The Nikon D200 is a great camera , released back in 2005, but it still delivers stunning images. There's a decent clone: the Fujifilm FinePix S5 Pro , which differs from the Nikon D200 only in its software and a better sensor.
It's funny that Nikon's official website currently only has two sections for modern DSLRs—professional and amateur. Yet, on that same website, the camera is marketed as semi-professional. It's just that, after being divided into only two classes, the D200 hasn't been moved to the "professional" section. What's my point? The Nikon D200 is truly a professional camera , perfect for any type of photography. You can see the evolution of all Nikon cameras here.
Nikon D200, view of the camera Nikon D200
In general, I am delighted with the Nikon D200, and after a day of working with it, I don’t feel like shooting anything else. The camera is quite weighty, sits perfectly in my hand, behaves perfectly with heavy lenses.
Sample photo on Nikon D200 without processing
When working with the Nikon D200 camera, I highly recommend paying attention to such important parameters as :
- Great ergonomics. This is expressed in everything from a rubberized handle and discs to a shooting mode lock. Using well-thought-out ergonomics, the camera is very convenient to control; all the most necessary settings are always available and always at hand. By the way, even the bottom of the camera (where the tripod socket is) is also rubberized.
- Optional monochrome display. Just an indispensable thing for a professional. The display shows all the most important settings - ISO, aperture values, excerptsamendments exposure, the amount of free space on the card, white balance, picture quality, flash mode, battery charge, focus point and all that is possible. When the camera is turned off, the number of frames that can be taken to the remaining space on the memory card remains on the display. The monochrome display is larger than in younger models Nikon D90, D80, D70(s) D50, D7000.
An example of a photograph on a Nikon D200 without processing. Poplar fluff
- Dust and moisture protection. Of course, it is worth mentioning that the protection will be complete only if there are dust and moisture protective lenses, but in nature I have not seen such, because I will say that the camera perfectly tolerates light rain, dust, dirt and slight frosts.
- Using a CF CardA large CF card can achieve incredible read/write speeds, which is essential for continuous shooting and, in general, for copying files to a computer. However, my 32GB 400x CF card only achieved 5MB/sec better performance than the other cards. SD 32 GB class 10. As you understand, the Nikon D200 can handle even 32 GB normally.
- Huge continuous shooting buffer. Buffer can store 21 RAW files. Given that the maximum shooting speed 5 frames per second, the camera can click as long as 4 seconds in quick mode. 4 seconds is already a normal indicator. For example, my Nikon D90 starts to slow down after three seconds of filming at a speed of 4.5 frames per second. Also, keep in mind that when shooting in JPEG, the buffer becomes almost dimensionless.
- Whole 10.2 megapixels. Chasing megapixels is not worth it at all, but still 10.2 MP is enough for shooting in almost any genre. Of course, more is better, but I do not see any difference between the 10.2 megapixels of my Nikon D200, D80 and 12.3 megapixels of mine Nikon D90. Anyway, baby Nikon D40 with its 6.1 MP it can sometimes do with sharpness Nikon D90 with the same lens - look at the section Battle of Megapixels.
An example of a photograph on a Nikon D200 without processing. High ISO 1600
- The matrix on ISO 100 allows you to get just a very good picture, everything above ISO 400 is already a very bad result. About it a little lower. Having experience working with processing images from different cameras, I can say that at low ISOs, at some points, a CCD image is simpler and easier to “bring to mind”. The matrix of the Nikon D200, although in some respects similar to the sensors used in the models Nikon D80, D40x, D60, D3000but still different. Details here.
- The camera has focus motor, this will allow you to use any optics that can focus on Nikon, for example, the camera works great with non-motorized lenses Nikon 50mm F1.8D, Nikon 70-210 F4, etc. The motor buzzes when focusing, but nothing can be done, in order to save money on non-motorized lenses, you can be patient.
