Sony a300 vs Sony a200

This is a full comparison between the cameras Sony a300 and Sony a200. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

These cameras are both manufactured by Sony.

These two camera models were both released 2008.

Camera Released
Sony a300 2008
Sony a200 2008

Type of camera

Both these cameras are DSLR cameras. No difference there.

Sensors / crop factor

Both these cameras have the same sorts of sensor (called "Sony APS-C") which means that if you compare these cameras side by side the lenses will also have the same experienced focal length. Neither of the cameras has a Full frame sensor which means that you will get a "crop factor" where the camera's sensor size affect the focal length with a multiplier.

Camera Focal length, 50mm f/1.8 **
Sony a300 75 mm
Sony APS-C sensor
Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5
Sony a200 75 mm
Sony APS-C sensor
Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5

** Experienced focal length when using a lens such as a common "50mm f/1.8"

Learn more about crop factor and focal length multiplier here:
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Sony)

Resolution

Both these cameras have the exact same resolution. Sony a300 has a 10 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Sony a200 has 10 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Camera Megapixels
Sony a300 10 MP
10036224 pixels
3872 x 2592
Sony a200 10 MP
10036224 pixels
3872 x 2592

ISO range

Both of these cameras offer the exact same ISO range. They both have 100 to 3200.

Camera ISO Range
Sony a300 100-3200
Sony a200 100-3200

Autofocus and lens compatibility

Both of these cameras have a built-in autofocus motor. Some lenses, that support autofocus, do not have an autofocus motor of their own but this won't cause any problems with these two cameras.

Here is a complete overview of which lenses work with each camera:
Lens compatibility chart for Sony a300
Lens compatibility chart for Sony a200

Pictures per second

Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Sony a300 can shoot up to 3 pictures per seconds and Sony a200 can shoot up to 3 pictures per seconds.

Camera FPS (Frames per second)
Sony a300 3
Sony a200 3

Ability to record movies

It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.

Though, neither Sony a300 or Sony a200 can shoot movies so if that is a functionality that you are really looking for you should look elsewhere.

Weight

The weight of the camera can be an extremely important factor, especially if the camera is about to be used, or carried around, for several hours at a time.

Sony a300 weighs 632 gr (equal to 1.39 lb) which is 10% heavier than Sony a200 and its 572 gr (or 1.26 lb).

Camera Weight
Sony a300 632 gr
1.39 lb
Sony a200 572 gr
1.26 lb

Sony a300 vs Sony a200 Specs

Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Sony a300 and Sony a200, next to each other. Each category of data is a link to an article covering the subject, giving you a deeper understanding so you can better understand the strengths and weaknesses of the two camera models.

Product
Sony a300
Sony a200
Name Sony a300 Sony a200
Manufacturer Sony Sony
Release Date and Price
Sony a300
Sony a200
Release Year 2008 2008
Release Date 2008-01-30 2008-01-07
MSRP 799 USD 599 USD
Buy it today
Camera Type
Sony a300
Sony a200
Camera Type DSLR DSLR
Sensor
Sony a300
Sony a200
Sensor Size APS-C (approx 23.5 x 15.6 mm) APS-C (approx 23.5 x 15.6 mm)
Sensor Type CCD CCD
Resolution 3872 x 2592 pixels 3872 x 2592 pixels
Megapixels 10 MP 10 MP
Image Processor Bionz Bionz
Image
Sony a300
Sony a200
ISO Range 100 - 3200 100 - 3200
White Balance Presets 6 6
Custom White Balance Yes Yes
Image Stabilization Yes
(Sensor-Shift)
Yes
(Built-in Super SteadyShot)
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating 0 stops 0 stops
Uncompressed format RAW RAW
Optics & Focus
Sony a300
Sony a200
Autofocus Motor Yes Yes
Autofocus Phase Detect
Multi Area
Center
Selective Single Point
Single
Continuous
LiveView
Phase Detect
Multi Area
Center
Selective Single Point
Single
Continuous
Focus Points 9 9
Lens Mount Sony A

See Compatible Lenses
Sony A

See Compatible Lenses
Focal Length Multiplier APS-C Sensor (1.5x)
1.5x multiplier
Example:
24 mm becomes 36 mm
50 mm becomes 75 mm
100 mm becomes 150 mm
200 mm becomes 300 mm
APS-C Sensor (1.5x)
1.5x multiplier
Example:
24 mm becomes 36 mm
50 mm becomes 75 mm
100 mm becomes 150 mm
200 mm becomes 300 mm
Screen & Viewfinder
Sony a300
Sony a200
Articulated LCD Tilting No
Screen size 2.7” 2.7”
Screen dots 230000 230000
Touch screen No No
Screen type N/A N/A
Live view Yes No
Viewfinder Type Optical (pentamirror) Optical (pentamirror)
Viewfinder Coverage 95% 95%
Viewfinder Magnification 0.74× (0.49× 35mm equiv.) 0.83× (0.55× 35mm equiv.)
Viewfinder Resolution N/A N/A
Photography features
Sony a300
Sony a200
Frames per second 3 fps 3 fps
Minimum Shutter Speed 30 seconds 30 seconds
Maximum Shutter Speed 1/4000 seconds 1/4000 seconds
Built-in Flash Yes Yes
Built-in Flash Range 12 meters 12 meters
External Flash Yes Yes
Self-Timer Yes Yes
Time-lapse No No
Metering modes Multi
Center Weighted
Spot
Multi
Center Weighted
Spot
Exposure Compensation +/- 2 (at 1/3 EV steps) +/- 2 (at 1/3 EV steps)
Videography features
Sony a300
Sony a200
Video recording No No
Video format N/A N/A
Video resolution N/A N/A
Built-in Microphone No No
Built-in Speakers No No
Storage
Sony a300
Sony a200
Memory Card Compact Flash
Compact Flash
Connectivity
Sony a300
Sony a200
HDMI Output No No
Microphone Port No No
Headphone Port No No
Wireless No No
Remote Control Yes (Wired or wirelss (optional)) Yes (Wired or wirelss (optional))
GPS No No
Body & Dimensions
Sony a300
Sony a200
Enviromentally sealed No No
Battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery Details NP-FM500H
NP-FM500H Battery
Battery Life (CIPA) 730 shots 750 shots
Width 131 mm 131 mm
Height 99 mm 99 mm
Depth 75 mm 71 mm
Weight 632 gram 572 gram