"I switched to the A200 from a FujiFilm S8000FD 18X Zoom, it has not let me down, it takes a bit to get used to but once you start using it - the difference is ublievable, it is a great investment and i would recommend it to all those that are wanting to switch to a DSLR.


"

    "I purchased the A200 about 4 months ago from Amazon. It's my first DSLR. In 4 months I've gone from having a passing interest in photography to being totally engrossed by the hobby and it's all thanks to the A200. Previous compacts that I have owned just do not compare in any way, shape or fashion to this camera. When I first got the A200 I just put it into Auto mode and shot away at everything. I was a little disappointed with the initial pictures that I took but I decided it was time to learn about exposure and the various modes that the camera offered.

I purchased Understanding Exposure: How to Shoot Great Photographs with a Film or Digital Camera and it gave me a fantastic understanding of what exposure is all about. It's easy to read with great photos and if you are new to the world of DSLR's or want to take your hobby a little more seriously then I can heartily recommend this book.

I also bought Sony Alpha DSLR-A200 Digital Field Guide and it was useful in learning more about the features of the camera as it goes into more depth than the instruction manual that's inside the box of the A200.

Of the two books above, Understanding Exposure is easily the more important.

I've learnt so much in such a short space of time and my photographs have improved a HUGE amount. This camera won't turn you into a professional overnight but if you are willing to learn, even a little then you will be armed with the knowledge on how to go about taking a great photograph.

I look back at my early photographs now (4 months ago) and the difference between those and the photos I take today is clear.

I now know which mode to use and when, I know how to bracket the exposures, I know when to use Aperture mode or put it into S mode so I can control the shutter speed. I shoot in RAW and control the white balance afterwards in Lightroom 2.

As my knowledge has increased the A200 has stepped up with it each and every time, meeting every challenge I throw at it. Experimentation reaps its own reward with this camera and you should take lots of shots in various modes and exposures and you'll be surprised which one's turn out the best once you view them on your monitor.

The camera is easy to use, it really doesn't take long to learn how to navigate around the menus. It's weighty and feels solid as well as looking the part. I'm getting to the stage where I'm starting to notice the limitations of the kit lens but even then the quality is outstanding.

Everything you need on this camera is a button press away. ISO is easily changed, you can lock the exposure with one button press, spin a dial to change aperture/shutter speed. Once you know what you're doing you'll do all of these things and more without even thinking, adjusting settings on the fly to make the most of any photographic opportunities that arise.

I've used the camera on a Tripod for night shots and it works superbly.

Incoming soon are some Non Graduated Filters for helping me to keep the sky properly exposed as I enjoy taking landscape shots, then after that I'll probably pick up a polariser (though I can add similar deep saturation effects via Lightroom 2 if I wish).

I've also used the A200 for street photography and it coped admirably with the moving people, wish I could say the same about my nerves as it was the first time I had photographed people in public!

In short, the A200 is a superb camera. If you are thinking of stepping up from a compact and are willing to learn a little then you will be amazed at how good the shots are you can get with this. If you're not willing to learn, even a little, you'll still get good shots, but I think you are limiting both yourself and your camera.

I've become increasingly critical of the photos I take, I delete so many shots and keep very little, but if anyone would like to see some of the photos I've taken over the past 4 months then feel free to visit my flickr page where you'll get an idea of the sort of photographs a total amateur can take with the A200.

Remember, 4 months ago I really did know nothing and now I'm really enjoying my photography and getting better all the time.

I hope everyone else gets as much enjoyment out of their Sony A200 as I'm getting out of mine."

    "I bought Sony a (alpha) DSLR-A200K mostly to take pictures of my family. We have a 3 Y.O. son who refused to stay still long enough to snap the picture. The Alpha200 camera is super fast (faster then my son) and the pictures are wonderfull - especially blown up as wallpaper on my computer screen. "

    "I recently came to the photography business and I started to use my dads Canon Rebel XT. As soon as I got some money I decided to give the A200 a try and I love it!!!! I would not trade this for the Rebel. It had a solid firm body and it fells great!! The image quality is superb, more than I have always been told, since my dad is a Canon user!! I would recommend this camera to anyone!!

"

    "Pros
Sony a (alpha) DSLR-A200K is a feature-laden camera with just about everything you could ask for. the body is light, but well-made, and the controls are very easy to use. The camera fits in my medium-sized hands perfectly. The viewfinder is bright and very exact. Battery life is outstanding.

Cons
It would be nice to have more than 10.2 MP on the high end, but who can complain for the price? The viewfinder is good, but could be larger and brighter. (It's still better than the more expensive A350's). The absence of live view is a minus also-but I can live without it.


Additional Thoughts
For the price, I could find no better value. I already had an excellent 75-300 Minolta AF zoom, so the Sony line was my first option. I have had no disappointments, and heartily recommend this camera system. "