's to learn on but ain't too bad for those of you who know what you are doing. I myself have had film SLR's for many years, this is my first DSLR and cost was a factor for me. I am in no way made of money so the low price really sold me (no pun intended). The features you expect from an SLR are all there, and you can go from full auto to full manual and every point in between in a just a flip of a switch and the pressing of a few buttons to set up your shot.
Built in Image Stabilization is a great feature to have, especially when some camera makers build it into the lens, which, in turn, makes your lens prices considerably higher.
Some people complain about no live view on the LCD, but I personally prefer no live view. It saves on some battery life and it makes it feel like more of a real camera and less of a point and shoot. If you want live view, wait for the A300K
The camera feels sturdy and isn't too big or small. I have very large hands and the camera feels good in my hands. It is mostly plastic, which in a way can feel a bit cheap but doesn't seem to be a problem at this time.
ISO setting is great. If you want to shoot in low light situations you have ISO settings up to 3200 with a supposed noise reduction but I haven't checked that out yet. I personally have it set on 100 and will keep it there for the least amount of noise.
Media options are GREAT!!! Sony MemorySticks are ridiculously priced. Especially when you need to have a high capacity one for these big pics (esp. shooting in RAW). Luckily this camera takes CompactFlash cards, which are some of the cheapest one you can get. (I got mine here on Amazon 4GB for $42).
The only thing I have a problem with on this camera is that you have to pay an extra $12 for an LCD protector (small plastic cover for LCD screen). Some camera makers include this with their SLR's. Sony should have included this as well.
Just don't forget the accessories. It will be nice to get the 70mm-300mm lens (which I got for $229) for those far away and macro shots. Screen protector is $12. Memory will vary by the amount you get. I also bought a nice tripod/monopod for $40.
So that's it. With this camera you will be taking very nice pictures, at high resolutions and at a reasonable price. There are very few downfalls in the design, and a lot of extremely nice features. Hope this helps with your decision.
This is a great camera for beginners of SLR's to learn on but ain't too bad for those of you who know what you are doing. I myself have had film SLR's for many years, this is my first DSLR and cost was a factor for me. I am in no way made of money so the low price really sold me (no pun intended). The features you expect from an SLR are all there, and you can go from full auto to full manual and every point in between in a just a flip of a switch and the pressing of a few buttons to set up your shot.
Built in Image Stabilization is a great feature to have, especially when some camera makers build it into the lens, which, in turn, makes your lens prices considerably higher.
Some people complain about no live view on the LCD, but I personally prefer no live view. It saves on some battery life and it makes it feel like more of a real camera and less of a point and shoot. If you want live view, wait for the A300K
The camera feels sturdy and isn't too big or small. I have very large hands and the camera feels good in my hands. It is mostly plastic, which in a way can feel a bit cheap but doesn't seem to be a problem at this time.
ISO setting is great. If you want to shoot in low light situations you have ISO settings up to 3200 with a supposed noise reduction but I haven't checked that out yet. I personally have it set on 100 and will keep it there for the least amount of noise.
Media options are GREAT!!! Sony MemorySticks are ridiculously priced. Especially when you need to have a high capacity one for these big pics (esp. shooting in RAW). Luckily this camera takes CompactFlash cards, which are some of the cheapest one you can get. (I got mine here on Amazon 4GB for $42).
The only thing I have a problem with on this camera is that you have to pay an extra $12 for an LCD protector (small plastic cover for LCD screen). Some camera makers include this with their SLR's. Sony should have included this as well.
Just don't forget the accessories. It will be nice to get the 70mm-300mm lens (which I got for $229) for those far away and macro shots. Screen protector is $12. Memory will vary by the amount you get. I also bought a nice tripod/monopod for $40.
So that's it. With this camera you will be taking very nice pictures, at high resolutions and at a reasonable price. There are very few downfalls in the design, and a lot of extremely nice features. Hope this helps with your decision.
75 of 80 people found the following review helpful
By Hiram Grant
Style Name:A200 w/ 18-70mm Lens
I've been able to handle one of these off and on for several weeks now, and I'm very pleased with the handling and features for such a value price.
Compared to the older Alpha 100, this camera is a bit smaller, but not so much that a person would find it "too small" for their hands. It uses the same, full sized battery as the other current Alphas, including the now top-of-the-line Alpha 700. Additionally, it can be made bigger by adding the vertical grip (although this might make it a bit too large for some).
Typical of the Alpha series, the LCD is very good quality, and, when set to the larger type size, easily readable by older eyes.
Autofocus speed has definately been improved over the A100, and all performance levels seem to be at least as good, most improved to various degrees (but you'll notice the AF most).
