Nikon announces D200 digital SLR
By
Michael R. Tomkins, The Imaging Resource
(Tuesday, November 1, 2005 - 01:00 EST)
As some of our readers will doubtless have been expecting, after two leaks on the company's websites overseas in the last week, Nikon USA has today announced its new D200 digital SLR.
A long-anticipated refresh to the original D100 model that was announced just a few months short of four years ago, the D200 looks set to offer strong competition to rival Canon's heretofore dominant EOS 20D model, as well as the current top models from the other players in the digital SLR market - Fujifilm, Konica Minolta and Pentax. The D200 will doubtless attract the most attention for its use of a newly developed 10.2 effective megapixel CCD image sensor, which courtesy of its Nikon DX format dimensions gives a 1.5x focal length crop compared to 35mm film. ISO sensitivity ranges from 100 to 1600, with the ability to extend the range to 3200. Perhaps more impressive though is the camera's burst shooting capability - five frames per second for a whopping 37 JPEG or 22 RAW frames. The camera is equally speedy in other areas. Shutter speeds range from 1/8000 second to 30 seconds, plus bulb, and Nikon says it powers up in just 0.15 seconds. Shutter lag is quoted at 50 milliseconds, and viewfinder blackout at 105 milliseconds. A newly developed phase detection Multi-CAM1000 module features 11 focusing points, and can be switched to a wide AF mode with seven focusing points. A 1,005-pixel RGB exposure / Color Matrix Metering Sensor provides for 3D Color Matrix Metering II as seen in the Nikon D2x, which decides on metering of a scene by combining measurements of brightness, color, contrast, focus area and camera-to-subject distance for comparison against a database based on 30,000 real-life scenes. The D200 also has some other fairly interesting features that include the ability to combine up to 10 separate images into a single composite image in-camera, or to overlay two RAW images with control over opacity, and save the results to JPEG, TIFF or even RAW format as a new file. New image optimisation functions allow the photographer to control sharpening, tone / contrast, color, saturation, and hue, with preset choices including Normal, Softer, Vivid, More Vivid, Portrait, Custom and Black-And-White. Images can be reviewed on a large, high resolution 2.5" LCD display with a 170-degree viewing angle and 230,000 pixels, which is also used to access the newly developed LCD menu system. An LCD info display that Nikon says is the largest among cameras in the D200's class allows for quick and easy confirmation of camera settings. PC connectivity is catered for with a USB 2.0 High-speed port, while an optional WT-3 wireless lan module provides for 802.11b/g networking. An optional GPS Adapter Cord allows images to be tagged with latitude, longitude, elevation and UTC time data from a GPS receiver. Battery life is said to be improved courtesy in part of a new EL-EL3e Lithium Ion battery that allows up to 1,800 images to be captured on a charge. Information on battery life is also improved, with a real-time "Fuel Gauge" system that informs the user not only of overall battery status, but of remaining charge by percentage, and the number of shots taken since the last charge. An optional MB-D200 battery pack allows two EL-EL3e batteries to be used at once, or alternatively for the camera to be powered by six AA batteries, and also adds an additional command dial and shutter release button. The D200 is also designed for durability, with an enhanced environmental sealing system, magnesium alloy chassis and body cover, and a double-bladed shutter unit rated for over 100,000 cycles. The Nikon D200 will go on sale in late December, with US pricing set at $1699.95. Full specifications, a vast number of product photos, and tables that let you compare the camera to its Nikon siblings and the main competitors from other manufacturers follow below, along with the official press release. | Nikon D200 |  | | Type of Camera | Single-lens reflex digital camera | | Effective Pixels | 10.2 million | | Image Sensor | RGB CCD, 23.6 x 15.8mm; total pixels: 10.92 million | | Image Size (pixels) | 3,872 x 2,592 [L], 2,896 x 1,944 [M], 1,936 x 1,296 [S] | | ISO Sensitivity (Recommended Exposure Index) | 100 to 1600 in steps of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV with additional settings up to 1 EV over 1600 | | Storage Media | CompactFlash™ (CF) Card (Type I and II) and Microdrive™ | | Storage System | Compressed NEF (RAW): 12-bit compression, JPEG: JPEG baseline-compliant | | File System | Exif 2.21, Compliant DCF 2.0 and DPOF | | White Balance | Auto (TTL white balance with 1,005-pixel RGB sensor), six manual modes with fine-tuning, color temperature setting, preset white balance, white balance bracketing possible (2 to 9 frames in increments of 1, 2 or 3) | | LCD Monitor | 