D80 vs D200

[scuba dave]

HI All,

I don't know a great deal about these two cameras(D80 & D200) except for what I have read on DPR. They seem to have the same features except for, timelapse and overlay. Other than this ( and I'm sure there must be more) could someone tell me what they are, and is it worth the extra $700 or so more for the D200. It sounds like the 200 is built a little better and it weighs considerably more. I would appriciate any input. I am looking to get one of them but would really like to hear what the people using them have to say.

Thanks
Dave

 

[Cacia]

Ron Frank should cut and paste..he did a comprehensive review/ list I thought. I kinda wanted to see that again too.

 

[dbh]

Read to your hearts content

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1021&message=19517695

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

 

[RonFrank]

Ron Frank should cut and paste..he did a comprehensive review/ list I thought. I kinda wanted to see that again too.

Here are some differences:

Build - Mag Alloy seam sealed vs. plastic
Focusing - both use the same focus system, but the D200 has Dynamic AF
Metering - 420 pixel sensor vs. 1005 pixel sensor.
Shutter - 1/4000 vs. 1/8000 sensor (IMO not important)
Flash sync - 1/200 vs. 1/250
WB - No manual settings on the D80, not to be confused with WB custom preset.
Buffer - 23/6 jpg/RAW vs. 32/27 This is big topside, not as much UW.
Media - SD vs. CF
FPS - 3fps vs. 5fps

The D80 may look a lot like a D200 but the fact is that it has a LOT of differences that make the D200 a much different camera.

There are a lot of factors in judging a camera that come into play. Certainly the buffer rate of the D200 exceeds the the D80 to the point that most pro's won't consider the D80.

Build quality is a factor, but that depends on who is doing the shooting. However there are a lot of things that go into build quality that can not be judged by specs. Nikon is not going to promote low end build in low end cameras, but that parts that go into a low budget consumer camera are going to be of lower quality.

Higher end camera are generally better shooting cameras. The output is also generally better. There is so much in the processing engine that is just not marketed. Thom Hogan likes the way the D2x shoots better than the D200. He does not have a lot of reasons, he just likes the results better. Who am I to disagree, but I don't doubt it, and high end cameras generally have a lot of advantages over lower end models even if looking at specs it's not possible to really judge.

The bottom line is that both cameras shoot great, and the D80 is a very nice camera. For an UW shooter that wants to get the most out of a housing setup, the D200 may be the better camera. For similar reasoning if one is shooting a lot topside the D200 is going to be a camera that will go the distance vs. the D80.

However another way to approach this is are two D80's better than one D200? Well that is the question that each consumer has to decide. I purchased the D200 because I do shoot a lot, I can not have a limited buffer, and it is going to be a better overall shooting camera.

 

[alcina]

This thread has been added to the Sticky thread...

 

[scuba dave]

Hi,

Just wanted to say thanks for all the input on the two cameras. there were alot of things that a novice (me) just doesn't pick up on while reading the spec sheets.
Too me build quality is a big factor. I may never use or abuse a camera to the point where it would have lasted if it were built better, but there is something about holding someting that is well built and something that is not as well built. the ease of accessing features is also worth alot and I tend to use things that are at my finger tips. As for being outdated in 6 months to a year I feel is not a big problem. Either of these two cameras has more features then I know how to use. Its like golf, Everyone I know buys new clubs every year thinking it will make them play better when in reality all they need to is spend that money lessons. Either camera will out shoot me for decades to come. Given that, build is the biggest thing for me. I will save the extra money and get the D200. Someday I will put it in a housing and take it diving with me. I suppose the best housing is the Subal, again I like the feel of something that is well built. If I can't admire my pictures atleast I can admire the craftmanship that went into my equipment The set up I have now does what I tell it to, so until I start telling it the right things it is all my fault if I get bad photos. t

 

[alcina]

Subal is sexy

 

[RonFrank]

There are some really nice Alum options out there for the D200. Plan on at LEAST $4000 if you go the alum route.

I've seen the Subal, Sea&Sea, and Nexus housing. They all looked rather good to me, but It's difficult to judge which I'd like best unless I was able to shoot them all. I would talk to Ryan at Reef. When it comes to high end housing, he knows his stuff.

 

[scuba dave]

OK
Now that I know which one I am going to get (D200) where is the best place to buy. I see all these sites that have prices that are too low to be real ($700 for body). I am sure the catch is that it is just the body and no card, no battery and the warranty is really non-existent. I would like to buy from someone who is a dealer and will honor any warranty problems with no questions and quick service. Also, since I will not be taking it under water for a while I would like some suggestions on a first lens that will be a good all around lens for above water. Thanks for all the input, and let me know if I am doing something terribly wrong.

Dave

 

[alcina]

Gotta say it - hit the pink link in my sig...there are some reputable dealers & links posted.

B&H Photo; buydig.com have always treated me right.

One guy you DEFINITELY need to check out is Allen at Allen's Cameras (his staff are great, too). Allenscamera@comcast.net

Every time I have wanted to buy camera gear and asked him for a price, he's always as good as and usually better. Plus he's very nice and ships FAST! He's so lovely to deal with that I don't think I've ever made an order and not rung him right back to add extras...those items I wanted, but didn't want to commit to, but then knew that I'd gotten such a great deal and service that I might as well go whole hog LOL No sales pressure and answers questions clearly and, I feel, pretty fairly.