Nikon D200

Nikon D200

Many months that have been full of rumors and last minute leaks. Finally the moment has arrived to hold the D200 and quickly go over the features to see if the wait, excessive for some -perfect for others- was worth it.

Professional housing

The characteristics of the D200 leave no margin for doubt about the position it will occupy in what Nikon currently has to offer: in between the D70s and the D2s. Fortunately, the design and construction of the housing has been done with these in mind. The new SLR shows off eminently professional lines that remind us a lot of the analogue F100.

Nikon D200

Nikon D200

The amount of magnesium used makes for a body that isn't very large, but appears bulky and heavy, in the robust meaning of the word.

Nikon D200

The optional vertical MB-D200 grip does nothing but reaffirm the inherited character of the D100, the same as the curves and reliefs, which are stylishly distributed.

Nikon D200

Nikon D200

The grip, as the make assures, doesn't only accommodate two batteries, but also standard batteries by means of an adaptor. Something we know the professionals will appreciate.

D2X in miniature

The lay out of the controls reinforces this professional idea, with similarities close to the top of the range Nikon SLR cameras like the D70 or D50.

Nikon D200 y D2X

Although in this case not counting the three screens used by the D2 family, the 2.5 inch LCD and the monitor on the main body -with really outstanding dimensions- sufficiently insure full control of all the options.

Nikon D200

Nikon D200

The grip area and the shutter release continue to be an example of other Nikons: the main switch is found next to the shutter release, accompanying the "Mode" button (sacrificing the dial found on the D100), while the other button allows exposure compensation. Each dial on the front and back provide most of the cameras photographic operations.

Nikon D200

On the other side of the viewfinder, we find with surprise and delight: the dial that on the D2s controls the bracketing and flash, in this case it is used to control the three basic functions on whichever SLR: sensitivity, white balance and image quality.

Nikon D200

Nikon D200

Also integrated in the same control it is also possible to select simple or burst shot, as well as the possibility to raise the mirror, an option that should be less hidden.

Nikon D200

Although it should rarely be a motive for analysis, the mirror also deserves a moment for pause. Just as the people responsible for the brand assure us, there is a mechanism that varies in respect to other models -it is "smaller", they tell us- and produces a more muffled sound, although also less professional than that of its big brothers. The shutter has also changed colour, from silver, like previous models, to black.

Nikon D200

This change means that now DX flashes can't work in TTL, so say Nikon, and that the D200 only offers this option with models compatible with i-TTL: the SB-600 and SB-800.

From 100 to 1600 ISO in 5 fps

We have already commented that the decision to go for CCD, instead of CMOS like the D2X, is one of the most surprising aspects of the new D200. A sensor that combines a resolution of 10 million points with a speed unthought-of of until now using CCD technology.

Nikon D200

Nikon D200

The key, they explain, is in the reading of the four channels that are used. The practical form of this piece of information is a cadence for 5 frames per second, and a burst that, at first sight, and without using high-speed cards, shows exceptional performance.

We should also emphasize the initial reaction speed once the camera is switched on, which permits instantaneous shooting, we tried it, no more waiting to for the camera to start up.

Nikon D200

As always, the capacity of the D200 to confront high sensitivity and low light are some of the points where special attention will be paid. For now, we haven't been able to test this, being as the model isn't a finished version, so we will have to be content with the things we can see.

Nikon D200

The sensitivity presents itself one of the highest ranging in the market: from 100 to 1600 ISO calibrated and an uncalibrated (Hi-1) which reaches 3200 ISO. Whatsmore, it relies on two intermediate steps between both values, equivalent to 1600 ISO x 0.3 and 1600 ISO x 0.7.

Redesigned auto focus controls

Although the 2.5 inch screen on the back gets all the attention, not forgetting the protector that Nikon generally incorporates and turns out to be quite practical, special attention has to be given to the complete redesign of the controls in respect to the camera's predecessor, the D100.

Nikon D200

Again, the similarities with the top range SLR's are evident, above all referring to the automatic auto focus controls. The 11 zone auto focus is found on the control situated to the left of the LCD -with four positions, according to the type of focus desired-, and the central joystick.

Nikon D200

Something less comfortable, is changing from auto to manual focus using the classical control positioned on one side of the grip. Also lacking thought for large hands or weak nails is the measurement control, situated next to the viewfinder.

Nikon D200

Using the redesigned viewfinder, along with the classic information about the view supplied through it, you have access to the focus point or zone and Nikon have also included sensitivity value. Unfortunately, this doesn't happen with white balance.

Although having brief contact with the new 18-200 mm VR didn't permit an evaluation of its results, the performance of the lens and the focus with the D200 proved to be of a high standard.

The new Nikon D200 along with the also new 18-200 mm VR lens.

It is a lens that, while waiting for the official price, emphasizes its versatility and improved VR system. Only the bulky size once the zoom is extended, and the stiffness of the ring could be added to the list of "buts".

Optimization menus

The clear orientation towards the semi professional sector doesn't stop the D200 having a few details dedicated to the amateur users. For example, a flash unit, whose sound and looks aren't too substantial has been included, as well as built-in optimization programs.

Nikon D200

It is also possible, via the D200's coloured easy to use menus, options to adjust colour parameters (vivid or smooth for example) similar to those used on the D50. A hint to remind the photographer that it's possible to use this camera without too many complications.

Nikon D200

The D200 uses compact flash memory cards to save images. The, quite large, compartment is situated on the side of the camera, with quite a tidy appearance. To get to it you have to first open the flap, like on the D2, although in this case it is positioned under the aforementioned auto focus dials.

Nikon D200

With an appearance and position similar to other SLR cameras, Nikon have said the D200's battery and the power supply are also based on those used by the D2: an intelligent battery, which shows information on power level and battery life, and able to supply enough power for 1.800 shots.

Demonstrating its potential exterior, now only leaves the wait for the finished product to arrive to prove if, effectively, the hints and professional shape correspond with the expected image quality.

Nikon D200

Meanwhile, of the long list of questions to be asked, only two can definitely help this model up: the confirmation of a price around 2.000 euros, and if it will arrive before the end of the year. We will be waiting.