2.5-in., 230,000-dot, low-temperature polysilicon TFT LCD with brightness adjustment | Playback Function | 1) Full frame 2) Thumbnail (4 or 9 segments) 3) Zoom 4) Slideshow 5) RGB histogram indication 6) Shooting data 7) Highlight point display 8) Auto image rotation | | Delete Function | Card format, All photographs delete, Selected photographs delete | | Video Output | Can be selected from NTSC and PAL | | Interface | USB 2.0(Hi-speed) (mini-B connector); mass storage and PTP connectable; FTP file transfer and PTP/IP camera control/file transfer is also available with optional WT-3 (IEEE 802.11b/g); CF card slot Type II: supports firmware updates via CF cards | | Text Input | Up to 36 characters of alphanumeric text input available with LCD monitor and multi-selector; stored in Exif header | | Compatible Lenses | Nikon F mount (with AF coupling and AF contacts) | | Picture Angle | Equivalent in 35mm [135] format is approx. 1.5 times lens focal length | | Viewfinder | Fixed eye-level pentaprism; built-in diopter adjustment (-2.0 to +1.0m-1) | | Eyepoint | 19.5mm (-1.0m-1) | | Focusing Screen | Type-B BriteView Clear Matte screen Mark II with superimposed focus brackets and On-Demand grid lines | | Viewfinder Frame Coverage | Approx. 95% (vertical & horizontal) | | Viewfinder Magnification | Approx. 0.94x with 50mm lens at infinity; -1.0m-1 | | Viewfinder Information | Focus indications, Metering system, AE/FV lock indicator, Flash sync indicator, Shutter speed, Aperture value, Exposure/Exposure compensation indicator, ISO sensitivity, Exposure mode, Flash output level compensation, Exposure compensation, Number of remaining exposures | | Autofocus | TTL phase detection by Nikon Multi-CAM 1000 autofocus module with AF-assist illuminator (approx. 0.5m to 3.0m) Detection range: EV -1 to +19 (ISO 100 equivalent, at normal temperature: 20°C/68°F) | | Lens Servo | Instant single-servo AF (S); continuous-servo AF (C); manual (M); predictive focus tracking automatically activated according to subject status in continuous-servo AF | | Focus Area | Normal: 11 areas; single area or group can be selected; Wide: focus area can be selected from 7 areas | | AF Area Mode | 1) Single Area AF 2) Dynamic Area AF 3) Group Dynamic AF 4) Dynamic area AF with closest subject priority | | Focus Lock | Focus can be locked by pressing shutter-release button halfway (single-servo AF) or by pressing AE-L/AF-L button | | Exposure Metering System | Three-mode through-the-lens (TTL) exposure metering
1) 3D Color Matrix Metering II (type G and D lenses); color matrix metering II (other CPU lenses); color matrix metering available with non-CPU lenses if user provides lens data; metering performed by 1,005-segment RGB sensor
2) Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 6, 8, 10, or 13mm dia. circle in center of frame
3) Spot: Meters 3mm dia. circle (about 2.0% of frame) centered on active focus area (on center focus area when non-CPU lens is used) | | Exposure Metering Range (ISO 100, f/1.4 lens, 20°C/68°F) | 1) EV 0 to 20 (3D Color Matrix or center-weighted metering)
2) EV 2 to 20 (spot metering) | Exposure Meter Coupling | Combined CPU and AI | | Exposure Modes | Programmed Auto [P] with flexible program; Shutter-Priority Auto [S]; Aperture Priority Auto [A]; Manual [M] | | Exposure Compensation | ±5 EV in increments of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV | | Auto Exposure Lock | Luminosity locked at detected value with AE-L/AF-L button | | Auto Exposure Bracketing | 2 to 9 exposures in increments of 1, 2, or 3 | | Shooting Modes | 1) Single frame shooting mode 2) Continuous low speed (CL) shooting mode: 1-4 frames per second 3) Continuous high-speed shooting mode: 5 frames per second 4) Self-timer shooting mode 5) Mirror-up mode | | Shutter | Electronically-controlled vertical-travel focal plane shutter, 30 to 1/8000 sec. in steps of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV, bulb | | Sync Contact | X-contact only; flash synchronization at up to 1/250 sec. | | Flash Control | 1) TTL: TTL flash control by 1,005-pixel RGB sensor
Built-in Speedlight: i-TTL balanced fill-flash or standard i-TTL flash (spot metering or mode dial set to [M])
SB-800, SB-600 or SB-R200: i-TTL balanced fill-flash for digital SLR and standard i-TTL flash for digital SLR
2) Auto aperture: Available with SB-800 with CPU lens
3) Non-TTL Auto: Available with Speedlights such as SB-800, 80DX, 28DX, 28, 27, and 22s
4) Range-priority manual; available with SB-800 | | Flash Sync Mode | 1) Front-curtain Sync (normal sync), 2) Red-eye Reduction, 3) Red-eye Reduction with Slow Sync, 4) Slow Sync, 5) Rear-curtain Sync | | Built-in Flash | Manual pop-up with button release
