D200 vs D80

[MrCarl]

I've decided to change my D60 and thinking of buying one of the above (used). I have 2 offers right now and can't decide what to choose. I like D200 more (5fps, better bracketing and construction (doing lots of HDRs). The catch is that I can get the D200 and D80 with the same price. D80 is almost new and only 700 shots have been taken and the D200 has about 9500 shots taken. The D80 looks like new (it practically is), but D200 isn't looking so good in the pics (will get my hands on it next week).

What would be better option?

Thanks!

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[pixmedic]

condition aside i would normally say D200 all the way...it will depend on what it actually looks like when you look at it. 9500 actuations isnt really all that much on that camera. if it looks really rough when you see it in person, go with the D80. hard to go wrong with like new condition. If the D200 looks like it is actually in good shape, that would my personal choice.

[orb9220]

Personally owned both and the D200 was an easy win for me. Like the pro built and will meter with manual Ai and Ais glass. A tad Beefier drive for AF and AF-D lenses.

Disadvantages: Battery eater so would want to have 3 batteries. Weight is an issue for some. Me ole' fart with bad hands and still loved it and no complaints here.

Only would consider a D90 first. As much more capable in lower light situations with better High ISO results.
But sub-$400 D200's and D80's are very tempting and a definite upgrade over the D60 which I also owned at one point.
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[coastalconn]

As others have said my vote would be the D200. But if you can stretch your budget a little further the D300 is phenomenal. I just picked up a used one for 600. I have a D90 which is not getting used anymore and a D200 which is full spectrum/ IR. I really love the construction and handling of the d200/d300. I don't worry as much about shutter count as others. My d300 had like 37K when I got it... I have been shooting mostly birds lately and the AF system and 6 FPS (8 FPS when I get my battery grip) sealed the deal for me. Best of luck!

[orb9220]

$600 for a D300 is great coastalconn. And congrats only see them myself as $750-$900 craigslist here. Also seeing a rise in used prices as I think many are trying to eck wring out all the nickels for their D800 upgrades.
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[MrCarl]

Budget is an issue to be honest. So D200 is a good choice and I shouldn't be worried about it being quite old? How about picture quality on low light situations vs D80?

[coastalconn]

I've never had the D60, but in benchmark scores, the high iso comparison isn't really much of a difference for the D200 or the D80 compared to the D60. So noise in lowlight would probably be pretty similar. The Build quality will really set the D200 apart. I just checked KEH where I got my d300 from and the bargain grade D300 dropped to 546. The d200 in ex condition is 375 and the d80 in ex condition is 335. They all come with a 6 month warranty and they do have outstanding customer service. Last night I noticed the D300 dropped to 546, I emailed them and they are refunding the $54 difference since I ordered my camera 2 weeks ago. Best of luck!

[MrCarl]

Thanks, will get my hands on D200 on thursday and then I'll make my decision.

[Mike_E]

Thanks, will get my hands on D200 on thursday and then I'll make my decision.

If that D200 is a beater, just look around for another one.

[djacobox372]

10k shots on a d200 is barely broken in.

The d200 smokes the d80 at everything but battery life. The non-cpu lens compatibility alone is worth the extra $100 they go for

[MrCarl]

Getting an extra battery with the D200 also. The battery problem might be an issue as I like to shoot alot. Guess I have to change my habits

[Bukitimah]

Wow, I am jealous. I bought mine (D300) used for $960 body only. It has 55k actuations. With prices coming down, I would suggest you go for the highest you could to avoid upgrading later.

[orb9220]

Budget is an issue to be honest. So D200 is a good choice and I shouldn't be worried about it being quite old? How about picture quality on low light situations vs D80?

Well have shot 1250 without too much problems as minimizing noise pretty much means nailing exposure.
This one SOCC @ 1250 and no post NR applied.


Green 1250 Socc 1 of 2 by Orbmiser, on Flickr

Tho most don't like to shoot above 800 iso for the most part and some hate shooting above 400. I never understood it myself as was comfortable at 800 for the most part.

And doesn't matter how old the technology or camera is. As many baby them. As long it hasn't been thru the ringer with Dings,gouges or falling apart and the shutter is under 50k I would be happy with it.
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[MrCarl]

Got myself D200 and really really happy so far
Thanks guys!

[orb9220]

Congrats! There is that something-something that I love about the D200 and think it will take you pretty much where you want to go for the next year or three.
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