Magic Lantern Guides®: Nikon D200 Paperback – August 1, 2006

I did not receive Nikon's user manual with my D200. Not a problem, though. I bought Magic Lantern's guide for my Nikon D50 a couple years ago and it replaced Nikon's D50 user manual almost immediately. Very well written: comprehensive, yet, totally understandable. I knew I would be purchasing this D200 guide when I upgraded to the D200 camera.I recommend putting this guide in your camera bag and relegate Nikon's user manual to a box in the attic. Like Magic Lantern's D50 guide, this one is very well written: comprehensive, yet, totally understandable. And as a 'use-it-as-you-go' reference, it's very easy to find the information you need quickly.In agreement with numerous other reviews posted here, Nikon needs to work out a deal to include Magic Lantern's guides with their cameras.And with respect to RonAnnArbor's comments, I also recommend adding " The PIP Expanded Guide to the Nikon D200 (PIP Expanded Guide Series) " for excellent pointers for just about any shooting situation or preference. Don't ask yourself "Which one should I get?" The prices are reasonable enough to just get both. You will not be disappointed.

With Magic Lantern Guides, I always know exactly what I'm getting. They aren't advanced photography books, so look elsewhere for one of those. Instead, they are basically a much clearer, better-written manual explaining buttons, features, tricks and tips. I found it extremely helpful in learning the camera before investing my own money in one and it works as a fine reference for seldom used functions.Thom Hogan's E-book is more technical and has a lot more info, but this one will appeal to a wider audience. It also doesn't require reading on a computer, which I find less usable and less portable.

After losing the manual that came with the camera I needed something to replace it and although I could have downloaded the original manual from Nikon, I had found, as a fairly inexperienced photographer, it was not very user friendly. This guide however has been a much greater as both a guide to operating the camera as well as giving some handy tips along the way

I purchased this several years ago and I'm amazed as to how often I find I review this book to refresh my memory or to update myself on using the camera in a new fashion. Recently, I became interested in HDR so I picked up the book and in no time I had reset the camera in the manner I required and was off and running. What a great help!When I find myself looking to buy a new product to use with the camera I look to the book to be sure the item is compatible with my D200. The Nikon site isn't always that helpful since this camera is now an 'archive' item.I work in the travel industry and I do recommend this book to folks in my daily life that I see are travelling with camera gear, or at least those with a Nikon. I just can't say enough about how informative it really is- the depth to which is goes seemed so deep at the time and now, when I go into those areas it becomes so clear. Thank you for writing this!

If you have an Old School Nikon like the D200, this book is fantastic and shows you just about every control and feature this awesome old camera has. Magic Lantern Guides are the best !

I purchased another "D200" guide and was very disappointed. Then I purchased the Magic Lantern Guide for the D200 and think it is one of the best guides available. There's so many options on the D200 and this guide helps to make you understand each. Especially helpful are the hints the author gives for the options. I've tried them and now have my camera set for some favorites Simon Stafford suggested. It is well worth the price, as another reviewer mentioned I will have it in my photo bag all the time.

lots of information on the camera

Too technical for my needs

The Magic Lantern book for the Nikon D200 is excellent - It covers all the data in the factory manual plus much more.The use of colour is pleasant, and the tips throughout are very helpful.The wallet card is especially nice as there are a lot of settings on the D200 - too many to remember.The card is very helpful in the field.Overall, I'm very pleased.

Simon Stafford has a knack of describing the technical features of each camera he reviews in just the right amount of detail & in a simple,straight-forward manner. I particularly found his Personal Customisation Settings very useful along with his advice about which setting to select. Everything is listed in a logical order & there are a fair number of diagrams + black/white photos to help you . If you just want one book to help you use the D200, get this one - I highly recommend it. It's far superior to David Busch's effort!

Good

This book gives you all the settings on the camera and give you good tips on how to use this model, I would recommend this to any photographer who wants to go back to manual settings.

Given that Nikon's standard manual for the D200 appears to have been written by an insane genius hell-bent on melting the mind of anyone who read it, I rushed Amazonwards to buy a Magic Lantern guide because the one for my Canon G10 had taught me more in one read than I'd learnt in five years using the thing. This was much the same - got me up and running post-haste, instead of throwing the thing at the wall in disgust. It misses five stars only because the index is a total afterthought, right up there with the chocolate fireguard.