Nikon - 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera - Body Only

This is my fourth Nikon DSLR (D40, D80, and my recently-sold D1x). My main reasons for getting this (besides the outrageously low price) is the fact that it's got a magnesium body and a better meter than the overexpose-prone D80 (and D40). Too bad it doesn't have an IR sensor for the ML-L3 wireless remote, but it does share the D80's battery. My D200 came with firmware version 2.0. I've got smallish hands. Even the D40 feels small. The D1x is a monster. Both the D80 and the D200 feel just right, with all the controls within easy reach. The only lens I'm left with is the 18-200mm VR, which makes both of these cameras feel well-balanced (even with the D80's MB-D80 attached). As with any higher-end gadget, sure, there is a learning curve with the D200. But if you spend some time with the manual, learn the functions of the controls, and at least have a basic understanding of photography, then there's no reason to feel like this is too much camera. In fact, unlike having to plow through the menu to find controls for WB and ISO (like the D40), the D200 has dedicated buttons to make adjustmenst quicker. This isn't a point & shoot; this is a serious shooter's camera. I've only run preliminary tests on image quality, but as of yet, have not had any artifacts or banding ( as reported on early production models, which Nikon reportedly fixed). But it's not the camera that makes the image, it's the ten inches behind the viewfinder. If you're getting poor-quality images from this (or any of Nikon's DSLRs), then I'd suggest taking a hard look at your technique before blaming the camera.

I use this camera and an arsenal of lenses to shoot both family stuff, trips, and such, and weddings, real estate, car shows and racing events, and more. It give your lots of control of your pictures, without all the unnecessary (read, useless) scene modes. With the internal motor drive, it can mount virtually ANY lens Nikon has made in the past 40 years, which leaves your options WIDE open for getting just what you want. Witth over 50,000 clicks of the shutter, I've putit through its paces and it's still running strong (though the rubber grip will probably need a little glue before the year is out). The popup flash is OK, but if you're getting an SLR body, face the facts and get a real flash - those with rotating/angling heads make all the difference. I love it's manual mode, can run up to 30 seccond shots, or even "bulb" where you open and close the shutter after however long you want. Keep the ISO down around 400, and even 30 second shots are pretty clean of noise. Upping the ISO to ove rthe 1000 mark will get the picture, but viewed actual size, it's loaded with noise. Solution, get a faster lens. Anyway, this is a great camera and with the new price point, you can't go wrong if you're looking for a top-notch SLR with years of potential.

After slowly progressing through point and shoots and semi-point and shoots, it was time for a real camera. I used to shoot a lot in film, so not a complete stranger to the terminology, but I knew there would a learning curve with digital. I did a lot of research and thought a D60 would be a nice compromise, though the D40 was a decent camera. Then I saw the sale for the D200. More research and I saw this camera was on another level. I bought the body from Best Buy, and the lenses from a NY mail order (Nikon refurbished, with VR). I paid about the same total as a D60 with the same lenses but new. First out, with pretty much all automatic settings, the photos were good to great. A new world was opened up. Each time I would go out I would experiment with changing the settings, and each time photos got even better. I am finding it easier to get use to the basic functions than others would have me believe. The camera can be as simple or as complex as you want, though it does respond well to proper adjustments. I believe it is all the camera I need, and after a bit more time getting to know more of the little things that make big differences, I will be able to concentrate on becoming a better photographer. The camera doesn't make the photographer, but its nice to have equipment that will capture what you want the way you want it. This camera has already shown it is perfect for me. I am very happy I made this purchase. Maybe one day I may find the need for something else, but there is nothing else that I know of on the market today that fills my needs any better, certainly not for the price. If in doubt, buy it. You really can't go wrong.

