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Auto Mode (7.25)
The D200 dropped the beginner-friendly scene modes found on the D50, D70, and D70s, but it can be plenty automatic. By combining Program mode, Auto white balance, autofocus, and Auto ISO, a D200 user can have a very automated experience.
The Nikon D200's automated settings can be tweaked. Program mode shift allows the user to shift the aperture and shutter combination without changing the exposure value, biasing for a particular aperture or shutter speed or visual effect.
Movie Mode (0.0)
Like all DSLRs, the D200's sensor is covered by the shutter when it's not actually used to capture an image, and is therefore not capable of shooting movies.
Two DSLRs offer live focusing modes: the Fujifilm FinePix S3 and the special astrophotography edition of the Canon 20D can send live sensor data to their LCDs for focusing. The cameras' mirrors flip up and their shutters open in the process, but neither records the live view data.
Drive / Burst Mode (8.25)
The D200's maximum burst speed is 5 frames per second in Continuous High mode. Continuous Low mode can be set to 1, 2, 3, or 4 frames per second. We shot 22 RAW files in a 5 frames-per-second burst. The D200 got 37 JPEGS in a 5 fps burst, while shooting full-resolution, fine-quality files. Nikon notes that its 4-channel output boosts speed in continuous shooting.
The D200 also boasts a self-timer that can be set from 2 to 20 seconds. The burst mode dial also includes the mirror lockup mode. With it, photographers can reduce camera vibration by flipping up the mirror up to 30 seconds before taking the exposure.
Playback Mode (8.0)
The Nikon D200's playback mode offers a range of options. When the user presses the playback button, the last image recorded comes up. Pressing the enter button engages the magnification control. Once it is engaged, the user can press the magnification button and turn the rear control dial to magnify and provide enough enlargement to check focus; in the other direction, turning the dial to shift to thumbnail view shows either 4-up or 9-up displays. In single-image view, the Nikon D200 can show a standard histogram, separate RBG histograms, shooting data, and highlights for each color channel. The D200 can also rotate vertical images.
The Slide Show option shows all images in memory, except ones that have been “hidden” via the menu. There are no slick transitions available, but the user can choose intervals of 2, 3, 5, or 10 seconds.
The user can delete single images, selected ones, or everything on the memory card.
Custom Image Presets (0.0)
The D200 does not have custom image presets, such as “Sports,” “Landscape” or “Portrait” to bias exposure for fast shutter speeds or extra depth of field. Nikon put presets on its entry level DSLRs, the D50 and D70s, but not on the D2X and D2H, or the D100, this camera's predecessor. The D200 does, however, offer a black and white mode, although in most cases you will probably get better results shooting in color and converting the image to black and white post-capture.
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