3. Overall Design

The major new feature of this model is obviously the replacement of the 6 Mpixel sensor used in the preceding generations with a 10 Mpixel one - this makes the D200 the "affordable" digital SLR with the highest definition. The "APS-C" format sensor is a CCD manufactured by Sony, as in preceding models. It has the usual Nikon conversion (crop) factor of 1.5, so a 50 mm lens on a film camera becomes equivalent to a 75 mm on the D200.

Beyond the pixel count, what you find is that the D200 has a sensor built for speed. It's very reactive, so you never find yourself waiting for it to complete a task. You realize how fast the circuitry must be when you consider that RAW format images weigh in at 15 MB (10 Mpixels at 12 bits).

The D200 is also a complex piece of equipment, having no consumer (automatic scene) modes. That means that configuring it optimally to meet your needs and habits will be a long-term process, since there are so many possible adjustments. Fortunately, four configurations can be memorized and recalled at will, so you don't have to worry about getting lost in the many menus and sub-menus, or worry about forgetting a vital setting. From this point of view, the D200 is the direct heir to the D100, with the same double memory function: one memory for the shooting menu, one for the configuration menu. We'll admit that this is complex, especially if you're not used to it, but that's the price you pay for possibilities that are this extensive. It means that buyers should expect a learning curve as they adjust to this new camera, regardless of their prior experience with digital SLRs.

Four different configurations can be memorized and recalled at will to avoid wrestling with the camera's innumerable possible operating options.