Nikon D200 Digital Camera Review

Nikon D200

Digital Camera Review

Dec 30, 2005 - By Patrick Singleton & Alex Burack
4 After years of rumors, sightings, and anticipation, the Nikon D200, a 10.2 megapixel DSLR with a 5 frames-per-second burst speed and a brand-new autofocus module, finally enters the market. Priced at under $1700 online, it replaces the D100, which Nikon announced almost four years back – generations ago, in digital imaging terms. Nikon users will probably measure it against more recent cameras. How much better is it than the $840 Nikon D70s? How close is it to the $4,400 flagship Nikon D2X? It's also worth comparing it to the offerings in Canon's current lineup, particularly the Canon EOS 5D and 20D, two other cameras that are both a step down from the top of the line, but also popular with both professionals and serious amateurs. However, with extensive custom options, iTTL flash control with commander mode, and a rugged magnesium body, the perhaps long overdue D200 is sure to carve a niche for itself within the dense DSLR market.
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Nikon D200
       
 
Likes
– Excellent image quality
– CAM1000 autofocus is a big improvement, and an advantage over competing cameras
– Magnesium body and dust seals
– Compatible with old Nikon lenses
– Excellent interface gives quick access to major controls           
Dislikes
- Included RAW conversion software is lousy
- TTL flash exposure compatible with only the latest Nikon flashes
- Viewfinder shows only 95 percent of the image
- Not compatible with older batteries
- Inadequate software package - doesn’t ship with Nikon Capture 4         
 
                           
Conclusion
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?).
 
The D200 combines advances and refinements that Nikon fans had every reason to expect: higher resolution, lower noise, faster autofocus, and a more polished interface. If there is anything shocking about the D200, it's the fact that nothing is shocking about it. With the D200, Nikon delivers a solid performer. Canon, in contrast, keeps on delivering surprising cameras – the 5D has a full-frame sensor for less money than people expected. The 1D Mark II n cranks out 8.5 frames per second (and does it at 8 megapixels for a faster burst rate at twice the file size of the Nikon D2Hs), and the 1Ds Mark II brought photographers 16.7 megapixels at under $8,000.
 
In short, Nikon has delivered an excellent camera, but has still left the headlines to Canon.
Overall Impressions Page 11 of 13 Specs / Ratings
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