The DiMAGE A200 is clearly based
on the A2, but is simpler to operate as it does not have some
of the more complex "pro" functions and settings of
the A2. While the A200 benefits from many of the best features
of the A2 such as a superb lens, an excellent ergonomic design,
an Anti-Shake system and a big 8 megapixel image size, it forgoes
the very high resolution EVF of the A2, and compatibility with
some of its accessories.
Still, the A200 offers other
features. For instance, the LCD monitor can be adjusted to a
multitude of positions, and is arguably more practical than the
A2's variable angle EVF and monitor. And while the A200 does
not have the A2's sensors to detect when the user's eye is near
the EVF, it has a simple and effective system that automatically
turns on the EVF if the LCD monitor is closed with its screen
facing the camera.
Aperture: f4.5, shutter speed: 1/200 sec. 50 ISO
Aperture: f5, shutter speed: 1/160 sec. 50 ISO
Moreover, as noted above, all
the most important features are present. The zoom lens captures
detail-rich images that have no trace of aberration throughout
the zoom's entire focal length range. And, starting from a
28mm equivalent wide angle that is well-corrected for barrel
distortion, making it ideal for architecture or landscape shots,
through to a 200mm setting that is able to bring distant subjects
into sharp focus, the zoom is perfectly suited to a wide variety
of needs that range from business to personal uses.
Of course, one of the many
advantages of the A200 is the fact that it captures an 8-megapixel
image size. Such a large image — comparable in terms
of pixel count to professional digital SLR cameras — is
that it allows for cropping without a significant loss in resolution.
The reality is that even with a 7X zoom, it is not always possible
to frame a subject exactly as it should be. But, with an 8
megapixel image, there is a sufficient margin that the image
can be cropped to frame precisely what one wants, and still
retain enough detail to produce an excellent print.
Aperture: f4.5, shutter speed: 1/400 sec. 50 ISO
Aperture: f6.3, shutter speed: 1/1400 sec. 50 ISO
Besides the 8-megapixel resolution,
the other main feature of the A200 is its Anti-Shake system.
The system can be set to operate so that the viewfinder image
is stabilized as well as the final image, or simply to operate
at the moment the photo is about to be captured. At first glance,
of the two settings the first seems the best as it stabilizes
the image the user sees, and the photograph. Yet, in use, the
second works out better for two reasons.
First, it does not mask the fact
that the camera is moving — particularly noticeable when
the zoom is at the maximum — and therefore does not lull
the user into a sense of false security as to the steadiness
of the image. And second it lessens the drain on the rechargeable
battery, making a full charge last considerably longer.
Just like the A2 however, left
to its default colour setting of Natural, the A200 captures
images that can look as though they are too subdued. But, when
set to the Vivid colour mode in the Function menu, colours
tend to be more vibrant and alive, and yet avoid the exaggerated
vibrancy that can come from over-saturation, that can cause
photos to look unnatural. In fact, when shooting using the
JPEG mode, we found the Vivid setting to be preferable to the
default Natural setting.
Aperture: f7.1, shutter speed: 1/25 sec. 50 ISO
Another of the important features
of the A200 that deserves to be highlighted is the choice of
image formats it offers. Starting with the compressed image formats,
the Extra Fine JPEG is perfect for most subjects as the compression
does not fade details and engenders no artefacts. For more demanding
uses, the RAW format ensures that photos can be tweaked using
the RAW editing section of DiMAGE Viewer, and completely guarantees
the highest image quality possible with the camera.
Aperture: f3.5, shutter speed: 1/5 sec, 50 ISO.
On the negative side, it seems
that when focusing at telephoto settings, the A200 is slower
to focus than the A2. Indeed, we noted that it is advisable
to wait for a focus confirmation — a beep or a solid
white dot on the lower right of the viewfinder/LCD monitor
which can sometimes take more than a second — before
pressing the shutter release all the way down to capture the
photo. Similarly, when set to manual mode, focusing is more
difficult than it is with the A2 because of the lower definition
EVF.
The A200 is one of the few
cameras that offers a sensitivity range that extends to 800
ISO. However, set to 800 ISO the A200 produces images that
contain visible noise. Therefore, the setting is best reserved
for situations that absolutely demand a high shutter speed,
or for photos that will be resized from 8 megapixel to a much
smaller size, which has the effect of fading some of the noise.
From 400 ISO down however, images are quite useable, although
the best range remains between 50 and 200 ISO.
Aperture: f4, shutter speed: 1/400 sec. 50 ISO
In summary, the A200 offers much
the same image quality as the A2, but at a lower price. In comparison,
its drawbacks are limited to an AF that is probably a bit slower
at the longer focal lengths, and a lower resolution EVF. What
it retains is a superb lens, an Anti-Shake system that works
well and allows shooting at speeds that would otherwise cause
a blurred image, an 8-megapixel image size, and one of the most
comfortable ergonomic designs.
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