Sony Alpha A200W Digital SLR Camera

Before I purchased this camera I had read lots of reviews on other DSLR cameras in the $500 price bracket. On the day of purchasing the A200 I had actually chosen the Pentax K200D as the reviews for that camera were slightly more positive. However if you're like me then you'll want the biggest bang for your buck and since Amazon is selling the A200 with both the kit 70mm lens and the 300mm lens for only $549 this to me was absolutely the best offer. First of all the build on this camera is pretty solid. Some reviews said it was too plasticky but I think it's a pretty solid unit. The kits lens don't have that nice solid, rubbery grip like more expensive lenses but for starting out they are absolutely fine. Some other reviews said the images produced by the kit lens are a little on the soft side, but I thought they were pretty darn sharp. If you are new to DSLR like me and stepping up from a regular point & shoot camera or 35mm SLR camera then this is absolutely a good choice. Th... Read more

I bought this camera from Amazon one month ago and have been very satisfied with it (and of course, Amazon's great service). I won't repeat the many pros cited in other Amazon reviews, but I was blown away with Sony's online customer service. For many years now, most companies' CS strategy has been to promise more and deliver less. I was therefore quite unprepared for my excellent experience. I was unable to find a particular "how to" answer in the camera manual so I went to Sony's website. After entering the model number, I was given the option to do a real-time chat. To my amazement, (a) I was immediately connected with someone, (b) she quickly acknowledged that DSLRs were beyond her and she was transferring me to a specialist, (c) the specialist responded a few seconds later....and (d) she correctly answered my detailed and rather technical question! I'm still in shock. If you're debating between camera manufacturers, this is something to seriously consider before making yo... Read more

This is truly a wonderfull camera for anybody who wants to get into the SLR Digital Camera world. Photographs are excellent, the level of detail that one gets in the pics is amazing, and it is so easy to use. Little by little one gets more use to all its features, but right out of the box, after charging the batteries, it's just point-a-shoot, with all the professional look of it. If it's worht mentioning, the only thing that I do not understand why this model does not support it, is the "live view". But taking pics the old fashioned way, looking thru the viewfinder, it's even more realistic down the road. I, as a beginner, recommend this product 100%!

Great camera at an amazing price compared to those in the same price range. My first DSLR and had no problem operating it without reading the manual.[...]

I am a beginning DSLR user and bought this camera at the beginning of September, 2008. Since then, I have literally taken thousands of photos. Some are great, most are not, but I'm learning as I go. Before this, I used an older point and shoot. While I have no basis for comparison, I believe this to be a very fine camera. It's user-friendly, takes great photos, has a very fast start up, and is relatively easy to find accessories for. I would recommend this camera to any DSLR user of any experience.