D80 v D200?

[GravelBen]

Looking at how D200 prices have come down since the release of the D300, how much better than the D80 is the D200? I realise how much better the D300 apparently is, but unfortunately its still too far outside my price range for the time being anyway.

I did some research (including a thread on here) last year when I almost bought a D80 (before some other expenses foiled my plans), have used D50 and 350d belonging to mates which put me off the Canon option (just didn't get on with the feel of them), I didn't really consider the D200 at the time due to price difference. But a couple of deals I've seen now:

D80 + 18-200 + 1GB CF for $2549 NZ (or $1899 with 18-135, $1399 body only)
http://www.camera-camera.com/default.aspx?scope=Pr...

D200 + MBD200 battery grip + 1GB CF for $2399 NZ
http://www.camera-camera.com/default.aspx?scope=Pr...

D300 body only + 2GB CF + captureNX for $3099 for comparison
http://www.camera-camera.com/default.aspx?scope=Pr...


I figure the 18-200 would be a good all-round lens to start with, and would get a few more second-hand as and when funds allow.


Any thoughts on whether the D200 is worth the extra or if I'd be better off to go with the D80 and save the extra cash for lenses? Mostly motorsport and landscape photography.

Edited by GravelBen on Monday 31st March 02:44

[GravelBen]

Comparing some features here:

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?m...

The biggest differences I can spot are 5fps(D200)with a larger buffer v 3fps , 1/8000 max(D200) v 1/4000, and the D80 being a lot lighter - I assume thats due tothe D200 being more solidly built and more weatherproof?

I'll try and find a shop with one to play with next time I'm in a town big enough to have a camera shop, but until then Thought I'd try and get opinions from people who may have used both.

Edited by GravelBen on Monday 31st March 01:48

[GravelBen]

Bump for the next shift?

[Simpo Two]

Well OK; I can only add 2p as I've never used a D80, but my D200 has paid for itself many times over and with the possible exception of noise (working max 800) it's pretty much perfect for what I do.

Besides, isn't it worth the extra just to have a camera that doesn't have fluffy bunny mode on it ?

Edited by Simpo Two on Monday 31st March 22:26

[GravelBen]

Simpo Two said:

Well OK; I can only add 2p as I've never used a D80, but my D200 has paid for itself many times over and with the possible exception of noise (working max 800) it's pretty much perfect for what I do.

Besides, isn't it worth the extra just to have a camera that doesn't have fluffy bunny mode on it ?

Either way will be a good step up from the current (increasingly frustrating) Fuji S5500.


iirc you posted a bunch of photos on here from an NZ trip some time ago - were those taken with the D200? I recall being quite impressed, might try and find the post and have another look.

[VxDuncan]

I've read in a couple of places the D80 has lower noise (two channels rather than four to the image buffer whilst not as quick is lower noise), otherwise same metering system and sensor as the D200. D200 is better built, and faster but personally would go D80 and spend the extra on lenses which will give you far better images than spending everything on the D200. Failing that a D300 would be good...

[GravelBen]

VxDuncan said:

Failing that a D300 would be good...

Tell me about it, I've been looking for deals on it but don't think I can justify spending that much extra on the body. I had it nice and simple narrowed down to D80 until I realised D200s were getting cheap.

[Simpo Two]

GravelBen said:

iirc you posted a bunch of photos on here from an NZ trip some time ago - were those taken with the D200? I recall being quite impressed, might try and find the post and have another look.

Thanks Ben, well remembered, but all my photos were removed yesterday before Haymarket flogged them

You can find my favourites at www.blokewithacamera.co.uk > Creative > NZ Gallery. If you want any in higher res, let me know.



Oops, have I just given my domain name to Haymarket as well?!!

ETA: back to cameras - regardless of logic, I suspect that if you get the D80 you will always think 'Damn, I wish I'd shelled out the extra and got the D200'. General theory being: If in doubt, go for the higher one.

The whole plan comes tumbling down however as my NZ pix were taken with a D70

Edited by Simpo Two on Tuesday 1st April 10:37

[Elderly]

Simpo Two said:

said:

.

ETA: back to cameras - regardless of logic, I suspect that if you get the D80 you will always think 'Damn, I wish I'd shelled out the extra and got the D200'. General theory being: If in doubt, go for the higher one.

Edited by Simpo Two on Tuesday 1st April 10:37

But when the D400S or whatever comes out and you REALLY want it, you could think 'I'm glad I only shelled out £xxx on the D80'


There will be so little in it in terms of image quality.
If you want something to carry around that's smaller and lighter go for the D80,
if you need something that is more rugged go for the D200.

