New Sony Alpha A200 is a 10.2 megapixel DSLR (CCD) that is the successor to their popular A100 debut into the DSLR market.With a redesigned body the A200 has a 2.7 inch LCD (230,000 pixels) screen and a wider aspect ratio than it’s predecessor.

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The A200 has a burst mode of 3 frames per second to the full capacity of the card that it is
using when shooting in JPEG (and for a burst of 6 frames in RAW). It has an ISO range of 100 to 3200. It has super steady shot The price of the new Sony Alpha A200 is $700 (including a DT 18-70mm f3.5-5.6 lens) which is significantly cheaper than the A100. The other bundled option is with the DT 18-70mm f3.5-5.6 lens as well as a 75–300mm f4.5-5.6 lens for a total cost of $900 USD). Considering that the A100 was $900 as a body only deal this is certainly going to appeal to many.

The Sony Alpha A200 is an entry level digital SLR camera from Sony features 10.2-megapixel (effective) APS CCD image sensor, built-in Super SteadyShot® image stabilization, an auto focus speed 1.7x faster than the previous model; improved predictive control performance; quieter shutter sound; automatic pop-up flash; and a 2.7-inch Clear Photo LCDTM screen. The SLR-A200 camera’s supplied lithium ion battery offers up to 750 shots per full charge.

An A200 with the kit 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 lens costs $700. Those wanting telephoto range can pay $900 for the A200W bundle, which adds a 75-300mm f/4.5-5.6 lens. Sony has lastly announced the VG-830AM, a new battery grip which holds two lithium batteries and provides duplicate controls for shooting in portrait orientation. Its price has not be mentioned, but pre-orders for the A200 begin today.

Functionally identical to the A100: the two feature automatic shadow/highlight compensation, as well as built-in image stabilization, which allows shooting at shutter speeds 2.5 to 3.5 stops slower than would normally be required. Memory continues to be supplied by Type I/II CompactFlash cards.

Sony is providing a full line of accessories for the model, including flashes, rechargeable
battery packs and several carrying cases. An interesting addition is the VG-B30AM ergonomic vertical grip equipped with the most essential controls for portrait orientation shooting.

It also allows for the use of two InfoLITHIUM® batteries (sold separately) for up to 1,500 shots on a single, full charge.The DSLR-A200K kit includes the camera body and a DT 18-70mm f3.5-5.6 3.9x zoom lens for about $700. The DSLR-A200W kit includes the camera body, the DT 18-70mm lens and a 75–300mm f4.5-5.6 lens for about $900. Both will ship in February and will be available at sonystyle.com, Sony Style® retail stores (www.sonystyle.com/retail), military base exchanges, and authorized dealers nationwide. Pre-orders begin online on Jan. 7 at www.sonystyle.com/dslr .

Sony Alpha DSLR-A200 specs and features:

* 10.2 megapixel APS-C size CCD with anti-dust cleaning system
* Super SteadyShot image stabilization built into the body of the camera for steady
shots with any compatible lens
* 2.7-inch Clear Photo LCD screen
* Improved noise control for ISO 1600 or 3200 shooting with BIONZ image processor
* 1.7x faster auto focus speed compared to previous model
* Reduced auto focus time, improved predictive control performance, and quieter shutter sound compared to previous model
* Automatic pop-up flash
* Battery life indicator that displays the percentage of battery life remaining
* Built-in anti-dust technology to keep the imager clean and spots away from your photos

* 3 frames-per-second continuous shooting
* Accepts Sony, Carl Zeiss, and Minolta A-mount lenses
* CF Type I/II memory format
* 750-shot lithium-ion battery

 The good:  10.2 megapixels; in-camera image stabilization; eye-start autofocus.

The bad: ISO tops out at ISO 1,600; auto white balance is warm with tungsten light.

The bottom line: Sony’s Alpha DSLR-A100 deserves consideration whether you’re looking for an aternative to Canon and Nikon, you already own a selection of Maxxum AF lenses, or you’re loking for your first digital SLR.

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