Sony Brings out the Big (Digital Camera) Guns
by David Gussman
LAS VEGAS—Trying to build on the success of the Alpha dSLR-a100, Sony today announced its successor, the Alpha dSLR-a200. In a somewhat surprising announcement that was expected at PMA rather than CES the new Alpha brings some noticeable new features to the playground.
Arriving in February at a comfortable $700, Sony's entry level successor to the a100 the a200 should provide some concern for Nikon and Canon. Updated features include Sony's own Super SteadyShot image stabilization, an updated CCD with 10.2MP and a 2.7" LCD. The a100 was well received as Sony's first venture into the world of dSLR's, but it still couldn't quite compete with the big boys. Now Sony has improved on the a100 a little and although the price is still a little high I expect good quality images once I get it into the lab. Other specs include a 27-105mm 3.9X zoom f3.5-4.5 equivalent lens that is comes as a kit, 3.0 frames/sec burst, and the CF card Type I/II slot.
We should see it next month. Check back soon to see how it matches up with the big boys.
