Nikon D80, D200 or next generation

06/05/2007 10:59:51 PM · #1

Hello to you all,

As I consider buying a more advanced Nikon body (Though I will be still using my D70), I would like to get pieces of advice.

I see three possibilities:

1) The cheapest way: get the D80.
2) The more expensive way: get the D200
3) Wait for the next generation (1-2 years) of dSLR.

The perfect fit will be something between the D80 and the D200. But this camera is not yet available.

From this review, it looks to me as though the D80 is a cheaper version of the D200.

D80 vs D200

What I care the most:

- built quality (but good quality plastic or magnesium allow will work fine with me).
- good image quality (apparently, images with default settings from the D200 are a little bit too soft, see dpreview for further details)
- nice view finder (any noticeable differences between D80 and D200?)
- large LCD screen (2.5" should be fine)
- fast AF
- Excellent metering system (I heard the metering system of the D80 is so so, the metering system of the D70 is superb)

What I do not care much:
- 3fps (D80) or 5fps (D200).

I wonder if one of you own the two cameras. The D80 seems to be a good comprised in price/ value. Are there any very significant differences in features between the D80 and D200 (the body of this latter camera is absolutely superb, that is what I have heard)?

Last question for the nikonians: What will the next dSLR generation look like? Do you think it is worth waiting for the next generation instead of getting the D80 or D200?

Thanks for giving more ideas about my future choice.

amathiasphoto

Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO IF for Nikon

06/05/2007 11:09:05 PM · #2

rumor has it that one of the next in line for nikon will actually be full frame... Dont hold your breath on this, but it is a rumor that is making it around right now. The D200 is a solid camera though, and is DEFINATELY something I will be happy with for a long time... I also still use my D70, but the D200 even just feels happy in my hands!

shalrath

Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.4D IF

06/05/2007 11:14:56 PM · #3

I went from the D50 to the D200 with the same dilemma as you... the D80 seems like such a good deal. From owners of the D80 i hear it is an amazing camera, but I love my D200, the overall feel and usability of it seems much better. The D80, however, in body design is much like what you have, so there would be very little learning curve in that respect. As for the D80's image quality, it's a Nikon SLR, they're all pretty damn good, and softness is simply a part of DSLR, a little sharpening in PS will fix the D200's softness. In the end I went with the D200 as I didn't want to buy something that I felt I would be tempted to upgrade for a long time...

RainMotorsports

Nikon D60

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR

06/05/2007 11:16:38 PM · #4

Originally posted by amathiasphoto:

The rumor is around because people want it. But its like the rumor over the past 3 years that oooh ooh the next Palm PDA will have OS Cobalt on it. 7 PDA's and 3 years later... nothing lol.

But wouldn't mind seeing it!

DjFenzl

06/05/2007 11:26:23 PM · #5

Nikon has stated they will never go "full frame". Anyone who says they will is just throwing around wild speculation.

I bought my d200 because of the build construction and the better button layout. When you're shooting a lot you will appreciate it.

Plug for me: I have my D200 for sale for $1150, so it's priced between a new D200 and a D80 ;)

Tim

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G

06/05/2007 11:33:57 PM · #6

Even if the next Nikon upgrade is full frame the first camera that it will be in is a D3x and cost $6000-8000. There won't be a full frame D300 for a long time. Get the D200 and take photos rather than waiting till the rumours eventually come true.

Message edited by author 2007-06-05 23:34:49.

wavelength

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

06/05/2007 11:46:06 PM · #7

Originally posted by Megatherian:

Nikon has stated they will never go "full frame". Anyone who says they will is just throwing around wild speculation.

I think there's too much hinting from the big names of the Nikon rumor mill to call that "wild" speculation. Though, it's almost certainly a 1.1x sensor not fully FF, so you're still right ;)

Message edited by author 2007-06-05 23:46:19.

jbsmithana

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

06/06/2007 12:47:12 AM · #8

Next generation D200 wil;l not be 1-2 years. The D200 has already been out for well over a year and the upgrade path timeline seems to have been accelerating, not slowing down. Nikon already reduced the price of the D200 to below $1,300 from almost $1,700. My guess is the next gen will be soon, maybe only a few months.

