First Shots From The D200

[Speed]

You asked for it, you got it!

The first shot is the very first one I took with the D200. I took this at ISO 400 with my 80-200mm f2.8 wide open (no flash). Shutter speed was below standard rule of thumb for handholding (80mm handheld at 1/30th second), and she was speaking to my mother when I took it, so it's a tad soft. I got her so look at me for the second shot.

The third and fourth ones were taken at home without flash as well. ISO 1000, 80-200mm f2.8 again.

I am loving this camera! High speed continuous delivers. I shot some frames of pigeons flying, and it clicked off five before I knew it. It is fast and smooth. The shutter release reminds me a lot of the F5. It is very smooth and it doesn't take much pressure to fire the camera. Autofocus is fast. I'm not saying it's up there with the F5, but it's close. It is a big jump over the N80. The auto white balance does a very good job as well.

I am very impressed with the camera overall and I can't wait to have some time to really start putting it through it's paces. Oh yeah, the wife told me to go ahead and order a SB-800, so I placed an order with B&H this morning. I can hardly wait....

BTW....anyone who didn't know what the first photo's were going to be, say I.

And that's the sound of silence......

;-)

[OldSchool]

Well.... That out ta shut everybody up, eh?

Speed, glad that you are enjoying the camera. You are going to dig that SB800 too -- especially when you take it off the camera.

Cheers,
Tim

[Speed]

Well.... That out ta shut everybody up, eh?

Speed, glad that you are enjoying the camera. You are going to dig that SB800 too -- especially when you take it off the camera.

Cheers,
Tim

Hehehe!

I hope so.

I can't wait to really wring this thing out. I've got some nice shots with it already (some bird shots, but don't tell Paul or he'll bug the crap out of me to see them!).

I am really looking forward to getting the SB-800. I've wanted one of those before I wanted a D70, much less the D200. The reason: Guide number: 184 at 105mm. Translation: More Power!!!!!

Thanks for the comments my friend!

[Liz]

Speed,

These are nice shots. I love the color rendition. I think post-processing could sharpen them up a bit. The last two could have used more light. However, you'll have it down to a science in no time.

You have some really great lenses, Speed. Now you're a pro with the D200 and those 2.8 lenses. You should get some awesome images in no times. Digital takes a little getting used to. For me it was a big learning curve. However, the good news is that I think the camera eventually pays for itself with all the options to edit and especially delete the images you don't want without having to process every one of them. I think you'll be very happy. It took me forever to sell my last film camera, but I don't have the time to do both, and I saved so much money with digital that I finally gave up the film. At any rate, enjoy!

Liz

Hehehe!

I hope so.

I can't wait to really wring this thing out. I've got some nice shots with it already (some bird shots, but don't tell Paul or he'll bug the crap out of me to see them!).

I am really looking forward to getting the SB-800. I've wanted one of those before I wanted a D70, much less the D200. The reason: Guide number: 184 at 105mm. Translation: More Power!!!!!

Thanks for the comments my friend!

[adina]

Well, this will temporary silence us, I guess......

Dawn is lovely as usual. Looking forward to seeing more from your new toy(s)

[Speed]

For the kind words.

I like fast glass. I really like it. I'd love to have an 85mm f1.4. I don't NEED it, but I WANT it. Add the 28mm f1.4 to that list as well. And the 17-35mm f2.8. You get the idea.

Yes, the last two could have used more light. There is a yellow color cast, but it's not overpowering and ugly, and I rather like the warm tones it gives. But you're right, now I've got to start playing with that creature they call White Balance. :-O

Dawn is counting on the D200 saving us LOTS of cash that would ordinarily have been spent on developing. And with so many options for online stores printing digital images, I can shop around and find one or two that deliver great prints at a reasonable price. Hopefully that will save us a few bucks as well.

Now then, buy a D200, then a SB-800, and she already knows I'm going to have to get a larger CF card, not to mention the HP Media Machine to do my work on....and I figure it's going to take me more than three years to make up the difference. :-O OK, I know it's not going to be that bad, but digital is a hugh investment for us. I just thank God I've got a wife who is so supportive of my "hobby".

[Speed]

See, I told you I wasn't overwhelmed by digital.

:-)

"Dawn is lovely as usual."

Thank you. I think so too!

;-)

[Sebastian]

Speed,

Color is pretty off on these. If you want to save yourself a lot of post processing, learn how to custom white balance. AWB is terrible on digitals.

[Sebastian]

Oh yeah, and my $20 offer still stand for the F5.

[Liz]

"And with so many options for online stores printing digital images, I can shop around and find one or two that deliver great prints at a reasonable price. Hopefully that will save us a few bucks."

A lot of people use Winkflash - including me. Prints are great and I think it's about 16 cents a print. 99 cents postage for unlimited prints. I think you can store images there too, although I use Smugmug for $25 a year to store.

http://www.winkflash.com/PHOTO/signin.aspx

Liz

[mjs1973]

Was including an image of yourself in that second pic intentional, or were you do distracted by your lovely wife to notice it in the BG? A nice touch either way if you ask me.

Congratulations on your new toy Speed, as well as the new flash that's on it's way. I just got my first real flash last week. (Canon EX580 Speedlite) I've never used flash before, but I'm looking forward to learning.

[another view]

I'm just as surprised as everyone else that the first shot with the camera was of Dawn.

