Nikon D80 or D200? Any D200 in Birmingham?

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yourcontact

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Hi everyone,

I have been using a Nikon D70 + 50mm f/1.8 for a few months but the D70 is not mine (the lens is mine though) so I would like to buy myself a second hand Nikon body.

I have been considering either D50, D70 or D80 - second hand.

I am used to the D70 and quite like it, although I find the viewfinder a bit dark (due to the pentamirror) and it makes manual focus a bit inaccurate sometimes. I have also looked at the D50 that seems to be a newer (2005) and more simple version of the D70 (2004).
Here is a trade-off between a newer sensor, better autofocus but less features with the D50 or more features but older camera with the D70. Which one would you go for?

Otherwise I was thinking of buying the D80 because it uses pentaprism and it is newer (2006). I assume the higher magnification (x95) would make manual focus much easier too.

Could you please help me to make a choice?

Also, if you think of any other Nikon bodies (I already have my Nikon 50mm f/1.8) that could potentially be a good second hand buy, let me know please.

I would like to spend £150-250.

Thank you for your help.
 
get the d80 if you can find one for your budget. Very good camera, very good upgrade over the D70. You already know the D70, so go D80.

thanks
rick
 
The D50 was a cut down version of the D70, but with some improvements, if that makes sense? ( bigger rear screen and better image processing)
D70s is a lovely camera too and has the bigger D50 screen and is an upgrade of the D70, so you get more goodies to play with.
D80 is a good step up and probably your best move unless you can squeeze a little more money out of your pocket and go for a D200. That should last you a while.
Allan
 
Hi Allan,
Thanks for your message.
I looked at a side-by-side comparison on dpreview:
http://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/side-by-side?products=nikon_d80&products=nikon_d200

D80s and D200s seem to me very similar. What would be the main advantage of spending the extra money for the D200?

Thanks again for your help

Romain

allanm said:
The D50 was a cut down version of the D70, but with some improvements, if that makes sense? ( bigger rear screen and better image processing)
D70s is a lovely camera too and has the bigger D50 screen and is an upgrade of the D70, so you get more goodies to play with.
D80 is a good step up and probably your best move unless you can squeeze a little more money out of your pocket and go for a D200. That should last you a while.
Allan
Click to expand...
 
I would say go for the D80 but you will have to increase your budget.

Grays of Westminster have a few secondhand D70 if you want to stick with the D70.

Sent from my HTC Hero using TP Forums
 
yourcontact said:
Hi Allan,
Thanks for your message.
I looked at a side-by-side comparison on dpreview:
http://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/side-by-side?products=nikon_d80&products=nikon_d200

D80s and D200s seem to me very similar. What would be the main advantage of spending the extra money for the D200?

Thanks again for your help

Romain
Click to expand...

They use the same sensor but the D200 has a mag-alloy body, more FPS, weather sealing and a few more buttons, it is also a fair bit bigger.
 
I'd vote d80 as well. If you're happy to use eBay, I have seen plenty go for less than £200. I was keeping an eye on them for a while as I fancied a second body. D200's seem to start at £300. The only other one you may wish to consider is the d3000. £250 should get you one. It's more recent than the others being discussed but is an entry level camera. This means that you'd be trading some advanced function for a more modern sensor. Just a thought.
 
I would suggest that you save a bit more and get a D200. Just sold mine on ebay for £300+P&P. Its a better camera than the ones you have mentioned and I am sure you will enjoy it
 
not sure on rules re posting links to other sites but someone I know on a car forum is selling a 2007 D80 with 18-135 kit lens for £320
if you want the link let me know and will pm it
 
I'd suggest having a look at the Fuji S3 Pro (or if you can stretch your budget a bit the D200-based S5 Pro) as well...
 
Thanks for all the posts.

I'm now pondering over the D80 and D200. I ruled out the D50 (not enough hard setting features) and the d70 because I think I want a pentaprism and a bigger viewfinder. I take most of my pictures manual focus and wear glasses. I read that a bigger viewfinder and pentaprism would make things easier - right?

I quite like the D200 cause it would meter with my Nikon series E 50mm f/1.8. Although sometimes I am wondering if I should stop using it and only use a AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8. In this case I would be fine with the D80. Yet, the D200 have a mag-alloy body, and hard setting features which I would really enjoy having. These are just my thought at the moment.