With that said I upgraded to the D200 from a D70 as soon as the price was reduced and love it. It is a much sturdier camera body with good weather sealing. Matches up with my style of photography well as I'm always out and about with it, sometimes in bad weather.

For the price I would not wait for the next gen D200 and would skip the D80 and go right to the current D200. Just my opinion of course.

levyj413

Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max

Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 Di II LD Aspherical (IF) for Nikon

06/06/2007 02:15:05 AM · #9

You're exactly where I was 10 days ago when I bought the D200. The things that pushed me to the D200:
- dedicated buttons for changing ISO and WB; I've used both quite a bit already.
- 5 fps vs. 3 (I had 2.5 on my point-and-shoot and wanted a bigger boost for shooting my kids' soccer games)
- I wanted to treat myself
- I heard the viewfinder was very bright (maybe the D80's is, too)
- I wanted to buy something that was beyond my needs today so I wouldn't upgrade for several years

Azrifel

Fujifilm X100VI

06/06/2007 07:12:57 AM · #10

Originally posted by Megatherian:

Nikon has stated they will never go "full frame".

They never said that.

FireBird

06/06/2007 08:36:12 AM · #11

Originally posted by Megatherian:

Nikon has stated they will never go "full frame".

Not really. You need to read their statements
carefully. They will eventually have to roll
out a FF or die a slow death.

Nikon AF Nikkor 20mm f/2.8D

06/06/2007 09:10:49 AM · #12

Thanks,

I wonder if there is any comparison chart between the metering systems of the D80 and D200?

Max

LanceW

Nikon Z9

06/06/2007 11:36:17 AM · #13

I think you'll find yourself in an endless game of "wait to see what's around the corner" if you want to wait and see what's coming next from Nikon (or any other manufacturer for that matter).

From your post, I surmise you just might be able to afford a D200, but the D80 is more realistic. In this scenario, what good will waiting to see what's next do in regards to affordability?

Anything new with similar specs will un doubtably cost more so how realistic is it that waiting will be beneficial to you?

Sure, it will in all eventuality reduce the price further of the D200 and/or D80, but then you still end up with either or and don't get to enjoy them now.

swankFoto

Fujifilm X-E1

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

06/06/2007 12:21:19 PM · #14

Another difference that you may or may not care about (but I find extremely annoying on my D70) is the D200 has an exposure meter on the LCD, not just in the viewfinder.
Being able to see the exposure in Manual while not needing to look through the viewfinder would do wonders for low angle, over the head or tripod fixed shooting.

Nikon AF Nikkor 20mm f/2.8D

06/06/2007 01:03:02 PM · #15

From what I can see so far, the D200 is a superior camera:

Maybe this will help me in my choice:

1) Price is not such a big deal, I am more concerned about the use of the camera and value/price.
2) I do not shoot raw (mainly because I do not want to spend a lot of time on my computer to do significant post-treatments. However, I tend to spend more time before I choose to take a picture: white balance, color rendition, well-framed, well-focused).
3) I do not like cropping (or only minimal cropping) so for me, the MP number is not a real issue but rather a bonus.
3) I shoot portraits, people (a lot), city life (a lot), occasionally landscapes.
4) I like saturated colour a lot (IMO, I think the Nikon camera are superior in that field)
5) I like functionality a lot. I do not like using menu.

In terms of image quality, what are the differences between the pictures shot by the D80 and D200 (sharpness, colour rendition are my principal concerns).

To those of you who have a D200, do you shot mostly in JPG or RAW formats? Do you see a hell of difference after post-treatments?

Thanks

Max

LanceW

Nikon Z9

06/06/2007 01:08:21 PM · #16

Originally posted by msieglerfr:

4) I like saturated colour a lot (IMO, I think the Nikon camera are superior in that field)

Any camera can produce saturated images. It's just in the settings that's all. You are better off doing that in PS anyway, but I know you say you don't like to do much in PS.

Originally posted by msieglerfr:

In terms of image quality, what are the differences between the pictures shot by the D80 and D200 (sharpness, colour rendition are my principal concerns).

There is no difference. They use the same sensor.

Originally posted by msieglerfr:

To those of you who have a D200, do you shot mostly in JPG or RAW formats? Do you see a hell of difference after post-treatments?

