Nikon D200 for Documentary Photography - Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

The custom setting that I find the most useful is the ability to deactivate focus lock on the shutter release independent of AE lock (a6). When composing a picture I frequently want to manually focus on a part of the scene that's no where near a focus selector - I've always loved the freedom to grab the front focus ring at any stage and take control of focus with my AFS lenses. With focus lock deactivated when I depress the shutter the focus doesn't then shift away from my manual setting. In addition to manual focussing I do occasionally use the AF selectors when I need to (controlled by the rear AF-ON button) this gives me the best of both worlds. Control like this that allows you to bring in automation as required from frame to frame is great.

Another custom setting that I find really useful is the ability to instantly zoom to 100 percent by pressing the center of the multi selector (custom setting f1) although in general the process of zooming the image preview on the rear monitor is a bit clunky.

The user interface from the rear monitor is very simple and the help function is actually helpful ! I think one of the best features about the rear menu interface is the "recent settings" menu - this is fantastic because I can easily find my way back to something I've recently set without having to search through all the D200's menu options - a great time saver.

Central focus area selector and grid lines illuminated automatically in low light (you may have to take my word for it - it's not easy to photograph)

I find the help function really useful when viewing the functions on the rear menu - saves having to delve into the user guide if I forget something

The large top control panel shows a lot of information, very clearly, but alas not ISO

The guide book - the book that accompanies the camera is really easy to understand and navigate; but with so much control provided over the camera's settings I struggle to hold all this detail in my head - fortunately I find the guide book allows fast access to the necessary information.

I also like the way the DOF preview button sounds like you're taking a picture - handy when you want to appear to release the shutter without actually doing so.

Attention to detail is also great - I love the fact that you can select the grid display (d2) in the finder as an aid to keeping things level and that if the light level is low focus area selectors and grid lines are automatically illuminated red when the shutter release is depressed.

I'm a big fan of flash in my work, and the integration with Nikon's CLS flash system is great and makes flash photography a doddle.

I also like the warning icons in the finder - low battery and no CF card loaded for example, and if these get annoying Nikon have provided the

Quick access to Quality, ISO and White Balance settings

The Customisable FUNC button that I set to spot meter

The great grip covering that won't let go

means to turn off this function (d3).

The fact that I can use any bog standard USB cable to download images if I'm away form home has proven very useful on occasion when I'm away visiting friends and need to clear a card and haven't remembered to bring my own cable.

The paint finish is durable and reasonably resistant to showing up knocks and scratches and cosmetically Nikon have done a nice job of matching the appearance of the exterior of the camera on both the metal and plastic sections of the body.

Flash. On odd occasions the built in flash has been a great asset for fill in when I've neglected to bring my SB 800 or when I've not got it mounted and need a quick fall back. I only really use the built in flash in this way with the 28-70 AFS in the 40-70 mm range however, due to the shadow cast from the lens at wider angles. Still good to keep the fill in option open though.