Upgrading to D200 - DPChallenge Forums

11/15/2006 03:06:28 PM · #1

Okay people...I have had a D70 for two years now and my business is to a point I need to get a new camera/2nd body. So it is a consenus that the D200 is a great camera right?

What do i need?

D200
New types of batteries right? Didn't I read something about compatability issues between D70 and D200 batteries?
I need lots of memory cards -links to good prices?
A battery grip? Doesn't this allow for good grip on portraits and extra battery juice?

Any other recommendations?

Thanks everyone.

Message edited by author 2006-11-15 15:16:27.

cryan

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

11/15/2006 03:16:20 PM · #2

I've got the grip and love the thing. It hold two of the new batteries and it should extend the shooting time a bunch. It does take a different battery than D70 so you can't use the D70 batteries in the D200 but you can use the D200 batteries in the D70. With the extra MP you will need more CF cards. So everything else you have should work just fine. Congrats on the new toy, you will love it.

11/15/2006 03:17:07 PM · #3

Originally posted by cryan:

So everything else you have should work just fine. Congrats on the new toy, you will love it.

same type of memory right?

11/15/2006 03:19:32 PM · #4

do i need a new battery charger? does that ship with camera body? or batteries?

edit...it does ship with body i just found out...

Message edited by author 2006-11-15 15:21:46.

alanfreed

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

11/15/2006 03:19:54 PM · #5

Yep... still CF cards, I do believe. The D80 and a couple others have switched to SD.

talmy

Nikon D300s

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor 16-85 f/3.5-5.6G ED VR

11/15/2006 03:23:36 PM · #6

Originally posted by Cutter:

do i need a new battery charger? does that ship with camera body? or batteries?

edit...it does ship with body i just found out...

The chargers are interchangable.

cryan

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

11/15/2006 03:25:26 PM · #7

The only Nikons at this point that take SD are the D80 and the D50, the D2h and D2xs will use both at the same time.

11/15/2006 03:27:38 PM · #8

to do it again i'd skip the grip
find $$ for a extra battery & CF cards though ..

9200 frames in 10 months ... bin in twice for service but i wouldn't give it up (except for a d2x ;)

cryan

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

11/15/2006 03:39:12 PM · #9

God I've had mine since March and have had no problems. What were the problems with yours.

jdannels

Nikon D300s

Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM for Nikon

11/15/2006 03:39:31 PM · #10

I just got my D200 about a month ago. I didn't get the grip but I did order an extra battery. I don't really wish I had the grip, it doesn't bother me to shoot in portrait, but if you are doing lots of people like wedding shoots it may be worth it. I have two 1 gig cards and usually I fill up my memory before I wear down a battery. I think I can shoot through a few gigs before the battery gets low and I have yet to just completely wear down the battery and miss anything. The bateries are reverse compatible with oher cameras. So that you can use the battery for the D200 in your D70, but not the other way around. And you will get another charger when you get your new D200. If I think of more I'll let you know.

MAK

Leica CL

Leica 18-56mm f/3.5-5.6 Vario Elmar-T ASPH

11/15/2006 03:43:02 PM · #11

I would say get the grip.. the extra battery power is very handy and I would say get an extra battery too.. your D200 battery will work in the D70 but NOT the other way around..

CF flash cards same as D70 so your ok there but I would suggest getting a 2GB or 2 of them, the extra MP take their toll on the Mem card I get 120 shots RAW on a 2GB card....

11/15/2006 03:45:37 PM · #12

Here's another question for everyone:

The 17-55

Or 28-70

This is primarily for weddings, but also because I have nothing in between my wide angle and my 70-200 VR of reputable quality and speed. Why would the 28-70 be $200 more? Same lens just different focal lengths right?

11/15/2006 03:46:44 PM · #13

Originally posted by MAK:

yeah i am most certainly getting the grip and probably 2-3, 2GB cards...

11/15/2006 03:49:30 PM · #14

Originally posted by cryan:

God I've had mine since March and have had no problems. What were the problems with yours.

Early Jan06 model

Sever banding out ofthe box (3 week trip to Nikon)
returned from above with Service firmware installed (2week trip to Nikon)
the first 8 weeks i owned it Nikon had it for 5 ...

in late Sept. - it just -failed-
replaced main CPU/ccd/dc-dc converter as well as replaced a lot of the rubber
but CLS it & updated the firmware... 3 weeks at Nikon ..

still covered by warranty for 14more months ...

