Camera Test: Nikon D200 DSLR

In our January issue we looked at a pre-production version of Nikon's new 10.2MP D200 ($1,700, body only), and we were left with some unanswered questions. First, what kind of performance would we get from an actual production model? Second, how would the final features and images from the D200 stack up against its newest competitor—the $1,400 (body only) 8.3MP Canon EOS 30D? And third, would the D200 cannibalize the sales of Nikon's pro flagship, the 12.4MP D2x ($5,000, body only)?

Now that we've run the actual D200 through a host of Pop Photo Lab and field tests, we've discovered the answers to the first two questions. In terms of color accuracy, images from the D200 rival those from the D2x, and are nearly as good as the EOS 20D. But the real surprise is that the D200 captures images with higher color accuracy than Canon's full-frame 12.8MP EOS 5D ($3,000, body only). In the resolution department, the D200 averages 2,075 lines, nearly 300 lines higher than the Canon EOS 20D, but lower than the higher megapixel D2X (avg. 2430 lines) and the EOS 5D (avg. 2200 lines.)

Despite their similarities, the D200 body lacks a few features found on the D2x, most notably the monochrome data display on the back. It's also missing the fast FireWire connector for PC and Mac found on the original D1x, and it has a shutter mechanism that Nikon rates at 100,000 shots—similar to the new EOS 30D, but not as durable as the 150,000 rating of the D2x.

However, the D200 has a Hi-Speed USB 2.0 connector, plus it offers more flash capabilities. These include a pop-up flash that can be used as a primary or fill flash, or as a means to wirelessly control multiple flash arrangements via the iTTL Commander Mode built into the camera. We also preferred the D200's locking mechanism for its CF card door.

To correct our original description of the EN-EL3e battery: It will work in other Nikon bodies that originally used the EN-EL3 or 3a—including the Nikon D50, D70, D70s, and D100. But the older batteries will not work with the D200. However, if you buy the MB-D200 grip ($170, street), you can use AA cells for power.

Nikon reveals all with its CIPA battery life estimates, which can vary depending on criteria used for testing. The number of shots per charge ranges from 340 (for large normal-compression JPEGs, focusing between shots, half with flash and flash assist light) to 1,800 (for medium-sized, basic-compression JPEGs, three focusing cycles between shots, no flash or assist lamp, and 5-second LCD playback after each shot).

Since the majority of D200 users probably will buy a separate, more powerful and versatile SB-800 flash unit, and shoot either high-res JPEGs or RAW-NEF + JPEG images, a more realistic shot number is closer to 1,000. At any rate, a look at the D200's battery-life menu screen tells you approximately how many shots remain, and when your battery is past its prime.

The D200's excellent viewfinder also lets you see exactly what you're shooting—and at a magnification that's close to life-size at 0.97X (using a 50mm f/1.4 lens). It's fairly bright, and the 11 visible AF zones don't block your view. The AF system is incredibly fast and sensitive, though not as sensitive in the lateral AF zones as the D2x, especially when trying to lock on horizontal detail. Still, the low-light sensitivity of the central AF zones and its overall performance in moderately bright light is outstanding.

Note: This review has been updated to reflect our updated test results for the Nikon D200. For more on this, please see The McNamara Report: Beware the Ides of March