Nikon D200 vs Canon 40D.. should I trade?

[liemthan228]

Hey everyone,

So I currently have a Nikon system that consists of a D200, Nikkor 50mm 1.8D and Vivitar 28mm 2.8 MF. After using it for some time, I have been thinking about switching over to Canon, more specifically the 40D. Reasons being:

1. Because I'm very fond of primes, Canon offers great optics for much less (prices are significantly lower in the prime market)

2. The ISO performance on the D200 is an issue indoors (anything above 800 is unusable)

3. The Canon 40D can be had for much cheaper than a D200 body in the used market, therefore saving me money for better glass.

I mostly shoot street, indoors in low-light, and landscape when I have the chance. My primary market for glass is for prime lenses, 20mm, 28mm, and 50mm.

I'd like to know if it is worth trading up and would like feedback on ANYTHING that be considered an advantage to either side (sensor type, noise performance, full frame compatibility, shutter life etc.)

This would be a tremendous help to my research. Thanks all.

 

[Mach0]

Add a flash and stick to what you have and check out older AF-d primes.

 

[KmH]

According to independent lab testing, the Nikon D200 is a tad closer to nominal ISO performance than the Canon 40D.
Click on the Measurements tab:
DxOMark - Compare cameras side by side

In other words, the chart shows that when the Canon 40 D is set to ISO 800, it actually delivers the performance (gain) of about ISO 625. When the Nikon D200 is set to ISO 800, it actually delivers the performance (gain) of about ISO 775.

 

[Derrel]

That's like trading a 1999 Chevy Cavalier for a 1998 Chevy Cavalier...you'll still end up with an outdated rig that's very far behind current technology. I have to ask...where are you buying used lenses from? Nikon F-mount has been the same since 1959, and the Ai switch was in 1977...there have been 70 million Nikkor lenses made in F mount...there's a local dealer here in my city that normally has six to ten times as many F-mount lenses for sale as Canon. On-line, you can check out KEH.com for good prices on used Nikon lenses. Right now, there is huge interest in the NEW Nikons, with the category-leading sensor performance, so tons of older Nikon lenses are being sold to raise cash for the hot, new Nikons. Canon 40D? man...I would rather have a Nikon D3100...something at least halfway "modern". Trading a D200 for a Canon 40D seems like a wash.

 

[Mike_E]

I have a D200. The flash idea is a good one. When correctly exposed higher ISOs aren't awful so it sounds as though you're not quite there on your exposure. And native ISO rocks.

This is if you're printing at 8x10 and below. If you're viewing on a monitor then you might be better served to work on your PP techniques.

All in all I doubt that changing to a 40d is going to make you much happier.

 

[bhop]

I wouldn't.. but then.. I don't like Canon SLRs..

 

[Susan_T]

Have you considered upgrading to a (used) D7000? It's noise performance is really quite good.

 

[Garbz]

1. Because I'm very fond of primes, Canon offers great optics for much less (prices are significantly lower in the prime market)

Only because Nikon discontinued many of their older primes. There can be absolute bargains had on the second hand market, and your camera body has a motor drive so look for all those AF-D and even AI lenses that other people can't use because they can't focus for them.

2. The ISO performance on the D200 is an issue indoors (anything above 800 is unusable)

Don't change manufacturer chasing ISO. You'll forever chase your tail. Nikon has the absolute advantage right now in ISO, so will you change back to a second hand Nikon in a few years when you realise your Canon 40D isn't all that anymore? Yeah it was better than the D200, but then so is every other camera including the D90 or the D7000 as someone has mentioned.

3. The Canon 40D can be had for much cheaper than a D200 body in the used market, therefore saving me money for better glass.

Get a D7000 if you want ISO performance over cheap lenses, it won't autofocus with older AF-D lenses. Get a D90 if you want better ISO performance than the D200 and still want a motor drive to use with AF-D lenses. Get a Canon if you really insist and you can find a good reason to do so bearing in mind you'll need to add the cost of a new 50mm and a new 28mm to the cost of a 40D.