Sony Alpha A200K 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera Kit with Super SteadyShot Image Stabilization with 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens | 
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| Brand: Sony
Category: Photography
Buy Used: $384.91
New (15) Used (12) Refurbished (4) from $384.91
Rating:  48 reviews
Sales Rank: 446
Media: Electronics
Batteries Included: No
Floppy Disk Drive: None
Includes Software: Yes
Optical Zoom: 3.9
Display Size: 2.7
Maximum Focal Length: 70
Minimum Focal Length: 18
Maximum Resolution: 10
Has Red Eye Reduction: Yes
Shipping Weight (lbs): 6
Dimensions (in): 12 x 14 x 9
Warranty: 1 year warranty
MPN: B00125MHVM
Model: B00125MHVM
UPC: 027242714199
EAN: 0027242714199
ASIN: B00125MHVM
Release Date: February 14, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Features:
| • | 10-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 18 x 24-inch prints | | • | Kit includes 18-70mm lens | | • | Super Steadyshot image stabilization; Bionz image processor | | • | 2.7-inch ClearPhoto LCD; Eye-Start autofocus system | | • | Powered by lithium-ion battery (supplied); stores images on CF I/II and Memory Stick Pro Duo cards |
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Product Description
Set your creativity free. The Sony a (alpha) DSLR-A200 camera is poised to welcome you into the exciting world of DSLR performance. A DT(R) 18-70mm is included here, as well as superb 10.2 megapixel imaging, high-sensitivity shooting, and Super SteadyShot(R) in-camera image stabilization that reduces blur with a brilliant array of Sony, Carl Zeiss and Minolta a-mount lenses. It's fast, lightweight and incredibly easy to operate, with a large 2.7" LCD screen, simple Function Guide menu display and Creative Style settings to fine-tune camera performance. The powerful Bionz processing engine is also included to increase response time. Built-in ElectronicFlash - Built-in Auto Pop-up - Auto, Fill-flash, Rear flash sync, Slow Sync, High Speed Sync, Wireless off camera flash (with Flash HVL-F56AM, F36AM) Self-Timer modes 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 Accepts CompactFlash Type I/II media and Memory Stick(R) PRO Duo media via an optional adaptor Unit Dimensions (Approx.) (WHD) 5 3/16 x 3 7/8 x 2 13/16 (130.8 x 98.5 x 71.3 mm) / 1 pound 2.8 ounces Comes with DT(R) 18-70mm f3.5 Zoom lens; NP-FM500H rechargeable battery (7.2V, 1600 mAh; CIPA standard - approx. 750 pictures); BC-VM10 battery charger; Video and USB cables; Shoulder strap with eyepiece cap and Remote Commander(R) clip; Body cap; Software/USB Driver CD-ROM; Sony USA 1-Year Parts and Labor Warranty documentation
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| Customer Reviews: Read 43 more reviews...
 Dollar for dollar a truly great camera! April 18, 2008
72 out of 72 found this review helpful
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.
Great Camera, Great Price!!! April 4, 2008
47 out of 47 found this review helpful
Sony has really done it. This isn't gonna be a technical review, just what I feel are strong points and weak points of this camera.
This is a great camera for beginners of SLR's to learn on but ain't too bad for those of you who know what you are doing. I myself have had film SLR's for many years, this is my first DSLR and cost was a factor for me. I am in no way made of money so the low price really sold me (no pun intended). The features you expect from an SLR are all there, and you can go from full auto to full manual and every point in between in a just a flip of a switch and the pressing of a few buttons to set up your shot.
Built in Image Stabilization is a great feature to have, especially when some camera makers build it into the lens, which, in turn, makes your lens prices considerably higher.
Some people complain about no live view on the LCD, but I personally prefer no live view. It saves on some battery life and it makes it feel like more of a real camera and less of a point and shoot. If you want live view, wait for the A300K
The camera feels sturdy and isn't too big or small. I have very large hands and the camera feels good in my hands. It is mostly plastic, which in a way can feel a bit cheap but doesn't seem to be a problem at this time.
