OKAY.... I'm a new owner of a Nikon D200. I decided to heed your
advise
regarding new glass and also purchased a lens [ AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor
18-70mm
f3.5-4.5G IF ED]

It didn't break the bank.....


The 18-70 was the first new glass I had in years. It's often called the
"kit lens" as it's packaged with several Nikon bodies. But don't let
that fool you. Any review of the 18-70 speaks highly of it. My far more
expensive 18-200VR is really no better across the same focal lengths.


It is an awesome camera. Thanks for the link to Nikonians. Now... is there
any way I can assign a macro to place the time and date to the photo
from
the data? I understand it has programmable options..... but nobody can
tell
me if time & date stamping is an option or programmable or can be
achieved
in another manner.

In spite of owning the thing for a few months I can't answer that. I've
just been shooting with it. Here are a few tips:

1) The default sharpening on the D200 is mild and expects you to
sharpen in post. It's a subjective thing, but some folks feel the in
camera sharpening could be stronger. I find it just fine.
2) The D200 is VERY vulnerable to poor technique. All those pixels will
translate to subtle motion blurring that will make images soft. Work at
it and you'll soon bet getting sharp images.
3) The D200 is not the best high ISO machine, UNLESS you really nail
exposure, so take special care at higher ISO's as the camera is not
forgiving. I'm hoping the D80 is better in this respect. Nikon's best
high ISO cameras are the D2H and D50


I'll let you know how it performs in a few days

Have fun and take your time. All of these DSLRs are power tools...

http://members.aol.com/bobsprit/images/posetweby.jpg

RB

"Capt. Rob" wrote in message

In spite of owning the thing for a few months I can't answer that. I've
just been shooting with it.

I believe they should include a 2 day course with each purchase. There are
sufficient control buttons & options to warrant envy from an F18 Fighter
Pilot.
I'm embarrassed to say that I haven't figured out how to force fill flash as
yet... then again the clarity and ability to shoot in low light conditions
is nothing short of amazing. Due to work requirements, I estimate to be
fluent in D200 controls by the end of September simply because I will be
forced to use the camera every day.

A big beef is the size of the manual. I think the standard font size is 3!!
I'll have to review the Photography CD that accompanies it. You think they
would include a CD with a PDF version of the manual!

The D200 is bigger than my F4 and despite the multitude of control options
on that camera [I have a "Data-Back"].... I can still operate the F4 with
ease. Familiarity is the key..... this is not your point & shoot camera.
Anyone intimidated by complex operations should avoid the D200. Fortunately
I consider it as a challenge. I'm eager to learn all the possible options on
the controls.

I have a Manfrotto tripod and Manfrotto Pod with several mount heads. Now
all I need to do is purchase another Pelican Case foam liner and reposition
the components to fit the D200 & lens to my kit.

I'll post a series of pictures to webshots in a few days.

Thanx

CM

Sir, did you also buy the battery grip and flash?

I don't want to force money from your wallet, but.....

The SB600 and SB800 flashes quite honestly will tripple the indoor and
lowlight function of the D200. It's almost not worth trying to use it
in any other way, including outdoor fill. Only the Nikon flashes
utilize the full spectrum of metering, zoom and so on. They will also
greatly improve auto focus.
The battery grip improves balance and will keep you shooting. The D200
is a battery hog compared to other DSLRs, so the grip will give you
much more time to shoot.


RB

"Capt. Rob" wrote in message
oups.com...

Sir, did you also buy the battery grip and flash?

I don't want to force money from your wallet, but.....

The SB600 and SB800 flashes quite honestly will tripple the indoor and
lowlight function of the D200. It's almost not worth trying to use it
in any other way, including outdoor fill. Only the Nikon flashes
utilize the full spectrum of metering, zoom and so on. They will also
greatly improve auto focus.
The battery grip improves balance and will keep you shooting. The D200
is a battery hog compared to other DSLRs, so the grip will give you
much more time to shoot.

Both units will be secured in the next couple of weeks. I want to fully
familiarize myself with the basics first before I head into additional
territory. I will assess battery life with the current set-up in field
conditions. I am also going to purchase other options like the AC power cord
to work with the camera's potential with the computer.

CM

Both units will be secured in the next couple of weeks. I want to fully

familiarize myself with the basics first before I head into additional
territory. I will assess battery life with the current set-up in field
conditions. I am also going to purchase other options like the AC power
cord
to work with the camera's potential with the computer.


Good plan. The SB800 and 600 flashes are famous for being very capable
and yet quite confusing....to the point that some websites are up to
try and de-mystify them. The manuals are tough going. I have the
SB800...which I suggest because it comes with built in bounce card,
diffusion dome and better coverage.
Anyway...enjoy.


RB

Thanx .....


BTW - first field run and the photos are awesome. I plugged in to the
conference room TV and ran a slide show. The people taking over the project
for me were very impressed. 151 shots on a 512mg CF. Full battery power this
AM and it did not drop on the meter at all.... Nice!

This frickin camera is amazing!

CM

BTW - first field run and the photos are awesome. I plugged in to the
conference room TV and ran a slide show. The people taking over the
project
for me were very impressed. 151 shots on a 512mg CF. Full battery power
this
AM and it did not drop on the meter at all.... Nice!



Battery life is really not that bad. Some folks are getting 300-400
shots with a D200 battery. But folks got spoiled by the D50 and D70
which can do 600-1000 shots and I can get 1500 with my grip.
No doubt about it....it's a killer camera. Now just pony up for a
70-200VR and the 17-55DX (they'll cost about 2900.00 for both) and
you'll be rockin'!


RB
35s5
NY