Sony is really going all out to win consumers by introducing 3 DSLRs in just the month of January, Alpha A200, A300 and A350. After reviewing the list of specs for each model, I can only spot the following obvious differences:

- A300/350 features "Quick AF Live View", which means you can expect the same experience from using a compact digital camera. Until now, live view implementation on DSLRs has a limitation of not able to do auto-focus while viewing live images, due to the AF sensor built at the pentaprism, available only when the viewfinder mirror is down. Sony gets around this by introducing a second AF sensor to do the job while the viewfinder mirror is up. What's unclear is whether the live view shown on the LCD monitor will be subject to black-out during a shutter release.

- A350 contains a 14.2-megapixel CCD sensor

- A300/350's LCD monitor is tiltable

- price. Inclusive of kit lens, A200 is US$700, A300 is US$800, A350 is US$900.

It is obvious to me that Sony is applying a marketing strategy commonly used on their mass-marketed prosumer camera range: offering multiple products for the same segment with slight price and feature variations. If I were the consumer, I would totally ignore the A200. Then again, A200 might be a saving grace for the price-consious budget-seekers who are serious in photography and yet not bothered with innovation like live-view. After all, there is no harm in introducing multiple models to give consumers greater choice.

In line with their aggressive approach in the professional imaging market, Sony has opened several concept stores managed by the established retail shop brands, like Cathay Photo, MS Colour, Max Photo. Only time will tell if Sony's strategy makes financial sense.