An example of a photograph on a Nikon D200 without processing. High ISO 1600
- The camera can measure exposure with any lens (and without a lens at all). This means that it will be possible to work in semi-automatic aperture priority mode with any manual lens. Even if you wear instead of a lens tin can, the camera will still measure exposure meter correctly. Also, for older lenses, a menu for setting the focal length and maximum aperture is provided. It is very, very convenient. Personally, I put on the programmable button the choice of focal length and aperture for manual optics. When I use my Helios-81N AI-s type, the Nikon D200 camera correctly displays 50mm focal length and maximum aperture F / 2.0, and if I twist the aperture ring on the lens, the camera also understands this and shows the following values F / 2.8, F / 4.0, etc. Important set manual lens parametersfor matrix metering to work, otherwise only spot and center-weighted will work.
- At the camera 11 focus points and just one cross-shaped sensor. Now 11 focus points put on the simplest Nikon D3000You won’t be surprised. But the camera has 4 focus modes and a special switch for them.
Sample photo on Nikon D200 without processing
- Nikon D200 has a minimum 1/8000 short shutter speed, sometimes a very useful thing, especially when you need to shoot at aperture of 1.4 (or higher) on a sunny day. And still, Nikon D200 can fulfill non-standard excerpts type 1 \ 750, 1 \ 3000, 1 \ 90s, etc., which cannot be selected in priority mode excerpts or in manual mode. Intermediate values shutter speed allow adjust exposure more precisely. For example, with such shutter speeds, younger cameras, like Nikon D80, D90.
- The camera can control flashes in command mode. That is, if you have a Nikon D200 and any flash like Nikon SB-600, SB-700, SB-800, SB-900, SB-910 or third-party manufacturers, you can put it in a radius of 10 meters and shoot using Nikon's creative lighting system NIKON-CLS.
Sample photo on Nikon D200
- And of course, fast flash sync. You can shoot with an external flash that supports FP mode, with any shutter speedup to 1/8000. Very important and necessary parameter.
- A bunch of all sorts of connectors that you rarely use, it's just too lazy to write about them, who cares, download the instructions and read for yourself.
Example photo on Nikon D200
- Limit ISO 100-1600 (100-3200). At the moment, this is not the best indicator, but I would say very low.
- The camera has 1.005-pixel RGB matrix metering sensor exposureinherited from the flagship camera D2X. Measurement works very accurately.
Example photo on Nikon D200. Portert
- Those who have read up to this seventeenth paragraph have probably already grown tired. There are many more important points that should be written about, but this is already necessary for a very narrow circle of people, therefore we will limit ourselves to this list of important aspects of the camera.
Nikon D200 and Nikon D40 Camera Size Comparison
Disadvantages . Since I've classified this camera as a professional one, I can expect a lot from it. Therefore, I consider the following to be serious disadvantages :
- The delay when you turn on the menu or view pictures. Delay does not always occur, depending on whether you watched or took a picture on the camera. Usually, after turning on the camera and pressing the menu button or viewing the image, the camera “thinks” for 3-5 seconds, which is a disastrously long period of time. The card activity indicator is on. Actually the “communication" of the camera with the card takes this time. On my two cards, 2GB and 32GB 400x, the delay time is the same. This is not a very important point, but sometimes waiting for 3-5 seconds is still not a hunt. But the camera turns on instantly.
Example photo on Nikon D200. The light meter easily copes with non-standard tasks
- The battery runs out very quickly. Really I have enough battery for 400 shots. You can still take a small photo shoot on one charge. But, for example, at a wedding without 2-3 batteries just can not do (checked more than once). This disease is treated by buying a special booster. The booster adds convenience when shooting, but it takes extra space in the case and adds extra weight.
Example photo on Nikon D200
- The viewfinder does not give 100% frame coverage, but only the usual 95%. It's really annoying when after the picture you find an extra piece in the photo that fits in these 5%, which were not visible behind the scenes.
Example photo on Nikon D200.
