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11/26/2005 07:41:14 AM · #1 |
A store nearby had the Dutch/European Nikon importer to demonstrate the D200. One of the few (if not only) working models that are around in Europe at this moment. Strictly forbidden to put a card in, so no samples.
The camera felt very good in my hands, slightly bigger than a D70, with all the knobs and buttons in the right places and a good feel (some knobs on other cameras feel heavy/flimsy). Good balance with the lens (17-55 DX), good quality.
The biggest plus for me was the relatively huge view in the viewfinder, the difference with the D70 is significant. Comparing the real world with the world in the viewfinder there was little change in size. Looking at the specs the D70 has a .75x magnification and the D200 .95x, this should seriously improve manual focussing -I did- and seeing the little details that can ruin your shot. Also easier to put the focus point where you want it, more precise. I dare to say that viewfinders like this make the point of 35mm sensors for their big viewfinders a moot point (the 5D has a .71x magnification of a fullframe view, does someone know how to do the math and compare the final views?). The camera was fitted with an 17-55 f/2.8 DX, so the view was big and bright, as I use the 70-200 f/2.8, the 50 f/1.4 and the 30 f/1.4 I think that it was fair comparisson.
This could be a dealmaker for me. :) To be fair: I have no intention of replacing my D70 the next couple of years. I need a wider lens, that has priority and I am already investing in a new motorcycle. Oh and that 17-55 is a really nice lens.......
Other noticeable aspects are the size of the two control screens. The display is much larger. While I said yesterday that I didn't think that this was important: it is. A lot of room to check you photos, room for a thumbnail and three seperate color histograms (also very welcome, helps to avoid color clipping and you can see where the balance in the colors is). It also makes navigating the menus more friendly. Easier to read, nicer overview.
The top LCD is also larger, easier to read. More info. I didn't look if the ISO information was in there by now, but it is in the viewfinder.
Focusing in the rather dim light (ISO 100 f/2.8 1/20s) in the shop went smooth and fast. As it should with an AF-S f/2.8 lens.
Cannot tell you a lot more. I handled as naturally as my D70, smooth and easy. It simply felt good. I did shoot a shot at ISO Hi-1 (1600) and reviewed it in the LCD, but I cannot make a good judgement of noise that way, so I will not make any comments about that.
Unfortunately he didn't have the new 18-200VR with him, else I would have tried that on the D70. I don't need it but some of you were keen to see some samples. Most of the other stuff he had were cheap lenses and cameras. I had the 55-200 DX in my hands, a cheap lens and it feels like that. Flimsy and cheap. Shockingly small when you are used to the 70-200 baseball bat.
When you have the opportunity to see the D200 go and check it out, I think it's worth the drive. :)
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11/26/2005 11:21:01 AM · #2 |
Thank you for the review. The larger viewfinder and LCD are pretty big factors for the upgrade as I stated in the other thread. After trying a D2X with a 2.5, I was really floored by the difference.
One immediate drawback is that my remote clicker will not be compatible with the D200, from what I understand. Silly feature for them not to incorporate in my opinion.
Too bad the few image sample sites that are up so far aren't that telling.
Thanks again.
Message edited by author 2005-11-26 11:21:45. |
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11/26/2005 12:19:40 PM · #3 |
It is amazing the difference that the larger LCD makes, it is sooo much nicer. The RGB histogram is something that should be standard on every DSLR, but granted it would have been tiny on a 1.8-inch LCD. It's good to hear that Nikon has addressed the viewfinder size. Manual focusing shoudl be greatly facilitated, I know it is very uch easier with the 5D than with the 10D, for instance.
The D200 is sounding like a great machine, an excellent value for the money. Kudos to Nikon, I think they have themselves a real winner here.
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11/26/2005 05:46:04 PM · #4 |
Thanks for your review !!
I knew that the viewfinder would be the most noticeble feature !
Well, guess what, I just paid 20% of it a my local store to reserve it !
AND.. I'm lucky, I'm just the third on the wait list !! that's too great.
I really hope to have it before xmas !!! |
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11/27/2005 04:30:25 AM · #5 |
Originally posted by pawdrix:
One immediate drawback is that my remote clicker will not be compatible with the D200, from what I understand. Silly feature for them not to incorporate in my opinion. |
They took out the IR remote feature?
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11/27/2005 04:33:56 AM · #6 |
Yeah, They took it out, I'm not sure why, but this is really a drawback :(
Now you'll have to pay like 170$ to have the ML3 remote controler to have the same feature. Plus it's far more heavy and bulky that the tiny ML-L3.
This is really a shame but well it can't be perfect :) |
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11/27/2005 08:20:30 AM · #7 |
Originally posted by Azrifel:
Originally posted by pawdrix:
One immediate drawback is that my remote clicker will not be compatible with the D200, from what I understand. Silly feature for them not to incorporate in my opinion. |
They took out the IR remote feature? |
I've read that twice somewhere...
Major bummer. Isn't it? |
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