So, let's deconstruct the press release paragraph that discusses the improvements in the a200:

"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; an auto focus speed 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 new model is designed to be faster, lighter and easier to use.

a100: No battery: 545 g

a200: No battery: 532 g

>Upgraded features include a wider, 2.7-inch Clear Photo LCDTM screen for easy playback viewing;

A100: 2.5" TFT LCD ('Clear Photo LCD Plus'), 230,000 pixels
A200: 2.7-inch type, TFT, 230,400 dots

400 more dots and .2" wide. nothing to write home about.

>a more compact body and an easily-accessible mode dial;

a100: 133 x 95 x 71 mm

a200: 130.8 x 98.5 x 71.3 mm

Seems a little less wide and a little taller.

As for the mode dial location, their comment is subjective.

>an easy-to-use function menu (camera function display);

I guess this is the purpose of the new Fn button, which probably brings up a menu to change all the stuff that was on the left dial on the A100. Isn't that how the 5D worked? I think I will like the Fn button over the dial.

>improved noise control for higher quality images;

I assume this means in jpeg mode only. Could RAW be better?

>an auto focus speed 1.7x faster than the previous model;

This is just good news.

>improved predictive control performance;

Does this mean the camera will beep if it thinks I will be taking a bad picture in the next 30 minutes? :-)

Any idea what this is?

>quieter shutter sound;

This is very very welcome. Many they are using some A700 technology. Also, maybe this wil help the lazy eye issue.

>automatic pop-up flash;

Only in Auto and scene modes. I have no comment.

>and a battery life indicator that displays the percentage of battery life remaining so you know exactly when to recharge.

This is good, but it means buying new batteries if upgrading from an A100.

My guess is that the MSRP of the body only will be $600, discounted to $550 soon, and $500 by summer. That means an A100 body should sell used for $400-$500.

Faster focus, quieter shutter make it a tempting upgrade.
Fixed lazy would seal the deal for me.

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Thanks,

Allan Marcus
Sony Alpha A-100
Olympus C-750
Mac OS X