- 2.5 inch display. Yes after Nikon D90, D300 look at 230.000 points after 900.000 points at D90 not that anymore. Of course, offending the old D200 is bad, but the display is not the same as before. Many say that the D200 gives a bad picture, from personal experience I will say that professionals will not distinguish a picture from Nikon D200 and Nikon D7000 with the same lens and the same settings at low ISO when printing and / or on a computer monitor (I personally conducted an experiment that confirmed this). But almost everyone will say that the picture looks much worse on the Nikon D200 display than anywhere else. Why is not known.
Example photo on Nikon D200. Landscape
- The standard lack of gum in all Nikon cameras is that they swell and fall off. Let me explain - the rubber, which is so nice to the touch, swells over time and comes off.
Example photo on Nikon D200.
- Very poor results at high ISO. Given the age of the camera, you can come to terms with this.
Example photo on Nikon D200. Portrait. Color rendition.
- It’s bad that when switching the compression level, the RAW buffer still shows 21 frames. For example: compressed RAW weighs about 10 MB, and not compressed about 16 MB, it would not be bad if the camera placed more frames in the buffer with the compressed format.
Example photo on Nikon D200.
- No focus adjustment. Honestly, when I bought a Nikon D200, I was just saddened by this, since for some of my lenses adjustment would not hurt.
Example photo on Nikon D200.
- Nikon D200 is one of the few cameras that does not have a menu for post-processing photos. In general, no processing of the filmed material with the camera is provided. I was very surprised when I discovered this. You can't even convert from RAW to JPEG.
An example of a photograph on a Nikon D200 without processing. Poplar fluff
A couple more points :
The Nikon D200 impresses with its ability to zoom in virtually 1:1 with a single button. This is truly impressive, greatly speeding up the process of selecting a sharp shot. What's more, the camera zooms in precisely at the point of focus. This camera's zooming method is somewhat unusual (for users of lower-series cameras). To zoom in, you need to press two buttons and the main control dial. However, the multi-selector has eight directions. My impressions are positive.
Sample photo on Nikon D200 without processing
Are you choosing and don’t know what to take?
It's unlikely anyone can say for sure whether this camera is right for you. The Nikon D200 is currently obsolete ; its successor, the Nikon D300, features sensor cleaning, Live View, and less noise at high ISOs. The Nikon D300s also shoots video and has a much faster shutter speed, and it even supports two cards. And the Nikon D7000 is even better. If you're desperate to buy a camera of this caliber, consider the Nikon D80 , which offers similar image quality to the Nikon D200, the only significant difference being its inability to use manual lenses. More photos in the autumn photo gallery.
Final World:
The Nikon D200 is a professional DSLR camera , now discontinued, that you can get for a ridiculously low price. It can do almost everything you need . It's not suitable for photography beginners—there aren't a single automatic shooting mode, so you have to figure everything out yourself. It's also unlikely to be suitable for professionals, as it drains battery life very quickly and has significant noise at high ISOs. But the camera's only real drawback is that there are now much more advanced cameras like the Nikon D300 (s) and D7000 , which do everything even better. So, I can't say for sure who the Nikon D200 is best for , but in the right hands, it can be very powerful.
