The Nikon D200 review

Updated - 26JUL2014

Nikon D200 with 28-105mm AF Sigma on the box

Thoughts

 

I got one for myself just a week ago. In the professional circles I have been in, the D200 is a much sought after camera. The only minus that it seems to have is the battery economy. A spare battery can solve that problem. 

Not surprisingly a lot of professionals I know swear by it and for good reasons. The camera was launched in November 2005 and was succeeded by the D300 in august 2007. However, in the mid range Nikon line this was the last camera with a CCD sensor after the D100. The D300 and D300s are both CMOS sensor cameras. The CCD sensor in the D200 was made by Sony. 

  Nikon D200 right side
 

I have also seen photographers from rural and sub rural towns in this part of the world use the D200 for weddings and other sundry. They are available used from anywhere between INR 255,000 to INR 50,000 depending on the condition and accessories its coming with. 

Even from the time when I didn’t know anything about cameras, I had always wanted a D100 or a D200. It was based mostly on what I read and heard. I nearly bought a D100 some months back, but had to drop out because of the price and besides, the camera was too old.   

Nikon D200 with the Nikkor 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G VR lens

I always thought the camera is not as important as the photographer. May be its true in some cases but in some cases its not. You need a good camera to make a good picture. I used to think amateur/entry level cameras can be used for professional purposes. May be, but the professional quality is something else. When you have a great camera, your expression becomes that much easier. 

  

The Camera

        Studio

Shot with the D200 and Nikkor 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G ED II lens

Now that I have seen the D200’s output, I can easily differentiate amateur quality. The D200 produces rich tones and vibrant hues. Though I mostly shot with the Sigma 28-105 that I had, it was enough to discern the output quality. 

Though used, my camera still is in a relatively pristine condition. Good thing, the seller I bought from also gave me the original box (in a very good condition) along with the manual and CDs (Never opened from their covers). Getting a camera in pristine conditon, new box, unopened CDS, now thats a bit rare. Most sellers  

I was told the camera has done a little over 15k clicks.  I didnt check the shutter count when I first bought it, the seller could have lied, I am speculating it might have been around 20-25k.  

Battery

The only flaw the camera has is its low battery economy. Comparatively, with my Sony a200, I can shoot a whole wedding without even checking the battery status. The D200’s battery is the same one as in the D80. You can even swap the D80’s battery door in case you lose the one on your D200. Also having the D80 as a backup is not bad idea as both use the same batteries. Having an extra battery or two is advisable.  Both the D200 and D80 have the same sensors. The D80 has Active D-lighting, the D200 does not, thats the only difference. 

Handling

The D200 is heavy and feels very solid. The contours give a very professional feel. I can’t understand why some people complain about weight. I wonder, are people too weak to even lift three or four pounds? No? then that’s a pity. The buttons are all placed well and good. They contribute heavily to the overall aesthetic of the camera. The menus are easy to navigate. With the selectable autofocus points, shooting with the D200 is pure happiness.

What I shot with?

I had an old Nikon mount Sigma 28-105 AF lens and the camera has fared excellently with it. Performance seems on par. Justyesterday I bought a 18-55 VR for the D200 and here is a review of the lens. 

Ohh btw here is the latest review I wrote for the D200 after almost two years. Here you go....


--Viisshnu Vardhan--