Balko Photo

Rumors abound about this new camera and it flip-out LCD screen. I must emphasize that this is still rumor, but in the world of digital photography, we live on rumors. It provides hope for the future; that ray of sunshine in our otherwise dismal lives.

Feed yourself at Dyxum.

* Check it at Amazon Sony Alpha A200K 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera Kit with Super SteadyShot Image Stabilization with 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens

In the meantime, here’s what we know…

The new model is designed to be faster, lighter and easier to use. Upgraded features include a wider, 2.7-inch Clear Photo LCDTM screen for easy playback viewing; a more compact body and an easily-accessible mode dial; an easy-to-use function menu (camera function display); improved noise control for higher quality images … With its 10.2-megapixel (effective) APS CCD image sensor, the DSLR-A200 camera continues to offer high-quality images by allowing more light to pass through to each pixel – increasing sensitivity, reducing noise, and providing greater detail … The DSLR-A200K kit includes the camera body and a DT 18-70mm f3.5-5.6 3.9x zoom lens for about $700. The DSLR-A200W kit includes the camera body, the DT 18-70mm lens and a 75–300mm f4.5-5.6 lens for about $900. Both will ship in February and will be available at sonystyle.com, Sony Style® retail stores (www.sonystyle.com/retail), military base exchanges, and authorized dealers nationwide. Pre-orders begin online on Jan. 7 at www.sonystyle.com/dslr.
from Digital Photog Review

Most noticeable external changes are a modestly bigger LCD monitor and the elimination of the Function dial on top, which gave access to settings for ISO, white balance, Dynamic Range Optimizer (DRO), color profiles, flash modes, focus modes, and meter pattern. Instead, the A200 has an A700-style Function (Fn) button within easy reach of the thumb on the back of the camera. This provides quick access to camera controls via the rear LCD panel, whose interface more closely resembles that of the A700. The new camera can also accept a vertical grip, VG-B30AM ($250, street) that can use one or two rechargeable batteries.

In spite of the bigger screen and a few tweaks, isn’t this camera a little less than the old A100? Well, yes. Sony is clearly positioning the A200 as the entry-level DSLR in its lineup, and its projected street price ($699 with 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5 Sony DT lens) reflects that. Moreover, the A200 will be available only with the kit lens, not body-only.

It’s still quite a deal. You get a camera capable of Excellent image quality (with resolution right around 2,000 lines), useful image controls such as DRO, a fine-performing lens, and image stabilization that will work with virtually any lens that fits on the camera.
from PopPhoto