An Accurate List of All Nikon DX Nikkor Lenses for DSLR Cameras
Fixes
- Nikon DX AF Fisheye Nikkor 10.5 mm 1: 2.8G ED GOLD [AMAZON]
- Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 35 mm 1:1.8G SWM Aspherical [AMAZON]
- Nikon DXAF-S Microphone Nikkor 40 mm 1:2.8G SWM Micro 1:1 [AMAZON]
- Nikon DXAF-S Microphone Nikkor 85 mm 1: 3.5G ED VR SWM IF Micro 1:1 [AMAZON]
Wide angle
- Nikon DX AF-P Nikkor 10-20mm 1: 4.5-5.6G VR [AMAZON]
- Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 10-24mm 1: 3.5-4.5G ED SWM IF Aspherical [AMAZON]
- Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 12-24mm 1:4G ED SWM IF Aspherical GOLD [AMAZON]
Universal
- Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 16-80mm 1:2.8-4E N ED VR SWM IF Aspherical GOLD [AMAZON]
- Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 16-85mm 1: 3.5-5.6G ED SWM VR IF Aspherical [AMAZON]
- Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 17-55mm 1:2.8G ED SWM IF Aspherical GOLD [AMAZON]
- Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm 1:3.5-5.6G ED SWM Aspherical [AMAZON]
- Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm 1:3.5-5.6GII ED SWM Aspherical [AMAZON]
- Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm 1: 3.5-5.6G SWM VR aspherical [AMAZON]
- Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm 1: 3.5-5.6GII VR II [AMAZON]
- Nikon DX AF-P Nikkor 18-55mm 1: 3.5-5.6G [AMAZON]
- Nikon DX AF-P Nikkor 18-55mm 1: 3.5-5.6G VR [AMAZON]
- Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 18-70mm 1: 3.5-4.5G ED SWM IF Aspherical [AMAZON]
- Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 18-105mm 1: 3.5-5.6G ED SWM VR IF Aspherical [AMAZON]
- Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 18-135mm 1: 3.5-5.6G ED SWM IF Aspherical [AMAZON]
- Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 18-140mm 1: 3.5-5.6G ED SWM VR IF Aspherical [AMAZON]
- Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 18-200mm 1: 3.5-5.6G ED SWM VR IF Aspherical [AMAZON]
- Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 18-200mm 1: 3.5-5.6GII ED SWM VR IF Aspherical [AMAZON]
- Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 18-300mm 1: 3.5-5.6G ED SWM VR IF Aspherical [AMAZON]
- Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 18-300mm 1: 3.5-6.3GED SWM VR IF Aspherical [AMAZON]
Televisions
- Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 55-200mm 1: 4-5.6G ED SWM [AMAZON]
- Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 55-200mm 1: 4-5.6G ED VR IF SWM [AMAZON]
- Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 55-200mm 1: 4-5.6GII ED VR II [AMAZON]
- Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 55-300mm 1: 4.5-5.6G ED VR SWM HRI [AMAZON]
- Nikon DX AF-P Nikkor 70-300mm 1: 4.5-6.3G ed [AMAZON]
- Nikon DX AF-P Nikkor 70-300mm 1: 4.5-6.3G ed VR [AMAZON]
Exact list of all Nikon F DX cameras:
- D1, D1h, D1x, D2h, D2x, D2hs, D2xs
- D100, D200, D300, D300s, D500
- D70, D70s D80, D90
- D7000, D7100, D7200, D7500
- D50, D40, D40x, D60
- D3000, D3100, D3200, D3300, D3400, D3500
- D5000, D5100, D5200, D5300, D5500, D5600
- + Fujifilm FinePix S1 Pro, S2 Pro, S3 Pro/S3 Pro UVIR, S5 Pro/IS Pro
- Basic information on the Nikon system (lenses, cameras, compatibility, a lot of information).
- Nikon camera selection (models, recommendations, discussion)
- All Nikon digital cameras with interchangeable lenses. Their types and dates of announcements. Camera designations s, h, x, e, a.
- Methods and modules for metering Nikon cameras.
- Processors of Nikon cameras. Performance.
- Focusing systems for Nikon cameras.
- Sensors of Nikon cameras (who produces, which models are used)
- Which external flash to choose for Nikon cameras?
- Other articles on Nikon / Nikkor cameras and lenses.
This material was prepared by Arkady Shapoval . The greatest support for the site is if you use links on this site, such as Amazon , when purchasing anything . It costs you nothing, but for this site, and therefore for my family, it's the main source of support.
Hello Arkady!
I have owned Nikon D200 for 4 years, at first I used it often for the first months, then once every six months. Yesterday such a nuisance happened - the viewfinder became dark and autofocus stopped working, and naturally when I pressed the shutter button nothing happened. The battery showed 25%. At the same time, manual focusing worked, but with a dark viewfinder it was difficult to focus. Lens nikon 18-55 G, vr.
That is, in manual mode everything worked, including the shutter button. All functions of the device also work, except for what was said above.
I repeat, in autofocus mode the shutter button does not work with focus priority settings. But with shutter priority settings everything works, that is, the shutter works, but there is no good focusing and this is also with a dark viewfinder.