Congrads on the new camera! So how does it feel in using it compared to the F5? Did you get the vertical grip for it?

[walterick]

Alright! That silence was getting eery!

Tell Dawn the D200 is kind to her. I'm sure we'll be seeing much more of her in the immediate future now!

Congrats again!

[Speed]

"If you want to save yourself a lot of post processing,"

Believe me, I do not enjoy post processing. I have limited abilities with post processing, and I'd rather be shooting than sitting at a computer. Learning white balance is at the top of my list of things to learn about this camera.

Thanks for the comments my friend.

[Speed]

Dream on! Dream on! Dream on!
Ohhhhhhhhhhhh...

Think Steven Tyler here.....

Come on now, Lava Lamp offered me $25,

;-)

[Speed]

Was including an image of yourself in that second pic intentional, or were you do distracted by your lovely wife to notice it in the BG? A nice touch either way if you ask me.

Congratulations on your new toy Speed, as well as the new flash that's on it's way. I just got my first real flash last week. (Canon EX580 Speedlite) I've never used flash before, but I'm looking forward to learning.

Nope. I never even noticed it. I was so taken with my subject, that the background just didn't exist. :-D

I generally prefer to work without flash when I can, but it is indespensable in some applications. Last night I shot photo's at a private school senoir banquent. I shot it with my N80, Porta 160NC, and my trusty SB-28 on my stroboframe. Next week when I get my SB-800, the N80 and SB-28 are going to see a lot less use.

Congratulations on your new flash as well. I hope you enjoy it.

[Speed]

Sarcasim. I like it! ;-)

The D200 isn't as heavy or as hand filling as the F5, but it is more substantial than the N80. Autofocus and shutter release are a lot like the F5 (which I love), so I'm really pleased with the handling. I was wondering if it would be responsive enough for shooting sports with, and based on the short period I've had it, I think it's going to do fine. When soccer and basketball start back up, I'll wring it out good.

This being my third Nikon (or fourth if you count the Coolpix 5700, which belongs to the county, but I carry it with me all the time), the feel and controls are very similar to what I'm used to. That makes a big difference in my comfort level with the camera. I think my film bodies are going to get a lot less use in the future...

I did not get the vertical grip. I'm not sure if I'll get it or not. If I do, it will be sometime down the road. I didn't plan on getting a battery pack for my N80, but when I bought my stroboframe, the owner of ASAP Photo recommended it. I do like that it gives me more room to hold onto the camera with. Before the MB-16, my pinky finger hung off the bottom of the N80. With the MB-16, my pinky finger is right there with the rest of them. With the D200, the grip is large enough that my pinky finger doesn't hang off the bottom.

Thanks for the comments buddy!

[lidarman]

Speed,

Color is pretty off on these. If you want to save yourself a lot of post processing, learn how to custom white balance. AWB is terrible on digitals.

Speaking of as a D200 owner, the Custom white balance on the D200 is amazing and very flexible.

One of my first shots, up late reading the manual in bed...LOL

[Speed]

Speaking of as a D200 owner, the Custom white balance on the D200 is amazing and very flexible.

One of my first shots, up late reading the manual in bed...LOL

Hello Rich,

Always glad to meet another Nikon owner! And a D200 owner at that.

:-D

I anticipate several late nights reading the manual myself....

;-)

[Charles Hess]

HI Speed...it's been about a year since my last visit, good to see that you've moved up to the D200. I agree about the F5 feel to it(especially with the grip). Your first shots are decent and will get better as you grow with the camera. Keep at it. :-)

[Speed]

HI Speed...it's been about a year since my last visit, good to see that you've moved up to the D200. I agree about the F5 feel to it(especially with the grip). Your first shots are decent and will get better as you grow with the camera. Keep at it. :-)

Thank you Charles!

I don't know if you realize it, but you're work and advice helped to inspire me early on. I'm so glad to see you back!

I'm looking forward to learning how to use the D 200 effectively.

[Old Timer]

Great way and a very fitting way to introduce the D200 to PR. The lovely Dawn is always welcome here. Nice first out of the box pics. I know when I got the D70 two years ago those first few images were a little shaky. It took me a while to adjust to the camera and to get to feel comfrotable with it the way I did with it's film brothers. Looking forward to more installments from the D200.

[Speed]

"Great way and a very fitting way to introduce the D200 to PR. The lovely Dawn is always welcome here."

Thanks buddy!

As for future installments, they are coming my friend.

Yesterday, while waiting for my daughter to finish play practice, I read up on white balance in the manual and took a few test shots. I'm still trying to find what is going to work for me. I ordered the SB-800 on Friday, but B&H hasn't shipped it yet. I'm starting to get impatient....

[Liz]

I ordered the SB-800 on Friday, but B&H hasn't shipped it yet. I'm starting to get impatient

Speed,

B&H ships on Monday when you order Friday. It's highly unusual they ship later than that. I would call their 800# customer service to inquire. 800-221-5743

I would follow up - if it hasn't shipped, there is a problem.

Liz

[Speed]

I ordered the SB-800 on Friday, but B&H hasn't shipped it yet. I'm starting to get impatient

Speed,

B&H ships on Monday when you order Friday. It's highly unusual they ship later than that. I would call their 800# customer service to inquire. 800-221-5743

I would follow up - if it hasn't shipped, there is a problem.

Liz

Thanks Liz. I've already tried calling them. Got a busy signal. I will be trying again soon.