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- Pentax K10D
- Samsung GX-10
- Sigma SD14 (vs. Nikon D200)
- Olympus E-410
- Canon EOS-1D Mk III
- Canon EOS 400D
- Fujifilm FinePix S5 Pro
- Nikon D40
- Nikon D40x
- Nikon D200 (vs. Sigma SD14)
Nikon D200 (vs. Sigma SD14)
Sigma SD14 v Nikon D200. Canon and Nikon together share around 90% of the DSLR market, so for Sigma's SD14 to succeed and take a chunk out of the enthusiast sector, it needs to be something very special indeed. While it's a competent performer, the fact is that the Nikon D200 is superior to it in a number of key areas, from handling through to features and performance. While the Sigma's 14-megapixel CMOS has a higher pixel count than the Nikon's 10-megapixel CCD, on paper at least, its true resolution is still a debatable matter. Certainly, in terms of file size, the Sigma's 13.3Mb falls well short of Nikon’s 28.7Mb files. It's a fairly mute argument anyway, as the Nikon delivers a better set of images in terms of sharpness and colour reproduction. Anyone wanting to spend around £1,000 on a digital SLR outfit will want to ensure that they get the very best value for money and based on our test it’s pretty clear that the Nikon D200 offers more for your money than the Sigma. While the list price of the Nikon is £300 more than the Sigma, actual street prices of both are quite similar. Overall, the Sigma offers a unique proposition, but for most people, the Nikon delivers the best value package.
Features 22/25
Performance 23/25
Value for money 21/25
Final Score 89/100
Handling & ease of use
There is no digital SLR around £1,000 that feels as robust and as expensive as the D200. If you weren’t aware of its price tag, it's quite likely that you would think it cost at least £1,500. The body shape makes for very comfortable handling, with the large rubberised handgrip ensuring a firm hold. The control layout is identical to that of previous generations of Nikon SLR and so those moving from another Nikon body will instantly feel at home. Those switching to Nikon from another brand won’t take long getting used to the logical and well-marked array of controls. The viewfinder is as good as you’ll find on any SLR with a smaller-than-full-frame sensor. It’s large, clear and bright and the exposure information along the bottom provides a comprehensive readout. The 2.5in LCD monitor is excellent too, providing a sharp, colourful image and excellent viewing angle. Its menu system has been well thought out too, making it fairly easy to navigate despite the amount of options available. SCORE 23/25
Features
Although it first appeared over a year and a half ago, the D200 still boasts a specification that compares favourably against many of its newer rivals, including the Sigma. Its 10.2-megapixel resolution is still the standard for this price point, although several models costing much less, such as the Pentax K10D and Samsung GX-10, now sport this resolution. As with the Sigma, it only offers the core four exposure modes, but the metering system is far more sophisticated. Its 3D Color Matrix pattern uses 1005-pixels to evaluate the exposure, with further options to use a spot meter (2% diameter) or centre-weighted average. Its autofocus system is well specified too, with 11 sensors that you can set to work together, with only seven active for wide-area AF or with each point selected individually. The AF system also boasts Dynamic AF, which is used for tracking moving subjects. As with the Sigma, the integral flash must be raised manually, but the Nikon offers many more modes, including front or rear curtain sync, red-eye reduction and a modelling lamp option that fires a one-second strobe burst for assessing lighting prior to shooting. Fit a Speedlight to the hotshoe and the flash options are increased further. The increasing number of lenses boasting Vibration Reduction (VR) means that there is no need for an integral anti-shake system in the D200, but the lack of a sensor-cleaning system, which is a fairly common feature, gives a away the age of the camera a little. As with the Sigma, the D200 boasts a PC and remote socket but unlike the SD14, the Nikon also boasts a depth-of-field preview facility. In fact, that the experienced photographer will find missing on the D200. SCORE 22/25
Performance
This is a very slick performer. Start-up times are not a concern with this DSLR – switch it on and it’s ready to go before you are! The autofocus system is very smooth and quiet and locks positively on static subjects. The Dynamic AF system works well too, handling subjects like people running or cars travelling at reasonable speeds. The 3D Color Matrix meter used by the D200 is among the best you’ll find on any DSLR, giving the correct exposure in the vast majority of shooting situations. Backlit or brighter than average conditions are when it struggles, but other that, it rarely takes a badly-exposed shot. Picture quality is excellent, with very good sharpness and colours that are more subdued than the Sigma but also more realistic. With file sizes of 28.7Mb, it’s easily capable of A3+ prints. Noise is well controlled too, with speeds up to ISO 400 providing no concerns and becoming noticeable from ISO 800 upwards. SCORE 23/25
10.2 MEGAPIXEL DX CCD
The Nikon uses a CCD sensor with a conventional array of pixels. It’s a DX format sensor (APS-C sized) that increases the effective focal length of lenses by 1.5x and delivers images with 3872x2592 pixels.
IN THE BOX
Nikon D200 body & cap; strap; eyepiece cap; rubber eyecup; USB & AV cables; li-ion battery (EN-EL3e) and charger (ML-18a); mains lead; LCD monitor cover; PictureProject CD; Quick Start Guide; instruction manual.
Lenses
The Nikon D200 owner is spoilt for choice, with a wide range of Nikon lenses to choose from, as well as independents like Sigma, Tamron and Tokina
Nikon D200 specification
Sensor resolution: 10.2-megapixel CCD
Max. image size: 3872x2592 pixels
File formats: Raw, JPEG
Exposure modes: Program, aperture- and shutter-priority, manual
Metering: 3D Colour Matrix (1005-pixel), spot (2%) and centre-weighted average
Autofocus: 11-point AF system with
Single Area or Dynamic Area AF
ISO Range: 100-1600 & Hi (3200)
Shutter range: 1/8000-30sec plus Bulb. Flash sync at 1/250sec
Shooting rate: Up to five
frames-per-second
Screen: 2.5in TFT 230,000 pixels LCD
Storage media: CompactFlash
Weight: 830g
Dimensions: 147x113x74mm