ISO setting is great. If you want to shoot in low light situations you have ISO settings up to 3200 with a supposed noise reduction but I haven't checked that out yet. I personally have it set on 100 and will keep it there for the least amount of noise.
Media options are GREAT!!! Sony MemorySticks are ridiculously priced. Especially when you need to have a high capacity one for these big pics (esp. shooting in RAW). Luckily this camera takes CompactFlash cards, which are some of the cheapest one you can get. (I got mine here on Amazon 4GB for $42).
The only thing I have a problem with on this camera is that you have to pay an extra $12 for an LCD protector (small plastic cover for LCD screen). Some camera makers include this with their SLR's. Sony should have included this as well.
Just don't forget the accessories. It will be nice to get the 70mm-300mm lens (which I got for $229) for those far away and macro shots. Screen protector is $12. Memory will vary by the amount you get. I also bought a nice tripod/monopod for $40.
So that's it. With this camera you will be taking very nice pictures, at high resolutions and at a reasonable price. There are very few downfalls in the design, and a lot of extremely nice features. Hope this helps with your decision.
First hands on...very nice entry level DSLR! March 30, 2008
60 out of 65 found this review helpful
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
Sony Alpha A200K April 21, 2008
18 out of 19 found this review helpful
I'd been in the market for a new digital camera for a few months after my Canon point-and-shoot started showing an error message and stopped working. I've wanted to move up to a DSLR for some time and now was the perfect time seeing as the prices for many of the entry level cameras has come down significantly in the past few years.
It was really a toss-up between this and the Nikon D60. I threw the decision to some of my photo friends who initially laughed at Sony (one of them actually said, "Sony makes TVs...would you buy a car from a skateboard company?" The Nikons are very popular at the moment, but I've had luck with Sony products--computers, camcorders, and yes, tv's--so I figured to give the Sony a shot.
I've really had a great experience with the camera thus far. I was able to get some great shooting time this weekend as there was a large festival at my campus and many of the shots came out great. For some night shots I wish I'd brought my tripod, but overall the shots were really great.
I feel that this camera has a good balance of features--auto modes and presets that are actually pretty good as well as really intuitive manual controls--AND it takes Minolta lenses (for more info on this, do a quick google search). The camera is light compared to regular film SLRs or other DSLRs, but it still feels very substantial.
Though they're not specific to Sony cameras, RAW images are great to work with. As one webpage put it, working with RAW images is like having a film negative to work with (in photoshop, iphoto, etc) whereas jpegs are like having a flat print. If you're into photoshop or other types of digital enhancing/manipulation, RAW format is the way to go. Sure, the files are huge, but it opens up a whole new world.
I simply cannot BELIEVE this kit is priced so cheap! June 24, 2008
16 out of 17 found this review helpful
Prequel: I am coming from a strict Nikon background and due to having my $4000 kit(D80, 3 VR, 3 2.8 pro lenses, etc) stolen out of my car, am starting all over again.
That being said, I don't have $4000 to plop down at once, so I decided to get an "entry to mid-level" system and after many internal battles, decided to try something different and go with the Alpha system. My thoughts were if things didn't work out with this setup, I haven't spent that much and could use it for a carry-around camera. So far I see absolutely NO reason to go back to Nikon. Yes, this system is THAT good.
First off, the built-in Image Stabilization(Super Steady Shot) works wonders. I was able to hand hold the camera at a shutter speed of 1/5th of a second with an ISO of 400 and still get usable output.
Second, the kit lens is actually pretty darn good! There are some signs of CA(purple fringing) and softness wide open, but they are kept to a minimum. This lens is CERTAINLY better than the kit lens offered with the XT and Xti (I haven't had a chance to try out the XSi kit yet) and equivalent to the excellent 18-55mm Nikon kit lens(The De facto of kit lenses). Not to mention the image quality the body brings to the table! I have printed out and framed a picture taken at (ASA) ISO 1600! Now don't get me wrong, theres noise at that level, but its nothing like the 1st gen, a100. Of course, it goes without saying, lower ISO shots are very vivid and sharp.
Lastly, the menu structure and usability are second to none. Everything is laid out in a fashion that just makes sense.
All-In-All, this is a system I have NO problems recommending to ANYONE!
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