The D200 boasts some impressive features compared to the D70 that were a pleasant surprise. Below are the features that I find most important: (some of the best ones are at the end of the list) To learn about using older manual focus Nikon and 3rd party lenses, a UNIQUE feature of the D200, click HERE

1. Resolution - 10.2MP vs. 6.1MP sounds more impressive than it actually is. An original camera file printed at 300ppi yields a print size of 12.9" x 8.6" compared with 10" x 6.7" from the D70. ( File size is proportional to the SQUARE of pixel dimensions) Any increase in resolution is a good thing, however. In practical terms, a 12x18 print from the D200 is very acceptable while the same image from a 6.0MP camera the results are marginal for any kind of close-up viewing. I am impressed that the D200 kicks us over the 11x14 barrier. See this image comparison. 2. Gigantic 2.5" LCD screen is a major improvement over the 1.8" D70 or 2" D70s. Great for the less than perfect eyes. 3. PC flash synch plug built into the camera. No messing with add-on adapters. 4. Separate RGB histograms - much more informative than the usual Luminance histogram which can, for critical work, be deceiving and might allow you to inadvertantly clip highlights in one or more of the color channels. 5. Faster and more predictable autofocus. Seems more responsive and less finicky than my D70 6. Self timer funtion is set with a single direct dial on the top of the camera- quick and easy. 7. Mirror lock-up is compatible with actually making exposures (not possible on D70) 8. Metal casing with gaskets for weather proof operation - a heavier and larger body, feels like a serious machine. 9.Can also be operated with AA batteries either Ni-Mh, alkaline or lithium using accessory battery pack. This pack is unfortunately priced at over $150. 10. Top control panel has optional illumination - greatly improved visibility in low light. 11. Files can be saved as RAW+fine which is not available on the D70. 12. "Scene modes" are eliminated on the D200 - less clutter and nothing useful is lost. 13. ISO 100 is available ( minimum on D70 is 200 ) - could save you in those bright light situations where you wish you had a Neutral Density filter. 14. Prominent "single-purpose+ buttons QUAL/WB/ISO on the top of the camera is a much more elegant way to deal with these than the D70. 15. Memory compartment requires flipping a small lever to open - more secure and water-tight. 16. MUCH larger image in the viewfinder, alot like the old film cameras. It appears about 30% larger though I don't know the exact figure. It is a wonderful feature that makes visualizing and focusing the image vastly easier particularly when using MF lenses. Easy on the eyes. My favorite new feature and a complete surprise! 17. Multiple exposure capability. 18. Interval exposure capability - automatically shoot pictures at any time interval you desire - seconds, minutes, hours. 19. Another amazing feature - All my non-CPU nikon lenses and manual focus Tamron (adaptall 2) lenses allow full-aperture metering, aperture readout in the viewfinder AND depth of field preview functions- all in Manual Mode and in the fully functional Aperture-Priority Mode. You have to specify a maximum aperture and focal length for the lens you're using and voila'. Even a Tamron 28-70 zoom seems to maintain all 3 of these functions. Even Color-matrix metering will still work with many lenses. What a GREAT feature - use those primo old lenses from your film cameras and, with the exception of auto-focus you're set to go. The D70 is basically non-communicado with all of these lenses, i.e there is no meter capability at all, no f/stop readout nor is there Depth of Field Preview function. Full aperture metering: meaning that the aperture is wide open when metering but the meter evaluates the light based on what it will be later when the aperture closes down at exposure. This used to be referred to as an Auto Lens because the early 35mm's didn't have this ability - you had to physically stop down the lens in order to take a meter reading. These were called Manual Lenses and are pretty much rare items these days. This opens up a whole world of less expensive but excellent lenses if you don't need auto-focus , that is, the Tamron Adaptall lenses that will fit any camera with a dedicated adapter. (The Adaptall 2 mount is required as the Adaptall 1 mount doesn't allow for auto-aperture functions) For more on the topic of Non-CPU lenses click HERE

Criticisms of the D200 are not easy to think of, but here's one... 1. IR remote control capability requires a transmitter and receiver that plugs into a 10 pin connector and is a bit pricey ($65 or more) or a remote corded unit that functions like an electronic cable release. The D70 will function remotely with an inexpensive single piece IR remote for about $20. There is however, an aftermarket corded remote for about $15 that works on the D200. If you're using the mirror lock for optimum sharpness it makes sense to use some sort of remote or the self timer to avoid jarring the camera. The 10 pin corded remote is HERE on EBay.