Nikon D200 VS D80.?

Question

I'm a keen photographer. In university days, I moonlighted as sport Photographer for Tennis matches. Have shot Bjorn Borg and many other famous players of the time in door. I've used Nikon FM2n, FE, F3 and F before. I also carry a small Nikon automatic just when I travel and wanna hand my camera to other people to shoot me with the view.
I have been working as a banker for decade and now taking pictures only for pleasure. I want to move to digital now that qualities are much improve. I have a small Nikon digital with 6 million PX. I'm told that 10 million is film quality already (not to mentioned the 12 million Nikon). I want a digital camera to take good quality (but not studio type) to take it when I'm travel. Can't decide between D200 and D80, it seems so similar except the material use to build. D200 seems tougher, but how about the features; it's still very similar. Can anyone explain why I should pay extra for D200? D 80 lenses seem better than more expensive D200 lenses.

Answer 1

Some advantages of D200 over D80:

- D200 is a semi-pro/pro. D80 rest as amateurs good camera.
- Color Matrix Metering: 1000 pixels RGB sensor(D200) vs 420 pixels RGB sensor(D80)
- D200 uses compact flash memory cards. D80 uses SD memory cards. Compact flash is very useful If you are planning to upgrade to D2X or another future professional camera or simply comming from D70. (You don't have to buy again all your memory cards)
- Shutter speed- 1/8000 for D200 and 1/4000 for D80.
- Continuos shooting- 5 frame/s for D200 and 3 frame/s for D80.
- Continuos shooting: 37 / 22 frames (JPEG / RAW) D200 vs 23 / 6 frames (JPEG / RAW) for D80. Please notice the difference in RAW.
- D200 has a much more advanced interface, with external controls for nearly all functions, whereas the D80 (like the D70) relies more on interal menues.
- Nikon just won the EISA awards - The D200 as the best camera 2006-2007.
- Definitive more rigid body. D200 looks like a tank and D80 looks like a Jeep.
- Lacking from the D80 is the "Non-CPU Lens Data" menu item found in the D200 and D2Xs, for entering information about non-CPU lenses, as well as the aperture-indexing finger that the D200 has for wide-open metering with older "AI" lenses.
- D200 has Group Dynamic AF (Sports useful) and Closest Subject Priority Dynamic AF (useful for difficult front subjects with distracting background).

Answer 2

Nikon D80 Vs D200

Answer 3

Forget about the lenses - you probably don't want the kit lens anyway.
The D80 and D200 will provide similar results. They use the same 10 mega-pixel sensor, provide the same image quality, they have the same 'large' viewfinder, etc. And I agree, the results equal 35mm film. The advantages of the D200 are:
* beter build quality, including weather seals,
* slightly faster and more accurate AF,
* 5 FPS vs. 3
* a shutter rated for 100.000 actuations vs. 50.000
* better control layout (instant access to WB, ISO, bracketing, a user-defined custom button, an AF button on the back of the camera so you can disengage AF from the shutter button, etc.)
* The D200 will continue to meter with any AI(S) lenses you might still have
* etc, etc...
So the D200 has plenty of advantages - it's just that most review sites dont list them in the specs.
I use a D200 myself. For travel I usually just bring along a Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8 and a small 50mm f/1.4 (passable as a portrait lens due to the 1.5 focal lengh multiplier.) I use an inconspicuous Crumpler camera bag as a day pack, which comfortably holds the D200 with the 17-55 and the hood attached, a bottle of water, a travel book, and some other odds and ends. So far, I've never wished I'd saved weight/ money by going with the D80.

Answer 4

In my opinion, the D80 is a better value per dollar spend then the D200. The lighter weight is also a plus as you'll be travelling. I'm currently using a Nikon D1 (the first DSLR by Nikon) based on the F5 body. Really like the feel of the camera but it is a bit on the heavy side for frequent travelling.

I'm sure you've already read most of the online reviews but I've included one anyways just in case.

Answer 5

nikon d200 d80

Answer 6

you pay extra for the d200 for the magnesium body. that's all. get the d80 instead.