Search Moments, A Photo Journal for Cameras and Images

Friday, September 1, 2023

Nikon D200 10.2MP CCD Digital SLR Camera, Back To The Fore

Nikon D200 10.2MP CCD Digital SLR Camera, Back To The Fore
Re-Living the CCD Sensor - Bringing the 2005 10.2MP CCD Nikon D200 digital SLR camera, and the AF-Nikkor 50mm 1:1.8D prime, back to the fore.

The current photography trend that is gaining momentum and popularity, not only with photography enthusiasts of the millennia but also with matured digital photo enthusiasts and film photographers, is the revival and the new interest in CCD photography. Cameras used for this genre are vintage digitals with built CCD sensors that were in production more than 10 years ago, manufactured with technology that has now been considered bypassed and redundant.

Seen across the whole range of camera products from point-and-shoot digicams to superzoom travel compacts, digital bridges, and even the ubiquitous digital SLR camera, CCDs were the standard for camera sensors from the early 80s till the late 2000s. The sensor was acknowledged for its high-quality images with low noise and high sensitivity, and renderings that echos the qualities of pictures taken with film cameras.

Though the CCD sensor has been replaced by the CMOS variety almost across the whole breadth and width of the digital camera industry, cameras with CCD sensors are still readily available today, at prices for the asking, on auction sites, and even in brick-and-mortar stores. While you might get a near-mint or unused unit, complete with their kit packaging, others may need a replacement battery or a battery/charger set, and a memory card to start with.

Nikon D200, AF-Nikkor 50mm 1:1.8D

One camera that fits right into this genre, one that should be considered prime and brought back to the fore, is the well-built and robust Nikon D200, a 10.2MP ASP-C CCD sensor digital SLR camera from 2005.



Nikon D200

The Nikon D200, seen here with the equally vintage AF-Nikkor 50mm 1:1.8D, is my current go-to camera for my CCD sensor outings. The D200, launched in 2005, comes with a 10.2 MP CCD sensor, a shutter speed range from 30 to 1/8,000 seconds, an ISO range from 100 to 1,600, a top LCD panel for display of operating parameters, a 2.5 inch 230,00 pixels rear LCD, 7 area AF, operates in Program, Shutter priority, Aperture priority, and Manual modes, and captures images in JPEG and (NEF) RAW.

Nikon D200, AF-Nikkor 50mm 1:1.8D

Designated as a professional model (see Nikon DSLR Timeline Chart on Wikipedia), the D200 is a very well-built and robust DSLR camera with a magnesium alloy chassis, environmental seals, an excellent user interface, an exceptional feature set, and superior performance. The D200 can be used as well with Ai manual focus and essentially all other Nikkor lenses manufactured from 1977 onward. The D200 is also fitted with an intervalometer for time-lapse photography.

Nikon D200, Front

Taking on the cue from the flagship D2x, the menu system of the D200 is a very comprehensive array of function sets for Playback, Shooting, CSM (custom menus), and Set Up. Modifications to the Shooting or Custom Settings Menu (CSM for short) are saved to one of the four (4) Shooting Menu Banks, initially named A, B, C, and D. Images can be recorded in NEF (RAW) + JPEG (Fine, Normal, and Basic), RAW, or JPEG (Fine, Normal, and Basic) only, with a maximum size of 3872×2592 pixels.

Nikon D200, Top

The D200 is supported by a very bright, sharp, and smooth 2.5-inch 230,000-pixel LCD monitor with a very wide viewing angle, and a control panel dominating the right of the top plane, which provides a full range of information covering photographic and digital settings. The panel has a green backlight which can be illuminated by flicking the power switch to the lamp (right) position.

Nikon D200, Back

The D200 has two AF area modes, an 11-area Normal Zone, and a 7-area Wide Zone, selectable via the AF-area mode switch on the lower back of the camera. In Normal Zone mode, which can be used mainly for static subjects, focus selection can be done from any one of the eleven areas and the camera will focus on the center of the selected area. In Wide Zone mode, the focus is selected from any one of seven areas that cover a wider area of the frame, which is the more useful mode to focus on the general area of a moving subject.

Nikon D200, Bottom

The body weight of the D200 is a hefty 830 grams without a battery, memory card, body cap, or monitor cover. The power supply for the camera's operation is sourced from a Nikon EN-ELe3 Lithium battery pack, which also powers the Nikon D50, D70, D70s, D80, D90, D100, D300S, and D300. While an original battery pack may not hold its charge anymore, alternative replacements, and chargers if missing, are readily available from online stores.