Advice or suggestions are more than welcome to help me make the final decision.

I could certainly get a D80 (body only) for £220 on ebay and would be happy to stretch my budget to £300 for a D200 (body only) but could not spend any more.



R.
 
Saw a D80 with 18-135mm lens on a non photographic board i frequent the other day for 320 quid, the camera had supposedly taken less than 250 shots and thought that was a fair price
 
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Have a read on what uncle Ken thinks kenrockwell d80 vs d200 as you dont seem to be getting what you want to hear/read......
 
The d200 is better built (metal bodied) better spec and generally a better machine.
Costs more, but realistically what do you expect.......

Do you want plastic or metal?
 
I started with a D50 and went through the range. Buying the D200 after the D80 was a big step. It may not look much on paper, but you have a camera designed for pro use, it feels more substantial and I thought it balanced better. It doesnt have the scene modes so makes you think about what you are doing more, and ( in my case) I got more enjoyment out of my photography.

I think both cameras are brilliant and you will be well pleased with either, but you get a lot more with the d200.

Keep an eye on the classifieds, these cameras come up for sale frequently, I am sure someone will be listing a D200 very soon :naughty:

Allan
 
The d200 is better built (metal bodied) better spec and generally a better machine.
Costs more, but realistically what do you expect.......

Do you want plastic or metal?
Click to expand...

I have always had plastic body D60/70 and never tried metal body.
Since both cameras are 5 years old, would it be 'safer' to buy the metal body one (D200) regarding the wearing? Could the plastic body of the D80 be in a bad shape after 5 years of use?
 
Have a read on what uncle Ken thinks kenrockwell d80 vs d200 as you dont seem to be getting what you want to hear/read......
Click to expand...

Thanks for the link. I had read this review before. At the time, 2006, I would have got the D80 due to budget constraint. Today, at second hand prices I can afford either.

The reason I am asking for advice is that cameras (and Ken's review) are 5 years old and as Ken Rockwell wrote 'Any of these cameras [D200/80/70] will be obsolete in a few years - they are not investments like film cameras were.' (Ken Rockwell, 2006)
And on the D200 review he wrote:
'This review is now an historical artifact, mostly written back in 2005. 2005 is ancient history in digital camera years.' (Ken Rockwell, 2009)

This is why I would like to know what people say today (sort of update on Ken's reviews) about the D80 and D200, the 2 cameras I could potentially afford (my initial budget was £150-250 but I could stretch it to £300 for the D200).

So, how are these 2 cameras (D200/80) doing today?
Are these reviews still relevant after 5 years?

Thanks again
 
If the pictures people have captured with these cameras have been of quality in the past, then they will still be quality. Time does change peoples perspective however, but if you have been happy with the D70, then you will be happier with the D80 or D200. The jump from 6Mp to 10Mp is a big jump, and when I went from the D70 - D200, the new camera showed the limitations of the Sigma 70-300 lens I had at the time however, so that is something to keep in mind.

I would go for the D200 and not even consider the D80. :shrug: I was after a higher quality camera when I upgraded though. The frame rate was a big factor in my upgrade too, as well as the higher quality, more sturdy body, as I intended in having it for many years. ;) (two more cameras later, ahem!:$ :lol:) The D200 never let me down once, and indeed I still have it. The only reason I haven't sold it is that it is a Japanese import, and I couldn't be bothered with the messing around that could entail when selling it. It is still there as a back up though, just in case. ;)
 
D80 by a country mile. Its a quality camera, if you can find one in your budget then defo pick it up.
 
As it happens I had the same decision a while ago and went for the D200. I needed the more rugged alloy body for the photography I do and I preferred the extra buttons rather than menus. There is very little between them other than the weather sealing and alloy body so either will do the job equally well it's just down to what you need out of a body in use. I still have the D200 for some of what I shoot and as a backup... don't think I'll ever get rid of it, so it can't be that bad hey. My advice would be to pick up both and see which feels best to you also.
 
Flash In The Pan said:
I'd suggest having a look at the Fuji S3 Pro (or if you can stretch your budget a bit the D200-based S5 Pro) as well...
Click to expand...