Features that are lacking are a wireless remote option; depth-of-field preview; and a quick AF/MF (autofocus/manual focus) button or setting. Then again, there aren't any other cameras this inexpensive with a 9-point AF system, built-in anti-shake, and 10 megapixels! You should value the anti-shake as at least $100 bucks for every lens you plan on purchasing!
A decision to make might not be which camera brand to buy, but which model. The Alpha 300 will have the same features as the 200, but will add the articulated LCD with Live View, for an extra $100. Personally, my experience with this feature on the Alpha 350 says, to me, it is worth $100. You get the same 2.7" LCD, but now it articulates. The Live View works great (no autofocusing lag like other brands), and allows a live, digital crop of 1.4x or 2x. [The Live View feature does have one drawback the way Sony uses it. It only shows 90% of the entire image].
All-in-all, this is a fine camera at a GREAT price!
Here's some accessories you might find useful:
Sony PCK-LH2AM LCD Protector Cover Type for Sony A200 DSLR
Sony VG-B30AM Vertical Grip for Sony Alpha A200 DSLR
Compared to the older Alpha 100, this camera is a bit smaller, but not so much that a person would find it "too small" for their hands. It uses the same, full sized battery as the other current Alphas, including the now top-of-the-line Alpha 700. Additionally, it can be made bigger by adding the vertical grip (although this might make it a bit too large for some).
Typical of the Alpha series, the LCD is very good quality, and, when set to the larger type size, easily readable by older eyes.
Autofocus speed has definately been improved over the A100, and all performance levels seem to be at least as good, most improved to various degrees (but you'll notice the AF most).
Features that are lacking are a wireless remote option; depth-of-field preview; and a quick AF/MF (autofocus/manual focus) button or setting. Then again, there aren't any other cameras this inexpensive with a 9-point AF system, built-in anti-shake, and 10 megapixels! You should value the anti-shake as at least $100 bucks for every lens you plan on purchasing!
A decision to make might not be which camera brand to buy, but which model. The Alpha 300 will have the same features as the 200, but will add the articulated LCD with Live View, for an extra $100. Personally, my experience with this feature on the Alpha 350 says, to me, it is worth $100. You get the same 2.7" LCD, but now it articulates. The Live View works great (no autofocusing lag like other brands), and allows a live, digital crop of 1.4x or 2x. [The Live View feature does have one drawback the way Sony uses it. It only shows 90% of the entire image].
All-in-all, this is a fine camera at a GREAT price!
Here's some accessories you might find useful:
Sony PCK-LH2AM LCD Protector Cover Type for Sony A200 DSLR
Sony VG-B30AM Vertical Grip for Sony Alpha A200 DSLR
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good camera for the price
In the years since I purchased this camera, there have been better and cheaper options as far as DSLRs go, but I am still quite satisfied with this camera.
Published 4 months ago by jc
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good product.Good shopping.I recommend this product.I'm happy with the...
Good product.Good shopping.
I recommend this product.
I'm happy with the result of this product. I would buy it again.
I recommend this product.
I'm happy with the result of this product. I would buy it again.
Published 4 months ago by amalio
1.0 out of 5 stars
EZ Pawn: EZ come, EZ go -
Apparently, "EZ Corp" has changed to "EZ Pawn". The seller was listed as the former when I purchased a Sony alpha a200 Dslr on Amazon, but was listed as EZ Pawn when I returned it... Read more
Published 6 months ago by P.J.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent camera, for a starter camera.
The Sony Alpha Series a200 DSLR camera is a excellent starter camera. It was my first DSLR type camera and so far I have had no difficulty with it. Read more
Published 8 months ago by Zelda_lover
5.0 out of 5 stars
Alpha 200
Well, I have to say, Sony Alpha 200 is my best friend since day 1 in 2008. Took more than 10000 pictures of great defnition, most of them beside been saved in my computers, are... Read more
Published 11 months ago by Maria
4.0 out of 5 stars
Sony Alpha A200W
Nice camera package and functionality. I purchased this to use at work because of the price and the additional 75-300mm lense. Read more
Published 13 months ago by Vin B
5.0 out of 5 stars
Does just about everything/anything you want it to!
I am what some would consider a "pro-sumer" (professional consumer) and have used SLR-type cameras since the early '70's for both work and play. Read more
Published on March 10, 2011 by Mr. Rob
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great used camera!
I'm always hesitant when it comes to buying used items online but this one was definitely a win. The product is in great condition and works like new. Read more
Published on January 18, 2011 by iamtheak
5.0 out of 5 stars
quality construction and picture
Very happy with picture quality and construction of this product. The two lens give me flexabilities that I never had before. Read more
Published on January 9, 2011 by Stephen Rastall
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good Camera
We bought this camera for work taking pictures of construction sites for our marketing media, it was great, and then it was stolen. Read more
Published on December 19, 2010 by Mr. Suede
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