Second Camera Opinions Please

[dpolston]

Okay... I am looking into the possibility of buying a second camera aside from my backup camera. And frankly, I don't know the direction I need to take. I am looking for those cross over pros that shoot both PJ and Session photos.

My story: I shoot primarily with Nikon D200 and I have a D70 as a backup. I really want the D3, but realistically, I can't justify that price for something that it more or less for a part time, occasional job. I think I need a second camera because it is becoming a hassle switching lenses back and forth during a shoot (which I do often). Keeping a lens on both the 200 and the 70 is a bit of a headache in some occasions because the 70 doesn't keep up with the way I shoot my primary. It feels like I am taking a Ford Pinto onto the racetrack that I normally drive a BMW M3!

Now, I love the 200 and my first thought is to get another one. But I thought; buy a D2h (if I can find them) because I have heard that they're a bit more versatile than the 200, but not as pricey as the D2xs (around half the cost). But how does the d2h's lower resolution 4.something compare to the 10.4 I have in the D200 where functionality is concerned? I guess I wanted to know if the trade off is worth it. I know that the lower resolution for greater speed and durability is a factor but am I taking a step backwards by not getting another 200 instead of the 2h?

I know that the D2Xs are around 4200 and the D3 is 5000 compared to the 200 which is 1500. I believe I can get the D2H for around 2000. I am asking pro's (or those with the pockets to afford them and have OWNED them) will I notice a considerable difference in these cameras or am I trying to compare apples to oranges? I'd like these opinions because I shoot somewhere in between PJ style and portrait. I am also a hands opinion guy, I don't do very well on side by side technical spec comparisons - I'm more touchy-feely.

Thanks... you all are the best! =o)

 

[Sw1tchFX]

I'd get another D200 to eliminate any sort of confusion when switching between bodies.

 

[Keith Gebhardt]

if your asking if theres a noticable diffrence between the 10 mp d200 compared to the 4 d2h.. my answer for you is. no and yes. Depending on how large you blow your images up is pretty much your major diffrence in what youll notice as far a megapix's are concerned.

I use to have a 4mp advanced point and shoot, and i was able to blow an image up to 8x10 and itd come out pretty damn clear. i wouldnt recomend the 4mp for any prints you plan on doing higher then that.

The thing with the D2h is dont forget.. thats a bulky camera. do you really wanna carry somthing around thats that big if you absolutely need to? if you go somewhere and put it in a bag, what else cant you fit in the bag because the body is bigger?

Small things you need to take into consideration. Personally i would invest in maybe the d300 instead of the d3.. definately if your on a tight budget and only do it part-time. Its samesize as the d200 with better/more features then the d2h for $1800 (body).

In anycase i think a d80 would be good for a backup.. better then the d70 and has many features the d200 has.

the d200 wouldnt be a bad choice to get again either.

But my money would go towards a d300 rather then d2h.

^personal opinion.

 

[Alphaem]

I would also consider the nikon d300

 

[JIP]

I would also consider the nikon d300

I second that!!

 

[Alpha]

D300

 

[JerryPH]

Another vote for the D300. Close in price to the D200, many improvements. Your current D200 could be your next backup.

 

[dpolston]

D300

Max... I'm glad to see that you're no longer pissed at me. Nice to see you again. =0)

 

[skieur]

I take a different approach to multiple cameras. I have a manual and auto film camera. If batteries give out on the auto, it is easy to switch to the manual.

In digital, I have an adjustable pocket camera which is great for taking photos where photos are not allowed or doing totally unnoticed street photography. I have shot inside museums, hospitals, malls, and other areas where photography is not appreciated, and no one has even noticed, let alone complained. It is also great for taking photos in unfriendly areas of a city or during political protests.

A super zoom still camera with high res. video capability is unbeatable for some situations particularly in the journalistic area, or for digital presentations which I do as well. I am even using video shot with a still camera for legal purposes in a law suit.

A DSLR for studio work or work where you need the absolute top in resolution, colour and lack of noise, etc. without a lot of time spent in postprocessing.

I tend to then match the camera(s) to the appropriate assignment.

skieur

 

[Alpha]

Max... I'm glad to see that you're no longer pissed at me. Nice to see you again. =0)

I don't hold grudges very often. People who chronically go around contradicting me just for the sake of doing so simply go on my ignore list. I appreciated the apology.