SINGAPORE: The successor to Sony's first foray into the DSLR (digital single lens reflex) camera market is here. The Sony 200 (S$1,099, with 18-70 mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens) will replace the 100 as the entry-level DSLR of Sony's alpha series.

Equipped with the same 10.2-effective-megapixel CCD sensor and Bionz image processor as its predecessor, the 200 has a 1.5x crop factor. In other words, the 18-70 mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens will give a 27-105mm resultant focal length of 35mm equivalent.

Like the 100, the 200 features the Super SteadyShot image stabilising system and anti-dust mechanisms. However, the similarities end here.

The 200 sees a major overhaul in terms of design. The first thing you notice is that the camera is slightly bigger, with its contours aligning with your fingers more naturally as you grip the device. Despite sporting a light plastic body (532g without batteries), it feels good and sturdy in your hands even without a vertical grip.

The function dial in the 100 has been transformed into a button on the 200's rear, while the Mode dial has been shifted to the top left. This liberates space on the top right to allow easy access to dedicated buttons, like the ISO button, where your right hand grips.

Now that there is more space, I do not quite understand why Sony did not include a dedicated dial wheel to change aperture on manual mode.

Similarly, there isn't a separate status display panel. This absence is becoming a norm in entry-level DSLRs. Camera stats are shown on a 2.7-inch screen that dims automatically when you put your eye to the viewfinder.

Startup and shutdown are almost instantaneous; it's so fast that I didn't even bother to time it. Shutter lag is minimal, with auto-focusing a marked improvement from its predecessor. However, it's still not as fast as some of its competitors. But for an entry-level DSLR, camera operation is stellar.

Equally spectacular is the image quality. Rendition of pixels is sharp, while human skin tones are smooth. Colours are reproduced vibrantly and accurately, with auto-white balance spot on in most lighting conditions.

The algorithm of the Bionz processor renders highlights and shadows well, with good lighting contrast and interplay.

Noise performance is probably the best I have seen in an entry-level DSLR. Images are devoid of noise artifacts until at ISO 800. Even at the highest ISO setting of 3,200, noise is visible but images are still usable even for prints.

For best noise performance, I recommend switching on the High ISO Noise Reduction and switching off the D-Range Optimiser.

VERDICT
Apart from the complaints I have, which seem to plague every entry-level DSLR, the Sony 200 is quite a stunner.

With a humble price tag, responsive operation, superb image quality, coupled with all the bells and whistles of a body-integrated image stabiliser and anti-dust mechanisms, this is one camera that any beginner venturing into the DSLR realm should consider. - TODAY/fa