Remember back, to September when I started a similar thread on the A700?

Well lets just keep the tradition going shall we? :)

The A200 is somewhat of a surprise for me in the price category/features set. I am usually not surprised by Sony with price/performance releases. I thought the A200 would be the same price out of the gate as the A100, but it looks like 300 less out of the gate! AND is a much better camera spec wise than the A100 on paper. Sony is good at surprises.

This camera offers a lot for the money, and watch for Nikon and Canon to follow suit at PMA/Photokina etc. When the A100 was released, it was first in class in many respects. This year the A200 is is first in class in price, and has very respectable specifications. It should be very competitive and lets hope it sells well.

I am going to order one for testing and reviewing (stay tuned for more on reviews from me.. if they are helpful to you that is..). I cannot say at this point if I am going to keep it or not, since I am head over heels in love with my A700. But it might just impress me enough to keep it for other specific needs. Since I have a good lineup already it is going to be hard to justify it in my lineup, but I am looking forward to seeing if it can.

For P/S users (that means everyone, not just Sony users!), this is a great camera for you to upgrade too, as the A100 was at the time. That 18-70 kit lens is better than it has been reviewed, very sharp in 80% of the frame and very decent in the remaining 20%. Sadly, I do not reccomend the 70-300 as there are better alternatives. I was completely unimpressed with that lens's performance in sharpness, color, and CA. The 18-70 on the other hand is very nice and I highly reccomend it as a first kit lens.

So this thread is for p/s users looking to up the level of commitment to photography too. You have a great forum here with plenty of professional advice and help available to you (as you should know..).

The A200 looks to be a great spec'd camera to be a first DSLR. Who are you?

Are you pre ordering?

Cheers (and another happy Sony DSLR Day to all!.... go Sony GO!)

Carl
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Im here: www.carlgarrardphotography.com
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