Nikon D80 or D200

[Commonman]

It may be time for me to step up to a high quality digital camera. I'd like some input on the choice between a Nikon D80 and a Nikon D200 or 300.

I want to make sure I have maximum resolution...
10 megapixels I'm sure will be fine. And, I need minimum delay between button and shutter and next photo shot...whatever the technical name for this is, I hope you get the idea. So, there should be little or no delay between pushing the button and the actual opening of the shutter and I should be able to take 3 - 5 shots in sequence.

Also, a nice big view screen is important.

I see what the pros are using and I want what they have. That's the way my mind thinks some times.

 

[Coldow91]

well the D200 is a more pro level camera, but the D80 will do all of the things that you specify above. Does price play a role?

 

[Commonman]

Yes, price does matter and I did just notice how much more the D200 is, almost 2X the cost of the D80! I realized that I was being lazy and decided to do some research on my own. I found a good website that compares the 2 cameras:


http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d80/vs-d200.htm

 

[ann]

it is called shutter lag, and i have a student who is selling his 200 as he got a 300 recently, i think he is asking 850 and includes some capture software. he takes very good care of his equipment, if interested i can get you in touch.

 

[Garbz]

Feature wise here's the biggest. The D200 is metal! For me and my recklessness this was a no brainer, I've dropped it numerous times already.

 

[tirediron]

Feature wise here's the biggest. The D200 is metal! For me and my recklessness this was a no brainer, I've dropped it numerous times already.

Have to agree with this. The magnesium chassis is worth a lot to me!

 

[djacobox372]

Yes, price does matter and I did just notice how much more the D200 is, almost 2X the cost of the D80! I realized that I was being lazy and decided to do some research on my own. I found a good website that compares the 2 cameras:


http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d80/vs-d200.htm

D200 goes for about $800 on the used market, which is FAR from 2x the cost of the d80. In fact it's about the same as a gray market new d80.

My recommendation, a used d200. Considering how durable the METAL d200 is, a used one will still just as reliable then a new PLASTIC d80.

 

[Commonman]

I heard that the D80s bounce if they are dropped.

Yes, a used D200 would work. I guess I have not tested the market.

Is it Ann that said her student has a D200 for sale? I suppose I'd be interested, when the time is right. Does he or she have it for sale right now?

 

[droyz2000]

I have a D200 and have played with the D80 quite a bit. I definitely say that the D200 is a much better camera. The body being magnesium is a huge benefit. I also think that the layout of the function buttons are much more intuitive.

 

[Commonman]

Sounds like ya'all are recommending the D200, which sounds like the machine for me. But, my co-worker just handed me the July 2008 issue of Consumer Reports and they are giving the Nikon D300 a top notch score. Now, I guess I will look at the differences between the D200 and the D300.

 

[Rogan]

i played with a D300

and its in a totally differant leagure to the D200, IMO

i loved it. it feels perfeect everything is in the write place. it dus everything u need and does it well!

 

[Commonman]

Wow, and that's coming from a Canon owner.

 

[Rogan]

Wow, and that's coming from a Canon owner.

im totally unbiased

 

[Commonman]

Rogan, yes, thanks for your input. I'm going to seriously consider the d300.
I'm already in possession of a number of Nikon lenses so, I'm naturally attracted to the Nikon. But I notice a lot of pros using the Canon, probably more so than the Nikon D-SLRs.

 

[Rogan]

when i hv enuf money to move into dSLRs im definately going over to nikon and floggin the canon

i much prefer the way it feels in my hand and the lens ranges