Camera Choice - D200 or D90

[cabdiver]

After borrowing a friend's housing for my D70, I discovered the pleasure of getting instant feedback on my attempt to get a good photo. When I returned home, I discovered that quality housings for my D70 are very difficult to find.

My question is which camera system to choose - all things being equal - for my foray into digital UW photography. I can get some nice used equipment for a D200 or new for a D90. After reading Rockwell's review of these camera systems, it seems clear that the D90 would be the camera of choice for topside use - given the superior resolution and color rendition found in Nikon's generation 2 systems.

Does this difference translate to UW photograph? If the difference is "significant enough", then I'd be more than willing to invest the extra money. [I've just retired and plan to make UW photography a greater part of my fun in my golden years.]

In asking this question, I recognize that "significant difference" is in the eye of the beholder. I'd appreciate your opinion.

Thanks in advance for your comments.

 

[AussieByron]

G'day cabdiver,

I do see housings from time to time come up for the Nikon D70. Its a matter of being at the right place at the right time.

I am currently using the D90 and the D80 and often find the D90 much more user friendly over the D80 as it has features like large LCD screen, dedicated info button, video.
I think Ken Rockwell in his reviews thinks the Nikon D90 is better than the D300.......

Another option is to wait until the D700x comes out in the next few months and go towards a FX camera setup. This setup would be more of an investment but I believe that it would be enough camera to last you for a few years more than if you bought a D90. If this makes sense.

Regards Mark

 

[mike_s]

while sometimes Ken Rockwell has some decent info on his site, you have to take all his reviews as somewhat biased and with a grain of salt.

Either way, the D90 and D200 are great cameras.


The D300 is out, and while the D200 is still out there, I imagine it will be phased out like hte D80 was when the D90 came out. So might want to get either the D300 or D90 if you want to keep slightly more up to date.

The reason you're less likely to find a housing for the D70 is that Nikon quit making it several years ago, eventually housing manufacturers will quit producing housings for it also.

just my opinions....

 

[Brewski]

When I was making my decision, I learned that sea and sea does not make a D90 housing. So I decided on the D300. If you have a particular choice in housings it would be a good idea to research that before making up your mind.

 

[marcaumarc]

In general, I figure go with a newer camera so you have the longest overall system life. I have the D90 and I love it both above and below water. It shoots HD video, which I basically never use, but hey, I could!

 

[MarineResearch]

The D300s is coming soon and is the same as the D300, but with HD video added. I understand the D90 is also a fine choice and less money than the D300. You might want to complicate your decision and check the Nikon website since they have several new models coming out. Housings should not be too far behind.

 

[H2O Photo Pros]

I would definitely look past the D300 and either go with the D200, or if your time frame is a bit open, wait for the D300s. If you are not set on Nikon (do you have lenses already), Id take a serious look at the Canon Rebel T1i or the 5d Mark II as well.

 

[scottfiji]

Does this difference translate to UW photograph?

Thanks in advance for your comments.

Cabdiver, congrats on your upcoming purchase. you've already received lots of good feedback.

To answer your question, I don't think there is a noticeable difference in the UW photos taken between those 2 cameras.

Good luck,
Scott

 

[roby jeff]

hey Cabdriver...as a fellow retired golden oldy i'm having a ball messing around with my D90..... I set it up nice and light and its easy to handle and use. Above and below...... and i'm an electonicaly challenged novice. Good retired diving mate.
pic of my camera set up on my flicker file " camera stuff" if you are interested.

Flickr: robs cruising & diving pics' Photostream

 

[ejg62]

My own opinion is yes there is a difference with the benefit to the D90 which is more compact, less noise at higher ISO level and greater resolution.