Sony has unwrapped a new entry-level digital SLR in the shape of the 10.2-million-pixel A200 which is expected to replace the A100 model launched in 2006.
Sony UK has confirmed a body-only price of £369. It will also be available in a kit that includes an 18-70mm lens, priced £449; and with an 18-70mm and 75-300mm lens in a kit priced £599.
Due in UK stores in February the A200 features an APS-C size CCD sensor, a top equivalent ISO of 3200 and dust protection, using a sensor-shift system combined with an anti-dust coating on the low-pass filter.
Differences over its predecessor are expected to include a 2.7in LCD screen and faster AF using the same AF motor used in the A700 model announced last year.
The A200 also includes eight creative styles: Standard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, Night view, Sunset, b&w and Adobe RGB.
An improved AF control algorithm is said to help focusing on low contrast subjects.
UK specification and availability have yet to be announced.
The newcomer was revealed at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.
KEY FEATURES AS SUPPLIED BY SONY UK.
Camera type Digital SLR with built-in flash and interchangeable lenses
Lens mount Compatible with Sony a lenses and Konica Minolta/Minolta MAXXUM/DYNAX lenses
Image sensor APS-C size CCD with anti-dust system
Sensor resolution 10.2 effective megapixels
Image processor Sony BIONZ engine
Image stabilisation Super SteadyShot with approx. 2.5 ? 3.5 EV decrease in shutter speed (actual stabilisation depends on shooting conditions and lens)
Noise reduction Long exp. & High ISO NR at ISO1600 / 3200
Creative Styles Preset modes: Standard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, Night View, Sunset, B/W, Adobe RGB. Adjustable parameters: Contrast, Saturation, Sharpness D-Range Optimiser operating modes: Off, Standard, Advanced
Scene Selection modes Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports, Sunset, Night Portrait / Night View
Viewfinder Field of view: 95% / Magnification: 0.83x
AF system TTL phase detection, centre-cross 9-point
Sensitivity ISO100 – 3200 equivalent(Recommended Exposure Index)
Light metering 40-segment honeycomb with multi-segment, spot and centre weighted modes
Flash modes Auto, Fill-in, Wireless, Rear, High Speed Synchro and Slow Synchro (Wireless and High Speed Synchro modes require optional accessory flash HVL-F56AM or HVL-F36AM)
Built-in flash system Auto popup (GN 12) with manual popup button
Shutter speed range 1/4000 sec. – 30 sec., bulb (Flash sync speed 1/160 sec.)
Continuous shooting rate Up to approx. 3 fps
Max no. of frames JPEG Fine/Std: unlimited (until memory card is full), RAW+JPEG: 3, RAW: 6 recordable (continuous)
Monitor screen Transparent TFT / 2.7-inch Clear Photo LCD (230k dots) with AR coating
Histogram display Brightness, RGB
Function menu Camera Function Display with direct control of Flash Mode, AF Mode, WB, Metering Mode, AF Area, DRO
Battery type NP-FM500H with InfoLITHIUM % power remaining display on screen
Battery life Approx. 750 shots (CIPA measurement)
Vertical control grip VG-B30AM (optional) accepts up to 2x NP-FM500H batteries
Recording media CompactFlash card: Type I, Type II (Microdrive) Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO Duo, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo with optional adaptor.
Dimensions (WxHxD) Approx. 130.8 x 98.5 x 71.3 mm (excl. protrusions)
Weight Approx. 532 g (w/o batteries or memory card)
