Nikon D200 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) by Nikon
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Digital camera reviews of Nikon D200 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)
Digital camera Review: D200 Review
Summary: 5 Stars
This will be a short and succinct initial review of the Nikon D200 Camera.
The D200 is my upgrade to my (now backup) Nikon D50. Most camera people already know that if your are a Nikon person: buy Nikon; if you are a Canon person: buy Canon. My quick discussion will not address the alternative choice to choose another camera maker.
The D300 is out and so is the D700; yet, Nikon still manufactures and sells the D200. Why would you opt for this camera over the newer models? I cannot lie: There is nothing the D200 can't do that those more expensive and newer cameras can do -- except megapixels (10 vs 12).
I will say this once: You Are Shooting RAW aren't you?
If yes, then my previous paragraph is succinct enough.
If no, then the nuances and menu options and myriad labyrinths of roundabout searching for more control of your shots will have you befuddled in no time on all these cameras. The D90, D80, D70, D60, D50, D40 have scene control modes that might justifiably satisfy all your shooting needs. I personally find the modes on my D50 totally useless and use it in P (program), A (aperture priority mode), or M (manual) mode always. I'd love it if Nikon made an entry level DSLR with these three modes only as an entry level camera without having to fight with all the "scene sensing modes" built into the camera.
Back to the D200. What I love about this machine is the ease of access to all (at least the main) controls of the camera on dials, toggle switches, and buttons on the camera body, without having to search through arcane menus to edit the controls. (The only control I use that HAS to be accessed through the GUI is the "Image Optimization --> Sharpening" control.
If you are shooting RAW (as most pro-sumers and Pros are ought to be) then these nitpicks are meaningless.
Here is my advice to any D90 to D40 user: if you are considering upgrading to a Pro level Nikon please condsider first: Shoot RAW for at least 1 Year. Next, upgrade your glass (using Nikkor lenses for forward compatibility), and take a photo developing and retouching course using digital tools (i.e., photoshop, lightroom, apple aperture, etc.)
If you aren't shooting RAW then this camera simply isn't for you.
And I would say that about any camera regardless of manufacturer that costs over $600.
Good day,
--c
Digital camera Review: D200 is one of the best digital camera ever
Summary: 5 Stars
Before D300 was on the market - this was the best available for this money.
Good for beginners if photography is you serious interest and you are ready for big budget. This camera - is a well refined technical instrument. No 'green' auto modes, only classic camera controls.
It wants good lens. By good I mean f 2.8-4. Otherwise the camera body becomes too heavy and not at all value for money. If you decide to pay over $1000 for a camera and then save on lens - it's like a big expensive car with small thin tyres that don't really hold the road. So if you condider D200 with e.g. 18-70, or even 18-200 VR, go for D80/D40 instead.
Photography is my hobby, I don't make money with it. I'm with Nikon since more than 10 years and my perfect combination now is:
D200
Nikon Zoom-Nikkor - Wide-angle zoom lens - 12 mm - 24 mm - f/4.0 G ED-IF AF-S DX - Nikon F
Nikkor 35-70/2.8
Nikkor 50/1.8 (almost no use since I got 35-70)
Nikon SB-800 AF Speedlight Flash for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras
spare battery
Digital camera Review: D200: Great camera, especially at $799
Summary: 5 Stars
I just got this camera at the $799 special that Amazon had going. I've had a D70 since they came out (my D70 is almost 5 years old) and apart from a hot line of pixels that shows up now and then (especially at higher isos), its been great. However, the one thing I've always faulted the D70 for is the crappy view finder and crappy screen. I have an old Nikon FE2 (they'll have to pry this camera from my cold dead hands!) and the viewfinder is positively amazing.
So, when my friend got the D200 a couple of years ago I drooled over it but there was no way I was going to shell out $1600+ (the camera is worth that, but it wasn't in my budget). So when I saw this $799 deal, I jumped on it.
I've only had the camera for a few days, so here are my impressions
PROS
Viewfinder, viewfinder, viewfinder. Great bright viewfinder that makes it a pleasure to compose.
Speed. This camera is fast to focus and fast to take pictures, especially in the continious high speed mode
Build Quality: It is very solid (mostly metal) and the outer rubber has a nice feel to it. Also heavily gasketed.
Dedicated controls: Most controls are dedicated, no digging through menus to change iso,wb,quality, focus mode etc. I didn't realize the benefits of this until today morning in the cold when I realized unlike the D70, I could take pictures with gloves on.
Ability to use old lenses. I have AIS manual focus lenses and they matrix meter on this baby. I can now use my Nikon ais 105 F2.5, which is my best portrait lens.
Megapixels. Going from 6MP to 10MP gives more detail
Uncompressed NEFs vs the D70's compressed NEFs. Yeah, I know that Nikon said 'visually lossless compression' but I'm a maximiser, what can I say :-)
Much better exposure control and color accuracy. I was shocked that when taking photos in snow I didn't have to compensate.