Nikon AF-Nikkor 50mm 1:1.8D

A normal prime lens that has been the choice for decades, the AF-Nikkor 50mm 1:1.8D is one of the few items that you’ll find in both pro and amateur camera bags. The lens is compact, light, fast, easily available, and is always in demand at the auction markets, with prices that are normally higher than the asking. On the D200 the AF-Nikkor 50mm 1:1.8D is equivalent to a 75mm short telephoto lens on a 35mm full-frame camera.

Nikon AF-Nikkor 50mm 1:1.8D
Nikon AF-Nikkor 50mm 1:1.8D

The 1:1.8 aperture lens is well-suited for a variety of lighting conditions, as well as effective with depth-of-field shots, and pleasing bokeh quality with its rounded seven-blade iris. The lens also has SIC (Super Integrated Coating) applied to its individual elements. This helps reduces lens flare and ghosting, and renders the image with increased contrast and color accuracy when working in bright and backlit conditions.


Early Images

While I have had the Nikon AF-Nikkor 50mm 1:1.8D for quite some time now, the Nikon D200 is a recent acquisition. The camera was only a low-cost purchase and came with a couple of basic faults, one mentioned in the listing and the other cropping up as I started using the camera. Otherwise, the camera works good and I was happy with it.

Nikon D200 10.2MP CCD DSLR, Back To The Fore 01
Nikon D200 10.2MP CCD DSLR, Back To The Fore 02
Nikon D200 10.2MP CCD DSLR, Back To The Fore 03

The Nikon D200 is an awesome camera to learn and use, and while you can get away with a few basic shots after going through the Quick tour, learning how to master the range of functions and true features that the camera has may take you a while longer.

Nikon D200 10.2MP CCD DSLR, Back To The Fore 04
Nikon D200 10.2MP CCD DSLR, Back To The Fore 05
Nikon D200 10.2MP CCD DSLR, Back To The Fore 06

In the hand, the D200 is solid as a brick, firm to hold with no creaks or any hint of flex, added by the comfort of the soft rubber skin and chunky handgrip. Buttons are large, labels are clear labels, and the functional layout is excellent.

Nikon D200 10.2MP CCD DSLR, Back To The Fore 07
Nikon D200 10.2MP CCD DSLR, Back To The Fore 08
Nikon D200 10.2MP CCD DSLR, Back To The Fore 09

With the camera being past its 15th year of production, I can only assume that age does not matter with the CCD sensor, where images rendered are sharp and clear, and precise.

Nikon D200 10.2MP CCD DSLR, Back To The Fore 10
Nikon D200 10.2MP CCD DSLR, Back To The Fore 11
Nikon D200 10.2MP CCD DSLR, Back To The Fore 12

Guides and resources for users are readily available for download or read-throughs on the Net. A PDF copy of the 200+ Page User Manual of the Nikon D200 is available for download from the Nikon | Download Center.


The CCD Sensor

The CCD sensor, as we know it, was the standard for camera sensors from the early 80s till the late 2000s. The sensor was acknowledged for its high-quality, low noise, and as some say, film-like images. Though most digital cameras today are fitted with sensors of the CMOS variety, which were less costly to produce, and use less power, CCD sensors are still the preferred sensor used in some regions of specialized photography such as optical microscopy, space photography, and near-infrared imaging.

Nikon D200, AF-Nikkor 50mm 1:1.8D

CMOS sensors, however, have an advantage over CCD sensors in terms of speed and performance, because of their ability to allow faster data processing, higher frame rates, more autofocus points, and longer battery life. CCD sensors, on the other hand, can also offer good speed and performance, especially in low-light situations, where they can capture more light with reduced noise.




Memories of an Everlasting Journey

Shop for Vintage Cameras, Lenses, and Camera Add-Ons @ VintageCameraMarketplace

Tuesday, August 15, 2023

Kodak PixPro AZ251 16MP CCD 25X Super Zoom Digital Bridge Camera

Kodak PixPro AZ251 Digital Bridge Camera, 16MP CCD Sensor
Re-Living the CCD Sensor - A look back at an easy-to-use superzoom digital bridge camera with a 16MP CCD sensor and a 25x optical zoom lens.

Another recent acquisition, part of my interest in the 'Re-Living the CCD Sensor' series, is the Kodak PixPro AZ251, a 25x superzoom digital bridge camera with a 16MP CCD sensor. The AZ251 (with the AZ abbreviated from 'Astro Zoom'), manufactured under license by JK Imaging, was launched in 2013 as an update to the Kodak PixPro series that started with the launch of the PixPro AZ651.

The entry-level bridge camera, with an optical zoom lens equivalent to 24-600mm on a 35mm full-frame camera, also comes with optical image stabilization, a 3-inch 230k rear LCD screen, 720p HD video recording, full auto as well as PSAM modes, panorama, HDR, and several scene modes and digital filters for more creative control.

