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Sony Alpha A200

February 2, 2008 Posted by

 


  • 10.2-megapixel APS-C size CCD with 3,872 x 2,592-pixel images
  • ISO from 100 to 3,200
  • Super SteadyShot® CCD shift image stabilization with anti-dust feature
  • High-speed Bionz image processing engine
  • 9-point AF with eye-start activation
  • Continuous 3fps shooting limited only by size and speed of the media card
  • 2.7-inch “Clear Photo LCD”, auto-dimmed by viewfinder eye-start AF sensor
  • Sony Alpha lens mount, compatible with Minolta A-type bayonet mount
  • 10.2 MP Super HAD™ CCD. Superb image quality gives you great DSLR shots right from the start, with a large APS-size CCD imager developed by Sony to expand dynamic range, minimize noise more effectively and provide greater detail for making big prints or cropping in tight on your subject.
  • Expanded ISO Sensitivity. Broad sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 3200 enables the ? (alpha) DSLR-A200 to capture beautiful color images even in very dim light — with High ISO Noise Reduction technology that reduces picture noise artifacts at high-sensitivity ISO 1600 and ISO 3200 settings by eliminating noise from RAW data after analog-to-digital conversion.
    • Super SteadyShot® in-camera Image Stabilization. A high-performance sensor detects vibrations and the image stabilization system automatically compensates. Because image stabilization is built into the ? (alpha) DSLR-A200, every lens benefits — and with an advantage of from 2.5 to 3.5 stops, you can shoot effectively at higher shutter speeds even in very low light with minimum blur from shaky hands or fast-moving subjects.
    • Bionz™ Image Processor. The “brain” of the ? (Alpha) DSLRA200 is the advanced Sony Bionz™ Image Processor, using hardwarebased Large Scale Integrated (LSI) circuitry to enhance images with rich tonal reproduction, improved white balance and exposure control, and expanded D-Range Optimizer capabilities. With 2-channel data transfer from CCD to processor, your camera can also respond faster.
    • Dynamic Range Optimizer. To improve results with backlit subjects and recover details hidden in shadows or lost in glare, the ? (alpha) DSLR-A200 provides Dynamic Range Optimizer at two levels: Normal DRO, to improve detail using standard gamma curves for fast shot-to-shot response time, or Advanced DRO, to adjust dynamic range area-byarea for the greatest precision.
    • Anti-Dust Technology. Changing lenses in a DSLR can allow dust to enter the camera — so to keep the CCD imager cleaner for better pictures, the ? (alpha) DSLR-A200 utilizes both static-free anti-dust coating on the CCD filter and anti-dust vibration that automatically shakes the CCD to dislodge dust each time the camera is shut off.
    • Auto Pop-Up Flash. In Auto or some scene selection modes, the camera flash automatically pops up and fires when needed to help you shoot more effectively. Flash is cancelled in Landscape, Sport or Sunset modes and in “Flash Off” position on the Exposure Mode dial.
    • Eye-Start Autofocus System. It begins precision autofocus adjustments the moment you raise the camera to your eye — so unlike some DSLR cameras that don’t start focusing until the shutter button is half-pressed, the Sony ? (alpha) DSLR-A200 never slows down your ability to catch fast action.
    • 9-Point Center Cross AF Sensor. A fast focus motor and improved focus control help bring images into sharp definition more quickly, with predictive focus control that automatically calculates the position of a fast-moving subject.
    • Flexible, Accurate Exposure Control. A 40-segment honeycomb sensing system provides multi-pattern measuring for superior exposure control accuracy — and you can also select center-weighted or spot metering modes. You’ll also have 6 preset White Balance control settings and RGB Histogram display to check color balance.
    • Scene Selection Modes. Along with auto exposure, the ? (alpha) DSLR-A200 gives you scene selection modes to optimize camera performance for Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports, Sunset and Night Portrait/Night View situations.
    • Creative Style Settings. To express your creativity and personal taste, you can adjust contrast, saturation and sharpness settings for any of 8 finishing styles — including Standard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, Night View, Sunset, B & W and Adobe RGB modes.
    • 2.7″ Clear Photo™ LCD Screen. A large built-in screen with antireflective coating makes it easy to read camera setup menus even in bright sunlight and improves image quality.

    Additional Features

    • Index and Slide Show Display
    • High-Resolution Thumbnails for
    • PhotoTV HD Viewing
    • Function Guide Display
    • Continuous Burst Mode at 3 Frames Per Second
    • Stamina® Battery Power
    • High-Capacity Media Options
    • Advanced Lenses and Accessories

    PhotoTV HD feature requires output via supplied Sony USB connector cable with select Sony BRAVIA® HDTV; HDTV sold separately.

    Expected to ship in February, the Sony A200 kit (DSLR-A200K) will come with a DT 18-70mm (3.9x) f/3.5-5.6 zoom lens for an estimated US$700. A separate Sony A200 kit (DSLR-A200W) will include two lenses: the DT 18-70mm mentioned above, and a 75-300mm f/4.6-5.6 telephoto zoom for an estimated US$499. The Sony A200 is expected to available for pre-order starting January 7, 2008.