The camera is in perfect condition, I can’t even believe that something is damaged.
I charged the battery fully, but the effect is the same.
I installed a Nikon 18-70 lens, the same thing, autofocus doesn’t work.
Arkady, please tell me the possible malfunctions, give me some advice.
There was a typo in the email, I've corrected it now.
Arkady, please find time to answer, as the camera is amazing.
Arkady and hello to everyone!
I will continue this question of mine. It became clear to me what the problem is, but not completely, that is, I ask you to indicate the root cause after the following explanation.
It turned out that the reason for the dark lens on my Nikon D200 camera is not an uncharged battery, but not the return of the STRIKER or PUSHER, as Arkady put it in his article about problems with video shooting. From this article I understood that this striker, which is in the bayonet shaft, should return to the upper position after the shutter cycle, and then the lens diaphragm will open completely, which will make the viewfinder light and allow the camera to focus normally with subsequent shutter release. In my situation, this pusher does not return to the upper position, but remains in the lower position, while the lens diaphragm is completely closed, and as a result, the viewfinder is dark, due to which focusing does not occur and the shutter naturally does not work.
Arkady and everyone - Why is this happening and what repairs need to be done? Where do I need to get in and what needs to be changed, pulled, touched, moved...?
Take/take to a photo equipment repair service (not household appliances like vacuum cleaners or televisions, but specifically photo equipment).
D200 is now worth pennies on flea markets. It might be easier to throw it away and buy another one.
They cost pennies already made, and in very used condition. And my D200 is in almost new condition, mileage 7700 frames.
And the camera itself is considered PROFESSIONAL.
This is not me talking.
This is what Arkady Shapoval says!
And I completely agree with him.
And in general, I ask that you give advice to photography professionals, and not to appraisers from trading platforms.
Any professional photographer will tell you the same thing.
Doesn't work? Call for service!
I'm not a marketplace appraiser, thank you, that's not my business.
There is no need to get into photography equipment if you have never done it before.
With the mileage like yours, a camera costs from $100 to $200, unless of course the mileage has been rolled back, which can be done, since service software for Nikons produced before 2015 was circulating on the Internet and I rolled it back myself.
There is a problem with the camera's electrical system.
I had something similar in the cold on a Nikon D750.
It is possible that your camera battery is VERY tired and does not hold a charge.
If you are afraid to take it to a service center, buy another battery, for example on Aliexpress, there are plenty of them there.
I solved the problem on the D750 by replacing it with a warm, fresh and fully charged battery.
If you have a battery from the time of the Pea King, then it is better to buy two new ones and experiment. The D200 is a rather gluttonous machine, perhaps the problem is in this and in the old tired battery.
Thanks for the tips, but I also have a Nikon D90 which works fine with the D200 battery, and the D90 battery doesn't solve the problem on the D200.
I need simple advice on what parts to buy to solve the problem.
I clearly wrote above, referring to Arkady’s article, that the pusher does not return to its original upper position, but it should do so.
Based on your answers, you just need to go to a service center or buy a new/old D200.
But now service centers won't take on work for less than 50 bucks + parts, that's the way it is.
Secondly, if you have an old 7-series car and the carburetor starts acting up, would you also go and buy a new/old 7-series and not just buy a working carburetor?
All you want to do is chat.
Peter, I had the problem you described on Fuji S3Pro and Nikon D750.
In both cases everything was decided according to the following algorithm:
1) Turn off the power
2) Remove the battery/batteries
3) Insert a new fresh charged one
4) Turn on the camera
5) Press the trigger, voila, everything works.
Please read again carefully what I wrote with your own eyes.
The problem is with the camera's electrical system - it doesn't have enough battery power (most likely).
Buy a new fresh Chinese one and try to do everything as I wrote above.
If it doesn't work, it's time for repairs. There are no simple tips for technically complex equipment.
If what I described doesn't help, it's better to take it to a service center. You're wasting your time on demagogy now.
