A200 versus A700 noise (with pictures!)

I just tried out a production-model A200 versus the A700 today. Shooting with the same lens and same settings, 1/60s F5.6 ISO1600, then looking at the screen, me and my friend were AMAZED!

NOISE LEVELS LOOKED THE SAME!

Forgot to try AF speed, but that feels almost the same, too.

I did not personally do the picture taking deed. Both used my Minolta 50mm F1.4 (Original) with a slightly smudged UV filter (only realized later). My friend isn't aware of the criticality of focusing (plus my A700 with the F1.4 isn't spot on) so please pardon the possible misfocus and look just at the noise rendition.





I don't know why the color for the wall changed. I also think it's ironic he shot a portion of the wall that has all 5 major players. How very politically correct.

This will be a bit big: (moderator please edit if it can be shown)
http://www.glaringnotebook.com/zimages/atvs3.jpg

Different methods of noise reduction - however, the A200 seems to have very smart NR, wiping out texture in plain walls. Or it could just be a CCD thing. Scale is slightly different due to different megapixel count.

Softness of A700 may be due to me setting the Creative Style to Standard to match the A200 (thus getting a by default softer image.)

You have no idea how happy I am to report that Sony has done some magic with the CCD and Bionz.

That leaves just the build, buttons, manual DRO and layout to differ.

http://home.versatel.nl/wilsuus/DSC00017.dng

I don't own a A700 (yet) but tried the A200 recently. See above
I had to admid it was at least as good (and sometimes better) than my 7D

troublestylist wrote: So, the thought is that the better DRO is the only "tangible" thing better on the A700? (Not counting 3 vs 5 FPS). AF is reportedly the same? Aye, I might have to go A200 over the A700. Greg

Looks like a great entry level camera. I only miss AF/MF button on the rear, and DOF preview (which sucks), but good thing is CCD.

I think Sony did very well with the specs.

N

I've downloaded the DNG file above.
Converted by ACR, DCRaw and RPP (Raw Photo Processor - Mac only).

RPP renders "film-like" noise. Very very nice.
DCRaw is close.
ACR doesn't work for me. It seems to increase luminance/chroma noise, lose of details etc.

At the end, I can say I like A200 noise very very much. Easy to PP.
Unfortunately, I dont like A700 noise at all. It seems bigger and thicker. It makes my PP slower.

If all you want is good AF and good ISO, then the A200 does the job.

If you want buttons and quicker access, and perhaps some JPG fun with DRO+ Level 5, the A700 does it.

If you want macro, wait for them Live View babies.

Don't think the A200 has the F2.8 and dual-cross sensor. It should be a single cross sensor with 8 line sensors around just like the 7D.

ssssssssssssss: Nope. The A350 would be a nice addition, though.

Will I sell my A100 for the A200/A300...??

I don't know...

The noise level and AF speed is a good completion for the A700 like second body...

KonicaA3 wrote: You have all just made me feel lots better. I have pre-ordered the A200, and will be selling my 5D to a work associate. Unfortunately, here in the states they only offer as a Kit with 18-70 or 18-200. My 5D has taken some amazing pics and I have seen the increase in detail the A100 gave to other Dyxumers. The only things I may miss is the EV control, but it looks like I am gaining a lot more. The only thing is the "Consumer Camera" Stigma

Let us know how it works out as I am thinking along the same lines.