Guide number (ISO 100 at m/ft and 20°C/68°F): approx. 12/39 (manual 13/42) | | Flash Compensation | -3 to +1 EV in increments of 1/3 or 1/2 EV | Accessory Shoe | Standard ISO hot-shoe contact with safety lock provided | | Sync Terminal | ISO 519 standard terminal | | Self-timer | Electronically controlled timer with 2 to 20 seconds duration | | Depth of Field Preview | When CPU lens is attached, lens aperture can be stopped down to value selected by user (A and M modes) or value selected by camera (P and S modes) | | Remote Control | Via 10-pin Remote Cord MC-30/36 (optional) or Wireless Remote Control WT-3 (optional) | | GPS | NMEA 0183 (Ver. 2.01) interface standard supported with 9-pin D-sub cable (optional) and GPS Adapter Cord MC-35 (optional) | | Power Source | One Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e, MB-D200 battery pack (optional) with one or two rechargeable Nikon EN-EL3e Li-ion batteries or six AA alkaline (LR6), NiMH (HR6), lithium (FR6) batteries, or ZR6 nickel-manganese AA batteries, AC Adapter EH-6 (optional) | | Tripod Socket | 1/4 in. (ISO 1222) | | Dimensions (W x H x D) | Approx. 147 x 113 x 74mm (5.8 x 4.4 x 2.9 in.) | | Weight | Approx. 830g (1 lbs 13 oz) without battery, memory card, body cap, or monitor cover | | Supplied Accessories* | Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e, Quick Charger MH-18a, Video Cable, USB Cable UC-E4, Strap, Body cap, Eyepiece Cap DK-5, Rubber Eyecup DK-21, LCD monitor cover BM-6, PictureProject CD-ROM | | Optional Accessories | Multi-Power Battery pack MB-D200, Wireless Transmitter WT-3, Semi-soft case D200, Magnifying Eyepiece DK-21M, Remote cord MC-36/30, GPS Adapter Cord MC-35, AC Adapter EH-6, Speedlight SB-800/SB-600/SB-R200, Nikon Capture 4 (Ver. 4.4) | | More Photos |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 
Weather Seals |  |  |  |  | 
Autofocusing Points | 
CCD Image Sensor |  |  |  |  | 
Battery Grip AA adapter | | . | Following is a comparison of the Nikon D200 with its closest rivals from competitors Konica Minolta and Pentax, based on pricing and feature-set (things have been rather hectic here lately, but if we can get a moment, we'll update this table to include Fujifilm's FinePix S2 Pro, which is now selling in the $1700 region): | Mid-Range SLR Camera Comparison | Manufacturer | Canon | Konica Minolta | Nikon | Pentax | | Model | EOS 20D | Maxxum 7D | D200 | *ist D | Imaging
System | Sensor Manufacturer | Canon | Sony | Unknown | Sony | | Sensor Type | CMOS | CCD | CCD | CCD | | Color Filter Array | RGB | RGB | RGB | RGB | | Total Megapixels | 8.25 | 6.3 | 10.92 | 6.31 | | Effective Megapixels | 8.5 | 6.1 | 10.2 | 6.1 | | Effective Sensor Size (mm) | 22.5 x 15.0 | 23.7 x 15.6 | 23.6 x 15.8 | 23.5 x 15.7 | | Focal Length Multiplier (approx.) | 1.6x | 1.5x | 1.5x | 1.5x | | Image Processor | DIGIC II | CxProcess III | Not stated | Not stated | | Viewfinder | Type | Eye-level pentaprism | Eye-level pentaprism | Eye-level pentaprism | Eye-level pentaprism | | Coverage | 95% | 95% | 95% | 95% | | Magnification (-1 diopter with 50mm lens at infinity) | 0.9x | 0.9x | 0.94x | 0.95x | | Eyepoint (mm) | 20 | 25 | 19.5 | Unknown | | Dioptric Adjustment Range (diopters) | -3.0 to +1.0 | -3.0 to +1.0 | -2.0 to +1.0 | -2.5 to +1.5 | | Focusing Screen | Fixed, precision matte screen | Spherical Acute Matte (G-type as standard) | B-type BriteView clear matte screen II, with superimposed focus brackets and on-demand grid lines | Natural-Bright-Matte focusing screen | | Viewfinder
Info Display | AF (AF points, focus confirmation light), exposure (shutter speed, aperture value, manual exposure, AE lock, exposure compensation amount, AEB level, partial metering area), flash (flash ready, red-eye reduction lamp on, high-speed sync, FE lock, flash exposure compensation amount), warnings (exposure warning, improper FE lock warning, CF card full warning, CF card error warning, no CF card warning, busy), maximum burst for continuous shooting, shots remaining | Wide focus frame, spot AF area, local focus areas, spot metering area, active focus point, anti-shake scale, flash compensation indicator, flash signal, high-speed sync indicator, wireless / remote flash indicator, manual focus indicator, AE lock indicator, focus signal, shutter-speed display, aperture display, EV scale, camera-shake warning, frames-remaining counter | Focus indications, Metering system, AE/FV lock indicator, Flash sync indicator, Shutter speed, Aperture value, Exposure/Exposure compensation indicator, ISO sensitivity, Exposure mode, Flash output level compensation, Exposure compensation, Number of remaining exposures | Out of image area: Built-in flash status, AF sensor pattern, in-focus, shutter speed, aperture, exposure compensation factor, bar graph. Within image area: AF frame with superimposed AF sensor point, spot AF frame. | | Depth of Field Preview | Enabled with depth-of-field preview button | Enabled with depth-of-field preview button | Enabled with depth-of-field preview button | Enabled with depth-of-field preview position on power switch | Recording
