| |
 |
|
| Click photo for more images. |
At the 2008 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas NV, Sony introduced the successor to its Alpha 100 digital SLR. The Alpha 200 has a more compact body and a slightly larger 2.7-inch LCD, new firmware, and a top light-sensitivity setting of ISO 3200 instead of the Alpha 100's ISO 1600. Sony also says it offers improved optical image stabilization algorithms, an autofocus speed that is 1.7 times faster than the Alpha 100's, improved image-noise control, and a quieter shutter. The new camera's battery system provides a percentage-remaining readout as well.
To achieve the Alpha 200's more compact design, Sony removed a top-mounted control dial that provided direct access to several frequently used settings. Fortunately, the designers added a dedicated ISO button to preserve quick access to that setting, as well as a function-menu button for efficient adjustment to other frequently used controls.
In other respects, the Alpha 200 resembles its predecessor, with a 10.2-megapixel APS-C CCD sensor, a Minolta A-type bayonet lens mount that takes Sony, Minolta Maxxum, and Zeiss optics, and a built-in dust-removal system.
The Alpha 200 will be available in February 2008 in two kits: The DSLR-A200K kit will include Sony's DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 3.9x zoom lens and be priced at about $700. The DSLR-A200W kit will add a 75-300mm f/4.5-5.6 lens and be priced at about $900. Sony will also sell a full line of accessories for the Alpha 200, including the new VG-B30AM vertical grip. Pricing for the grip has not yet been announced.
Popular Photography editor Dan Richards was able to spend a little time with the Alpha 200 before its debut. Read his take on it here.
|
