9. Power Source: A Battery Under Control

Nikon has stayed with the Li-Ion battery format used on its previous models like the D70, yet the D200 uses a new model - the EN-EL3e - immediately identifiable by its gray color. This new battery has a third contact that provides complete and precise information in the camera's menus about its charge level (shown as a percentage), the number of shots taken since the last charge, and the battery's condition (from new to worn). This is much more reassuring for the user - earlier systems show a drop in charge level only when the battery is nearly empty. The charge indicators on the displays give simplified information (but still show six distinct levels on the upper LCD display). Unfortunately, the older batteries can't be used on the D200, but the D200 battery can be used with other body models like the D100 and D70. The supplied charger is identical to the one used with the D70, and both types of battery can be charged with any charger in the series.

The battery information display shows the exact charge level, the number of shots taken since the last charge, and its "health" (here, new condition).

As an option, you can fit the D200 with the MB-D200 Multi-Power Battery Pack, which can use two EN-EL3e batteries or six standard or rechargeable AA batteries. The pack also has alternative buttons, including a shutter release to make vertical shooting easier.

In practice, it's possible to take hundreds of shots on one battery. The exact number depends a lot on the way you shoot and the type of lens (image stabilized models consume power!) In general, expect less battery life than with a D70s, probably because the larger LCD uses more power than a smaller one. In any case, with a camera like this, two batteries are the bare minimum.