Sony Alpha 200

alpha200Sony DSLR Finally, the A300 and A350, double the Alpha range and illustrate Sony's commitment to the market. Indeed, by prohibiting the original A100 and the introduction of four new models every few months, Sony has been more aggressive than any other DSLR manufacturer.

Unlike competing manufacturers, Sony is also interesting now applying the same strategy for its range of digital SLR as it has in the covenants years - that is, produce a baseline model (in this case 200), then simply addition of new, 'up-selling "features on the latest models in the range.

Thus, the A300, the A200 adds Live View, with a vertical rotating screen. So, the A350 and the A300 has the sensor swap their 10.2 megapixels for one with 14.2 megapixels.

While this certainly allows buyers to go for the exact features they want is a family strategy to get more shelf space in retail, not to mention an easy way to up-sell the most expensive model. In fact, it will be interesting to see how this strategy translates into the digital SLR market, and if any retailer - or even a geographic region - to take all three models. , And ultimately, the most popular model.

Marketing strategies aside, offering the Alpha A300? Sensor side, the main features and specifications identical to those of higher end A350. As such, you get a full function built DSLR with stabilization, tiltable Live View and prompt services.

In terms of stabilization, the built-in Super SteadyShot does an excellent job with three stops of compensation in our tests, although the effect is not seen through the viewfinder - or on the display during Live View.

Speaking of which, unlike its main rivals DSLR sensor to use Live View, Sony Quick AF Live View system in the A300 and A350 offer uses a small sensor in the viewfinder. A tilting mirror (in viewfinder), then sends the light from the sensor or through the viewfinder.

The great advantage of this system is the traditional AF system is different, so unlike most competitors, the A300 and the A350 can autofocus in Live View to the exact same speed as when composing the optical viewfinder. There is no delay or noise as the mirror flips up and down. You can enter and exit quickly and quietly Live View, while enjoying all AF uncompromising results.

In use is surprisingly fast and carefree, compared with other systems of Live View, but not without drawbacks. The advantage of having its main rival, the systems use sensors to offer Live View is the ability to see exactly what you get: 100% actual coverage, pixel-perfect manual focus and help improve a preview of a displacement sensor stabilization, with the overlay graphics update. By using a separate sensor in the viewfinder or the provision of Live View, the Sony A300 and A350 none. The plan commits the performance of optical viewfinder, which falls in the magnification of 0.83x on the A200 until just 0.74x on the A300 and A350. This is noted among other DSLRs.

The fact is that the lack of image noise and disturbance of the mirror, along with strict speed autofocus will Sony Quick AF Live View system preferred by most people, with only photographers technique is restrictive. Live View and make even more useful on the A300 is the vertical angle 2.7in screen. Unlike the Panasonic Lumix L10, Sony screen can not rotate horizontally, nor able to face the front for self portraits, but that lets you shoot comfortably from the heads of crowds or low angle, the most important and useful functions are presented. It is a great feature.

Other strengths are the friendship on screen menu system function much the battery meters, the ability not only to the same battery of the A200, but also the optional handle vital that all Alpha DSLRs, sensor stabilization constructed change that works with every lens you attach.