Sony Alpha A200K 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera Kit with Super SteadyShot Image Stabilization with 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens by Sony
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Digital camera reviews of Sony Alpha A200K 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera Kit with Super SteadyShot Image Stabilization with 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens
Digital camera Review: Dollar for dollar a truly great camera!
Summary: 5 Stars
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.
Digital camera Review: EXCELLENT CAMERA
Summary: 5 Stars
I GOT THIS CAMERA FOR MY WIFE ON OUR 10TH ANNIVERSARY AND SHE COULD NOT HAVE BEEN HAPPIER. TAKES GREAT QUALITY PICS AND IS VERY EASY TO USE ONCE YOU GET THE HANG OF IT. SO FAR THE ONLY NEGATIVE IT NOT BEING ABLE TO SEE THE PICTURE IN THE LCD SCREEN BEFORE TAKING THE PICTURE, BUT I FOUND OUT THAT IS OFFERED IN THE A300K. WILL PROBABLY UPGRADE ONCE WE FIND OUT WHAT ALL THIS CAMERA HAS TO OFFER.Digital camera Review: Excellent starter SLR. However options limited
Summary: 4 Stars
I was thrilled to purchase this DSLR primarily because I had a bunch of old Minolta Maxxum lenses and could once again start to use them on a DSLR. As I did my research, I did notice that this model has won good reviews all around, even though it is considered a basic entry-level model in the SLR market.
The pictures I've taken so far have been nicely exposed and sharp. But you would expect that. So what's not to like?
1. Shortage of third party accessories. You can't get a cheap flash from, say, Sunpak like you used to for the old Minolta cameras. I haven't found a definitive yea or nay on whether the Minolta flashes work with the Sony.
2. Proprietary battery. Sony will take you to the cleaners when it is time to replace your (rechargeable) battery. I could buy batteries for the old Maxxum for less than ten dollars.
3. You won't be mistaken for a pro. But that's OK because you probably aren't one, otherwise you'd be buying the high end Nikons and Canons.
4. People stepping up from point and shoots -- note you won't be able to use the LCD screen as a "viewfinder". This is because of the mechanics of how an SLR works. Regardless there are other models (more expensive) within the Sony range that work around this limitation.
Overall I'm happy with what I got. Try to search around for used but useable Minolta Maxxum lenses, and you can get yourself a fancy DSLR package on the cheap.
Digital camera Review: Fine camera; SUPERB customer service from Sony!
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought this camera from Amazon one month ago and have been very satisfied with it (and of course, Amazon's great service). I won't repeat the many pros cited in other Amazon reviews, but I was blown away with Sony's online customer service. For many years now, most companies' CS strategy has been to promise more and deliver less. I was therefore quite unprepared for my excellent experience. I was unable to find a particular "how to" answer in the camera manual so I went to Sony's website. After entering the model number, I was given the option to do a real-time chat. To my amazement, (a) I was immediately connected with someone, (b) she quickly acknowledged that DSLRs were beyond her and she was transferring me to a specialist, (c) the specialist responded a few seconds later....and (d) she correctly answered my detailed and rather technical question! I'm still in shock. If you're debating between camera manufacturers, this is something to seriously consider before making you choice.Digital camera Review: First hands on...very nice entry level DSLR!
Summary: 5 Stars
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