System | Recording Media / Quantity / Slot Type | Type I or II CF card / Microdrive | Type I or II CF card / Microdrive | Type I or II CF card / Microdrive | Type I or II CF card / Microdrive | | Compatible File System | FAT 16 / FAT 32 | FAT 16 / FAT 32 | Unknown | FAT 16 / FAT 32 | | Recording Formats | RAW (CR2), JPEG | RAW (MRW), JPEG | RAW (NEF), JPEG | RAW (PEF), JPEG, TIFF | | Maximum Resolution | 3504 x 2336 | 3008 x 2000 | 3872 x 2592 | 3008 x 2008 | | Reduced Resolutions (JPEG only) | 2544 x 1696; 1752 x 1168 | 2256 x 1496; 1504 x 1000 | 2896 x 1944; 1936 x 1296 | 2400 x 1600; 1536 x 1024 | | RAW + JPEG Recording | Yes, selectable JPEG resolution / compression | Yes, selectable JPEG resolution (fine compression only) | Yes, Selectable JPEG resolution / compression | No | Color Space &
White Balance | User-Selectable Color Space | Yes
sRGB + Adobe RGB | Yes
sRGB (two variants) + Adobe RGB | Unknown | Yes
sRGB + Adobe RGB | | Processing Parameters
(Contrast, Sharpness, Saturation, Color Tone) / # of Increments | 5 | 5 | Unknown | 3 options each for contrast, sharpness and saturation | | Preset WB settings | 6 (Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Flash) | 6 (Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Flash) | 6 (details unknown) | 11 (Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Fluorescent [white, neutral, or daylight], Tungsten, and three Manual settings) | | Manual Color Temperature Setting Range | 2800 ~ 10000K in 100K increments | 2500 ~ 9900K in 100K increments | Color temperature setting available, details unknown | None | | WB Adjustment Range | ±3 steps in 1-step increments
5 mireds per step | ±3 steps in 1-step increments
Arbitrary step size (approx. 10 mireds per step in most modes) | Fine tuning possible, details unknown | Not available | Autofocus
System | Type | TTL-CT-SIR with a CMOS sensor
(TTL secondary image registration, phase detection) | TTL phase detection with CCD line sensors | TTL phase detection by Nikon Multi-CAM1000 autofocus module | TTL phase-matching by SAFOX VIII | | # of Focusing Points (Focusing Point Type) | 9 points, 1 cross type and 8 single-axis | 9 points, 8 lines with center cross-hair sensor | 7 or 11 points | 11 points | | Superimposed Focus Point Display | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | | AF Working Range | EV 0.5 ~ 18 | EV-1 ~ EV18 (ISO 100) | EV -1 ~ 19 (ISO 100) | EV0 to EV19 (ISO 200) | | AF-assist Beam | Yes, stroboscopic flash (Range: Approx. 4.0m / 13.1ft. at center, approx. 3.5m/11.5ft. off-center) | Yes, stroboscopic flash | Yes, illuminator range approx. 3.0 m / 9.8 ft | Yes, stroboscopic flash | Exposure
Control | Shooting Modes | 12 - Program AE (Full Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Close-up, Sports, Night Portrait, Flash Off, Program), shutter-priority AE, aperture-priority AE, depth-of-field AE, manual exposure, ETTL autoflash | 8 - Full Auto, Program, shutter-priority AE, aperture-priority AE, manual, three memory register settings | 4 - Program, shutter-priority AE, aperture-priority AE, manual mode. | 6 - Auto exposure with Hyper Program, Programmed AE, Shutter-Priority AE, Aperture-Priority AE, Metered Manual, bulb | | Metering Zones | 35 | 14 | 1,005 | 16 | | Metering Modes | Evaluative (linked to any AF point), center weighted, 9% partial | 14-segment honeycomb-pattern metering, Center-weighted, Spot | 1) 3D Color Matrix Metering II (type G and D lenses); color matrix metering II (other CPU lenses); color matrix metering available with non-CPU lenses if user provides lens data; metering performed by 1,005-segment RGB sensor
2) Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 6, 8, 10, or 13mm dia. circle in center of frame
3) Spot: Meters 3mm dia. circle (about 2.0% of frame) centered on active focus area (on center focus area when non-CPU lens is used) | Multi, Center-Weighted, and Spot | | Metering System Working Range | EV 1 ~ 20 | 1) EV 0 ~ 20 (14-segment honeycomb-pattern or center-weighted metering)
2) EV 3 ~ 20 (spot metering)
(ISO 100 equivalent, f/1.4 lens) | 1) EV 0 to 20 (3D Color Matrix or center-weighted metering)
2) EV 2 to 20 (spot metering) | 1) EV 0 ~ 21 (ISO200)
2) Multi-segment - EV 1 ~ 21.5 | | ISO Range / Extended | 100 ~ 1600 / 3200 | 100 ~ 1600 / 3200 | 100 ~ 1600 / 3200 | 200 ~ 1600 / 3200 | | Exposure Compensation | +/- 2EV in 1/2 or 1/3EV increments | +/- 3EV in 1/2EV increments, or +/- 2EV in 1/3EV increments | +/- 5EV in 1, 1/2 or 1/3EV increments | +/- 3EV in 1/2EV increments, or +/- 2EV in 1/3EV increments | | Automatic Exposure Bracketing | +/- 2EV in 1/2 or 1/3EV increments | +/- 2EV in 1/2 increments | 2 to 9 exposures in increments of 1, 2, or 3 | 3 shots in +/- 1/2, or 1/3 EV steps | Shutter Speeds,
