The Nikon D200 is an entry-level professional digital SLR camera. It falls between consumer DSLR cameras like the Nikon D50 and D70s, and high-end professional models like the Nikon D2Hs and D2Xs. It is often used as a backup body to supplement the high-end professional line of cameras because of its similar feature set and layout. Upon its introduction, it was intended to fill the void in the Nikon line-up left by the discontinuation of the Nikon D100.

The main advantages over the D50 and D70s cameras include:

• More robust, metal body incorporating environmental seals
• Higher image resolution, 10 MP instead of 6 MP
• 11-point autofocus system instead of a 5-point system
• Advanced continuous autofocus tracking options
• More straightforward controls
• Five frames per second continuous shooting
• Larger image buffer
• Mirror lockup
• ISO 100 to ISO 3200 instead of the D50 and D70s ISO 200 to ISO 1600
• Ability to save RAW images with selectable size and quality JPEGs (the D50 and D70s can only save basic quality JPEGs with RAW images)
• Ability to save uncompressed RAW images
• Ability to meter with pre-AF lenses
• EN-EL3e battery with precise status reporting
• Optional GPS connectivity
• Optional vertical battery grip
• Optional vertical grip integrated with wireless transmitter (release pending)

Compared with Nikon's professional cameras, mainly the D2Xs, the D200 lacks an integrated vertical battery grip, longer battery life, and some minor features. The autofocus system has fewer cross-type sensors than that found in the D2Xs and D2Hs, though it has the same number of focus points. This means the D200 has the versatility but lacks the precision of the D2 series, particularly with the sensors other than the center cross-type sensor, and in low light conditions. The D200 offers a lower price point and a more compact, lighter body than the D2 series.

The main competitor for the D200 is the Canon EOS 30D DSLR, which has many of the same features. The D200 is often compared with the Canon EOS 5D, however these two cameras are intended for somewhat different uses. While the Canon 5D offers a full-frame image sensor, the D200 aims for the speed, ease of use and robustness required in action photography.

Nikon D200 Digital's History

The D200 was announced in November 2005 with an initial estimated selling price of £1249.95. Some cameras in initial shipments exhibited "banding" in images. The camera has earned praise around the world, and has won awards such as the TIPA 2006 award for Best Digital SLR in the Expert category. Demand outstripped supply for the first several months of its availability, with the camera coming in stock at online retailers then selling out within hours or even minutes. There has also been a high demand for certain accessories compatible with the D200 and higher level cameras, partially as a result of the large influx of buyers who had not needed these accessories before the camera was introduced.

 Nikon D200 Digital's Features

• Nikon DX-format sensor (1.5x angle of view crop compared to 35 mm film format) 23.6 × 15.8 mm
• 10.2 megapixel sensor
• Nikon F lens mount
• Magnesium alloy weather sealed body
• Multi-CAM 1000 autofocus module with 11 sensors in normal mode, or 7-inch (17.8 cm) Wide AF area mode; Single Servo and Continuous Servo focus modes, advanced focus tracking modes, selectable Single Area AF, Dynamic area AF, Group Dynamic AF, and Closest Subject Priority Dynamic AF
• 5 Frames per second continuous shooting for up to 37 JPEG or 22 RAW images
• 3D Color Matrix Metering II, including matrix, center weight, and spot metering with AI and AIS manual focus lenses produced since 1977
• Large, bright viewfinder with 0.94× magnification with 50 mm lens, 95% frame coverage. Optional Magnifying eyepiece DK-21M provides additional magnification by a factor of 1.17× to a total viewfinder magnification of 1.10×.
• 2.5 inch (64 mm) 230,000 pixel LCD display for easy image review
• Similar controls to the D2X
• 10-pin remote and flash sync terminals on camera
• GPS compatible with MC-35 GPS cord
• Advanced battery technology - New EN-EL3e lithium-ion battery 7.4V/1500 MAH offers up to 1800 shots per charge, according to Nikon's measurement methodology; advanced battery information available in camera menus, status in one percent increments plus overall charge life indication. Five segment battery meter on top LCD.
• Optional vertical grip MB-D200 holds one or two EN-EL3E lithium-ion or six AA batteries in holder tray, provides vertical shutter release, command dials, and AF-ON button; Vertical grip/wireless transmitter WT-3 available Spring 2006.
• ISO 100-1600, selectable in 1/3, 1/2 or 1 stop increments, up to about ISO 3200 with available Hi Iso Boost (selectable Hi 0.3/ISO 2000, (Hi 0.5/ISO 2200 for 1/2 stop increments), Hi 0.7/ISO 2500, Hi 1.0/ISO 3200). Selectable high ISO noise reduction in camera Off/Low/Normal/High. Noise reduction applied in post processing for RAW files.
• Built-in Speedlight offers balanced fill-flash with Nikon's I-TTL flash system, and can fire in commander mode for wireless off-camera firing of other speedlights (SB-600, SB-800, SB-R200), controlling up to two groups of speedlights with individual exposure compensation, can also contribute to the actual exposure.
• File formats include JPEG, NEF (Nikon's raw image format compressed and uncompressed), and JPEG+NEF (JPEG size/quality selectable)