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Sony Alpha 200
40
SCORE
Sony · DSLR · 10.2 MP · APS-C

Sony Alpha 200

General 40Optics 49Features and Benefits 21Storage and Battery 35
From $499.99 — 1 offer
KEY FACTS
BrandSony
ModelAlpha 200
Released2008
Announcement date07/01/2008
Camera typeDSLR

General 40

Brand
Sony
Model
Alpha 200
Released
ⓘ
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
2008
Announcement date
ⓘ
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
07/01/2008
Camera type
DSLR
Camera size
131 x 99 x 71 mm
Camera weight
572 g

Optics 49

Megapixels
ⓘ
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
10.2 MP050
Image resolution
ⓘ
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
3872 x 2592
Sensor type
ⓘ
The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality.
CCD
Sensor size
ⓘ
The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture.
16 x 24
Sensor format
ⓘ
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
APS-C
Continuous shooting
ⓘ
The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode.
3 fps045
Lens mount
ⓘ
The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras.
Sony Alpha DT
Image processor
ⓘ
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
Bionz
Aspect ratio
ⓘ
The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3.
3:2
Min ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
10030200
Max ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise.
32003003280000
Min ISO (expanded)
ⓘ
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
10030200
Max ISO (expanded)
ⓘ
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
32003003280000
Minimum shutter speed
ⓘ
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
3044080
Max shutter speed
ⓘ
The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries.
400080032000
Autofocus points
ⓘ
Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings.
90300
In-body stabilisation
ⓘ
In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake.
Yes
Viewfinder type
ⓘ
The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens.
Optical (pentamirror)
Viewfinder dots
N/A
Read our notes on optics

The Sony Alpha 200 scores 40/100 in our evaluation. This DSLR camera was announced on January 7th, 2008, and released the same year with a launch price of $611. Measuring 131 x 99 x 71mm and weighing 572g (1.26lbs), the Alpha 200 is a relatively compact and lightweight option for a DSLR.

Considering its age and specifications, the Sony Alpha 200 struggles to compete in today’s market. However, it remains an affordable choice for those seeking a basic DSLR experience.

Sony Alpha 200 Overview and Optics

The optics of the Sony Alpha 200 receive a score of 49/100. This camera has 10.2 megapixels, a shooting speed of 3 frames per second, and a CCD sensor. The Bionz processor contributes to its performance, while the DXOMARK score for the sensor is 63. With an APS-C sensor size and a Sony Alpha DT lens mount, this camera also features image stabilization and a 3:2 aspect ratio.

In today’s market, the Sony Alpha 200’s optics specifications may not be considered top-of-the-line. Many current cameras offer higher megapixels, faster shooting speeds, and more advanced sensor types. However, the image stabilization and APS-C sensor size still hold value for some photographers.

The Sony Alpha 200 might not be the best choice for those seeking the latest and most advanced optics technology. Its score of 49/100 reflects the fact that it may not compete with newer models in terms of optical performance. However, it could still be suitable for photographers who prioritize image stabilization and the APS-C sensor size.

Sony Alpha 200 Video Performance

Video
ⓘ
Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video.
No
Max video resolution
ⓘ
The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video.
N/A
Max video format
ⓘ
Video resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video.
N/A
Max video frame rate
ⓘ
How many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect.
N/A
Timelapse built in
ⓘ
A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video.
No
Video file format
ⓘ
Different cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files.
N/A
Read our notes on sony alpha 200 video performance

The Sony Alpha 200 lacks video capabilities. This camera only supports photography functions.

Sony Alpha 200 Features and Benefits 21

Builtin flash
ⓘ
A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it.
Yes
External flash
ⓘ
External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera.
Yes
GPS
ⓘ
GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs.
No
Weather sealing
ⓘ
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
No
Screen type
LCD
Touch screen
ⓘ
Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons.
No
Screen size
2.7"
Screen dots
ⓘ
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
2300001150001500000
Flip screen
ⓘ
A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles.
Yes
Live view
ⓘ
Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens.
No
Wi-Fi
ⓘ
Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly.
No
Bluetooth
ⓘ
Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices.
No
Read our notes on sony alpha 200 features and benefits

The Sony Alpha 200 features a score of 21 out of 100. This score reflects its lack of modern features compared to contemporary cameras. The screen size measures 2.7 inches with a resolution of 230,000 dots. While it does not have a touchscreen, it does include a flip screen for versatile shooting angles. However, it lacks GPS, WIFI, and Bluetooth capabilities, which are common in today’s market.

This camera’s specifications show it is not up-to-date with the current market standards, where most cameras include touchscreens and connectivity options for easy sharing and control. Despite its flip screen, the Sony Alpha 200 falls short in providing the desired features for photographers and videographers in this digital age.

The Sony Alpha 200’s low score and outdated specifications make it a less desirable option for those seeking a camera with modern features. Its limitations hinder its ability to compete with newer models that offer advanced technology and seamless connectivity.

Sony Alpha 200 Storage and Battery 35

Memory card
Compact Flash
Dual memory card slots
No
Battery type
NP-FM500H
Battery life
ⓘ
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
750 shots1505000
USB charging
No
Read our notes on sony alpha 200 storage and battery

The storage and battery section of the Sony Alpha 200 receives a score of 35 out of 100. The camera has a single memory card slot, accepting Compact Flash cards. In comparison to modern cameras that often support multiple card slots and various card types, the Alpha 200 falls short.

The battery life of the Sony Alpha 200 is 750 shots per charge, powered by an NP-FM500H battery. This number is average when compared to other cameras in the market. However, the Alpha 200 lacks USB charging capability, which is a common feature in today’s cameras for added convenience.

Taking these specifications into account, the Sony Alpha 200’s storage and battery performance does not stand out in the current market. Despite its average battery life, the camera’s limited storage options and lack of USB charging make it less appealing to potential buyers.