Nikon D200 SLR Digital Camera Body

Reviewed by: thane

Duration of ownership: 15 Months

Strengths: This camera not only offers a wide range of photographic flexability, but it also grants the ower ample room for growth via multiple lenses and lighting accessories.

Weaknesses: The manual can be like a "pick your own adventure" book. As you try to get information on a specific detail, the manual often refers to a different section, and that section may additially do the same.

Overall: If you are not afraid to actaully read the manual, then I say that you will soon embrace this digital camera, which can be come an extension of your creative self. Personally, there have times when my D200 has made me weep with elation as I allowed it to take control of certain lighting situations, and then afterwards I easily regained my need to capture high speed pans with just a few quick commands. For those who just want a point and shoot, save your money and opt for a model that can accomidate your more simplistic needs. But for serious photographers, both new and seasoned, you should seriously consider this exceptional camera, as it provides not only potential for growth, but an insight as to what it means to be a true photographer.

Reviewed by: york

Duration of ownership: 9 Months

Strengths: Legacy compatability strongly built ease of use intuitive

Weaknesses: takes a bit of understanding once you get beyond basics and start using advanced features. (I had to read the book :-() If you use a VT lens it can increase battery consumption

Overall: I had a D70 prior to buying this camera so was very familiar with the controls etc. The quality of the pictures are outstanding and the general feel of the camera is that of proffessional equipment. So far I have had nothing but praise for the camera and given the choice bettween a D80 or a D200 I would still chose the D200. I have tried the Cannon but it just does not handle as well, though I believe that Cannon makes it's own CCD were Nikon uses Sony. One interesting fact is that my old 500mm mirror Nikon lens works very well with this camera much to my delight as I take a great deal of wildlife and a 500mm is a great lens to have. If you have a D200 with Adobe CS then you have a winning combination.

Reviewed by: wscjs

Strengths: Exceptional Clarity, Speed, and has a built-in Flash...

Weaknesses: Its a bit heavy, still not too heavy when compared to other SLRs...

Overall: I have shopped for months, and I think I could have not made a better choice when making a decision, Nikon really should give themselves a pat on the back when they made this camera. The photos really come alive when they are used with the Nikkor lenses...

Reviewed by: steel520

Strengths: Professional build quality, outstanding results. Magnesium body with water resistant seals.

Weaknesses: None

Overall: I purchased my D200 about 9 months ago, along with a Nikkor 18-200 VR lens. Once you've read the 222 page manual and have some idea how to work this tecnological wonder, the quality of the photographs rival those I used to get with a high end film SLR. The menus and their many submenus have built in guidance if you need help while you're setting the camera up. Customizing these menus really brings out the best in the D200.I chose an Extreme IV 2 gig Compact Flash card which is so fast the D200, shooting at 5 frames per second, cannot overrun its internal buffer. Battery life has been fine but I carry an extra just in case. The popup flash unit works well for short indoor shots. For outdoor work or for shooting in large halls like a church, I'd recommend a quality external flash unit.If you're going to get a polarizer, be sure it's a CIRCULAR polarizer. Linear polarizers don't work correctly with DSLR light metering hardware.This is a really superb piece of equipment with almost all the best features of the professional D2X which costs 3 times as much. It will satisfy even the most critical photographer with its outstanding photos.

Reviewed by: ProfBob44

Strengths: Solid, weather-sealed, 5 frames-per-second, typical Nikon quality, fair price

Weaknesses: None

Overall: I've been using Nikons since the '60s, starting with 2 original Nikon Fs, to 2 8008s, an F90s, and when the Fuji S2 Pro came out (built on Nikon body) I bought one over the D100 -- based on strong reviews by pros and because it had Firewire for my Mac and a pc jack for studio monolights). Fuji was a fine camera. But I now have 2 D200s, and love them. (They don't have Firewire, but do have USB 2 and pc connector for strobes. The D200 is almost as solid as the original F (much better protection against dust and moisture than most other DSLRs). The menu interface is far more intuitive than other DSLRs I've handled. I've been using one of these for about 19 months, with everything from a 10.5mm fisheye to a 300mm f/2.8 with 2X TC20 teleconverter (for a 35mm equivalent to 900mm), and it has performed flawlessly in a wide-range of settings (fast-moving sports to studio work). This is a GREAT camera.

Reviewed by: lanceasher

Strengths: Fast, reliable, solid body, impressive.

Weaknesses: Pricey.

Overall: The D200 Nikon camera body is one of the best in the business. This is my second digital camera body and has made the transition into the digital world using 35mm SLR both a joy and pleasure. Nikon has worked most of their bugs out with this model and has produced a fast, reliable body that is a staple in every Nikonian's collecction. Although slightly high in price, the D200 is well worth the investment and will aid in the production of digital images whether you're a professional, advanced novice or just getting into digital photography.

Reviewed by: projectmgr7

Strengths: Color System FeaturesBuild quality.DependabilityVersatility

Weaknesses: Wish there was remote for use when viewing images on TV screen.

Overall: I have yet to discover weakness in this camera and I have used it daily since January. The D200 has delivered the best color and performance of any camera I have used before and done it in a variety of capture environments too. From fast sports action to static and macro images and on through landscape, night capture and flash supported subject matter my D200 has performed better than any camera I have used. There is a learning curve and where that ends I have yet to discover despite enthusiastic use of almost every feature. There has been a lot of comparisons by those loyal to both prominent camera and lens manufacturers that is not subjective. Well I have used both systems and will say that in my opinion it costs at least a thousand dollars more to equal image quality and several thousand to find equivelant performance and durability. Not only that but the true capability of this camera isn't revealed until you engage the Nikon system including Nikkor lenses, advanced Capture NX software and Creative lighting support. What this camera allows me to do now that I couldn't do last year is fully cover individual and team sports. Switch control preferences for up to four completely different situations quickly via four preset menu banks. Capture color that is true to what I witness independent of post capture processing. Explore opportunity confident that the camera can handle the heavy glass and rugged conditions that present themselves. The D200 is an excellent cornerstone allowing the photographer to meet a great many circumstances head on.