I shoot RAW 100% of the time. I like to have that "negative" stored and ready to be modified at a future date.

cryan

Nikon D700

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro for Nikon

06/06/2007 01:10:41 PM · #17

As far as sensors go, the sensors in the D80 and D200 are the same. Go and hold and play with both and see which feels better.

thegrandwazoo

Nikon D750

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

06/06/2007 01:15:00 PM · #18

There are 4 major differences (As I see it) between the D200 and the D80.

3fps VS 5fps
Magnesium body VS Polymer
Old lens metering in the D200
Maximum Shutter Speed D80 1/4000 VS D200 1/8000

The D80 is a fine camera and so is the D200. I went with the D80 while waiting and wishing for a full frame. If Nikon doesnt get off its butt and make one I just might shuffle over to the "Other Guys" that make one.

Message edited by author 2007-06-06 13:15:32.

wavelength

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

06/06/2007 01:22:41 PM · #19

Originally posted by thegrandwazoo:

Agreed, if I ever have enough business to justify it, I'd have to think about switching. Without that I'd just stay Nikon and keep my lenses.

IMO - The metering sensor being twice the size is also a major difference.

DjFenzl

06/06/2007 01:34:05 PM · #20

The D200 has a significantly larger buffer as well which I have found to be very useful in my shooting.

NstiG8tr

Canon EOS-5D Mark IV

Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM

06/06/2007 01:36:07 PM · #21

Why wait buy a Canon

06/06/2007 02:38:31 PM · #22

The big advantages of the D200 that you mentioned previously are not big advantages for me:

1) The 3fps and 5fps, I only use single frame shot. I do not do any sport shooting.
2) Plastic vs alloy, I think the difference of price is way too much what it really is. The body of the D70 is superb, albeit it is just made of plastic, but who cares, not me anyway.
3) nothing to say.
4) I never shoot at that rate, but who does? 1/4000s or 1/8000s, is there any real difference? It is so fast that you freeze any movement at that rate.

I am much more attracted to the functionality of the D200 (in that sense, the D200 is one of the most valuable camera currently available in the market). The buttons are very well positioned, the camera is large and comfortable. The ISO button, the ISO indicator (in the viewfinder), and other selectors attract me a lot. I think that makes life quite easier when one wants to shoot without worrying that something has been omitted.

I do not think that the sensors of the D80 and D200 are the same, but does that mean there are any differences, the answer is I don't know

10.2mp two-channel output (D80) vs 10.2mp four-channel output (D200)

The meter seems to be quite different too:

D80
420-pixel matrix meter; Scene exposure modes, AI and AI-S lenses mount, but don't meter

D200
1005-pixel matrix meter; no Scene exposure modes, AI and AI-S mount and meter

Is this difference significant in response to image quality and image rendition?

When I read this review, it seems that the major differences are between the bodies of the D80 and D200, but there are not many differences in the process of having quality pictures.

Thom's D80 review

Thanks for helping me

MS

PS: What some of you would like to switch on a full frame? In other words, what are the big advantages to use FF camera? I am just curious. From my limited understanding, a 12mm on a FF camera will be 12mm, but nowadays, it is not such a big deal since ultra wide angle are available in the market. Also you are loosing a factor of x 1.4-1.6 in the zoom range (200mm becomes a 300mm with a crop factor of 1.5). Please let me know.

Azrifel

Fujifilm X100VI

06/06/2007 02:41:42 PM · #23

Originally posted by msieglerfr:

4) I never shoot at that rate, but who does? 1/4000s or 1/8000s, is there any real difference? It is so fast that you freeze any movement at that rate.

It is a full stop difference. There could be a situation where I would have to stop down my 50 f/1.4 to f/16. But it is horribly soft at f/16. So I'd rather use a stop faster shutterspeed than a stop slower aperture. It is not always about freezing motion.

Azrifel

Fujifilm X100VI

06/06/2007 02:42:48 PM · #24

Originally posted by Megatherian:

The D200 has a significantly larger buffer as well which I have found to be very useful in my shooting.

The smaller buffer is the main reason why I would not want a D80.

Nikolai1024