Now this is news, even cheaper than the A100 and firmly aimed at kicking the entry level competitors asses, far better specced than the Nikon D40/x and will do well against the Canon EOS 400D (I think a 450D or similar should be coming soon).

I’m not really sure if I like the rather cheesy 10.2 Megapixels on the bottom, but I guess they know more megapixels attracts the entry level users - hence the D40x upgrade too.

I’d guess perhaps an updated Nikon D80 should be heading out within 2008 as well, or maybe something more along the lines of the D50, which can trump the current D40.

Built in-body stabilization really is a plus. It’s priced very competitively too with the price in Malaysia being listed at RM1999, which normally means the street price will be lower (Around RM1800 to compete with D40/x?). It will ship with the 18-70mm kit lens.

The DSLR-A200 model features upgrades influenced by the recently-introduced, enthusiast-class DSLR-A700 camera and replaces the former Sony DSLR-A100 model, which was Sony’s first in the DSLR class.

The new model is designed to be faster, lighter and easier to use. Upgraded features include a wider, 2.7-inch Clear Photo LCDTM screen for easy playback viewing; a more compact body and an easily-accessible mode dial; an easy-to-use function menu (camera function display); improved noise control for higher quality images; an auto focus speed 1.7x faster than the previous model; improved predictive control performance; quieter shutter sound; automatic pop-up flash; and a battery life indicator that displays the percentage of battery life remaining so you know exactly when to recharge.

I guess they are skipping on the new-gen 3″ LCD to keep the price down.

Read the full specs here:

Sony Alpha DSLR-A200