Compared to...

As with the majority of our studio image quality comparisons we selected a series of competitors by category, specification, price and feature set.

Lenses used

For direct comparisons we always use sharp prime lenses stopped down (F9 or F6.3 for the Four Thirds lens). Here we have used the Canon EF 50 mm F1.4, Minolta 50 mm F1.4, Nikon 50 mm F1.8 and Olympus 50 mm F2.0 Macro.

Studio scene comparison (JPEG)

This is our standard studio scene comparison shot taken from exactly the same tripod position. Lighting: daylight simulation, >98% CRI. Crops are 100%. Ambient temperature was approximately 22°C (~72°F).

Sony DSLR-A200 vs. Canon EOS 1000D

Camera settings:

• Sony DSLR-A200: Minolta 50 mm F1.4 lens, Aperture Priority, ISO 100
  JPEG Large/Fine, Manual WB, Default Parameters (Standard), Self-Timer
  
  
• Canon 1000D: Canon 50 mm F1.4 lens, Aperture Priority, ISO 100
  JPEG Large/Fine, Manual WB, Default Parameters (Standard), Self-Timer
  

Sony DSLR A200	Canon EOS 1000D
3,049 KB JPEG (3872 x 2592)	3,129 KB JPEG (3888 x 2592 )

At base ISO there is only a marginal visible difference between the output of the A200 and the new EOS 1000D. Both cameras produce high levels of details with the Canon adding a tad more sharpening to the recipe. The Sony's colors are vibrant and both cameras handle the roll-off to clipped highlights very well. Overall, there's nothing to complain about.