New Sony DSLR

January 7, 2008: Sony has released details of its DSLR-A200 camera, which replaces the A100 at the entry level in the company’s DSLR range.
Featuring a 10.2-megapixel high resolution CCD imager, BIONZ image processing engine and ISO3200 sensitivity, the A200 comes with built-in Super Steady Shot image stabilisation, which is compatible with all Sony Alpha lenses. This popular body-integrated stabilisation system has been enhanced in the A200 with an improved control algorithm which enables users to shoot at shutter speeds of 2.5 to 3.5 steps slower than they could without stabilisation.

Front view of the DSLR-A200 with the flash raised.
Features carried over from the A100 model include an enhanced D-Range Optimiser, an anti-dust protection system and a high precision, centre-cross, 9-point autofocus sensor that incorporates Sony’s eye-start activation. Lens drive time has been greatly reduced compared to the A100 and responsiveness is further enhanced through use of the same motor as in the high-end A700 model. The A200 also offers ISO 3200 sensitivity, currently the highest level among entry-class DSLR cameras. High ISO Noise Reduction activates at ISO1600 or ISO3200.
A 2.7-inch Clear Photo Plus LCD display with a resolution of 230,000 pixels provides a wide viewing angle for checking shots and sharing images. The eye-level penta-Dach-mirror viewfinder offers 95% frame coverage and has a magnification of 0.83x (with a 50mm lens) and an eyepoint of 17.6mm. Diopter adjustment of -2.5 to +1.0 diopter is provided. The pop-up auto flash has a GN of 12 (metres, ISO 100) and supports +/- 2EV of exposure adjustments in 0.3EV increments.
Three metering modes are supported: Multi-segment (40-segment honeycomb), Centre-weighted and Spot. The A200 also supports continuous shooting at up to three frames/second and JPEGs can be recorded until the memory card is full. Sony has also expanded the Creative Style functions to provide eight pre-set finish modes: Standard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, Night View, Sunset, Black and White and Adobe RGB. Photographers can customise the contrast, saturation and sharpness of the image to suit the scene and user’s intention.

The new camera is compatible with a wide range of lenses and other accessories.
The new camera will be offered in a twin lens kit that contains 18-70mm and 75-300mm lenses for an RRP of $1399. Optional accessories include the VG-B30AM vertical grip, LCD protective cover, soft carrying case and eyepiece cup. The A200 is due for release early next month. For full product details and stockist information, visit www.sony.com.au.

SPECIFICATIONS

Image sensor: 23.6 x 15.8 mm CCD with 10.8 million photosites (10.2 megapixels effective)

Lens mount: Sony Alpha mount (Minolta lenses)
Focal length crop factor: 1.5x
Image formats: ARW.RAW (12-bit); JPEG; RAW+JPEG
Image Sizes: 3:2 aspect ratio ““ 3872 x 2592, 2896 x 1936, 1920 x 1280; 16:9 aspect ratio ““ 3872 x 2176, 2896 x 1632, 1920 x 1088
Image Stabilisation: Body-integrated CCD-shift type

Dust removal: Vibration of optical low pass filter in front of sensor; charge protection coating on filter
Shutter speed range: 1/4000 to 30 sec plus Bulb; X-synch at 1/160 sec.

Exposure Compensation: +/- 2 EV in increments of 1/3EV
Self-timer: 2 or 10 sec. delay
Focus system: TTL phase detection with CCD line sensors; 9 AF points

Focus modes: Single-shot AF, continuous AF, manual focusing; wide and spot focusing modes plus AF point selection
Exposure metering: TTL full-aperture metering with 40-segment honeycomb pattern SPC; multi-saegment, Centre-weighted, Spot metering
Shooting modes: Program AE, Shutter-priority auto, Aperture-priority auto, Manual; six Scene Selection modes (Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports, Sunset, Night Portrait)

Picture Style/Control settings: Standard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, Night View, Sunset, Black and White and Adobe RGB

Colour space options: sRGB, Adobe RGB
ISO range: ISO 100-3200
White balance: Auto, daylight, shade, cloudy, tungsten, fluorescent, flash; colour temperature setting; bracketing in increments of 3 frames
Flash: Built-in flash GN 12 (ISO 100 in metres)
Flash exposure adjustment: +/- 2 EV in 0.3 EV increments
Sequence shooting: 3 fps to memory capacity with JPEGs; 6 RAW frames or 3 RAW+JPEG frames
Storage Media: CF Type I, II or Microdrive, single slot; Memory Stick via optional adaptor
Viewfinder: Eye-level penta-Dach-mirror; 95% coverage; approx. 0.83x magnification; 17.6mm eyepoint; dioptric adjustment -2.5 to +1 dpt

LCD monitor: 2.7-inch TFT colour LCD, 230,400 dots

Interface terminals: USB 2.0 Hi-speed, Video Out (PAL/NTSC)
Power supply: NP-FM500H rechargeable lithium-ion battery (up to 750 shots per charge)
Dimensions (wxhxd): 130.8 x 98.5 x 71.3 mm (body only)
Weight: Approx. 532 grams (body only)