4. Viewfinder & Focusing

A common criticism of digital SLRs is the reduced size of the viewfinder image, and viewfinder brightness that often leaves something to be desired as well. Objectively, the D200's viewfinder ranks among the best, up there with professional models. Admittedly, this is rarely a decisive factor in the quality of the shots produced, since the viewfinders on simpler models do the job too. This is also not a 100% viewfinder - those are reserved for professional models - like most cameras, it shows approximately 95% of the image. The eyepiece is comfortable (if you don't wear glasses, at least) and lets you brace the body firmly against your brow. The information in the viewfinder is very complete and is grouped together near the bottom. There's an optional composing grid (activated in a configuration menu) to help you frame your shots.

Autofocus is one of this camera's strongest points and also among its most complex systems. It has eleven focus zones, which can be used as is or grouped into a wide-area AF with seven zones. The system's behavior can be configured with a host of options to meet specific needs for various types of subjects. Before you start messing around with all of this, however, read the user's manual carefully and be sure that you know what the adjustment you choose will do, or you may be in for some cruel disappointments with more demanding subjects.

It's a good idea to start with standard settings and then refine the adjustments for your favorite subjects. Naturally, the main modes, like single-servo and continuous-servo, and manual focusing are available - the autofocus system can be used as an electronic telemeter. Used well, the system is very fast and accurate, and operates correctly at very low brightness. You can generally disable the focus-assist lamp, unless you need to shoot in complete darkness! You can choose among the main operating modes via a small selector on the rear that lets you avoid using the menus, to speed things up.