!!! What a Camera !!!

I am an amateur photographer at best but when I take a serious picture I want to know that the results of my efforts are not determined by inferior equipment. If you want a digital SLR that has many of the same features as the Dx series digital without the price tag then the D200 is the one. If you can live with 10.2 megapickels instead of 12.4 megapickels. (ha ha) Lets face it, once you get the chance to take any shot, that lasting image is either going to exist as a worthwhile entity or will end up in the trash. My initial intent was to look at the DX models but the price tag drove me away rather quickly. Without doubt the D200 was a middle of the road model that has most of the features of the higher end DX and quite a few added automatic features to assist my amateur brain.
The camera body is well balanced and is easy to hold and the identification nomenclature for the switches are large, easy to read, and well placed. The viewfinder information screen is well lit and is not much different than any of the Nikon predecessors.
It is Unfortunate that Nikon eliminated the manual aperture ring on their DX lenses and has to be set electronically but I did read in a white paper that most photographers are finding this automated feature accurate and easier to use. The elimination of the aperture ring drastically reduces the weight and believe me, an 18-200mm zoom lens is no lightweight and will make the camera front heavy. The weight of the lens will tend to extend the focal length when the camera is tilted downward and according to Nikon, is not adjustable and can't be corrected. The VB mode is suppose to dampen and reduce vibration momentum while taking pictures from a moving vehicle but I am not sure how much it helps yet. It is difficult to duplicate the shot and get an accurate comparative analysis. Overall this lens is a monster. This is a quality crystal clear lens and I still can't believe the range. It Automatically adjusts the F-stop as you zoom out. You have to know that 18-200 was a three lens ordeal not to long ago.
Downloading pictures to my PC is easy and effortless using the USB cable connection. I do feel that the Picture Project processing software that was included is somewhat feature starved and I honestly did expect a little more from Nikon.
I hooked on a SB-600 Speedlight and the TTL feature does make an incredible difference. If you can afford it, the SB-800 throws twice the light but my pocketbook started to lighten a little too much for my comfort. Additionally, if you expect do much work at 5frames/second I would suggest the dual battery option since a 4 gig CF-1 card will hold over 650 fine resolution pics.
Overall, The D200 is a gem of a camera and once you downgrade from here you start to sacrifice the high end features. That includes the new D80 model just released. I think Nikon is coming out with too many models and you can easily overlook features that you really wanted.
If you are an amateur like me, they offer a real nice dvd that explains all the features and how to make the most out of your Nikon D200 camera.
My suggestion; If your thinking about a quality diggie, Buy it man! And like myself, you will consider yourself a very happy photogromanic.
BTW... I saved 200 bananas by going with the kit rather than purchasing the body and lens separately and as for the quality of the pictures, well the pictures speak for themselves. This is a quality Nikon product.