-
Introduction
-
01.Physical Tour
-
02.Testing/Performance
-
03.Components
-
04.Design / Layout
-
05.Modes
-
06.Control Options
-
07.Image Parameters
-
08.Connectivity / Extras
-
09.Overall Impressions
-
10.Conclusion
-
11.Sample Photos
-
12.Specs / Ratings
-
13.Comments
Sony A200
Previous: Page 6
Control OptionsNext: Page 8
Connectivity / Extras
Image Size, 3:2 Aspect Ratio
Large
3872 x 2592 pixels
Medium
2896 x 1936 pixels
Small
1920 x 1280 pixels
Image Size, 16:9 Aspect Ratio
Large
3872 x 2176
Medium
2896 x 1632
Picture Quality / Size Options (6.90)
The A200 supports both the standard 3:2 aspect ratio and a 16:9 aspect ratio, matching the format of a high-def TV display (this is a Sony, after all, and those Bravia sets turn a tidy profit). Of course, this wide-screen format option would be more impressive if there were some way of connecting the camera directly to a high-def display – the only video output is the ever-popular yellow standard-def cable. And while some TVs are now shipping with card slots that allow you to insert an SD card directly and view your photographic achievements in all their high-def glory, the A200 uses CompactFlash, not SD cards, and we've yet to see a TV that accommodates CompactFlash.
There are four options when it comes to Image compression (quality) settings:
- RAW: The file contains precisely the unprocessed, uncompressed data captured by the image sensor, requiring computer software processing on the back end. This allows greater editing flexibility than working with a compressed JPEG image.
- RAW plus JPEG: The same image is stored as a RAW file for editing and a JPEG for immediate viewing and printing. Some cameras allow users to choose the size and compression settings for the attached JPEG, but Sony mandates a Large file with low (Fine) compression.
- FINE: A gently compressed JPEG file.
- STD (for Standard, not sexually transmitted disease): A more drastically compressed JPEG. You'd choose STD mode if you were trying to squeeze more images onto a memory card. Given the size and price of CompactFlash cards today, this setting is pretty pointless.
Picture Effects Mode (7.50)
Unlike Nikon, which provides a positively flamboyant array of in-camera editing tools to keep you busy on that long flight home from vacation, Sony delivers no in-camera editing features at all, assuming you'll do your cropping, lighting and color adjustment and other twiddling and tweaking on a computer (presumably a Sony VAIO). This is a problem if you're one of those consumer types who likes to use PictBridge (which the A200 does support) to print directly from your camera via a USB cable, or if you hand your memory card to the local purveyor of digital prints and ask for a snazzy 4 x 6 of each.
You do have what Sony calls Creative Style settings available while shooting, but these are permanent changes to your original photo, don't include popular in-camera options such as cropping, saving a smaller file-size copy for emailing, or turning your picture sepia. Other than the sepia thing, we like to have those options in a consumer-class camera.
Shop for the Sony A200
Latest News
& Reviews
-
10-Feb-2012
Sigma DP2 Merrill First Impressions Review
Sigma is back with a new high-end compact camera with a 46-megapixel Foveon X3 APS-C sensor. With image quality promised to be on the level of their $6000 SD1, can the new DP2 Merrill compete with the Fuji X100? Read More...
-
10-Feb-2012
Nikon Coolpix L810 First Impressions Review
Nikon’s L810 is a AA-powered ultrazoom that somehow manages 26x for under $300. Some cost-cutting efforts have certainly been made, and controls are quite simplified, but for the right user this could be an ideal camera. Read More...
Top Rated Digital SLRs
-
$1,049.951Canon EOS 60D
The Canon EOS 60D is a top-notch camera in terms of performance, handling and flexibility. However, the performance of the kit lens leaves something to be desired. Read full 7-part review
$1,049.95TypesProsumerAny Megapixels0,8< 8 Megapixels8,108 to 10 Megapixels10,1510 to 15 Megapixels15,> 15 Megapixels19.00 -
$589.952Nikon D5100
The D5100 is the latest entry-level DSLR from Nikon, with full 1080/30p video, an articulated LCD, and the same image sensor as the D7000. It lacks an internal focus motor, but we found it produced some of the most accurate colors we've seen yet. Read full 7-part review
$589.95TypesAny Megapixels0,8< 8 Megapixels8,108 to 10 Megapixels10,1510 to 15 Megapixels15,> 15 Megapixels16.2 -
$1,239.953Canon EOS 7D
The 18-megapixel Canon 7D delivers high resolution stills and full HD video in a well-built camera designed for serious photographers without the desire (or budget) for a full-frame model. Read full 7-part review
$1,239.95TypesProsumerAny Megapixels0,8< 8 Megapixels8,108 to 10 Megapixels10,1510 to 15 Megapixels15,> 15 Megapixels19.00 -
$1,199.004Nikon D7000
The Nikon D7000 is a powerhouse camera at an excellent price. It offers a huge range of features that will make shooting quicker and easier for the experienced shooter, with lots of customizable options and quick control access. Read full 7-part review
$1,199.00TypesProsumerAny Megapixels0,8< 8 Megapixels8,108 to 10 Megapixels10,1510 to 15 Megapixels15,> 15 Megapixels16.9 -
$569.995Sony Alpha SLT-A55V
The SLT-A55 is a well performing SLR, with a wide ISO range, good color and relatively low noise. . Read full 7-part review
$569.99TypesConsumerAny Megapixels0,8< 8 Megapixels8,108 to 10 Megapixels10,1510 to 15 Megapixels15,> 15 Megapixels17
Features
-
DigitalCameraInfo New Year's Giveaway
Check back every day for the rest of 2011 to see what we’re adding to the grand prize package. It all starts with the Sony NEX-5N and ends with over $4000 in prizes! Read More...
-
DigitalCameraInfo.com 2011 Select Awards
After a year of tireless testing and deliberation, we’ve made our selections for the very best cameras of 2011. Read More...
(add your own)