An entry level DSLR with professional quality (Sony a (alpha) DSLR-A200H)

Member Name: minimou

Product:	Sony a (alpha) DSLR-A200H
Date:	12/06/09 (50 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Relatively cheap, excellent value for money, no compromise in image quality

Disadvantages: None

I wouldn't say I'm a pro photographer at all, so forgive me if in this review I do not discuss 'aperture' or the likes of, but look instead to the quality and user-friendliness of this starter DSLR.

Until now, I've had crap cameras. Always wanted a good one but baulked at the thought of spending hundreds on one. Finally that time came last month. As we were sick of having no decent photographs of ourselves and our pets, me and the other half bit the bullet.

We were worried. A good DSLR will set you back quite a few hundred. Then we found the Sony Alpha 200, at £259 from Argos (reduced from £299). When you are used to questionable quality photographs, the images you get from the Sony Alpha just take your breath away. Such depth, clarity and quality, we could see each and every hair in fine definition on our kitten's head.

The camera itself is so easy to use. As I say, I'm a real amateur, but because the camera has auto-settings, I have been taking some amazing photographs. You can hardly tell I'm not a pro!

The camera is 10mp, with 3 frames per second in fast shoot mode. It has an anti-shake feature (for caffeine addicts amongst us!). You expect, for a 'cheap' camera, that the body will be made of cheap plastic. Not at all with this camera. It is sturdy, well built and all the mouldings are in the right place for a comfortable fit in the hand.

The only downside we have thus far experienced (and not sure if it is us or the camera!) is that we sometimes get a dark 'arc' on the bottom of some of the pictures. We can't figure out why this is happening and only seems to be when we use the flash in some circumstances. If anyone can clarify if this is the camera or us, that would be most appreciated.

Summary: An excellent VFM, entry level camera with a professional performance.

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