Very good camera. Picture details are great. ISO performance is very good. If anyone is complaining about ISO performance, I would ask them to test the same in other comparable cameras (pls don't compare a D3 / D700 with a D200). It is, despite the introduction of the D300, one of the best D-SLRs made by Nikon. It can use manual focus lenses made by Nikon (Ai - lenses) and meter with them. All the photographer has to do is focus and shoot. the metering system is one of the best available. On the downside, the camera is NOT for beginners. Some of the features will overwhelm even experienced "casual photographers". It demands high quality optics (read Nikkor glass) - this is not a vice per se, but can burn a hole in your pocket easily. The flaws of a lesser lens will become obvious with this camera. On real gripe is the pictures are soft (read dpreviews fora and you will know it is not an isolated problem). Although die-hard Nikon users say it provides latitude for post-processing, I believe a camera has to give sharp pictures (a la D40) and softer pics should be an option. As another reviewer mentioned, get yourselves an off camera flash (a SB600 does fine for casual users) instead of hoping that the pop-up flash will do fine. It doesn't, and gives harsh lighting. All in all, a great camera - buy it and enjoy. k

First let me say that this is an incredible camera for where I am at. I wanted more features than a D40 and I didn't have the $ for a D90 (and am not at the point where I am willing to drop $900 on just a body, I would rather spend the extra cash on a good lens). This camera will auto focus with all the lenses I want and has a ton of options that make it particularly useful for an outdoors type like myself (hiking in winter and having ISO and white balance available without going into menus is key for keeping my fingers from freezing). Keep in mind this camera is outdated, which is why it is on sale, but if that is ok with you like it is with me, then it is an incredible deal. I also looked at the Nikon D60 and D40X, but those seemed like little gain for a bunch of cash, this however this one is a MAJOR step up. I love it, but if I wanted to gripe I would say it is heavier than the D40 (I hike a lot with it), and the battery life isn't the best (get at least one extra battery). Bottom line, if you are shopping for a Nikon DSLR and aren't satisfied with a D40, D40X, or D60 and everything else is more than you want to spend (D90, D300), then you have found what you are looking for.

I have owned this camera for 2 years. I still love this camera. I have considered upgrading to the D700, but find this camera still does everything I need really well. New generation cameras have better high ISO performance although the D200 is not bad. Works with all Nikon lens and allows for auto focus with AF lenses, something you lose with D40/D60 cameras. The overall features and AF points are more in line with pro style cameras than consumer models. The overall build is rock solid. As I have said mine is 2 years old and still looks new. In current models you won't find a weather sealed metal body in this price range. Image quality is excellent. I have a 50mm 1.4 which spends about 80% of its time on this camera. The only reason I gave it 4 on ease of use was because it doesn't have the preset shooting modes like cheaper models for beginners. I never use them but some people who are not as familiar with photography might. Other than that, it deserves 5 stars for many commonly used features that are accessible by buttons instead of having to dig through menus. Excellent button and menu layout. Overall still a top notch camera, which is why it is still selling nearly 2 years after its replacement was released.

My D200 was purchased to augment the efforts of my "lotsa'-clicks" D80. I dearly love my D80 and it is truly an amazing camera, but my D200 definitely picks-up where the D80 leaves off. Faster FPS and a bigger buffer when shooting NEF (RAW), magnesium alloy construction, a very versatile menu with opportunities to set-up pretty much any button the way I want to, and a heft and feel (it's not light, especially after toting it around all day) that I really like. Yes, it employs the same CCD as the D80, but I swear I think it does a better job in turning the ones and zeros into images. Noise is also a smidge better than the D80 (my opinion) but it is still there over ISO 1000. Buy yourself a good, quality, noise-reduction program and shoot away in lower light conditions with the ISO cranked up! Noise reduction software is much cheaper than the " D200 replacement" CMOS cameras currently available. I am extremely happy with my D200. Get one, get some good glass and a good NR program and shoot away while the marketing obsolescence of outstanding cameras continues...

Best Buy has the best price I have seen for this camera body. I have had this for 2.5 years now and shoot thousands upon thousands of shots with this camera. I have done weddings, and sports events indoors and outdoors and this camera delivers. The 5 FPS you get was perfect for capturing the Mine That Bird taking the lead and leaving everybody to eat his dust on the last turn at the 2009 Kentucky Derby and I have the pictures to prove it. Beginners beware of the learning curve. You have to have your basics down to use this camera as there are no preset modes. If you want to be a pro on a budget, look no further. My advice is to shoot test shots before capturing the pictures you want. You must partner this camera with a good fast lens for best results. Fast lens beats VR anyday especially for sports where you pan the camera to follow the action.