Anyone have a Nikon D200?

Question

I'm pretty sure I'm getting it, but I'd like to hear from someone who has one or knows someone who has one and get their opinion of it first.

Answer 1

Hi Rachel,

I also own the D200 and I'm very, very happy with it. Like any other camera, it is not perfect and there are some quirks to get used to. But they are minor quirks! I've used a Canon 20D, several all-in-one digital cameras, and dozens of film cameras including Pentax, Olympus and Nikon 35mm SLRs, Contax rangefinders, Hassleblad 6x6 camera, and many other odds and ends including some classics.

Several years ago, I made the decision to start seriously considering a digital SLR to replace my film SLR camera as a main system. I realized to afford this (I'm not a pro) I would have to sell several cameras. I had originally centered on the Canon 20D, then the 30D when it was introduced. I did not have any lenses for either the Nikon or the Canon so I could choose either system based on quality, ergonomics, etc. I knew it would either be Canon or Nikon because of the wide range of pro lenses for each, the other accessories, and 3rd party support. There would also be a vast 2nd hand market when the time came.

I used a 20D here at work for a number of projects, and felt that the image quality was very good. I was, however, disappointed with the 60mm Canon macro lens, which surprised me. However, the largest detractor for me personally was the interface - it just didn't seem to "take", in other words, I had a hard time getting used to it.

Then a colleague here at work let me know that he was selling his almost new D200 with a couple of nice lenses and SB800 flash. I took it home to play around with it and I was immediately impressed. The interface made more sense to me than the Canon, and the image quality was outstanding. So I made the choice to get this camera and I've been extremely happy with it.

Before I purchased it, I looked at the reviews on http://www.dpreview.com and http://www.photographyreview.com and what was said there backed up my own experience.

Had I had the opportunity to try out a Canon 5D, I might have gone that route as well, although I didn't feel that the Canon ergonomics were as good as those on the Nikon. The D200 had the additional advantages of a metal chassis and weather sealing, putting it in the category of "semi-pro" and definitely above the mechanical quality of the Canon 30D. I think Nikon has been very smart with cameras like the F100, D100 and D200 in this regard - targeting carefully the serious amateurs who want top quality but might not need the features of the very top line pro cameras.

Hope this helps!

-Karl

Answer 2

We have several D200 owners here, so I hope they all respond. I know that we are fiercely loyal to our cameras.

There are others, but when I made the decision about my dream camera when I considered EVERYTHING, I chose the D200. Frankly, I had found myself in a good position financially and decided that i was going to buy "simply the best" camera available, regardless of the cost. For me - and many others in the real world - this meant the D200. It doesn't weigh 5 pounds and I don't need all the features and burst performance that a professional sports photographer might demand.

The only other "real world" consideration, as far as I am concerned, was the Canon EOS 5D. I already owned 3 exceptional Nikon lenses, though, so my choice was clear. Not to mention, the Canon 5D costs about twice as much. Even in "the sky's the limit" buying, relative value still counts.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond200/
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2006_reviews/d200.html
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d200.htm
http://www.popphoto.com/cameras/1844/camera-test-nikon-d200-dslr.html
http://www.popphoto.com/cameras/2402/editors-choice-2006-advanced-d-slrs.html

See this comparison of the Nikon D200 vs. the Canon 5D

http://www.digitalcamerainfo.com/content/Nikon-D200-vs-Canon-EOS-5D-Head-to-Head-Review-.htm [Note the navigation menu near the top of the review]

I have a few photos on Flickr taken with the D200 and various Nikon lenses. Go to my page at http://www.flickr.com/photos/samfeinstein/ Near the top, click on "tags." In the "Jump to" box, enter the word "D200" and then press the "GO" button.