Upgrade to D200? - DPChallenge Forums

Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.4D IF

07/15/2006 01:02:54 PM · #1

I've been looking at upgrading my current D50 to a D200 for some time now. My general reasons revolve around ease of use (lots of buttons on the D200 vs. menu systems on the D50) and the fact that the D200 has so much more expandability in terms of battery grips, flash control and all manner of accessories. These things aside, I'm not the worlds greatest photographer... but I think the D200 will motivate me to try harder (it's just so damned expensive :P). Are there any reasons people can give me for and against the upgrade decision? I know it's a personal thing, I'm just trying to justify the money here.

deapee

Kodak V803

07/15/2006 01:05:56 PM · #2

Are you looking for someone to tell you that if you buy the d200 that your photos will improve and that your average DPC score will go up by 1.2 overall points, on average?

That's not likely. There's really only two reasons to buy such an expensive camera body, when you already have a very capable one at your disposal. First, if your business is photography, then your camera is a tool. $2,000 or $5,000 it doesn't matter, it's how you make your money. Secondly, if you have more money than you know what to do with.

jbsmithana

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 12-24mm f/4.0G IF-ED

07/15/2006 01:08:40 PM · #3

Originally posted by deapee:

Jeez, whatever happened to "because I want it ....."

LOL.

edt: sp

Message edited by author 2006-07-15 13:14:57.

DjFenzl

07/15/2006 01:13:12 PM · #4

There are advantages to upgrading. The higher resolution alone has tempted me many times. I'd love the ability to do tighter crops and still have a printable image. The higher resolution will also afford you more options if you submit to Stock agencies.

Aside from that the "cosmetic" tweaks do make life more convenient.

I have told myself "if I just get...I'll be more motivated to shoot". Personally I never find it works out that way though.

The D200 is a great camera and if you enjoy shooting I don't think you'll regret the purchase. I have yet to hear from a D200 owner wishing they had a D50 instead.

wavelength

Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 VR DG IF-ED

07/15/2006 01:13:20 PM · #5

If you want the d200, then buy it. That is if you have the means, and can justify the expense, and will use it.

Do you need the battery grip? Maybe not, but it would be nice.

Do you need all the buttons? Maybe not, but it would be nice.

Plain and simple, if you plan on selling prints at any time, for any reason, there's your impetus for buying the D200. 4 extra megapixels is nothing to sneeze at.

If you need a better sealed body because you plan on going into some harsher enviro's, theres another reason.

If you have money to blow, and want the D200 so you can put it under your name on DPC, hey, I can't tell you yea or nay. That's your deal dude.

Gatorguy

Nikon D700

07/15/2006 01:29:07 PM · #6

Pros
The D200 body is built better and has weather sealing if that is important to you. You have more control over the final output (out of camera). The D200 uses CF cards. The D200 has better IQ (see exception below)
Cons
The D200 is less forgiving than the D50 - your technique will have to be better and lower quality lenses will show their weaknesses. The D50 is a better low light performer in terms of noise level above 400 iso.

Those are just a couple things to think about. I have a D200 and am thinking about getting a D50 for theatre work because the high iso images are very clean.

breadfan35

Nikon D3

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G

07/15/2006 01:30:33 PM · #7

Originally posted by deapee:

Are you looking for someone to tell you that if you buy the d200 that your photos will improve and that your average DPC score will go up by 1.2 overall points, on average?

That's not likely.

I'll second that! Ever since I got my D200, my my scores have dropped and I have yet to tie or pass my highest score that I attained with my D70.

But that all aside, the D200 is a great camera. I can easily see why you want to upgrade, but I would not suggest going into debt for it. The D50 seems to more than capable for you if it is just a hobby for you. When you have enough saved, go get the D200. :-)

faidoi

Pentax K10D

Pentax DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF

07/15/2006 01:37:34 PM · #8

Good glass first.

wavelength

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX Aspherical DF for Nikon

07/15/2006 01:40:11 PM · #9

Originally posted by Gatorguy:

The D50 is a better low light performer in terms of noise level above 400 iso.

Everything I have read says the exact opposite of high-ISO performance on the D200. Have you done side-by-side testing on the same scene with both cameras?

Apple iPhone

07/15/2006 02:37:59 PM · #10

I have a silly idea...
.
.
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ok.. work on your photography, improve it, until you are happy with what you are doing on the D50...
.
.
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THEN...
.
.
.
REWARD yourself with the D200

If you arent happy with your work on it... work harder...
I know someone who did crappy photos... well they weren't the worst but not good.. got a d50 and improves 500% by going out and shooting daily... learning the camera backwards and forwards..

kenskid

Nikon D700

07/15/2006 02:45:57 PM · #11

I thought about it for awhile also. I looked mainly at the resolution. to 10mp but not sure what that will improve. Can anyone tell me what changes in my shots I will notice going from a 6mp to a 10mp?