Not seen on the camera, however, is an EV, which is common among digital bridge cameras of that era. The missing component detracts the camera from having the look and its use as a full SLR look-alike and relegates it to more of an enlarged electronic compact with a superzoom lens and a comfortable to-hold rubberized handgrip.

Kodak PixPro AZ251, View

The true strength of the camera, however, lies with its ease of use, features that you can grow your photography with, an ultra-wide angle with a close focusing distance of just 3cm to a 600mm equivalent super telephoto lens, and a superb 16MP CCD sensor that delivers well-saturated color-rich images normally associated with the Kodak brand.

Kodak PixPro AZ251, Top

Extending the ease of use of the camera is the power requirement of a set of easily available 4x AA (Ni-MH or Alkaline) batteries, with the Alkaline rated for up to 280 shots according to CIPA test results. A run-of-the-mill USB cable is all that is needed to connect the camera to either a printer or computer, and images can be stored on the camera's 8MB of internal memory, or on SD/SDHC cards with up to 32GB memory.


Exposure Modes

The main exposure mode functions are centered around the Mode Dial located on the top plane of the camera, where you access the Auto and PSM (Program AE, Shutter Priority, Manual) shooting modes, as well as selections for Face Beautifier, Panorama, Scenes, Movie, Custom, and Landscape. On the top plane are also buttons for continuous shooting and video recording, as well as the zoom rocker, shutter release, and Power On/Off slider.

Kodak PixPro AZ251, Back

Scenes, when set on the Mode Dial, provides options Auto Scene, Sport, Beach, Sunset, Fireworks, Night Landscape, Sketch, Snow, Children, ID, Glass, Photo Frame, Panning Shot, Portrait, Fish Eye, Party, Indoor, Leaf, Museum, Night Portrait, Pet Mode-Dog, and Pet Mode-Cat. Each sub-set scene menu is accompanied by a pair of before-and-after images which are self-explanatory for each sub-mode selection.

Kodak PixPro AZ251, Menu display

On the back, aside from the LCD screen, the exposure compensation button also gives access to ISO, aperture, and shutter speed selections, depending on what shooting mode the camera is set to, while the 'i' button gives access to image filters. Next to it is the Menu button, which accesses the 1-page menu selection (Exposure Metering, Image Size, Image Stabilization On/Off, Continuous Mode AF, HDR) and a further dropdown link to access camera Settings (Quality, AF Assist Beam, Digital Zoom, ...)

Kodak PixPro AZ251, Scene mode

The D-pad, with the Set button in the middle, gives access to AF (Single AF, Multi AF, and Object Tracking) Shooting Modes, Macro On/Off, Flash Auto/Off, Self-timer, and Delete Image (in Playback Mode). Located below the D-pad are the Playback, and LCD Display Option (Classic, Full, Off) buttons.


Early Images

Kodak PixPro AZ251 Digital Bridge Camera 01
Kodak PixPro AZ251 Digital Bridge Camera 02

Kodak PixPro AZ251 Digital Bridge Camera 03
Kodak PixPro AZ251 Digital Bridge Camera 04
Kodak PixPro AZ251 Digital Bridge Camera 05

Kodak PixPro AZ251 Digital Bridge Camera 06
Kodak PixPro AZ251 Digital Bridge Camera 07
Kodak PixPro AZ251 Digital Bridge Camera 08

Kodak PixPro AZ251 Digital Bridge Camera 09
Kodak PixPro AZ251 Digital Bridge Camera 10
Kodak PixPro AZ251 Digital Bridge Camera 11
Kodak PixPro AZ251 Digital Bridge Camera 12

The images should speak for themself here.

Kodak PixPro AZ251, View top

The AZ251, a low-cost buy, may not be the perfect example of what a digital camera should be, but suffice to say, that it is an above-average performer which should keep users happy with the sharp and fine images rendered by the CCD sensor. It is a well-built camera ready for the bumps and minor knocks of family outings, frolics in the park, adventure tracks and trials, and the sun by the sea.




Memories of an Everlasting Journey

Shop for Vintage Cameras, Lenses, and Camera Add-Ons @ VintageCameraMarketplace

Tuesday, August 1, 2023

Pentax K-m (K2000) 10MP CCD DSLR Camera, And A 28mm MF Lens

Re-Living the CCD Sensor, A Pentax K-m, And A 28mm MF Lens
Re-Living the CCD Sensor - Going for the perfect start with a 10MP CCD DSLR, and an equally vintage wide-angle manual focus prime.

