Sony Alpha A200K 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera Kit with Super SteadyShot Image Stabilization with 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens

I bought this camera from Amazon one month ago & 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 2 promise more & deliver less. I was therefore quite unprepared 4 my excellent experience. I was unable 2 find a particular "how to" answer in the camera manual so I went 2 Sony's website. After entering the model number, I was given the option 2 do a real-time chat. To my amazement, (a) I was immediately connected with someone, (b) she quickly acknowledged that DSLRs were beyond her & she was transferring me 2 a specialist, (c) the specialist responded a few seconds later....and (d) she correctly answered my detailed & rather technical question! I'm still in shock. If you're debating between camera manufacturers, this is something 2 seriously consider before making you choice.

This is truly a wonderfull camera 4 anybody who wants 2 get into the SLR Digital Camera world. Photographs are excellent, the level of detail that one gets in the pics is amazing, & it is so easy 2 use. Little by little one gets more use 2 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 2 those in the same price range. My first DSLR & had no problem operating it without reading the manual.[...]

I am a beginning DSLR user & 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 & shoot. While I have no basis 4 comparison, I believe this 2 be a very fine camera. It's user-friendly, takes great photos, has a very fast start up, & is relatively easy 2 find accessories for. I would recommend this camera 2 any DSLR user of any experience.

After being a Minolta film photographer 4 30 years, I finally went digital.(OK....Some of us men are set in our ways!!) After reading the owner's manual, one of the first of several things that I liked about this camera, was the fact that I can adjust the diopter. Being a near-sighted photographer, this meant that I can shoot pictures, without my glasses. What sold me on the Sony DSLR, was the fact that when Sony bought Minolta, they wanted 2 make the Minolta photographer happy, by making the Sony body fit the Minolta AF lens system. Also depending on which Minolta AF flash unit that you have, it will work with the A200.
In shooting weddings, with the 2GB compact flash card that I have, it will feel kind of nice not worrying about how long, before I have 2 change the film. As 4 the results.....I'M IMPRESSED!! For you Minolta fim SLR photographers, who want 2 go fully digital, this is the camera 4 you.

Set your creativity free. The Sony a (alpha) DSLR-A200 camera is poised 2 welcome you into the exciting world of DSLR performance. A DT(R) 18-70mm is included here, as well as superb 10.2 megapixel imaging, high-sensitivity shooting, & Super SteadyShot(R) in-camera image stabilization that reduces blur with a brilliant array of Sony, Carl Zeiss & Minolta a-mount lenses. It's fast, lightweight & incredibly easy 2 operate, with a large 2.7" LCD screen, simple Function Guide menu display & Creative Style settings 2 fine-tune camera performance. The powerful Bionz processing engine is also included 2 increase response time. Built-in ElectronicFlash - Built-in Auto Pop-up - Auto, Fill-flash, Rear flash sync, Slow Sync, High Speed Sync, Wireless off camera flash (with Flash HVL-F56AM, F36AM) Self-Timer modes Adjust contrast, saturation & sharpness settings 4 any of 8 finishing styles -- including Standard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, Night View, Sunset, B & W & Adobe RGB modes Accepts CompactFlash Type I/II media & Memory Stick(R) PRO Duo media via an optional adaptor Unit Dimensions (Approx.) (WHD) 5 3/16 x 3 7/8 x 2 13/16 (130.8 x 98.5 x 71.3 mm) / 1 pound 2.8 ounces Comes with DT(R) 18-70mm f3.5 Zoom lens; NP-FM500H rechargeable battery (7.2V, 1600 mAh; CIPA standard - approx. 750 pictures); BC-VM10 battery charger; Video & USB cables; Shoulder strap with eyepiece cap & Remote Commander(R) clip; Body cap; Software/USB Driver CD-ROM; Sony USA 1-Year Parts & Labor Warranty documentation