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- Review: The Nikon D200
Review of the Nikon D200 - Performance (p4)
Nikon D200 Performance
The D200 powers up quick in less than half a second. Though it isn't the fastest Nikon out there, it was always on and ready to take the shot before we were. In both JPEG and RAW mode the camera took consecutive photos with less than a one-second delay. When using the flash, the delay was stretched only slightly to about 1.15 seconds. Shutter lag was, as we expected, almost undetectable at 0.1 second.
In low-speed continuous shooting mode, the D200 was able to take 30 high-quality JPEG photos in under 8 seconds (slightly under 4fps). RAW files were captured slightly faster at just above 4fps. In high-speed mode, RAW photos were captured at up to 5fps.
More impressive than the D200's speed is its image quality. With over 2 megapixels less resolution than the D2X, the D200 is still capable of producing professional-quality photos. In fact, when comparing images shot by the D200 and D2X it was nearly impossible to tell the difference. If anything, the D200 has a slight advantage under low-light conditions, where the D200's noise-reduction feature helps keep noise under control even at ISO 3200. At ISO 800 and below, noise is basically undetectable. This is a major improvement over the D100, and even to some degree the D2X. Color reproduction and exposure was also quite good, with only a slight tendency towards the warm end of the spectrum. Adjustments to white balance can usually counteract this effect.
The
Nikon D200 menu system is well planned out and easy enough to navigate.
Nikon D100 and D70 owners will recognize the majority of features and
options. On the D200, however, users can now create their own "banks"
of preset settings for different situations. For instance, you can now
set up a list of settings (including ISO, white balance, photo quality,
etc.) best suited for sports photography, portraits, or landscapes.
Even for those completely new to the Nikon D-series menu, the D200 menu
shouldn't take too long to master.
The D200's battery life is surprisingly good considering the additional voltage the D200 needs to power its 2.5-inch LCD display, autofocus and various other advanced electronic systems. We were able to shoot about 900 photos on a single battery charge, which is comparable to the D100 and D70. Finally, a built-in voltage sensor on the D200 means you will actually have an accurate battery life indicator.
In many ways the Nikon D200 is really an advanced amateur's dream come true. It has nearly all of the features of a full professional camera like the DX2, at only a fraction of the cost. With a quick response time, very good photo quality, and countless manual options and custom settings, the Nikon D200 is a very competitive mid-range digital SLR.
The D200 powers up quick in less than half a second. Though it isn't the fastest Nikon out there, it was always on and ready to take the shot before we were. In both JPEG and RAW mode the camera took consecutive photos with less than a one-second delay. When using the flash, the delay was stretched only slightly to about 1.15 seconds. Shutter lag was, as we expected, almost undetectable at 0.1 second.
In low-speed continuous shooting mode, the D200 was able to take 30 high-quality JPEG photos in under 8 seconds (slightly under 4fps). RAW files were captured slightly faster at just above 4fps. In high-speed mode, RAW photos were captured at up to 5fps.
More impressive than the D200's speed is its image quality. With over 2 megapixels less resolution than the D2X, the D200 is still capable of producing professional-quality photos. In fact, when comparing images shot by the D200 and D2X it was nearly impossible to tell the difference. If anything, the D200 has a slight advantage under low-light conditions, where the D200's noise-reduction feature helps keep noise under control even at ISO 3200. At ISO 800 and below, noise is basically undetectable. This is a major improvement over the D100, and even to some degree the D2X. Color reproduction and exposure was also quite good, with only a slight tendency towards the warm end of the spectrum. Adjustments to white balance can usually counteract this effect.
The
Nikon D200 menu system is well planned out and easy enough to navigate.
Nikon D100 and D70 owners will recognize the majority of features and
options. On the D200, however, users can now create their own "banks"
of preset settings for different situations. For instance, you can now
set up a list of settings (including ISO, white balance, photo quality,
etc.) best suited for sports photography, portraits, or landscapes.
Even for those completely new to the Nikon D-series menu, the D200 menu
shouldn't take too long to master. The D200's battery life is surprisingly good considering the additional voltage the D200 needs to power its 2.5-inch LCD display, autofocus and various other advanced electronic systems. We were able to shoot about 900 photos on a single battery charge, which is comparable to the D100 and D70. Finally, a built-in voltage sensor on the D200 means you will actually have an accurate battery life indicator.
In many ways the Nikon D200 is really an advanced amateur's dream come true. It has nearly all of the features of a full professional camera like the DX2, at only a fraction of the cost. With a quick response time, very good photo quality, and countless manual options and custom settings, the Nikon D200 is a very competitive mid-range digital SLR.
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Comments
Comment #1 (Posted by Bill Flowers)
I am a Pro, using the D200 in my Ad Agency and also for Artist sessions for high profile recording artist. This camera took a while to learn all this camera can do. Everything you can imagine can be fine tuned and manually adjusted. Night shots are my favorite because of the creativity that can be achieved. This is my second Nikon, but the only one I ever use. Be sure to spend the extra buck for a good lense or 2 or 3. My favorite is the Nikon Zoom Telephoto AF VR Zoom 70-200mm f/2.8D G-AFS ED-IF. It will set you back around the same you pay for the camera ($1,500-$1,800), but you will have one amazing camera capable of taking the money shot.