Yes, great cameras. I would get an s5 pro, I have one and its one of the best cameras I have ever used
 
V8burble said:
As it happens I had the same decision a while ago and went for the D200. I needed the more rugged alloy body for the photography I do and I preferred the extra buttons rather than menus. There is very little between them other than the weather sealing and alloy body so either will do the job equally well it's just down to what you need out of a body in use. I still have the D200 for some of what I shoot and as a backup... don't think I'll ever get rid of it, so it can't be that bad hey. My advice would be to pick up both and see which feels best to you also.
Click to expand...

I also own a D200 and its very rugged and will serve anyone well. I have taken some of my fav shots with that camera.
 
Jiffy said:
Yes, great cameras. I would get an s5 pro, I have one and its one of the best cameras I have ever used
Click to expand...

I think if you do Landscapes or Weddings, or anything relatively static and not needing a speedy camera, then the S5 is a great camera so I've heard/read.

For Sport, I'd go with the D200 though. ;) :lol:
 
yourcontact said:
Thanks for the link. I had read this review before. At the time, 2006, I would have got the D80 due to budget constraint. Today, at second hand prices I can afford either.

The reason I am asking for advice is that cameras (and Ken's review) are 5 years old and as Ken Rockwell wrote 'Any of these cameras [D200/80/70] will be obsolete in a few years - they are not investments like film cameras were.' (Ken Rockwell, 2006)
And on the D200 review he wrote:
'This review is now an historical artifact, mostly written back in 2005. 2005 is ancient history in digital camera years.' (Ken Rockwell, 2009)

This is why I would like to know what people say today (sort of update on Ken's reviews) about the D80 and D200, the 2 cameras I could potentially afford (my initial budget was £150-250 but I could stretch it to £300 for the D200).

So, how are these 2 cameras (D200/80) doing today?
Are these reviews still relevant after 5 years?

Thanks again
Click to expand...

As most people eventually realise, you need to take Kens views with a pinch of salt. You will find whatever he is reviewing at the time is the best camera / lens / flash... he has ever used and much better than the dearer one he reviewed last month!

As to being obsolete. No. Definately not. I have images taken with a D50 and cheap ( but sharp) Sigma lens that are every bit as good as images I take today. Most improvements on cameras now are quite subtle and all the cameras you have mentioned will serve their owners well for many years.

Allan
 
Just because a camera is a few years old does not really make it obsolete. It will still take photos as well as when it was new (as long as it has been looked after). It may be older technology but it will still work as well as it was supposed to.
The reviews are still relevant as they are correct for those cameras (with a pinch of Rockwell salt).
I would go D80 if you can stretch to it. The D200 is pretty much the same camera in a better body (same sensor and processing engine)
 
Thanks for the suggestion but the S5 Pro is well above my budget.
redhed17 said:
I think if you do Landscapes or Weddings, or anything relatively static and not needing a speedy camera, then the S5 is a great camera so I've heard/read.

For Sport, I'd go with the D200 though. ;) :lol:
Click to expand...
 
allanm said:
As most people eventually realise, you need to take Kens views with a pinch of salt. You will find whatever he is reviewing at the time is the best camera / lens / flash... he has ever used and much better than the dearer one he reviewed last month!

As to being obsolete. No. Definately not. I have images taken with a D50 and cheap ( but sharp) Sigma lens that are every bit as good as images I take today. Most improvements on cameras now are quite subtle and all the cameras you have mentioned will serve their owners well for many years.

Allan
Click to expand...

Just because a camera is a few years old does not really make it obsolete. It will still take photos as well as when it was new (as long as it has been looked after). It may be older technology but it will still work as well as it was supposed to.
The reviews are still relevant as they are correct for those cameras (with a pinch of Rockwell salt).
I would go D80 if you can stretch to it. The D200 is pretty much the same camera in a better body (same sensor and processing engine)
Click to expand...

Thanks. I am glad to hear that I can get something decent with my £150-£300 budget and I won't get a completely obsolete equipment by buying a 5 year old camera. Nowadays some people seem to say that 'newer camera and more settings are always better'; all I want in the end, is a body to screw my 50mm lens and make some pictures!:)

If you do go 2nd hand, make sure to check the shutter count to give an idea of wear and tear.
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What is a reasonable number for actuations?
 
