Nikon D200 Reviews and Resources
Written by Eric on January 17th, 2007 | 3 Comments
The Nikon D200 is a DX format 10.2 megapixel DSLR and is the predecessor to the Nikon D300. Both are slated as Nikon’s “advanced amateur” models and have a number of pro-level features while still keeping the price in the reach of serious amateur or semi-pro photographers. The D200 incorporates a weather-sealed magnesium alloy body, an 11-point AF system and 5 frames per second shooting capability, among others. With features such as these, it is often found in professionals’ camera bags as a backup to the likes of the Nikon D2Xs.
Reviews
It’s one of those cameras which you look forward to picking up, I really got on with its design and ergonomics, it’s small enough not to break your back yet sturdy enough to feel absolutely purposeful, solid and reliable. It fills the photographer with an air of confidence that each time they need it the camera is going to perform.
Was the wait for the D200 worth it? Absolutely yes. D100 owners especially should be very happy with their upgrade. Better-than-35mm resolution? Check. Better color? Check. Better metering, AF, and white balance? Check. Improved handling? Check. More pro features? Check. Anything broken in the process? No.
Having used both pro and amateur cameras for many decades, the professional élan with which the D200 dispatches its duties is something I appreciate compared to the D70s. It just feels better. These finesse issues never come across on paper, but are obvious when you pick up the camera and start working.
For the semi-pro or pro photographer the D200 D-SLR could be the perfect solution and they can have it functioning as a second camera, an all-round backup. The built-in features and technique, inherited from the professional D2x, are just great. The technique is high-level and for its price you will get just about everything you could wish for.
With a host of features typically reserved for professional cameras, 10.2-megapixels of resolution and excellent image quality, Nikon has not only surpassed Canon in the enthusiast market, they have blurred the distinction with their own professional D2X.
As you might expect, camera performance is first rate. The D200 starts up instantly, focuses quickly, and there’s no shutter lag or delay between shots. The continuous shooting mode was amazing, especially with a high speed memory card.
Aggressively priced and stuffed with pro-quality features, the rugged Nikon D200 digital SLR offers the best of the D2X at about one-third the price.
The Nikon D200 delivers excellent 10 megapixel images, and it’s easy for the experienced photographer to operate. It’s an excellent step-up camera for photographers buying a second Nikon DSLR, or for experienced film users who are finally jumping to digital (do such people still exist?).
A great part of the appeal of the D200 is its combination of 10.2 megapixel resolution and 5 frame/second continuous shooting speed. It also has a very deep buffer memory, and is no slouch when it comes to offloading images to a host computer either. All in all, an impressive performer by almost any measure.
Where to Buy
If you’re buying online, I recommend sticking with Amazon, B&H Photo or Adorama. These three vendors are reliable, trustworthy and generally have the best (legitimate) prices.
November 16th, 2007 at 11:00 am
[...] Popular Photography It also focuses faster than the Canon EOS 40D, Nikon D80, and Nikon D200 down to EV 4, then gives up a fraction of a second at EV 2 through -1. It’s slower than the Canon at EV -2, but faster than the Nikons. And it focuses faster at all light levels than either the Pentax K10D or the Olympus Evolt E-510. [...]
November 21st, 2007 at 7:55 am
[...] The successor to the D80, however, would be a more timely update in Nikon’s product line. The D80 was introduced by Nikon in August 2006, which makes PMA 2008 the proper timeframe for the typical 18-month product life cycle that we’ve grown accustomed to in consumer/prosumer DSLRs. Additionally, the D80 is sadly behind on the technology curve in light of the current offerings from Nikon and other DSLR manufacturers. The D80 remains the little brother of the D200. I would expect the D80x or D90 to look more like a little brother to the Nikon D300. In short, expected updates would be: [...]
December 28th, 2007 at 12:43 pm
[...] Word is that the Nikon D60 will replace the D40x in Spring 2008. This info comes from M-L, who also gave us the heads up on the Nikon D3 the day before its announcement, so this is perhaps a little more solid than many of the rumors that we get leading up to new announcements. The source also revealed that a Nikon D90/D80x would not be coming. Perhaps Nikon will be dropping the D70/D80 series as a wedge between the D40 series and D200/D300 series. [...]