What tipped the balance for me was the larger D200 viewfinder and the ease of changing often used settings without going through the menus.

[andysj]

Just a little input on price, I've been debating upgrading my old D70s, was looking at D80 for around £499 to £530 or so for body only or D200 for around £699 to £740 body only.

Looked at Mifsuds they have the D200 listed for £629.99 plus £4.99 p&p. Ordered on Sunday, delivered on Tuesday, hopefully will be able to try some shots this weekend, decorating permitting.

[GravelBen]

Thanks for input guys, price info not that relevant for me as I'm in NZ but others may find it handy. Still haven't got one, had a quick play with both in the shop today and preferred the feel of the D200
though I did notice the extra weight, am leaning that way due to 'feel' and solid build, weatherproofing, 5fps, better metering etc. Guess I'm just waiting for a good enough deal to buy, and also considering waiting for the D300 to drop a bit in price so I can try and justify that instead.

For comparison purposes, prices (NZ$) from the shop I was at today:

D80 body: $1400
D80 + 18-135: $1800 (18-135 rrp $650)
D200 body (comes with case + manfrotto tripod): $2500
D300 body only: $3055


I'm no longer looking for a deal with the 18-200VR as I just bought a second-hand 80-200 f/2.8D ED for $800 (NZ new price $2.5k+), figured that will give better results especially at the higher end of things (18-200VR is f/3.5-5.6 so a bit slow at 200mm) and is fast enough that I could buy a teleconverter to extend a bit further if need be. What lens/combination would you recommend for the wider end? I've heard good thing of the 17-55 but don't like the price! Think I might pick up a 50mm f/1.8 which are cheap and supposedly very sharp for low-light performance, any other recommendations?

[Simpo Two]

GravelBen said:

What lens/combination would you recommend for the wider end? I've heard good thing of the 17-55 but don't like the price!

Nikkor 18-70 if you don't need speed; otherwise Sigma have a 17-50 (I think) that's f2.8 and if so is good value.

[VxDuncan]

Simpo Two said:

GravelBen said:

What lens/combination would you recommend for the wider end? I've heard good thing of the 17-55 but don't like the price!

Nikkor 18-70 if you don't need speed; otherwise Sigma have a 17-50 (I think) that's f2.8 and if so is good value.

Would second the sigma 17-50 F2.8, the range is and speed is great. I know, I bought the Tamron equivalent! (which IIRC was a close call on the reviews, however it's a bit flimsy and loose compared to the EX lenses)

[GravelBen]

Any opinions on second-hand SLR bodies- I can get a good condition second hand (shutter count ~17k) D200 cheaper than a new D80 and not too much more than a second-hand D80. Worth a shot or better to pay extra for the warranty, known history from new etc?

[RobDickinson]

Ben, I'd take the D200 used, 17k actuations isnt much.

BTW a canon 40D is about $1500-1600 isnt it.. IMO a better sports camera than the D200 (faster AF, faster shooting etc).

Edited by RobDickinson on Tuesday 8th April 04:47

[GravelBen]

RobDickinson said:

Ben, I'd take the D200 used, 17k actuations isnt much.

BTW a canon 40D is about $1500-1600 isnt it.. IMO a better sports camera than the D200 (faster AF, faster shooting etc).

This is the one here: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=14...

40D's from about that parallel imported on TM yeah, but having used D50, 350D and a quick play with 30D, D80, D200 in shops I much prefer the feel and control layout on the Nikons. The 40D has higher fps (6.3v5) and less high ISO noise but the D200 I think has quicker response times, better AF and better build/weatherproofing (most features practically identical really, D300 another step up). Besides, I've already bought a Nikon 80-200 f/2.8 on TM so I have to get a Nikon now

[RobDickinson]

40D has a faster AF than the D300 , though the nikon is better at tracking.

edit :- nowt wrong with the nikons tho, mate has a D300 and its a fantastic camera, IMO just not twice the camera the 40D is.

Edited by RobDickinson on Tuesday 8th April 21:26

[GravelBen]

Well I just got a D50 with 18-70 because the deal was too good to let it go by ($570), pretty sure I can sell the D50 on for more than that which means I get the lens for free rather than the $500 new or $200-250 theyre going for 2nd hand. Gives me something to play with while I wait for a good enough deal on the D200 or 300 too

[Simpo Two]

At £228 for the pair you may be right!

[GravelBen]

I just can't help myself picking up 2nd-hand bargains. Got a D80 with 2x 1g cards and IR remote for $700 (280 in your money), time to sell that D50 on for a profit!

Only problem is finding time to take photos between buying and selling them