Introduction to the Nikon D200

Blue Crane did it again, another great instruction DVD. I loved the one they provided for the Nikon D70 and it saved me lots of mistakes and decreased my learning curve. I am now the owner of a D200 and in my opinion their new DVD is worth every penny and very well done.If you are a professional or anyone who can decode all the features on the D200 then great... you do not need this kind of support. Even though the Nikon D200 comes with a manual, the manual's explanations and definitions did not provide me with as expansive an explanation or an instant understanding of how to operate the camera as the DVD. I am very grateful to have access to this media. As stated in the presentation "a new car comes with a manual but the manual does not teach you how to drive the car."I spent two days absorbing the information presented and I am no longer struggling with all the new features on this camera and believe me there is a multitude of new learning. The D200 is not as forgiving as the D70 and it pays in quality photographs to know what you are doing. This is a professional camera and much more complex than the D70 in my opinion.My ability to shoot perfect photographs the way I did with the D70 when I surpassed the learning curve is still far from constantly present when I use the D200; however, I am not totally lost due to Blue Crane's guidance and I am getting better each day. The instructor gives you exercises and solid information of how to operate the camera to obtain better photographs. A Small amount of the information on basic composition and types of lenses is repeated from the D70 video but, it was good to hear it again.Often, I avoided many in-camera menu features on the D70 because of the various auto provided programs that comes with the camera (i.e. portrait, landscape, macro, etc.,) or I shot in manual mode most of the time; however, that kind of grace is not a component of the D200; therefore, it is necessary to learn how to use the camera's features to create those kinds of components and much more.Also, to compliment your learning I recommend that you purchase John Cooksey's DVD "Nikon D200 Training," he gives you indepth training and additional photo tips on all the D200 menus that you will not find on this DVD or in the manual. Both DVD's together, make the perfect marriage.So, if you choose to avoid frustration and struggle in learning how to use the Nikon D200 right away, buy this DVD!

Okay, so this isn't the most comprehensive treatment of the D200 and some of the info is basic photography. But, photogs are by nature visual, and if you hate wading through the boring printed owners manual (like I did anyway), this DVD is a great way to get up and running with the camera. Some people learn and retain video better than print. It is well done and interesting. It is also the only intro to the D200 that addressed the need to establish a pre-shot routine to ensure all of the settings would work for the shot. Maybe advanced amateurs do this in their sleep, but a beginner like me needed someone to show me how to do this.

I bought this to have an introduction to the D200's features (it is my first digital SLR after a two decades of using a mechanical Olympus OM-1). It is an odd mix of: a) Cheerleader (Hey, isn't this Nikon camera great!); b) Elementary School teacher (Now we'll learn how to take a picture. 'The Rule of Thirds' - painters have been using it for centuries!); c) Actual Instructor (Use the Dynamic Area AF with spot metering when shooting kids or pets. Here's why...). A DVD for a camera of this sophistication, and cost, it seems to me, warrants only category c).But it does have some good instruction. And while it is true that the information provided in the DVD is in the manual, the manual alone is not always clear how the various pieces fit together. For instance, the DVD does a nice job of explaining how the metering system interacts with the focusing options and in what circumstances to use which settings (as mentioned above). The discussion of white balance is detailed and informative. In addition, it has a quick review of some of the lesser-used features, such as interval timed and multiple exposure photographs that I glazed right over in my first read of the manual.In truth, I would have preferred the DVD be half the time and half the price, or better, the same length without the cheerleading or elementary lessons in shot composition. Overall, a neophyte is likely find some good tips while being a bit underwhelmed by the depth of the discussions.

Unless you're a professional photographer, you'll want this DVD. I learned a lot about the features of my D200, but also about technique and good habits (invaluable to even non-D200 users!)The D200 is a complicated computer with a load of features. Even basic features, like focusing, are varied and complicated. If you want to have a deeper understanding of your D200, start with this DVD and then buy the Magic Lantern Guide by Simon Stafford. The DVD provides an excellent overview and the Guide fills in the blanks.The DVD not only explains the key features, but suggests how to use the camera. For instance, get into the habit of thinking beforehand - the lighting, the subjects, motion, type of lenses, etc. - then set up your D200 for the day's shooting. Do this everytime. You'll only need to make minor adjustments afterwards and the quality of your photos will be enhanced manyfold.The section on how to take better photos - metering, focusing, depth of field, Rule of Thirds, etc. - were most informative. I learned new techniques, even though I've been an amateur photographer for many years.Sure, the manual is a catalog of features, but it doesn't clearly explain how and when to use the myriad of features. This DVD will do that, and the Guide will explain more fully what you need to know.Other than taking a one or two day course on how to use the D200, this DVD and Guide will provide the same information in a fraction of the time. And you get to keep them for future reference and refresher courses!