This image shows another clear benefit that makes the D200 stunningly good : the tonal gradation that can really only be captured on a larger (in this case APS-C) sensor, which, at a lowly-rated 10MP, means that it’s great at capturing light and colour.

As usual, much more at http://nickbland.zenfolio.com

Inspired by a recent decision to revisit my D200s while my D3 and 24-70 – and an SB-800 – were in for service, following some consideration (and rejection, so far at least) of the relatively new Micro Four-Thirds system – and I’ve been pleased to get it back into use.

The image above exemplifies two of the clear benefits of using a Nikon DSLR : great dynamic range, and accurate colour rendition. With careful exposure, the highlights remain detailed, without  blowout, and there’s also plenty of detail in shadow areas.

Alongside this are colours that are accurately captured and reproduced by the D200′s CCD sensor, that makes this particular camera still a desirable choice for many. Even in the light of the newer D300 and more recent D300s (adding video capability), their CMOS sensors – as reported by some owners – apparently don’t have the ability to render colours in quite the same way as the 2005-introduced D200. Have to say I’ve seen some fantastic results from the D300, and I’m quite partial to the results from my D3, but nevertheless …

Available these days at around the £500 mark for a clean one, the D200 is a real steal, with dust and moisture sealing on a magnesium alloy chassis, choice of tons of legacy and modern lenses from the Nikon range as well as 3rd party lens options, actual buttons (!) for things that you may want to change on the fly eg white balance, ISO …and comes very highly recommended.

Many more D200 and D3 images at http://nickbland.zenfolio.com