What year is your battery? If it is the original that came with the camera, then it needs to be replaced or insured by buying another one. This camera model is quite gluttonous and picky about the quality of power supply.
“You just want to chat”
...
Perth, a person responded to your post and you're showing off. Not good.
Hello Arkady!
What do you think about our dispute?
I am saying that I charged both batteries to 100%, including the one from the D90, and nothing helped. That is, the pusher cocking to its initial position occurred once every 1-7 releases, and that was in the release priority mode, this is in the tracking mode. Or simply without a lens.
That is, not every other time, but every seven times.
What is the reason?
Who can say?
Sorry, but Dmitry noticed correctly.
It's easier to buy a used camera in the same condition. You won't find new parts for this camera, and if you're lucky and do find some, you won't be able to replace them yourself (probably, judging by the questions). It won't be cheap at a service center either.
And one more thing. If you like the picture of the d200, you can look for the d80, there are many more of them, and in “professionalism”, especially today, when there are a bunch of other, much more advanced devices, it is not very far behind. It is just more compact, lighter and cheaper.
So, with your answers, you give me the go-ahead to repair my D200 with my own hands. It will be ruined anyway if I buy another working D200 according to your advice.
Same way?
And if it just lies there, maybe something will come of it, I’ll poke around for my own pleasure.
Same way?
Why?? Lord, if you're short on money, buy a couple of Chinese batteries, similar to EN-EL3e, and then sit on dry rations for a month, but the camera will most likely work.
The problem is most likely a tired battery. Here are some quotes from photo forums 20 years ago:
“The Nikon D 200 EN-EL3e battery is weak and doesn’t last long. You can’t find it in stores. For intensive work you’d need to have about four of them.”
"The D200 is a striking difference, it is used up instantly during intensive reportage shooting. The point is that Nikon should have taken care of releasing EN-EL3e IN SUFFICIENT QUANTITIES!! if the new D200 camera does not have enough energy. I will solve the problem for Nikon myself, I will buy about six pieces and that's it. "
Peter
People have been writing for almost 20 years that EN-EL3e should be purchased in commercial quantities for adequate work at weddings, etc.
Dmitry, your advice is not bad in terms of buying a fresh new battery. But I have just looked at Aliexpress, they sell all sorts of things under the name en-el3e. Experienced buyers complain that the capacities of 2200-2600 mAh do not correspond to the declared ones by 2 times.
Please advise which specific manufacturer to buy?
And secondly, you write that you need to have several pieces for the Nikon D200.
But the question is not about the battery life, but about their power. In my case, I came to the conclusion that the pusher cocking occurs more often with the lens removed and in manual mode M. But as soon as I put the lens on, then apparently my old battery, even charged to 100%, does not have enough power for modes S and C, so the pusher does not cock to its correct position.
By this I mean that your arguments about a fresh battery make sense.
So it turns out that my old battery, charged to 100%, does not perform its functions as before?
I can't understand this either.
And will the new Chinese one be more powerful? I'm not talking about the operating time, but about the power.
And also, now I installed a battery from a d80, charged it for 3 hours to 100%, the result is slightly better, with the lens removed the pusher cocks normally 7 times out of 10, and with the lens also badly 2 times out of 10 normally.
Still, the reason is in the mechanics, not the battery.
Arkady writes in his article that a mechanical system created in 57 is used to cock the pusher.
Unlike Canon, where, as I understand it, an electronic system is used.
So I wanted advice on how to get into this mechanics (it's underneath the bayonet), it seems like the bottom rubber is torn off, the screws of the bottom cover are unscrewed. And voila, all the gears are visible there, which, as they write, get clogged, they need to be cleaned.
It seems that now few people are interested in mastodon SLR cameras, and they don’t go to these cameras on the website to read or give advice.
But in vain. Nowadays young people are already growing up with atrophied legs, because they use scooters. Soon their arms and necks will also atrophy, because of using smartphones, and not moderately heavy SLR cameras.
Joke!
Garna camera, boules D80, D700 (780), still D40 is my favorite, but I still want to try D200🙂