Sony Alfa 200 or Canon xti?

Question

Alright, I got the Sony Alfa 200 for my birthday. My parents said I can trade it in for the Canon xti if i want, which is what I've been wanting for a while. They asked the Wolf Camera guy if there was anything better than the Xti, and he said the Alfa 200 was. The Alfa was made this spring and the xti was made 2 years ago, yet the Canon looks like it takes better pictures. Which camera is better?

Answer 1

actually it's Sony "Alpha" :-)

Anyway, just some review vs. Sony and Canon:

Canon XTI Vs Sony A200

Canon may have announced the EOS 450D / Rebel XSi, but it’s keeping the earlier 400D / XTi on as its ‘new’ entry-level DSLR. As such it goes directly up against Sony’s Alpha A200. Since the A200 is so similar to its predecessor, the argument between it and the 400D / XTi is similar to previous comparisons.

Without Live View, faster continuous shooting or a higher resolution sensor, both models are quite similar. Both have 10 Megapixel sensors, 3fps continuous shooting, no Live View, and 9-point AF systems. In the A200’s favour is built-in anti-shake facilities, a slightly longer 18-70mm kit zoom lens, a slightly bigger 2.7in screen, 3200 ISO sensitivity, spot-metering and an InfoLithium battery pack with accurate feedback.

As such, Sony’s cleverly out-specified the 400D / XTi while holding back the big guns for the other Alphas in the range. But like the A100 before it, the A200's high ISO performance is below that of the Canon. It's a tough call with both cameras carrying the same RRP, although most first-time buyers would probably accept the A200's artefacts at higher sensitivities in return for its built-in anti-shake. But we’ve seen the Canon being sold from reputable online dealers for over $100 USD less. So if your budget is tight, the Canon may be more appealing, but the A200 remains a compelling alternative, again considering its built-in anti-shake.

Personally, i would  go for Canon since since they have widely choices of lens for decades..unlike sony it's only limited and expensive.

good luck.

Answer 2

They'll both take good pictures (providing you're a good photographer).

What I will comment on about the Sony is its built-in image stabilization. It's built into the body which can be nice because it means all of your lenses have IS. The big downside is that it doesn't work as well as the IS in lenses.  

Answer 3

Ok!! the XTI is well known worldwide for its excellence in taking pictures, thats due to the technology of its processor to take quick snapshots and sharp images, The Sony brand its known for the lenses and touch screen capabilities. To be honest i prefer to go with CANON!! i used to work at a Best Buy Store and sell just about everything in there, so trust me when i say the XTI its better.

Answer 4

You are a lucky girl to get a DSLR for your birthday!     I am sure the Sony is a good camera, but that was just the salesman's opinion.  When I bought my XTi last fall, the saleslady told me that they sell more Canons than other cameras put together.  

So if I were you, I would go to the store, and compare the two cameras.  Handle them and see how easy it is to use the controls.  Take some pictures and you will know the camera for you when you hold it.  Don't go just by the salesman's opinion.  It is YOU who will be using the camera, not him.

Just remember that the XTi is a very good one, and has been very popular and reliable for two years.  And with a Canon, you will have a bigger selection of lenses for you to choose from in the future.