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Nikon D80

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 New: $499.00

New (11) Used (13) Refurbished (4) from $399.99

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

46 reviews
Sales Rank: 410

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 10
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

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

Accessories:

•	Induro Carbonflex 8x Tripod CX-114
•	Adobe Photoshop CS4
•	Adobe Photoshop Elements & Premiere Elements 7
•	Adobe Photoshop Elements 7

Similar Items:

•	SanDisk SDCFH-004G-A11 4GB/15MB Ultra II CF Card ( US Retail Package )
•	Sony PCK-LH2AM LCD Protector Cover Type for Sony A200 DSLR
•	Sony ACC-AMFM11 Accessory Kit (Includes NP-FM500H Rechargeable Battery Pack and LCS-SC11 Case) for the Sony Alpha Digital SLR
•	Sony NPFM500H Alpha Rechargeable Battery Pack
•	SanDisk SDCFX3-004G-A31 4 GB Extreme III CompactFlash Card (Retail Package)

Editorial Reviews:

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

Customer Reviews: Read 41 more reviews...

5 out of 5 stars

First hands on...very nice entry level DSLR! March 30, 2008
Hiram Grant
58 out of 63 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

5 out of 5 stars

Dollar for dollar a truly great camera! April 18, 2008
Gronne (USA)
57 out of 57 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.

5 out of 5 stars

Great Camera, Great Price!!! April 4, 2008
Reza K. (Vallejo, CA United States)
39 out of 39 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.

4 out of 5 stars

Excellent starter SLR. However options limited April 29, 2008
Jagadeesh K. Venugopal
29 out of 37 found this review helpful

I was thrilled to purchase this DSLR primarily because I had a bunch of old Minolta Maxxum lenses and could once again start to use them on a DSLR. As I did my research, I did notice that this model has won good reviews all around, even though it is considered a basic entry-level model in the SLR market.

The pictures I've taken so far have been nicely exposed and sharp. But you would expect that. So what's not to like?

1. Shortage of third party accessories. You can't get a cheap flash from, say, Sunpak like you used to for the old Minolta cameras. I haven't found a definitive yea or nay on whether the Minolta flashes work with the Sony.

2. Proprietary battery. Sony will take you to the cleaners when it is time to replace your (rechargeable) battery. I could buy batteries for the old Maxxum for less than ten dollars.

3. You won't be mistaken for a pro. But that's OK because you probably aren't one, otherwise you'd be buying the high end Nikons and Canons.

4. People stepping up from point and shoots -- note you won't be able to use the LCD screen as a "viewfinder". This is because of the mechanics of how an SLR works. Regardless there are other models (more expensive) within the Sony range that work around this limitation.

Overall I'm happy with what I got. Try to search around for used but useable Minolta Maxxum lenses, and you can get yourself a fancy DSLR package on the cheap.

3 out of 5 stars

AF Illuminator??? Read Warranty..... May 6, 2008
J. Carag
26 out of 26 found this review helpful

additional Info FYI
Hi guys just wanted to share this with you..........

About a week ago I was taking some nature photograph's ...It was a hot day here in Miami and I was sweating quite a bit. After about 30-40 shots the lcd turned orange then green then the camera died. I sent it to the service center in Laredo TX, They told me there was corrosion on one of the boards and it was'nt covered by the warranty.
Wow...was I dissapointed , They gave me the option to repair it for $350.00 or trade it in for a new camera ....I opted to upgrade to the A300 for $347.00 (Duh!) .
My point ....These cameras should be able to withstand some drops of sweat...we do take photos in the heat.....so take extra care of yours ...unless u want to upgrade to the A300 Hahahah. Another expensive lesson for me..........
I'm looking forward to the A300 it should be arriving by early next week. hopefully the live view will minimize sticking my face on the camera while sweating........hahaha. Hope to post more photos soon...
If I hadnt bought so many accessories and lenses for the sony i wouldve gone another direction.....

I agree it's a great camera for its price. I sold my D40 to buy the A200.
Great sharp shots in daylight. One thing bugs me .....The AF illuminator does'nt work well in dim light. I was actually looking for the AF illuminator on this and could'nt find one. I did some research and one site said it's built in w /the flash....Does'nt work too well as far as i'm concerned ....The AF goes loco in really dim conditions. This is one thing sony should improve on.

.......follow up... i just received my HVL-F36AM flash by Sony and the AF Assist on the external flash works much much better...I reccomend u get one if you're planning to take a lot of shots in dim lighting....

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