Frame Rate, Shutter Lag | Shutter Type | Mechanical, all speeds electronically controlled | Mechanical | Mechanical Focal Plane, electronically controlled | Mechanical Focal Plane, electronically controlled | | Shutter Speed Range | 1/8000 ~ 30 sec. (1/2 or 1/3EV increments) and bulb | 1/4000 ~ 30 sec. in steps of 1/3 or 1/2 EV, bulb | 1/8000 ~ 30 sec. in steps of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV, bulb | 1/4000 ~ 30 sec. (1/2EV increments) and bulb | | Maximum Frames Per Second / Buffer depth | 5 fps / 23 frames | 2.75 fps / 15 frames | 5 fps / 37 JPEG or 22 RAW frames (manufacturer spec) | 2.6 fps / 6 frames | | Flash | Built-in Flash / Guide Number at ISO 100. | Yes (13 meters / 43 feet) | Yes (12 meters / 39 feet) | Yes (12 meters / 39 feet) | Yes (11 meters / 36 feet) | | Max flash x-sync speed. (sec.) | 1/250 | 1/160 (anti-shake off) / 1/125 (anti-shake on) | 1/250 | 1/150 | | Flash Exposure Compensation | +/- 2EV in 1/2 or 1/3EV increments | +/- 2EV in 1/2EV increments | -3 to +1 EV, 1/3 or 1/2 EV steps | -3 to +1 EV, 1/2 EV steps | | Slow-sync flash | 1st or 2nd curtain | 1st or 2nd curtain | 1st or 2nd curtain | 1st or 2nd curtain | | PC Sync Terminal | Yes | Hot shoe only | Yes | Hot shoe only | Playback
System | LCD Size / Pixel Count | 1.8 in. LCD / 118,000 pixels | 2.5 in LCD / 207,000 pixels | 2.5 in LCD / 230,000 pixels | 1.8 in LCD / 118,000 pixels | | Enlarged Playback / Scroll | 1.5~10x in 15 steps / Yes | 4.7x max / Yes | Zoom and scroll possible, details unknown | Up to 12x / Yes | | LCD Monitor Brightness Adjustment Range | 5 steps | 11 steps | Yes, details unknown | 15 steps | | Automatic Rotation for Vertical Shots | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | | Other Features | Computer Connection | Yes, USB 2.0, PTP-compliant | Yes, PTP-compliant (v2.0 standard, v2.0 speed) | Yes, PTP-compliant (v2.0 standard, v2.0 speed) | Yes, USB v1.1 | | Direct Printing (PictBridge-compliant printers) | Yes | Yes | Details unknown | No | | Menu Languages | 12 (English, German, French, Dutch, Danish, Finnish, Italian, Norwegian, Swedish, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, and Japanese.) | 8 (English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Swedish, Simplified Chinese, and Japanese.) | Details unknown | 6 (English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Japanese) | | Camera Default Reset | Yes | Yes | Details unknown | Yes | | Custom Functions (Quantity / Settings) | Yes (17 / 61) | Yes (20 / 44) | Yes (details unknown) | Yes (22 / 53) | | Remote Control | N3-type remote control | Optional, compatible with RC-1000S or RC-1000L | Yes, 10-pin remote terminal for optional MC-30/36 remote cords or WT-3 wireless remote | Optional IR | | Info LCD Panel / Illumination | Yes / Yes (dedicated button) | No / N/A | Yes / details unknown | Yes / Yes | | Ultrasonic CCD dust-removal function | No | No | No | No | | Body Structure | Body Cover / Chassis | Magnesium Alloy / Stainless Steel | Magnesium Alloy (front) / Plastic (rear) | Largely Magnesium Alloy / Plastic | Largely plastic / Stainless Steel frame | | Power System | Battery Compatibility | Main: BP-511 / BP-512
Backup: CR2025 | NP-400 | EN-EL3e | 2 x CR-V3 or 4 x AA | | Rated Shooting Capacity at 20C/68F | 100% AE: 650
50% Flash: 500 | 100% AE: 600
50% Flash: 400 | Up to 1800 shots (manufacturer spec, conditions unknown) | No flash : 1000 | | Dimensions & Weight | Dimensions (WxHxD, mm) | 144 x 105.5 x 71.5 | 150 x 106 x 77.5 | 147 x 113 x 74 | 129 x 94.5 x 60 | | Weight (body only) | 685 g | 760 g | 830 g | 550 g | Operational
Environment | Operating Temperature Range | 0 ~ 40°C | 0 ~ 40°C | Not Stated | Not stated | | Operating Humidity Range | 85% max. | Not Stated | Not Stated | Not stated | | Kit Lens | Focal length/aperture | - | - | - | - | | Lens Compatibility | Lens Mount / Compatibility | EF / All EOS lenses, plus EF-S lenses | A-type / All A-type lenses except MD and MC series manual focus lenses. AF Macro 3x - 1x f/1.7-2.8 lens cannot be used with Anti-Shake, nor does Anti-Shake work with any lens with a macro release. | Details unknown | KAF / compatible with PENTAX KAF2-, KAF- and KA-mount lenses.
Power zoom function not available.
K-mount lenses usable with restrictions.
S-mount lenses usable with adapter and restrictions.
67/645 lenses usable adapter and restrictions. |
And following is a comparison of the Nikon D200 with Nikon's own existing digital SLR lineup in the under-$2000 price bracket:
| Nikon Digital SLR Camera Comparison | Manufacturer | Nikon | Nikon | Nikon | Nikon | Nikon | | Model | D50 | D70 | D70s | D100 | D200 | Imaging
