[bassist]

Have just bought this camera, here is a good review of it from camera labs. Sony Alpha DSLR-A200 review Cameralabs introduction When i use it i will post some pics and some first impressions,though as its my first dslr dont hold your breath for an indepth review.......!Peace

Sony Alpha DSLR-A200

The Alpha A200 is Sony’s third DSLR and the successor to its debut model, the best-selling Alpha A100. Launched at CES in early January 2008, the A200 is Sony’s new entry-level DSLR, and as we learnt at the PMA show a few weeks later, the base model upon which at least two subsequent DSLRs would build.

The Alpha A200 shares the same 10.2 Megapixel CCD sensor as its predecessor, but squeezes it into what Sony describes as a smaller and lighter body. Like the two previous Alpha DSLRs, the A200 still features built-in stabilisation which shifts the sensor to counteract camera shake. Like other built-in sensor-shift systems, the benefit is enjoying stabilisation on any lens you attach, although the downside is not being able to see the stabilising effect through the optical viewfinder as you compose your photo.

Beyond the new body shape and control layout, what else is new over the original A100? Sony’s increased the maximum sensitivity from 1600 to 3200 ISO, accelerated the AF performance by 1.7 times, enlarged the screen slightly to 2.7in, employed the same InfoLithium battery pack as the A700 for accurate feedback of remaining charge, and it now supports an optional battery grip.

These are all nice improvements, but they’re hardly ground-breaking, nor do they include the latest technology darling of Live View. At the A200’s launch, this seemed like an oversight by Sony, but a few weeks later at the PMA show, all became clear. The A200 is Sony’s entry-level DSLR, but it’s also the base model for others to build on.

At PMA, Sony announced the A300 and A350 models, which essentially take the A200 and add extra features. For example, the A300 takes the A200 and adds Live View and a vertically tiltable screen. Then the A350 takes the A300 and switches its 10.2 Megapixel sensor for one with 14.2 Megapixels. By doing this, Sony’s effectively created three versions of the same DSLR, allowing you to choose the model which best suits your budget and requirements.