Sony digital imaging innovation has been recognised by the judges of this year's TIPA (Technical Image Press Association) Awards.

The editorial panel of Europe's most prestigious photo industry awards named the compact 200 'Best Entry-level D-SLR in Europe'. The judging citation states:

"Easy to use, easy to carry and offered at a very attractive price with its 18-70mm zoom lens, the Sony a200 is a dream camera for beginners who want to start enjoying all the benefits of D-SLR photography. Its 10.2 megapixel sensor delivers top quality images up to ISO 400 and beyond,* and the autofocus system is fast and accurate. The large LCD screen gives a clear, bright display when reviewing images, and both the in-camera image stabilisation and the anti-dust system are very effective in use. A superb, low-cost camera that's easy to use, and a worthy winner of this award."

The 10.2 megapixel CCD sensor captures a wide tonal range and subtle colour gradations in excellent detail

The first thing you want to know when buying a DSLR is that the raw visual information captured by its sensor is of the highest possible quality. The APS-C sized high resolution sensor featured in the 200 meets and exceeds these demanding standards, providing superior sensitivity with exceptionally low noise.

Maximising the creative potential of the lens line-up, it captures extraordinarily fine detail that’s rich in colour, highlight and contrast, providing the BIONZ processor with optimum visual information with which to ‘craft’ finished photographs.

And the 10.2MP CCD sensor features an RGB primary colour filter for crisp image capture with wide tonal range and subtle colour gradations.

The 2.7” LCD screen provides clear, bright image review and enables simple navigation through key functions

The 200’s large Clear Photo LCD screen displays crystal clear images that can be zoomed in on to confirm focus.

Shooting information and histograms are displayed for on-the-spot confirmation of exposure balance and highlight/shadow reproduction. So you’re always on top of the technology.

The screen automatically switches to a vertical-format when you turn the camera sideways; and to conserve battery power, switches off altogether when you put your eye to the viewfinder.

Exclusive to Sony, the BIONZ image processor sits at the heart of the 200; processing the visual information flowing through the lens to perfectly replicate colours, texture and depth

The BIONZ processor is unique to Sony. It takes the vast amount of information captured by the high resolution sensor and processes it to reflect the desired settings and styles you’ve selected.

It faithfully reproduces the scenes you are looking at when you want it to, or applies effects and visual techniques when creativity calls.

It does all this with lightning speed suppressing ‘noise’ (background electrical signals that can degrade image quality) at the same time. So, detail, colour and contrast are perfectly captured every time.

The 200 incorporates Super SteadyShot sensor-shifting technology to neutralise the effects of camera shake, regardless of the lens you are shooting with

The slightest movement can spoil a beautifully constructed shot. So all cameras incorporate next generation Super SteadyShot to keep images as sharp as possible.

Some anti-shake systems are lens-based so to benefit from the technology, you are restricted to certain lenses. But Super SteadyShot is actually built into the body, shifting the image sensor to compensate for camera shake in real time. So blur is reduced whatever lens you are using.

With Super SteadyShot switched on, you can shoot at shutter speeds from 2.5 to 3.5 steps slower than would otherwise be possible, so even shots that would normally require the use of a tripod or flash can be taken handheld.

The D-Range Optimiser works with the 200 CCD sensor to provide better balance to images shot with back lighting

High-contrast or strongly backlit scenes can lead to loss of highlight and shadow detail.

While normal exposure compensation maintains low-light detail at the expense of burnt out highlights, the D-Range (Dynamic Range) Optimiser gives you perfectly exposed photographs. It does this by automatically adjusting the exposure levels for the whole scene.

All models also feature an Advanced Mode, which offers a higher degree of compensation by analysing and adjusting each tonal area of the image separately. Bracketing functions also record the image at different optimisation levels for easy ‘best shot’ selection.

The combination of an anti-static coating and high-speed sensor vibration on turn-off, keeps your images dust free every time

All DSLR owners have to contend with the risk of dust particles contaminating the sensor when they’re changing lenses. So a Dual Anti-Dust System is employed in the range to prevent the blurry marks that can spoil your photographs.

The first component is an anti-static coating that repels dust, making it easier to remove particles from inside the camera with a blower.

The second component is a high-speed sensor vibrator that shakes off any particles each time the camera is switched off.

A wide range of lens options including a Sony-exclusive suite from Carl Zeiss, gives the 200 enormous potential for creativity

Even the most demanding creative photographer will now be satisfied by the expanded range of -compatible lenses.

From 11mm wide angle to 500mm reflex; with fixed, zoom and specialist options in between; all possible shooting scenarios are covered.

The 200 can shoot up to ISO 3200 for low-light photography, with high ISO noise reduction technology helping to reduce graininess

The 200 9-point AF system reacts fast and accurately to minimise missed photo opportunities

The 200 features a Sony-developed centre-cross 9-point AF (autofocus) system to capture every possible memory with perfect clarity. And the Eye-Start system from Sony automatically activates AF as soon as you put your eye to the viewfinder; so even the time it takes to half depress the shutter has been saved.

The 9-point system provides great freedom with subject framing, quickening response and heightening accuracy when shooting moving subjects. And when you want to take complete control, swapping between AF and manual focus is one-switch simple.

Other AF modes like single AF can be selected through the 200 menu.