System | Sensor Manufacturer | Sony | Sony | Sony | Sony | Unknown | | Sensor Type | CCD | CCD | CCD | CCD | CCD | | Color Filter Array | RGB | RGB | RGB | RGB | RGB | | Total Megapixels | 6.24 | 6.24 | 6.24 | 6.31 | 10.92 | | Effective Megapixels | 6.1 | 6.1 | 6.1 | 6.1 | 10.2 | | Effective Sensor Size (mm) | 23.7 x 15.6 | 23.7 x 15.6 | 23.7 x 15.6 | 23.7 x 15.6 | 23.6 x 15.8 | | Focal Length Multiplier (approx.) | 1.5x | 1.5x | 1.5x | 1.5x | 1.5x | | Image Processor | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | | Viewfinder | Type | Eye-level pentamirror | Eye-level pentamirror | Eye-level pentamirror | Eye-level pentaprism | Eye-level pentaprism | | Coverage | 95% | 95% | 95% | 95% | 95% | | Magnification (-1 diopter with 50mm lens at infinity) | 0.75x | 0.75x | 0.75x | 0.8x | 0.94x | | Eyepoint (mm) | 18 | 18 | 18 | 20 | 19.5 | | Dioptric Adjustment Range (diopters) | -1.6 to +0.5 | -1.6 to +1.5 | -1.6 to +1.5 | -2.0 to +1.0 | -2.0 to +1.0 | | Focusing Screen | B-type BriteView clear matte Mark V, with superimposed focus brackets. | B-type BriteView clear matte screen II, with on-demand grid lines | B-type BriteView clear matte screen II, with on-demand grid lines | B-type BriteView clear matte screen II, with on-demand grid lines | B-type BriteView clear matte screen II, with superimposed focus brackets and on-demand grid lines | | Viewfinder
Info Display | AF information (AF points, focus confirmtation, AF area mode, AE/AF lock indicator), exposure information (shutter speed, aperture value, manual exposure, AE/AF lock indicator, exposure level, flash exposure, exposure compensation indicator, pre-set white balance recording indicator), flash-ready indicator, shots remaining, battery level, PC mode indicator | AF information (AF points, focus confirmation, AF area mode, AE/AF lock indicator), exposure information (shutter speed, aperture value, manual exposure, AE/AF lock indicator, exposure level, flash exposure, exposure compensation indicator), flash-ready indicator, shots remaining, battery level | AF information (AF points, focus confirmation, AF area mode, AE/AF lock indicator), exposure information (shutter speed, aperture value, manual exposure, AE/AF lock indicator, exposure level, flash exposure, exposure compensation indicator), flash-ready indicator, shots remaining, battery level | AF information (AF points, focus confirmation, AF area mode, AE/AF lock indicator), exposure information (shutter speed, aperture value, manual exposure, AE/AF lock indicator, exposure level, flash exposure, exposure compensation indicator), flash-ready indicator, shots remaining, battery level | Focus indications, Metering system, AE/FV lock indicator, Flash sync indicator, Shutter speed, Aperture value, Exposure/Exposure compensation indicator, ISO sensitivity, Exposure mode, Flash output level compensation, Exposure compensation, Number of remaining exposures | | Depth of Field Preview | Not available | Enabled with depth-of-field preview button | Enabled with depth-of-field preview button | Enabled with depth-of-field preview button | Enabled with depth-of-field preview button | Recording
System | Recording Media / Quantity / Slot Type | Secure Digital card | Type I or II CF card / Microdrive | Type I or II CF card / Microdrive | Type I or II CF card / Microdrive | Type I or II CF card / Microdrive | | Compatible File System | FAT 16 / FAT 32 | FAT 16 / FAT 32 | FAT 16 / FAT 32 | FAT 16 / FAT 32 | Unknown | | Recording Formats | RAW (NEF), JPEG | RAW (NEF), JPEG | RAW (NEF), JPEG | RAW (NEF), JPEG | RAW (NEF), JPEG | | Maximum Resolution | 3008 x 2000 | 3008 x 2000 | 3008 x 2000 | 3008 x 2000 | 3872 x 2592 | | Reduced Resolutions (JPEG only) | 2256 x 1496; 1504 x 1000 | 2240 x 1488; 1504 x 1000 | 2240 x 1488; 1504 x 1000 | 2240 x 1488; 1504 x 1000 | 2896 x 1944; 1936 x 1296 | | RAW + JPEG Recording | Yes, basic JPEG only | Yes, basic JPEG only | Yes, basic JPEG only | No | Yes, Selectable JPEG resolution / compression | Color Space &
White Balance | User-Selectable Color Space | Yes
sRGB (two variants) + Adobe RGB | Yes
sRGB (two variants) + Adobe RGB | Yes
sRGB (two variants) + Adobe RGB | Yes
sRGB (two variants) + Adobe RGB | Unknown | | Processing Parameters
(Contrast, Sharpness, Saturation, Color Tone) / # of Increments | 6 options each for sharpness and contrast, 3 options for saturation. 7-step hue adjustment. Digital vari-programs preset various processing parameters as well, and color space III boosts saturation somewhat, particularly in greens. | 6 options each for sharpness and contrast, 3 options for saturation. 7-step hue adjustment. Digital vari-programs preset various processing parameters as well, and color space III boosts saturation somewhat, particularly in greens. | 6 options each for sharpness and contrast, 3 options for saturation. 7-step hue adjustment. Digital vari-programs preset various processing parameters as well, and color space III boosts saturation somewhat, particularly in greens. | 5 options for sharpening, 6 for contrast, 7 for hue, none for saturation. Second sRGB color space boosts saturation somewhat. | Unknown | | Preset WB settings | 6 (Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Flash) | 6 (Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Flash) | 6 (Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Flash) | 6 (Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Flash) | 6 (details unknown) | | Manual Color Temperature Setting Range | (No Kelvin option, but very broad Preset WB range) | (No Kelvin option, but very broad Preset WB range) | (No Kelvin option, but very broad Preset WB range) | (No Kelvin option, but very broad Preset WB range) | Color temperature setting available, details unknown | | WB Adjustment Range | Not available | ±3 steps in 1-step increments