True RGB Histograms in the viewFinder
Huge 2.5 Inch high res screen compared to the 1.8 inch on my D70.
CONS
High ISO noise (800+) while much better than the D70, lags behind other cameras (i.e Canon).
Capture NX2 not included. Have to purchase separately.
I'm giving the camera 5 stars because the high iso performance is not important to me. In a word, great camera. Is the D300 a better camera, yes. But it also costs $1000 more.
Digital camera Review: Even if Nikon makes the D400 etc. I am keeping this camera.
Summary: 5 Stars
What happens when you wanted a new at the time D2x or a D2Hs, but the $$$s just didn't make any sense. Buy the D200 instead and get some great glass instead. Unless you are a "pro" and getting paid big money, this D200 is just amazing. Had mine for 2 years and have banged it around, got it wet, hot, cold etc. this camera really just goes and goes. I am an amateur with no "Pro" pretensions but this camera is the D2x's little brother in that the chunky steel and magnesium sealed body, that is all switches dials and doors, this camera is set for the rigors of pro life. I think anyone thinking of using this camera for extended stints should also get the MB-D200 battery grip. Takes 2 of the Nikon EN-EL3 batteries or 6 AA batteries in a pinch with the adapter. The D200 in comparison with my older D70s loves battery power, though I have never run out of power especially with the battery grip before my shooting was done, it does make me concerned. Main reason why I carry 3 camera batteries and a ton of rechargeable AA batteries. In conjunction with the battery grip and the terrific Nikon SB-800 flash this camera is fabulous for special event picture taking like weddings, and also super for Museum photography as well. My trips to the Chino Air museum and the Boeing Museum of flight were just amazing with the D200. Airplanes taken with this camera are just amazing. I love engines and this camera renders the details just great. For fast action race car shooting this cameras 5 frames per second is great too.
A note about exposure. Don't underexpose and the "noise" that the D200 can produce will not harm your pictures. At higher ISO settings at underexposed images chromatic and luminance noise will rear its ugly head. A weakness of the CCD imager that is just about abandoned by Nikon. The D300 uses the CMOS imager with superior performance in the noise arena.
Unlike the lower cost D series Nikon's this D200 will take any autofocus lens whether it has a motor in the lens or not. The D40 and D60 family of cameras will not. The D200 has a built in motor for the lens focus drive built into the body. So while not perfect, I find that I make many more mistakes than my D200 ever does, however when I do what I am supposed to do, the D200 is absolutely amazing.
Another note, since this is a "advanced" enthusiast's camera the "Scene" modes will be not present. I never use them and therefore don't miss them.
The D200 also takes the Compact flash 1 and 2 format cards and IBM microdrive with no problems. However the camera is too old to understand ULTRA DMA cards so don't waste the money on those cards with this camera. With the Sandisk Extreme 3, 4 gig card this camera never let me down with a missed shot ever.
With a shutter speed of 1/8000th of a second and only a 1/250th flash sync speed (my D40 and older D70 had 1/500th second flash sync) you will do well to get that shot.
Menus a plenty, take the time to get your D200 setup the way you want it and you will be glad you did. Custom menus abound, of which I found no use to me, but may be valuable to others. The menus while fairly clear are many and fortunately for most, it would be a one time setup affair.
The mirror lock up feature is nice to check depth of field, something I don't see on a lot of other cameras.
Durability and reliability have been excellent with no issues what so ever.
I read about an independent reviewer who dropped the camera about 5 feet to concrete on the grip and LCD status panel side, and the repair was only $250.00 or so. Pretty good performance since most cameras would be way worse.
Who wants this older camera vs. the D300 say. Someone who wants to save money and get about 7 to 8 tenths the D300 and buy better lenses for the difference maybe. Ones moving up to a better body but doesn't want the D90 and wants something more substantial. The D200 will not disappoint.
Others wanting the latest and greatest will undoubtedly buy the D300 and that makes sense too. For me, and I tried the D300, other than the higher ISO low light performance being better and a better LCD screen, it still was not compelling enough for me to move over to it. I want one sure, but maybe when the price comes down, and even then, it would have to be allot before I give up the D200. I think it is that good. V.C.
Digital camera Review: Excellent Camera
Summary: 5 Stars
I used a D70s before I switched to this. However, the D200 really takes you up a notch. Excellent in-depth camera menus, easy access to WB, QUAL, & ISO, 5 fps, tough body, and a nice 10.2MP sensor to name a few. All-around great camera. I use it with a Nikkor 80-200mm AF and an 18-75. I also use my Tamron 90mm macro (an excellent lens in my opinion) with this and it produces sharp and large portrait and landscape prints. If you are even thinking of buying this camera, just do it. It's definitely worth it.