The camera is a big improvement over the lower models from Nikon. The build & feel are much better, as is the functionality.
The autofocus still hunts in poor light, like most cameras - especially nikons. The AF can be customized to use 11 small zones or 7 larger zones. The AF response can be changed from slow to medium to fast. There is just a lot of customizing that can be done to suit a photographers specific application. I still have never been satisfied by Nikon autofocus, but I have never used an F5 or F6 which use the best AF systems on the market (I have been told).
As far as image quality, of course images are going to be grainy at high ISO settings. I have still managed to get good pictures until I hit ISO 800. Correct exposure is critical at these high ISOs; detail will be lost on either end of the spectrum with <1EV variance. People become far too complacent with the forgiving nature of a digital sensor and forget about getting the right exposure from the beginning. Calibration needs to be run on the exposure meter, just like with a film camera. When shooting in uniform lighting, presetting exposure using a grey card or any neutral object gives great results, as does setting a custom white balance. I have had mixed results shooting at ISO800, but find that better light and exposure result in better photos. At ISO400, images have been awesome. Shooting macro, I get to see just how much detail is captured at lower ISOs - and it is good. As far as metering goes, the D200 does a better job than the D70 - one of the first things I noticed.
There are some great features that I have been needing that the D70 did not provide. Mirror lock-up and delayed shutter release have helped immensely with macro shooting. The mirror is also smaller than that in the D70, and is better dampened.
Overall, it is a great camera for the money. It has got good color and detail. Autofocus still underperforms, but AF can be more of a crutch than anything.
*Photography is as much a science as an art, so knowledge is just as key as a good eye. I am still learning, so mistakes are not always bad.
The autofocus still hunts in poor light, like most cameras - especially nikons. The AF can be customized to use 11 small zones or 7 larger zones. The AF response can be changed from slow to medium to fast. There is just a lot of customizing that can be done to suit a photographers specific application. I still have never been satisfied by Nikon autofocus, but I have never used an F5 or F6 which use the best AF systems on the market (I have been told).
As far as image quality, of course images are going to be grainy at high ISO settings. I have still managed to get good pictures until I hit ISO 800. Correct exposure is critical at these high ISOs; detail will be lost on either end of the spectrum with <1EV variance. People become far too complacent with the forgiving nature of a digital sensor and forget about getting the right exposure from the beginning. Calibration needs to be run on the exposure meter, just like with a film camera. When shooting in uniform lighting, presetting exposure using a grey card or any neutral object gives great results, as does setting a custom white balance. I have had mixed results shooting at ISO800, but find that better light and exposure result in better photos. At ISO400, images have been awesome. Shooting macro, I get to see just how much detail is captured at lower ISOs - and it is good. As far as metering goes, the D200 does a better job than the D70 - one of the first things I noticed.
There are some great features that I have been needing that the D70 did not provide. Mirror lock-up and delayed shutter release have helped immensely with macro shooting. The mirror is also smaller than that in the D70, and is better dampened.
Overall, it is a great camera for the money. It has got good color and detail. Autofocus still underperforms, but AF can be more of a crutch than anything.
*Photography is as much a science as an art, so knowledge is just as key as a good eye. I am still learning, so mistakes are not always bad.