10 mireds per step | ±3 steps in 1-step increments
10 mireds per step | ±3 steps in 1-step increments
10 mireds per step | Fine tuning possible, details unknown | Autofocus
System | Type | TTL phase detection by Nikon Multi-CAM900 autofocus module | TTL phase detection by Nikon Multi-CAM900 autofocus module | TTL phase detection by Nikon Multi-CAM900 autofocus module | TTL phase detection by Nikon Multi-CAM900 autofocus module | TTL phase detection by Nikon Multi-CAM1000 autofocus module | | # of Focusing Points (Focusing Point Type) | 5 points | 5 points | 5 points | 5 points | 7 or 11 points | | Superimposed Focus Point Display | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | | AF Working Range | EV -1 ~ 19 (ISO 100) | EV -1 ~ 19 (ISO 100) | EV -1 ~ 19 (ISO 100) | EV -1 ~ 19 (ISO 100) | EV -1 ~ 19 (ISO 100) | | AF-assist Beam | Bright incandescent lamp, (Range approx. 3.0 m / 9.8 ft, depending on lens.) Not dependent on flash setting. | Bright incandescent lamp, (Range approx. 3.0 m / 9.8 ft, depending on lens.) Not dependent on flash setting. | Bright incandescent lamp, (Range approx. 3.0 m / 9.8 ft, depending on lens.) Not dependent on flash setting. | Bright incandescent lamp, (Range approx. 3.0 m / 9.8 ft, depending on lens.) Not dependent on flash setting. | Yes, illuminator range approx. 3.0 m / 9.8 ft | Exposure
Control | Shooting Modes | 11 - Program, shutter-priority AE, aperture-priority AE, Manual, Auto, Portrait, Landcape, Close up, Sports, Child, Night Portrait. | 11 - Program, shutter-priority AE, aperture-priority AE, Manual, Auto, Portrait, Landcape, Close up, Sports, Night Landscape, Night Portrait. | 11 - Program, shutter-priority AE, aperture-priority AE, Manual, Auto, Portrait, Landcape, Close up, Sports, Night Landscape, Night Portrait. | 4 - Program, shutter-priority AE, aperture-priority AE, manual mode. | 4 - Program, shutter-priority AE, aperture-priority AE, manual mode. | | Metering Zones | 420 | 1,005 | 1,005 | 10 | 1,005 | | Metering Modes | 1) 3D color matrix metering with 420-segment RGB sensor.
(2) Center-weighted: Weight of 75% (8mm dia. circle) in center of frame, or weighting based on average of entire frame.
(3) Spot: Meters 2.3 mm dia. circle (about one percent of frame) centered on active focus area. | 1) 3D color matrix metering with 1,005-pixel RGB sensor
(2) Center-weighted: Weight of 75% (8mm dia. circle) given to 6, 8, 10, or 13 mm dia. circle in center of frame, or weighting based on average of entire frame
(3) Spot: Meters 2.3 mm dia. circle (about 1% of frame) centered on active focus area | 1) 3D color matrix metering with 1,005-pixel RGB sensor
(2) Center-weighted: Weight of 75% (8mm dia. circle) given to 6, 8, 10, or 13 mm dia. circle in center of frame, or weighting based on average of entire frame
(3) Spot: Meters 2.3 mm dia. circle (about 1% of frame) centered on active focus area | 1) 3D Matrix Metering with 10-segment SPD,
2) Center-Weighted,
3) Spot Metering | 1) 3D Color Matrix Metering II (type G and D lenses); color matrix metering II (other CPU lenses); color matrix metering available with non-CPU lenses if user provides lens data; metering performed by 1,005-segment RGB sensor
2) Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 6, 8, 10, or 13mm dia. circle in center of frame
3) Spot: Meters 3mm dia. circle (about 2.0% of frame) centered on active focus area (on center focus area when non-CPU lens is used) | | Metering System Working Range | 1) EV 0 ~ 20 (3D color matrix or center-weighted metering)
2) EV 2 ~ 20 (spot metering)
(ISO 100 equivalent, f/1.4 lens, 20°C/68°F) | 1) EV 0 ~ 20 (3D color matrix or center-weighted metering)
2) EV 2 ~ 20 (spot metering)
(ISO 100 equivalent, f/1.4 lens, 20°C/68°F) | 1) EV 0 ~ 20 (3D color matrix or center-weighted metering)
2) EV 2 ~ 20 (spot metering)
(ISO 100 equivalent, f/1.4 lens, 20°C/68°F) | 1) Matrix Metering: EV 0 ~ 21;
2) Center-Weighted Metering: EV 0 ~ 21;
3) Spot Metering: EV 3 ~21 (at normal temperature, ISO 100 equivalent, f/1.4 lens) | 1) EV 0 to 20 (3D Color Matrix or center-weighted metering)
2) EV 2 to 20 (spot metering) | | ISO Range / Extended | 200 ~ 1600 / -- | 200 ~ 1600 / -- | 200 ~ 1600 / -- | 200 ~ 1600 / 3200 | 100 ~ 1600 / 3200 | | Exposure Compensation | +/- 5EV in 1/2 or 1/3EV increments | +/- 5EV in 1/2 or 1/3EV increments | +/- 5EV in 1/2 or 1/3EV increments | +/- 5EV in 1/2 or 1/3EV increments | +/- 5EV in 1, 1/2 or 1/3EV increments | | Automatic Exposure Bracketing | 3 shots, 1/3, 1/2, 2/3 or 1 EV steps | 2 or 3 shots, 1/3, 1/2, 2/3 or 1 EV steps | 2 or 3 shots, 1/3, 1/2, 2/3 or 1 EV steps | 2 or 3 shots, 1/3, 1/2, 2/3 or 1 EV steps | 2 to 9 exposures in increments of 1, 2, or 3 | Shutter Speeds,
