Nikon D200 camera review and evaluation.

I have the Nikon D100 and find the Nikon D200 a great improvement in many respects. I use the Nikon D200 primarily for photographing wide-format inkjet printers at trade shows, and for general photography when a medium format camera is too heavy.

I also do architectural photography, both interior architecture and exterior, when I need a photo only for use in PowerPoint presentation or for our web sites.

If I am photographing for a client, or for exhibit, I will use a Phase One P25, since I also have medium format digital cameras.

To digitize paintings for giclee, I find the BetterLight and Cruse better than any 35mm. Every size of camera has applications that it is best for.

One consistent problem with the Nikon D200 digital camera

A recurring issue with the Nikon D200 is that the first few shots almost every day are blank, totally blank. This may be a result of the lens not seating properly, but at least one other user of the Nikon D200 reported the same issue.

It does not happen 100% of the time, but is well over 25% of the time. The first shot of the session is solid black. Sometimes the first two.

Nikon lens problems

On a separate page, I discuss serious problems with the Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 18-135mm f 3,5-5.6 G ED lens for Nikon digital SLR cameras. But this is an isolated lens problem, not a Nikon D200 camera issue.

General evaluation and review of the Nikon D200

You don’t need to list all the specs over a dozen pages to review the Nikon D200. I have used this camera now for over a year, have taken thousands of shots.

I find the Nikon D200 better in every respect (other than full frame coverage) than the Canon EOS 5D. However I look forward to testing the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III. For serious photography, however, I tend to prefer a real medium format camera, such as the Phase One P25+.

I would also recommend the Nikon D80 or that range if the D200 or D300 is too expensive for your personal budget. But the D40 is too stripped down for my preferences.

First posted November 19, 2007.

Available by october 2008 Available by octuber 2008 Available by october 2008 Available by october 2008 Available by october 2008

Nicholas Hellmuth’s Medium Format Digital Camera Initiative For over 40 years Nicholas Hellmuth has used Rolleiflex and Hasselblad cameras to record the flora, fauna, and archaeology of Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico. Now for several years he is extending his medium format experience to digital photography. Since FLAAR works both in a studio as well as out on location, we are an ideal focus for judging portability. We have experience with large format digital scan backs (the excellent BetterLight) and we also use Nikon and Canon digital cameras. A full-service digital pro should have at least one medium format digital system and should consider large format digital options as well. Although we started with a Leaf Valeo 22 coupled with a Mamiya 645 AFD body and lenses, we are open to showcasing all bodies as well as other digital backs. Indeed we have tested an Imacon 4-shot back on a Hasselblad H1 body. Then (February 2006 onwards) we are evaluated a MegaVision black-and-white dedicated back for fine art photography. Next we are testing a 33-megapixel Phase One P 30. Since 2008 FLAAR has used a Phase One P25+ (a great way to update an aging Hasselblad ELX body with its excellent Zeiss lenses). Camera resellers or manufacturers who wish to have their cameras, lenses, and backs included in this initiative are welcome to send their equipment for evaluation. FLAAR is the de facto source of information because we have been university based, independent, blunt, and we are one of the few review sources that dares to review advertising specs, advertising claims, and advertising hype. We can afford to reveal all the pros and cons because FLAAR is a research institute. Photographers feel they can trust a university research professor who has devoted years to understanding the pros and cons of each aspect of a digital camera system and workflow. Notice you are not blinded by blinking, flashing, or pesty ads for low-bid camera stores on a FLAAR photography review. I am always amused by a pseudo-review that obviously is simply paid to send you to a camera store. You can download our colorful FLAAR Reports on our medium format digital camera initiative.