Dave_Cox
old'n'grumpy
Reged: 12/07/2006
Posts: 3107
Loc: somewhere in Sussex
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My wifes D50 is due for an upgrade, and she's looking at the D80 or D200 (still available from some places at very good prices). The D200 has a higher spec, but it's a larger heavier camera. One of it's uses will be for wildlife and airshows with lenses up to the 150-500 Sigma hung on the front; and for macro with a Tokina 100mm. We've already discounted the Fuji S5pro as it's slow, so the choices are as above - but which is likely to give the better results?
We're going to the local Jessies to handle the D80 against The D300 tomorrow for the essential 'will it fit my paws' test (The D300 is out of the price range but is similar in size to the D200); but I'm looking for the experiences of current users here!
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Growing old disgracefully!
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IvorETower
Little Buttercup
Reged: 15/11/2006
Posts: 1760
Loc: Camberley, Surrey
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D80 uses SD, D200 uses CF.
D200 is weatherproofed, D80 isn't. If I had been able to afford it, I would have gone for the D200 instead of my D80 but at the time it was about another 50% extra. If you have the money, I would suggest that you pay the extra and go for the D200; I'm always reluctant to take my D80 out in light rain but if I had got the D200 I would not be bothered so much.
Edit: Also in the fullness of time when you come to upgrade again, I am sure that the D200 will be worth more (but not necessarily that much more)
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Too many cameras, too many lenses.......
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parisian
Over the hill and far away...
Reged: 10/02/2002
Posts: 7722
Loc: Môn mam cymru
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D200
-Next question?
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Hells pensioner - born to be mild
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hil26
member
Reged: 07/11/2007
Posts: 104
Loc: North Wales
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Not too sure what you mean about better results?
D80 with top of the range glass v D200 with bottom of the range glass.
I was always advised get best optics you can afford, then worry about the camera, but upgraded camera would still need to suit the lens purchased - so no easy economical route to get from one manufacturer to another if you that way inclined..
That said, D200 for reasons given in responses above, I haven't looked back since upgrading from D70
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always in search of that magic moment
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Dave_Cox
old'n'grumpy
Reged: 12/07/2006
Posts: 3107
Loc: somewhere in Sussex
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D200 bought - having tried the D300 this morning her ladyship decided that quality was more important than the lower weight and size of the D80. Especially as it's going to have to last her for a few years and get some hefty glass hung on the front of it.
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Growing old disgracefully!
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http://www.flickr.com/photos/dave2006/
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weasley
addict
Reged: 11/01/2006
Posts: 502
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Good choice - but don't retire the D50! I have a D70s and upgraded to a D200 a while ago; yes it's heavier but that can actually aid stability in some situations (and in fact I have since added the MB-D200 grip for further handling improvement). However with the D200 and a big lens on the front I sometimes also take the D70s with a wide angle zoom or the kit 18-70 on it for those moments where changing the lens isn't an option (eg people/crowd/landscape etc).
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Adesw
The phantom flasher
Reged: 07/02/2008
Posts: 715
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Good choice, everything about the D200 is superior to my old D40, especially the viewfinder.
Out of interest, how much have you paid?
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Dave_Cox
old'n'grumpy
Reged: 12/07/2006
Posts: 3107
Loc: somewhere in Sussex
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Quote:
Out of interest, how much have you paid?
£634, Warehouse Express. New stock for the price that some are flogging them refurbished.
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Growing old disgracefully!
http://snapper56.deviantart.com/gallery/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dave2006/
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Adesw
The phantom flasher
Reged: 07/02/2008
Posts: 715
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Quote:
Quote:
Out of interest, how much have you paid?
£634, Warehouse Express. New stock for the price that some are flogging them refurbished.
Not bad.
I got mine £500 in mint condition (Not a noticable speck on it) with full warranty supplied by nikon as it was unregistered. Though that may just be luck. Hope she enjoys it as much as Ive enjoyed mine, it takes a bit of getting used to though!
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lightspeed
member
Reged: 17/09/2006
Posts: 113
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I think you and your wife made the right choice. The D200 is in a different league to the D80 build-quality wise, and in my opinion, the metering is much more consistent.
There are other subtle differences too, like the viewfinder blackout time is much shorter on the D200, making it easier to track subjects for sports shooting.
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