The Nikon D200 features an APS-C size CCD sensor, specifically measuring 23.6 x 15.8 mm.
Understanding the Nikon D200 Sensor
The sensor is the heart of any digital camera, responsible for capturing light and converting it into a digital image. The Nikon D200, a popular DSLR from its era, utilized a specific type and size of sensor to achieve its image quality.
Sensor Specifications
Here's a breakdown of the key sensor specifications for the Nikon D200:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Sensor Type | CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) |
| Sensor Size | APS-C (23.6 x 15.8 mm) |
Delving Deeper into the Sensor Type: CCD
The Nikon D200 employs a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) sensor. At the time of its release, CCD sensors were widely used in high-end digital cameras and were known for their excellent image quality, particularly in terms of noise performance and dynamic range at lower ISO sensitivities.
- How it Works: CCD sensors collect light in individual photosites, converting photons into an electrical charge. These charges are then transferred sequentially across the chip, pixel by pixel, to an analog-to-digital converter.
- Characteristics:
- Often praised for cleaner images at base ISO settings.
- Known for producing images with a specific "look" or color rendition favored by some photographers.
- Generally consume more power and have a slower readout speed compared to modern CMOS sensors.
Understanding the Sensor Size: APS-C
The sensor in the Nikon D200 is an APS-C size sensor, which measures 23.6 x 15.8 mm. This is a common sensor size for enthusiast and semi-professional DSLRs, offering a good balance between image quality, camera size, and lens compatibility.
- Crop Factor: APS-C sensors are smaller than full-frame sensors. For Nikon DX-format cameras like the D200, this results in a 1.5x crop factor. This means that a 50mm lens on a D200 will provide an angle of view equivalent to a 75mm lens on a full-frame camera.
- Advantages of APS-C:
- Allows for smaller and lighter camera bodies compared to full-frame cameras.
- Lenses designed for APS-C (DX lenses) are also typically more compact and affordable.
- Provides excellent image quality suitable for large prints and professional use, especially for its time.
- The crop factor can be beneficial for telephoto shooting, effectively extending the reach of lenses.
The combination of a CCD sensor and an APS-C size made the Nikon D200 a robust and capable camera for a wide range of photographic applications, from landscape to portraiture, during its product life cycle.
