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| dpmac digital lifestyle store • digital cameras - computers - software - video games |
December, 2006
The Nikon D200 DSLR is
still (was) my choice for the best Pro-Am Digital SLR
camera.
 I have used this camera for close to a year now and still
consider it to be one of the best cameras I have ever lifted to my eye.
The Nikon D200 Digital SLR is well balanced in the hand and the
controls are easy to get used to. The weight is not an issue (like it
is with the D2x and D2h), unless you attach the optional battery pack,
but the camera has that solid feel that tells you this camera is built
for professional use (or as we sometimes like to say, professional
abuse).
At roughly one thousand five hundred US dollars, the Nikon D200 DSLR
(body only) actually seems under priced when compared to it's more
expensive and less expensive siblings. The Nikon D200 DSLR sits
in-between the roughly one thousand US dollar Nikon D80 DSLR and the
roughly three thousand US dollar Nikon D2x DSLR.
When comparing them side by side, you get the feeling that the Nikon
D200 DSLR is actually much closer related to the Nikon D2x DSLR than
the Nikon D80 DSLR, but the price makes it seem like it is the other
way around.
You could say it is clever marketing on the part of Nikon, but the
reality is also that the Nikon D2x DSLR is carefully hand assembled (in
Japan), whereas the Nikon D200 DSLR is carefully (but probably more
quickly) hand assembled in Thailand. The assembly line in Japan is of
course a lot more expensive to run than the assembly line in the
Thailand factory.
I have not seen the Nikon D200 DSLR assembly line but I did document
the Nikon D70 DSLR assembly line in
Thailand a few years ago, when the Nikon D70 DSLR first came out.
I don't want to go into the technical specifications here (you can read
them below) but I would like to explain a few of the reasons why I
really like this camera more than any of the less expensive Nikon
DSLRs.
1. The viewfinder is extremely bright (due to the use of a prism as
opposed to a penta-prism)
2. Focus is extremely fast (as it should be).
3. There is no perceptible shutter lag (again as it should be).
4. It has in-camera image enhancement controls, but they are straight
forward without any cute icons or mysteries.
5. All the necessary controls are on the outside of the camera so that
changes can be made quickly (professionals need this feature more than
amateurs or even advanced photo enthusiasts).
Conclusion
Does this mean that I take back my words of praise for the new Nikon
D40 DSLR and no longer recommend the Nikon D80 DSLR? No it does not, I
still intend to buy a Nikon D40 DSLR within the next couple of months.
Because the Nikon D40 DSLR is a lot smaller than the Nikon D200 DSLR
and can fit into a small bag, so I can take it with me everywhere I go.
The Nikon D80 DSLR is probably not for me (I might change my mind
though), but it is for someone who wants the best non-professional
level DSLR made by Nikon. If you are not yet sure how to handle manual
settings for scenics, back lighting, night time or day time portraits,
close-ups, etc., but still want the best camera available, the Nikon
D80 DSLR would be the best choice for you at the moment. You can always
upgrade to the Nikon D200 DSLR next year.
Related Articles:
NEW - The
absolute best
Digital SLR camera and lens combination of the year - the Nikon D200
DSLR combined with the 18-200mm DX Nikkor Super-Zoom
The Nikon D80 Digital SLR
camera is aimed at aspiring photographers
Why the US$ 599 Nikon D40 Digital SLR will
be my next
camera purchase.
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| dpmac digital lifestyle store • digital cameras - computers - software - video games |
Main Features of the Nikon D200 Digital SLR
- 10.2 effective
megapixel Nikon DX Format CCD image sensor
- Image sensor features
high-speed 4-channel data output and a newly developed Optical Low Pass
Filter
- Advanced imaging
processing engine with
color-independent pre-conditioning and digital image processing
algorithms that achieve fine color gradations with exceptionally
smooth, consistent transitions
- Newly developed
11-area AF system with selectable 7 wide-area AF mode and effective new
focus area options
- 3D Color Matrix
Metering II with 1,005-pixel RGB sensor ensures accurate exposure
control and white balance
- New image
optimization modes help produce results more closely matching the
intended results
- Near-instant response
with 0.15 sec. power-up, 50-millisecond shutter time lag and
105-millisecond viewfinder blackout
- Fast 5 frames per
second in bursts of up to 22 consecutive NEF (RAW) or 37 JPEG
(Fine-Large) images
- Shutter speeds
ranging from 30 to 1/8,000 sec. for full creative control
- Creative in-camera
Image Overlay and Multiple Exposure effects
- GPS support for
recording location-specific information along with shooting data
- Large 2.5" LCD
monitor with ultra-wide 170° viewing
angle for clear image preview and easy access to settings and
information, including new RGB Histograms and the new Recent Settings
list
- Large new top LCD
panel displays a wealth of information on settings and shooting status
- Lightweight, durable
magnesium alloy body protected by enhanced sealing system
- Large, bright
viewfinder offering 0.94x magnification
- New high-energy
EN-EL3e rechargeable lithium-ion
battery delivers the power to shoot up to 1,800 pictures on a single
charge, and provides detailed battery status information (Battery life
figure determined by in-house test parameters)
- Optional MB-D200
battery pack extends shooting
capability, enhances stability, and provides the further shooting
potential of added controls
- Built-in Speedlight
with i-TTL flash control and full support for Nikon's Creative Lighting
System
- Support for the
Wireless Transmitter WT-3 enables direct cable-free image transfer to a
compatible computer
- Includes Nikon’s
PictureProject software for easy control over image adjustment and
management
- Supported by Nikon
Capture 4 (version 4.4)
software, which fully unlocks the extensive potential of NEF (Nikon
Electronic Format)
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Specifications
of the Nikon D200 Digital SLR
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Effective pixels
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10.2 million |
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Image sensor
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RGB CCD, 23.6 x 15.8
mm, 10.92 million total pixels |
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Image size
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L (3,872 x 2,592) /
M (2,896 x 1,944) / S (1,936 x 1,296) |
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Sensitivity
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ISO equivalency 100
to 1600 in steps of 1/3, 1/2, or 1 EV |
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Storage media
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CompactFlash™ (CF)
Card (Type I/II) and Microdrive™ |
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LCD monitor
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2.5-in.,
230,000-dot, low-temp. polysilicon TFT LCD with brightness adjustment |
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Exposure
metering
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3D Color Matrix
Metering II, Center-Weighted and Spot Metering |
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Exposure modes
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Programmed Auto with
flexible program [P], Shutter-Priority Auto [S], Aperture-Priority Auto
[A], and Manual [M] |
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Interface
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USB 2.0 (Hi-Speed):
mass storage and PTP connectable |
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Power sources
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Rechargeable Li-ion
Battery EN-EL3e, MB-D200 battery pack (optional), AC Adapter EH-6
(optional) |
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Dimensions (W x
H x D)
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Approx. 147 x 113 x
74mm (5.8 x 4.4 x 2.9 in.) |
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Weight
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Approx. 830g (1lb
13oz) without battery, memory card, or body cap |
Specifications are subject to change
without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer.
November 2005
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