Canon D40 v Nikon D200, any opinions would be welcome.

[Subaru_WRC]

Hi, i am new to the forum and will also be new to photography very soon.

Ive been doing a bit of internet research for a new camera and so far the Canon D40 really appeals to me, it seems to have some excellent reviews. Ive noticed that the Nikon D200 seems to be one of its market rivals as a lot of reviews seem to compare the 2 cameras.

I must admit i`m very close to departing with my cash for a Canon D40 as their are some great deals at the min with the Canon cashback, i will be buying my lenses seperate.

I`m mainly just after some last minute opinions before i part with my cash, has onyone compared the results of both cameras as that would be some great feedback. The D300 would be just out of my price range for the budget ive set myself, if i went down the Nikon route i would prefer to get the D200 and spend the money saved on some good lenses.

Any input would be appreciated.

 

[Gareth_R]

They are both excellent bodies. You need to look beyond the camera body and look at the manufacturer's system i.e. lens range, flash capability etc.
If you put an image from each camera side by side you won't be able to tell the differance under normal circumstances.

 

[diamonddog]

im a little biased cause ive a nikon d200 and have used nikons all my photographic life, but as Gareth said its really up to your needs as they are both great cameras..

 

[TomB]

They are both excellent. Unless one has features that you definitely think you'll need that the other lacks then go and handle them both in a shop and just pick whichever one you like the feel of best.

 

[kevin_c]

I think the high number ISO noise will be much lower on the 40D so if this is important to you I'd be going for the Canon.
Now if you also take into account the recent £100 price drop and the £100 cash-back from Canon it adds up to a no-brainer decision IMO

You do enter into a 'system' when you but a camera body, you also have to take into account what lenses you might want/need along with other things.

I have both Nikon and Canon cameras and each has it's own strengths for me.

Now if you were comparing the 40D to the new D300, although the D300 is almost double the price, I would probably go for the D300 and not eat for a year...

 

[CT]

Not really a fair comparison as the 40D is a later model and has the new Digic 3 processor which makes a significant difference to noise at higher ISOs.

Whilst I'm a Canon user, there's no favouritism from me - later Nikon models than the D200 now handle noise at high ISOs much better too.

 

[joxby]

I think its a close a match of bodies between Canon and Nikon as your going to get, and is testement to the D200 being allready over 2 years old and being compared to a new release, manufactured to compete with it....but doesn't quite.
They should have made the 40D a clear winner, but instead of making it better, they made it cheaper.
Can't comment on a 40D, but I suspect the D200 build and general pro handling would decide for me.

well....that and a complete blindness to anything other than Nikon:bang:

The "system" thing isn't a consideration when judging Canon & Nikon, there is as full a range as you'll ever need in both.