Frame Rate, Shutter Lag | Shutter Type | Combined mechanical and CCD electronic shutter | Combined mechanical and CCD electronic shutter | Combined mechanical and CCD electronic shutter | Mechanical | Mechanical Focal Plane, electronically controlled | | Shutter Speed Range | 1/4000 ~ 30 sec. in steps of 1/3 or 1/2 EV, bulb | 1/8000 ~ 30 sec. in steps of 1/3 or 1/2 EV, bulb | 1/8000 ~ 30 sec. in steps of 1/3 or 1/2 EV, bulb | 1/4000 ~ 30 sec. and Bulb | 1/8000 ~ 30 sec. in steps of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV, bulb | | Maximum Frames Per Second / Buffer depth | (Not tested yet)
(Prototype sample) | 2.92 fps / unlimited (In JPEG large/normal, with fast card) | 3 fps (manufacturer spec) / burst depth unknown | 2.88 fps / 9 frames | 5 fps / 37 JPEG or 22 RAW frames (manufacturer spec) | | Flash | Built-in Flash / Guide Number at ISO 100. | Yes (11 meters / 36 feet) | Yes (11 meters / 36 feet) | Yes (11 meters / 36 feet) | Yes (11 meters / 36 feet) | Yes (12 meters / 39 feet) | | Max flash x-sync speed. (sec.) | 1/500 (!) | 1/500 (!) | 1/500 (!) | 1/180 | 1/250 | | Flash Exposure Compensation | -3 to +1 EV, 1/3 or 1/2 EV steps | -3 to +1 EV, 1/3 or 1/2 EV steps | -3 to +1 EV, 1/3 or 1/2 EV steps | -3 to +1 EV, 1/3 or 1/2 EV steps | -3 to +1 EV, 1/3 or 1/2 EV steps | | Slow-sync flash | 1st or 2nd curtain | 1st or 2nd curtain | 1st or 2nd curtain | 1st or 2nd curtain | 1st or 2nd curtain | | PC Sync Terminal | Hot shoe only | Hot shoe only | Hot shoe only | Hot shoe only | Yes | Playback
System | LCD Size / Pixel Count | 2.0 in LCD / 130,000 pixels | 1.8 in LCD / 130,000 pixels | 2.0 in LCD / 130,000 pixels | 1.8 in LCD / 118,000 pixels | 2.5 in LCD / 230,000 pixels | | Enlarged Playback / Scroll | 1.1 - 4x in 10 steps / Yes | 1.1 - 4x in 10 steps / Yes | 1.1 - 4x in 10 steps / Yes | 1.1 - 4x in 10 steps / Yes | Zoom and scroll possible, details unknown | | LCD Monitor Brightness Adjustment Range | 5 steps | 5 steps | 5 steps | 5 steps | Yes, details unknown | | Automatic Rotation for Vertical Shots | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | | Other Features | Computer Connection | Yes, PTP-compliant (v2.0 standard, v2.0 speed) | Yes, PTP-compliant (v2.0 standard, v1.1 speed) | Yes, PTP-compliant (v2.0 standard, v1.1 speed) | Yes, USB 1.1 | Yes, PTP-compliant (v2.0 standard, v2.0 speed) | | Direct Printing (PictBridge-compliant printers) | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Details unknown | | Menu Languages | 13 (Japanese, German, English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Russian, Korean, Italian, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Dutch, Swedish) | 11 (Japanese, German, English, Spanish, French, Korean (?), Italian, Simplified Chinese, Dutch, Swedish) | 11 (Japanese, German, English, Spanish, French, Korean (?), Italian, Simplified Chinese, Dutch, Swedish) | 11 (Japanese, German, English, Spanish, French, Korean (?), Italian, Simplified Chinese, Dutch, Swedish) | Details unknown | | Camera Default Reset | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Details unknown | | Custom Functions (Quantity / Settings) | Yes (6 / 20) | Yes (9 / 25) | Yes (9 / 25) | Yes (24) | Yes (details unknown) | | Remote Control | Optional IR | Optional IR | Optional, compatible with MC-DC1 or ML-L3 | Optional, 10-pin remote terminal available in optional Multi Function Battery Pack | Yes, 10-pin remote terminal for optional MC-30/36 remote cords or WT-3 wireless remote | | Info LCD Panel / Illumination | Yes / Yes (dedicated button) | Yes / Yes (dedicated button) | Yes / Yes (dedicated button) | Yes / Yes (dedicated button) | Yes / details unknown | | Ultrasonic CCD dust-removal function | No | No | No | No | No | | Body Structure | Body Cover / Chassis | Largely Plastic | Largely Plastic | Largely Plastic | Metal | Largely Magnesium Alloy / Plastic | | Power System | Battery Compatibility | EN-EL3,
EN-EL3a
(Ships with EN-EL3a, 1500 mAh vs 1400 mAh for EN-EL3)
CR2 pack is an added-cost accessory | EN-EL3,
CR2 pack
(3 cells) | EN-EL3,
EN-EL3a
(Ships with EN-EL3a, 1500 mAh vs 1400 mAh for EN-EL3)
CR2 pack is an added-cost accessory | EN-EL3 | EN-EL3e | | Rated Shooting Capacity at 20C/68F | | 100% AE: 2000
50% Flash: 400 | | 100% AE: 500 | Up to 1800 shots (manufacturer spec, conditions unknown) | | Dimensions & Weight | Dimensions (WxHxD, mm) | 133 x 102 x 76 | 140 x 111 x 78 | 140 x 111 x 78 | 144 x 116 x 80.5 | 147 x 113 x 74 | | Weight (body only) | 540 g | 595 g | 600 g | 700 g | 830 g | Operational
Environment | Operating Temperature Range | Not Stated | Not Stated | Not Stated | Not Stated | Not Stated | | Operating Humidity Range | Not Stated | Not Stated | Not Stated | Not Stated | Not Stated | | Kit Lens | |