In answer to your question...I don't see a current reason for you or me to upgrade to the d200!

Thanks....

Originally posted by shalrath:

thegrandwazoo

Nikon D750

07/15/2006 03:26:24 PM · #12

Originally posted by faidoi:

Good glass first.

What he said!

The D200 rocks for all the reasons mentioned. Cameras change good glass stays.

Wazz

red_gecko

Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5 ED-IF

07/15/2006 04:07:56 PM · #13

I have a D70 and a D200 from my work, and a D70S at home. My wife and I use all three of them side by side for various photo projects. (Other than some small differences the D50 is the same as the D70) It really depends on the reason the photos are being taken as to which camera we use.

The resolution of the D200 is better if you want to realy enlarge your photos or crop down to a small part of a photo, but I've been to Nikon demonstrations where I've seen Epson prints made from D50/D70 images that were blown up to poster size without pixelization.

The D200 also allows you to control multiple flashes (SB800) from the camera itself but that is only a small issue.

There are a few other image control options that the D200 offers over the D70 (D50) but in the end the difference in images is not that big (exept resolution)

trnqlty

Nikon D90

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8

07/15/2006 04:16:26 PM · #14

I'm suprised I haven't heard anyone mention that the frame rate is 5fps on the D200 and only 3fps (maybe even 2.5) on the D50. Dosen't sound like a huge deal but if you ever decide to try shooting sports, it will make an enormous difference. I've thought about making the upgrade but I think I'm gonna put my money towards some basic studio lighting first.

wavelength

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

07/15/2006 04:25:19 PM · #15

Originally posted by trnqlty:

or water drops, or kids...

ralph

Nikon Z9

07/15/2006 04:36:13 PM · #16

Originally posted by faidoi:

Good glass first.

i'll double this ..
glass is more important

the diff between 6 & 10 isn't that big (i still use my d100 ocasionally)
other festures are more of a convenience (sync socket, extra buttons)

yes if you are sloppy the extra pixels are easier to work with
but if you don't have good glass / muddy pick to start with... .

doctornick

Apple iPhone 13 Pro

07/15/2006 04:48:42 PM · #17

Originally posted by faidoi:

Good glass first.

Upgrade your lens arsenal first before spending mucho $$$ on bodies...Good glass stays...camera bodies come and go...

hotpasta

Nikon D800

07/15/2006 05:22:49 PM · #18

I had a D70 and upgraded in January to the D200. I did so because o feel and solidness and extra features. The extra pixels certainly help when you have to fix things up. But at the end of the day, it's a computer with glass on the front, and it won't last all that long. Computers get upgraded every other day. I would say, enjoy your D50 as long as you can by getting more lenses that will expand the range of your photography. When your D50 shutter fails (maybe 100,000 clicks), look at a D300 (?)

It's the different lenses I have that give me the most enjoyment actually, from macro to standard primes, to telephotos. The computer (Camera) at the other end is just a disposable capturing device, and you have a very competent one.

Having said all of that, if money is no object, get the D200, you won't be disappointed!

jrtodd

Nikon D850

07/15/2006 07:00:44 PM · #19

I'll double what has been said here about glass, I really want to get the D200 but I want good glass more. When I had the money to upgrade to the 200 I purchased my 70-200mm f/2.8G, which I love. Next I will get the 28-70mm f/2.8D and then maybe the D300.

shalrath

Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.4D IF

07/15/2006 09:56:30 PM · #20

Firstly, thank you for your help everyone. With every comment I felt swayed one way or the other...

I do have a few questions. I am aware that the glass I'm in possesion of is not top of the range, but it does seem to be doing the job for me. In this respect, what are the 'flaws' which may show up on the D200 and not on the D50?

As for good glass... are we talking replacements for my current lenses, ie. replace the Sigma 18-200 with the Nikkor 18-200 VR? My 12-24 is a respectable piece of hardware I would have thought... although it does have some minor flaws.

Finally, I'm considering at least trying to take SOME prints worthy of selling in my time and some of my favourite pics to take are candids, sports, basically anything that conveys life and movement. For this I believe the D200 to have a more capable burst mode. Although the D50's is also respectable.

Any thoughts on the above or other thoughts would be welcomed.

missinseattle