Your introduction to photography can very well be based on the digital format, with cameras and lenses coming from the lower end of the cost spectrum. The setup can come in the form of a vintage digital camera, vintage as they were in production more than 10 years ago with technology that has been bypassed or made redundant, mounted with equally vintage manual focus prime lenses.

For starters, a recommended low-cost start-up kit is the AA battery-powered Pentak K-m (K2000 in the US), a digital SLR camera with a 10MP CCD sensor introduced by Pentax in 2008, and the SMC Pentax-A 28mm 1:2.8 manual focus prime, also by Pentax. On the APS-C sensor of the Pentax K-m, which has a crop factor of 1.5, the Pentax-A will be the equivalent of a perfectly normal lens with a focal length of 42mm on a 35mm full-frame camera.

The Pentax K-m, introduced by Pentax in 2008 with an APS-C-sized CCD sensor, is a compact entry-level digital SLR camera fitted with a Pentax KAF2 lens mount, a follow-up from the KF, KA, and KAF mounts, which was Pentax's development sequence for adding auto-focus features to its lenses. The camera shares the same viewfinder and LCD screen with the 10MP CCD sensor K200D and the 14.6 CMOS sensor K20D but has a lighter body and no weather sealing.

Pentax K-m (K2000), SMC Pentax-A 28mm 1:2.8

The SMC Pentax-A 28mm 1:2.8, highly acknowledged and accoladed, is one of those lenses you must learn to appreciate. The lens, a wide-angle, small and compact, all metal-and-glass, with 7 elements in 7 groups, is similar to the second version of the SMC Pentax-M 28mm F2.8 lens, is a K-mount A series and came with an "A" aperture setting which, when set, allows the camera to control the aperture automatically. The lens was in production from 1984 to 1988.

SMC Pentax-A 28mm 1:2.8
SMC Pentax-A 28mm 1:2.8

This lens has a Sharpness rating of 8.6, Aberrations at 8.1, Bokeh at 7.6, Handling at 9.2, and Value at 9.3 on Pentax Forums.

The setup mentioned will give you a camera kit perfect for general-purpose photography, family snapshots, scenes and landscape, and street photography, and may even excel in specialty photography genres. The lens will probably be the only one you will need on your camera most of the time.

The K-m is powered by a set of either 4 AA Lithium, Ni-MH Rechargeable, or Alkaline batteries (which provides a battery life of 1800 shots according to CIPA standards). The easily replaceable AA batteries needed to operate the camera are an advantage you might want to consider having.

Pentax K-m (K2000), And A 28mm MF Lens 01
Pentax K-m (K2000), And A 28mm MF Lens 02
Pentax K-m (K2000), And A 28mm MF Lens 03

Camera and Lens Availability

Digital cameras with CCD sensors, like the Pentax K-m, and lenses such as the manual focus SMC Pentax-A 28mm 1:2.8 lenses are still readily available today, with some still functional as if they were new, at very low introductory prices on the auction market or even from brick-and-mortar stores.


Early Images

I had the same setup for this trial, with the kit acquired at a chance bargain of US $60 (shipping is extra), with the items bought separately. I couldn't ask for more really, as the camera and lens were both in near-mint condition, with the camera powered up good and proper with a new set of batteries, and the lens equally smooth in operation.

Pentax K-m (K2000), And A 28mm MF Lens 05
Pentax K-m (K2000), And A 28mm MF Lens 04

Pentax K-m (K2000), And A 28mm MF Lens 06
Pentax K-m (K2000), And A 28mm MF Lens 07

Pentax K-m (K2000), And A 28mm MF Lens 08
Pentax K-m (K2000), And A 28mm MF Lens 09
Pentax K-m (K2000), And A 28mm MF Lens 10
Pentax K-m (K2000), And A 28mm MF Lens 11

Pentax K-m (K2000), And A 28mm MF Lens 13
Pentax K-m (K2000), And A 28mm MF Lens 12

Making The Choice

CCD sensors were standard for digital cameras from the early 80s till the late 2000s. They were acknowledged for their sharp, low-noise, and high-quality images which people said as having film-like qualities. Although CMOS sensors are now favored for capturing images in consumer products, CCD sensors are still used in medical, scientific, and industrial markets due to their high sensitivity and precision.

Pentax K-m (K2000), SMC Pentax-A 28mm 1:2.8

Making the uptake is equally reasonable if you are thinking about steering away from film photography with its ever-increasing cost of film and related development and scanning charges, or going for the cost of more advanced and probably more complex digital cameras that are currently on, or coming into the market.




Memories of an Everlasting Journey

Shop for Vintage Cameras, Lenses, and Camera Add-Ons @ VintageCameraMarketplace

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