Exploring the Powerful Features of Nikon D200: A Comprehensive Review

This blog takes a closer look at the Nikon D200 camera and its amazing capabilities. We'll explore its specs, features, performance, and overall picture quality, so you can make an informed decision about investing in this camera.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Nikon D200 article cover photo

Key Features

Feb 23 2006

Announced

10 megapixels

Resolution

BrandNikon
Sensor TypeAPS-C
SensorCCD
Weight920g
MSRP$1699USD

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Overview of the D200

Are you in the market for a high-end camera that can take your photography game to the next level? Look no further than the Nikon D200. This camera is beloved by professional photographers, and it's easy to see why. It boasts a wide range of impressive features that make it an absolute powerhouse. But just what makes the Nikon D200 so special? In this blog, we'll dive deep into all the details, so you can see for yourself why this camera is well worth the investment. So, let's get started!

Nikon D200 Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Nikon D200 camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!

Pros

High resolution sensor (10.2 megapixels)
Fast autofocus system (11 AF points)
Durable magnesium alloy body
Great low light performance (ISO up to 3200)
Wide range of compatible lenses (Nikon F mount)

Cons

No video recording capabilities
Low LCD screen resolution (2.5 inches, 230k dots)
Heavy camera body (840g)
No built-in Wi-Fi or GPS
Released in 2005, outdated compared to newer models

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Nikon D200

Weather sealed
Dimensions147 x 113 x 74mm
Weight920g
Thickness74mm
Weight
Min
Avg
This
Max
Thickness
Min
Avg
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Max

Weather Sealing

The Nikon D200 camera is equipped with environmental seals that make it resistant to weather, preventing water and dust from entering the camera. If you enjoy outdoor photography and need a camera that can handle extreme conditions, the D200 is an excellent choice.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderOptical (pentaprism)
Screen TypeFixed Type
Screen Resolution230k dots
Body typeMid-size SLR

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a fixed type 2.50" screen, with a display resolution of 230k dots. This makes the Nikon D200 not as suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you cannot view yourself while shooting selfies easily. Unfortunately, the camera does not have a touch screen, which may make it less user-friendly.

Viewfinder

D200 includes a optical (pentaprism) viewfinder with no electronic viewfinder of resolution with a coverage of 95% and a magnification of 0.63x. This feature enhances the camera's suitability for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Nikon D200 has a 10MP sized CCD sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 10 pixels. Nikon D200 has a native ISO range of 100 - 1600 which can be boosted to null - 3200. It can also save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

Key Features

Feb 23 2006

Announced

100 - 1600

ISO Range

SensorAPS-C
Extended ISOnull - 3200
Max resolution3872 x 2592 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

64 / 102

Color Depth

22.3 / 26.5

Dynamic Range

11.5 / 14.8

Low Light ISO

583 / 4505

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Nikon D200 camera has above average color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also average, allowing it to retain low amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is poor, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the D200 is below average

Crop Factor

Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.

Size comparison

Medium FormatFull FrameAPS-C (Sony, Nikon)

Crop factor calculator

Crop factor

1.5x

Full frame equivalent

36mm

This camera: APS-C

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

StorageCompact Flash (Type I or II)
Battery Life
Battery ModelEN-EL3e
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Nikon D200 supports Compact Flash (Type I or II) with 1 slots for storage. This may suffice for everyday use. However, for professional applications such as wedding photography, it is not recommended as a memory card malfunction could lead to the loss of all footage.

Battery

The Nikon D200 uses the EN-EL3e model of undefined. This is rated for undefined shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.

Photography Features

Flash

The Nikon D200 has built in flash which is great for event photography and in low light situations. It also offers a flash shoe that allows you to attach external flashes. This provides more versatility in your lighting choices.

Shutter

The Nikon D200 boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/8000s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.

With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.

Autofocus

The Nikon D200 includes phase detection autofocus (AF), with null number of focus points.

While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.

Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.

On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.

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FAQ

What is the sensor size of the Nikon D200?

The Nikon D200 features a CCD sensor

Is the Nikon D200 weather sealed?

Yes the D200 does have weather sealing.

When was the Nikon D200 announced?

The Nikon D200 was announced on Feb 23 2006

Does the Nikon D200 have in-body image stabilization?

No the D200 does not have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.

What is the ISO range of the Nikon D200?

The D200 has a native ISO range of 100-1600, which can be expanded to ISO null-3200 for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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