Photography by Tom Zeman - REVIEW: Nikon D200

I’ve been shooting with the D200 for about eight months now, and I was one of the lucky ones who was able to obtain one when they were hard to get. As is typical of my reviews, you won’t find long tables of statistics and numbers here. The web is full of that kind of information. I just give my overall impressions.

I had been using the Nikon D2H since its inception, which is/was a very fine camera. It was the first digital that I felt didn’t require me to compromise on speed or features when switching from the film-based F5. The ultimate goal of all my images is to wind up as prints, so fine detail is critical. After a couple of years with the D2H, I decided to look for an upgrade, since I felt that I could get better detail in my prints, and newer technology was now available. I would have liked to go with the D2X, but its near $5000 price tag was simply too expensive. So I opted to try the D200.

I like the feel and balance of a larger camera in my hands, so the first thing I did was get the MB-D200 Multi Power Battery Pack and install it. This provides a larger gripping area, and is equipped with a second shutter release button, Auto Focus On button, and main and sub command dials for easier shooting in a vertical position.

Transitioning from the D2H to the D200 was very easy, and I was literally shooting with it within minutes of taking it out of the box. The menus are straight forward and I was quickly able to get custom settings arranged to my liking. Naturally, all of my existing lenses and equipment worked perfectly.

While the balance was different from the D2H, I quickly got used to it. The sound is also different. Instead of the D2H’s more “electronic” sound, the D200 sounds like a high quality film camera. It provides a purely professional shooting experience that is reminiscent of both previous digitals and the F5. In continuous shooting the frame rate is not as high as my previous cameras, but this hasn’t actually been much of an issue.

Battery life is not nearly as good as the D2H. The D2H was good for approximately 1200 images on one battery. The MB-D200 doubles the D200’s battery capacity by accepting two EN-EL3e batteries, providing approximately 400-500 images per battery. This is adequate for my needs with spare batteries on hand, but makes the extra capacity of the MB-D200 a must.

Much has been said about the new display screen on the back of the D200, and it really must be seen to be appreciated. Now carried over into the new D80, it is substantially larger, brighter, and clearer than the one on the D2H. This is probably responsible for some of the increase in power consumption.

The ultimate test is in the images, and in that regard I was definitely not disappointed. Right after the D200 arrived, I was off on a trip to shoot Paris, France, and the D200 brought home the goods. The fine detail in the largest prints is remarkable, and I find the D200 does an excellent job of delivering the image that I envisioned when I pushed the button. I’ve made prints as large as 30”x40” that are mind blowing. Seen in the larger scale, the minute details just jump out at you. Pedestrians, cars, windows, etc., are all clearly rendered.

For the price of one D2X, you can have 2 ½ D200’s, and the resolution difference is minimal. Its ruggedness and professional build quality are on a par with its bigger sibling, and I have been completely, and almost surprisingly, satisfied. Frankly, I’m not really sure why you would want to choose the D2X over the D200. Nikon has done a great job on this one, and all the hype was worth it.

If you’re a Nikon shooter, or thinking about becoming one, and want a pro level digital SLR, but don’t want to (or need to) throw down the money for a D2X, try a D200. You most certainly will not be disappointed.

You can download the 24 page brochure for the D200 here: 24p Brochure (1.82MB)

Below is the Nikon D200 with MB-D200 (right) as seen with the D2X (left). With the MB-D200 installed, the D200 is actually slightly taller and heavier than the D2X. If you browse through my Galleries, all of the images from Paris were shot with the D200. You may also find my review of the Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED-IF AF-S VR DX Zoom-Nikkor of interest.