The high resolution LCD review screen is larger than that on the D70/D100 and comes with a clear plastic protector similar to the D70, something that other makers should emulate.

The viewfinder is large and bright with virtually all shooting information clearly displayed at the bottom of the screen. Naturally there is dioptre adjustment for spectacle wearers.

All controls are logical and intuitive and will fall easily to hand for anyone familiar with the D100 or D70. The action of controls is reassuringly solid if not as silky-smooth as the Canon 5D. Overall the D200 is not as well-damped in its mechanical actions as the Canon, but then there is a $2600 difference in price. The D200 mirror and shutter slap is too loud.

Menu layout is excellent but be warned, the user’s manual is essential to find the way through the plethora of settings and combinations. The manual, as we have come to expect from Nikon, is a model of clarity and comprehensiveness.

LIKE THIS: The combination of high resolution sensor and exemplary in-camera image processing delivers photographs of exceptional detail and wide dynamic range. The ability of the D200 to preserve detail in shadows without producing blown highlights is impressive.

The D200 also manages to avoid colour bleed which can be a problem in digital cameras where areas of red or yellow lose detail.

Skin texture and tone are the best we have seen from any digital camera. Portraits, whether of porcelain-complexion children or character-filled old men, are stunning.

DISLIKE THAT: The D200 is heavy and the two buttons for Function and Mirror Lockup are squeezed into the small space between the grip and the lens mount where they are susceptible to accidental pressing. Suddenly the auto-focus point shifts to some inappropriate spot on the dial and you don’t know why.

Auto white balance is easily fooled but setting a manual white balance is a simple procedure and well worth doing in tricky situations.

PARTING SHOT: The Nikon D200 rates 5 stars because it does perfectly all that it promises. For any serious photographer with Nikkor lenses the choice of the D200 is easy -- if you can afford it. Imaging has taken over 1000 photographs with this camera and it has produced consistently excellent results. Very highly recommended.

[See sample images from the Nikon D200 in the Gallery]