5. Exposure And Sensitivity

Metering remains faithful to Nikon's proven techniques. Of course this is a top-of-the-line version, with 3D matrix color metering using a 1005-pixel RGB sensor. There's also configurable center-weighted metering, and the indispensable spot meter (covering 2% of the viewfinder frame). They can all be used in the usual modes: program, aperture or shutter-speed priority, and manual.

The sensor offers sensitivities from ISO 100 to 1600, with a special ISO 3200 setting as well. Sensitivity can be increased in increments of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 stop. There's also an automatic sensitivity mode that can be configured very precisely to a maximum sensitivity level (up to ISO 1600) and can be set to adjust automatically to a minimum shutter speed setting. This can be an invaluable tool; the sensitivity displayed is the actual one used, which was not the case on certain older models.

Beyond its complex technical characteristics, the D200 is a model that exposes shots almost ideally in most situations, without user intervention. Even under conditions where the competition frequently produces images with overexposed areas...

A backlit leaf moving in the wind: matrix mode with no correction whatsoever, AF-C autofocus with the Nikon 17-55mm lens. Could you do a better job of exposing?

White balance offers the usual modes, added to which is a "K" mode that lets you choose a color temperature directly. Naturally, there's a metering mode, and you can also copy white balance values from the photo of your choice. As on earlier models, it's possible to shoot using white balance bracketing. Finally, you can adjust a given white balance setting. We should remind you here that white balance can be adjusted without loss very easily in front of your computer, provided you've taken your shots in RAW format.

There are also some very rare exposure modes such as multiple exposure and superimposition. And there's a built-in interval timer that could come in very handy for certain special types of photography.

Flash: Yes, It's There!

Traditionally, professional bodies don't include a built-in flash. Not so the D200, which has a flash that's fairly comparable to the ones on consumer models. We feel this is definitely an advantage, because even though a built-in flash is not as good as an external unit, having a small flash that's always available can save the day when light is very poor and you haven't brought your dedicated flash unit along. It also can be handy as a fill flash for backlit subjects.

Nikon has developed a sophisticated flash system that can take stroboscopic shots in addition to the standard modes like TTL and manual. Even better, it has a Commander mode that can (wirelessly!) set off up to three groups of speedlights, which is an extremely useful tool for certain special applications. The flash synch works at up to 1/250th of a second in normal mode, and of course there's also slow and "second curtain" synch. There's also a modeling mode in which the flash simulates continuous lighting to let the photographer confirm lighting effects and spot any reflections!

Of course you can buy one of Nikon's external flashes, either for higher power or to set up more elaborate lighting effects. To put the icing on the cake, the D200 has a synch terminal for a studio flash.