Which one to select- D80 or the D200??

Question

I am definitely not into action photography and I need a nikon dslr which will give me very good portraits, macro and landscapes.
I am confused between the d80 and d200- and I don't mind the extra money the d200 will demand. Which one do you think would suite my needs?
Apart from the 5fps/3fps what is the major difference between them?

Answer 1

My stock answer:

Comparison between the Nikon D80 and the Nikon D200:

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=nikon_d80%2Cnikon_d200&show=all

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d80/vs-d200.htm

This is a tough call. Here is the recent Popular Photography review of the D80. They make comparisons with the D200 throughout the article. They also have capsule summaries comparing the D80 to the Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi (400D), the Pentax K10D, and the Sony Alpha 100. In the conclusion, they suggest that Nikon has "gone crazy" releasing this camera for $700 less than the D200, stating that the D80 is nearly the same camera without a few features and without the industrial strength of the D200.

http://www.popphoto.com/cameras/3231/camera-test-nikon-d80.html

I own a D200 and a D70s, which should feel quite a bit like the D80. The D70s by no means feels "cheap," but it is lighter and somewhat smaller than the D200. If I had all of the image quality of the D200 available in the D70s, I doubt I would have spent the money for the D200. In other words, if you are looking to move up from a point and shoot, the additional price is probably not worth the difference unless you need the superior construction and all the subtle features of the D200.

Answer 2

Both the D80 and the D200 are great Dslr...
for travellin wise, the D80 is a lighter burden...
in terms of noise control, the D80 is much better
than the D200.

D200 is more of a pro-dslr...while the D80 is more of a semi-pro dslr.

If ur tight on the budget go for the D80, if u hav the money to spend get the D200...

try out both cameras..and see which one u prefer...

Answer 3

They both suit your needs. All that matters for portraits and landscapes are megapixels and image quality. In those departments, the D80 and D200 are identical.
Apart from the extra FPS, the D200's main advantages are build quality, including weather sealing and a longer lasting shutter mechanism, and a better control layout for making on the fly adjustments.
Other considerations are that the D200 feels better. It also looks the part of a serious camera... in case you need to impress your models/ clients. On the other hand, the D80 is lighter on long nature hikes.
(I use a D200.)

Answer 4

If the money is not an issue, go with the D200. It's a pro level workhorse, while the D80 is more of a prosumer model.

As you look through the specs and side by side: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=nikon_d80%2Cnikon_d200&show=all, you won't notice many differences. But if you pick them up an try them, you'll choose the D200. Also, the D200 has better sealing for adverse conditions.

Answer 5

If i were you i ll go for D80 , smaller and easy to carry around. If you need the camera to make a living go for D200.