The Sony α (alpha) DSLR-A200 camera is designed to be faster, lighter and easier to use than its predecessor - the DSLR-A100. With its 10.2-megapixel (effective) Super HAD APS-C sized CCD image sensor, the DSLR-A200 camera captures high-quality images with increased sensitivity, reduced image noise, and greater detail. The Sony BIONZ processing engine provides data-rich picture information at high speeds and reduces picture noise in the RAW data stage before image JPEG conversion. The results are high-resolution, detailed images with rich tonal reproduction.

The DSLR-A200 camera also incorporates Sony's Super SteadyShot image stabilization in the body to allow shooting at shutter speeds of 2.5 to 3.5 steps slower than otherwise possible, and since the stabilization system is built into the camera body, every compatible lens attached to the camera (including all Minolta Maxxum and Sony Alpha lens) benefits from it. The DSLR-A200 model supports JPEG and RAW file formats, and it records images on CompactFlash (Type I & II) media cards. An adaptor for Memory Stick Duo media cards is sold separately as an accessory.

The camera has other upgraded features including a more compact body with an easily-accessible mode dial; an easy-to-use function menu (camera function display); an auto focus speed that is 1.7x faster than the previous model; improved predictive control performance; quieter shutter sound; automatic pop-up flash; and a battery life indicator that displays the percentage of battery life remaining so you know exactly when to recharge.

The camera's 2.7-inch Clear Photo LCD screen provides easy playback viewing. Its vibrant, easy-to-view screen features 230K-pixel resolution, an anti-reflection coating and a glare-reducing layer that assures vivid, accurate colors with a wide viewing angle, even in daylight. The on-screen navigation display shows camera settings and key shooting information in large, easy-to-read text, and the display's orientation automatically switches from landscape to portrait position when the camera is turned on its side.

10.2 Megapixel Super HAD CCD

The large APS-size Super HAD (Hole Accumulated Diode) CCD provides 10.2 megapixels of resolution for images with detail and definition. Furthermore, The Super HAD CCD allows more light to pass to each pixel to expand dynamic range, minimize noise more effectively and provide greater detail for making big prints or cropping in tight on your subject.

Bionz Image Processor

The A200 is equipped with a BIONZ image processing engine using hardware-based Large Scale Integrated (LSI) circuitry to enhance images with rich tonal reproduction, improved white balance and exposure control, and expanded D-Range Optimizer capabilities to assure superb print quality and greater post-processing flexibility. Furthermore, with 2-channel data transfer from CCD to processor, BIONZ image processing engine allos the camera to respond faster.

Super SteadyShot in-camera Image Stabilization

The Super SteadyShot Image Stabilization system uses a high-performance sensor that detects vibrations and the image stabilization system automatically compensates by moving the image sensor. Because image stabilization is built into the A200, the system works with any Alpha lens, enabling you to capture sharp images at shutter speeds from 2.5 to 3.5 steps slower than would otherwise be possible, so you can shoot effectively at higher shutter speeds even in very low light with minimum blur from shaky hands or fast-moving subjects.

Expanded ISO Sensitivity

Broad sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 3200 enables the DSLR-A200 to capture beautiful color images even in very dim light. When shooting at these higher settings, the BIONZ engine assures the highest possible image quality by applying high-ISO noise reduction immediately before each image is processed. This, together with powerful Super SteadyShot image stabilization, enables you to use faster shutter speeds in low light, and greatly expands the range of situations in which you can shoot.

Dynamic Range Optimizer

An improved D-Range Optimizer helps ensure even more beautifully balanced exposures in backlit situations, and helps to recover details hidden in shadows or lost in glare. In the Normal DRO mode, it optimizes brightness and contrast for the image overall, and in the Advanced DRO mode, it optimizes each area of the composition separately to bring out maximum shadow and highlight detail. The D-Range Optimizer can be used on all image formats in all metering modes.

Anti-Dust Technology

All digital SLR cameras are susceptible to dust contamination when changing lenses, but the A200 employs built-in systems to keep the sensor clean, and your images beautiful. First, there's an anti-static coating to help prevent dust from adhering to the low-pass filter and other internal components. And to dislodge any particles that do manage to reach the CCD, the sensor is vibrated at ultra-high speed every time the camera is switched off.

3 fps Continuous Burst Mode

To capture action more effectively, the A200 offers continuous JPEG shooting up to the limit of your flash memory card at a rate of 3 frames per second, and the RAW Burst Mode can capture up to 6 shots thanks to the intelligent buffer management system that allow more shots to be captured without waiting for the buffer to clear.

Auto Pop-Up Flash

In Auto or some scene selection modes, the camera flash automatically pops up and fires when needed to help you shoot more effectively. Flash is cancelled in Landscape, Sport or Sunset modes and in "Flash Off" position on the Exposure Mode dial. The flash power is rated GN12 (ISO100â¿¢m), with wide enough coverage to allow use with an 18mm fisheye lens.

Eye-Start Autofocus System

With the Eye-Start Autofocus System, the camera begins precision autofocus adjustments the moment you raise the camera to your eye - unlike most DSLR cameras that don't start focusing until the shutter button is half-pressed.

9-Point Center Cross AF Sensor

A fast focus motor and improved focus control help bring images into sharp definition more quickly, with predictive focus control that automatically calculates the position of a fast-moving subject.

Flexible, Accurate Exposure Control

A 40-segment honeycomb sensing system provides multi-pattern measuring for superior exposure control accuracy, plus you can also select center-weighted or spot metering modes. There is also 6 preset White Balance control settings and RGB Histogram display to check color balance.

Scene Selection Modes

Along with auto exposure, the A200 gives you scene selection modes to optimize camera performance for Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports, Sunset and Night Portrait/Night View situations.

Creative Style Settings

To express your creativity and personal taste, you can 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.

Selectable 16:9 Aspect Ratio

The A200 provides the option of recording images in the 16:9 format that enables you to view dramatic slideshows on a widescreen HDTV. In addition, if you use PhotoTV HD-compatible Sony peripheral devices for image playback, you can enjoy an even higher level of big-screen display quality.

2.7" Clear Photo LCD Screen

The large 2.7-inch Clear Photo LCD monitor makes it easy to review photos after they are taken, and lets you zoom in on specific details to confirm focus. Its anti-reflective coating makes it easy to read camera setup menus even in bright sunlight and detailed shooting information and histograms can also be displayed for on-the-spot confirmation of exposure balance and highlight/shadow reproduction. In addition, the screen automatically switches to a vertical-format display when you rotate the camera for vertical-format shooting, and switches off automatically when you put your eye to the viewfinder.

Index and Slide Show Display

The large screen is great for viewing photos - to quickly review your photos, the α (alpha) DSLR-A200 can display a 4, 9 or 25-frame index to help you find your favorites fast, or use the automatic slide shows with fade-in/fade-out effect to view all of your images.

Function Guide Display

The on-screen menus are intuitive and easy to use, and a simple Camera Function Display can be activated and operated with one hand using the Fn (Function) button and controller button to adjust Flash mode, Autofocus mode, White Balance, Metering mode, AF area and D-Range Optimizer. It's a fast and easy way to get to frequently used functions without having to navigate through multi-level menus.

Stamina Battery Power

You can take up to 750 shots on a fully charged NP-FM500H InfoLITHIUM battery, and you'll be able to see about how much power remains in percentage increments, so you can keep shooting in confidence.

High-Capacity Media Options

For conveniently storing and sharing your images, the A200 accepts CompactFlash Type I & II media and Memory Stick PRO Duo media via an optional adaptor.