Nikon state that the shutter is built to last up to 150000 actuations.
Obviously, if you are buying, the lower the count the better. As they start getting towards the top end, prices should be lower to take into account the cost of any expected repairs.
A camera used as a back up or just for occasional use would be the one to go for as the shutter count should be low. Up to 40000 should be ok, I would think

"Newer camera and more settings" is ok if you need the latest camera with loads of knobs dials and switches. But, will you actually use them? Cameras are getting more and more complicated and advertisers make great play about the amount of control you have over your photography with their latest and greatest. Look at the size of the user manuals ( which of course men don't read) supplied with the cameras. They are getting so big they save money by giving you a disc!

Most people who use a camera seriously want something that, apart from taking great images, gives easy access to frequently used and changed settings. The thing you dont want to do is to go diving into lists of menus to change some simple settings because by the time you have got to the setting you want, your subject has lost interest or run away.......

Think about what settings you need most. WB, ISO, Quality ( raw, jpeg etc) shutter modes, focus modes, bracketing and metering modes are all selected by single press buttons and a command dial or easy turn knobs on the D200. Not a menu in sight.... Its similar on the D80 but not quite as much control.

So, have you made your mind up yet?

Allan
 
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allanm said:
Nikon state that the shutter is built to last up to 150000 actuations.
Obviously, if you are buying, the lower the count the better. As they start getting towards the top end, prices should be lower to take into account the cost of any expected repairs.
A camera used as a back up or just for occasional use would be the one to go for as the shutter count should be low. Up to 40000 should be ok, I would think

"Newer camera and more settings" is ok if you need the latest camera with loads of knobs dials and switches. But, will you actually use them? Cameras are getting more and more complicated and advertisers make great play about the amount of control you have over your photography with their latest and greatest. Look at the size of the user manuals ( which of course men don't read) supplied with the cameras. They are getting so big they save money by giving you a disc!

Most people who use a camera seriously want something that, apart from taking great images, gives easy access to frequently used and changed settings. The thing you dont want to do is to go diving into lists of menus to change some simple settings because by the time you have got to the setting you want, your subject has lost interest or run away.......

Think about what settings you need most. WB, ISO, Quality ( raw, jpeg etc) shutter modes, focus modes, bracketing and metering modes are all selected by single press buttons and a command dial or easy turn knobs on the D200. Not a menu in sight.... Its similar on the D80 but not quite as much control.

So, have you made your mind up yet?

Allan
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Hey Allan
At the moment I thinking of getting a D200, I am keeping an eye on ebay...
I am just afraid that the D200 will be a cumbersome camera. I'm asking people around whether anyone owns it so that I can take a look at it.
 
yourcontact said:
I am just afraid that the D200 will be a cumbersome camera.
Click to expand...

One man's cumbersome is another man's solid. ;)

That is why when people ask for help choosing cameras, the first advice is to try and see how the feel in the hand if possible. ;)

If you lived closer you could come and see how the D200 feels in the hand. Fits my hand like a glove btw. :lol:
 
yourcontact said:
Hey Allan
At the moment I thinking of getting a D200, I am keeping an eye on ebay...
I am just afraid that the D200 will be a cumbersome camera. I'm asking people around whether anyone owns it so that I can take a look at it.
Click to expand...

Its a little bigger overall than the D50 and a bit heavier ( about 280gms) If the D50 is comfortable for you to hold ( and assuming you dont have very small hands) the D200 will feel perfect.
If you can get to a Jessops or shop that sells Nikon, have a feel of the D300/s, its virtually the same size and weight.

I am thinking of selling my very low mileage D200 very soon and will be posting in the classifieds in a few days to keep within the TP rules.
Allan
 
allanm said:
I am thinking of selling my very low mileage D200 very soon and will be posting in the classifieds in a few days to keep within the TP rules.
Allan
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Let me know then but I think I don't have access to classified yet.
 
Hi, not sure if you can access for sale section, but I have just listed it there.
Allan
 
allanm said:
Hi, not sure if you can access for sale section, but I have just listed it there.
Allan
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I can't access the sale section...Thanks for letting me know anyway
 
Thanks. Any other websites I should look at in order to buy a D200 Nikon?
 
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