Well, it seems that some, possibly many, Nikon D200's suffer from a defect that has become known as "banding", a.k.a. "striping". This is a peculiar pattern of noise appearing as thin vertical stripes in images, usually only occurring in certain conditions. I was able to create the effect yesterday by duplicating the basic conditions reported on the internet as most likely to show the banding. Sure enough, in a photo with an overexposed highlight (my big window), the darker area below showed the banding.
I'm not sure how worried to be about this. Reportedly Nikon is able to fix cameras so afflicted. I could still also return it to Best Buy. I am reluctant to do this however because the camera has not exhibited any other problems yet, no dead or hot pixels in sensor or LCD etc. The banding has only appeared when I deliberately set up conditions to look for it. On the other hand, it could well show up in sunset, sunrise photos. My inclination at present is to hold on for awhile, then send it in to Nikon while still under warranty for the fix.
I think I have a one year Nikon warranty. Hmmm. If I return it and order another, it could have other problems. Hmmm.
I was able to take some better photos yesterday in daylight outside, and of Gizmo near the big window with plenty of outside light. The camera is impressive, however it does force you to pay attention to your technique. Shutter speed, aperture, depth of field, ISO... it is unforgiving if you screw up, but capable of superb images as long as you mind your technique. Not a point and shoot camera for sure.
So ends boring camera post #2. Maybe I'll insert a D200 picture of Gizmo...
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