11/15/2006 03:52:00 PM · #15

Originally posted by Cutter:

I have the 17-55 but )again( in retrospcet should have pick the 28-70
both are great lenses ...
(i really wanted the 28-70 for film as well as digital ...)

11/15/2006 03:53:23 PM · #16

Originally posted by ralph:

I have the 17-55 but )again( in retrospcet should have pick the 28-70
both are great lenses ...
(i really wanted the 28-70 for film as well as digital ...)

why would you have gone 28-70? can you explain or give an example?

Leica 18-56mm f/3.5-5.6 Vario Elmar-T ASPH

11/15/2006 03:56:30 PM · #17

Originally posted by Cutter:

Originally posted by ralph:

I have the 17-55 but )again( in retrospcet should have pick the 28-70
both are great lenses ...
(i really wanted the 28-70 for film as well as digital ...)

why would you have gone 28-70? can you explain or give an example?

the 17-55 is a dx & is a bit rough around the edges *can only be used from 24-55 on a film camera
i have a sigma 15-30 and a 80-200 the 28-70 would have fit better in my lineup (i may still buy it ..someday ;)

petrakka

11/15/2006 04:00:02 PM · #18

I just ordered a d200 too. stoked.

not getting the grip, and I didn't get a d2x, cuz I wanted somethin a bit smaller.

I use the 17-55 every day for work and it's great. It's long enough you can shoot graphically without converging lines and get some decent seperation for portraits, but you can still shoot nice wide angle shots.
It's definitely sharp as I ever needed as well, never had problems with that.

MAK

Leica CL

11/15/2006 04:08:09 PM · #19

I have the Sigma version the 28-70 f2.8 and I cannot fault it at all its very fast focusing.. i WANT and will be getting very soon the 17-55 f2.8 I believe its a MUST HAVE lens, not so much for the wedding thing.. give the Sigi a look you can get another lens with the money you will save

hotpasta

Nikon D800

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

11/15/2006 04:13:40 PM · #20

Finally you've seen the light Beau! The D200 is an awesome camera. The 28-70 2.8 could be the most useful lens, but when you have to go wider for a group shot, what do you do? Wish there was a 17-70 2.8. I know that Sigma and Tamron have something around that range.

I would probably choose the 17-55 when all is said and done. Are you keeping the D70, cause you could use that as a second body with a longer lens on it? Just a thought...

I also have the grip and it's fantastic

11/15/2006 04:15:18 PM · #21

BTW: when i say "bit rough around the edges" i'm only talking film
on the D200 it is just fine
edit: typo

Message edited by author 2006-11-15 16:16:02.

11/15/2006 04:30:45 PM · #22

Originally posted by hotpasta:

I am gonna do that exact thing with the D70. Although I will probably put my 70-200 VR on the D200 to make it as heavy as possible! The reason I am leaning towards a 17-55 is because of the wider/group possibilities. Actually in model work, 20mm focal length is my favorite to work with..so i could use that lens for that area too. Hmmm...decisions.

And then again, do I really need either of those lenses for an upcoming wedding? Could just be something I get down the road...

edit: I have gone all of 2006 without anything in between 20mm and 70mm except for my portrait 50mm 1.8 and have gotten along just fine. If my Sigma Wide will do the trick at the wedding then I will probably hold off. I know the aperture is a bit mid-range, but i am very steady and go down to about 1/30 at ISO 200. So I dunno...

Message edited by author 2006-11-15 16:32:40.

Ivo

11/15/2006 04:56:31 PM · #23

I upgraded to the D200 a while back but it was a tough toss between the D200 and the Fuji S3 Pro. I know, I know the S3 is not half the camera but the image quality is among the very best. Exceptional Dynamic range and among the best for studio/portrait photography. The buffer sucks but can be upgraded for burst shooting. This flaw resulted in the camera being overlooked by many. I have not come across anyone who said it did not produce superb images and I researched alot before taking the plunge. If it was not for speed, I'd own one. If speed is not a priority, I figure you could steal one for about $1000. As an added bonus, it accepts all of the glass for your Nikon and runs on double A's versus these stupid proprietary batteries that Nikon changes so often. just a thought.

hyperfocal

Nikon D7000

Nikon MF 105mm f/2.5 AIS

11/15/2006 04:57:45 PM · #24

Originally posted by hotpasta:

The 28-70 2.8 could be the most useful lens, but when you have to go wider for a group shot, what do you do? Wish there was a 17-70 2.8. I know that Sigma and Tamron have something around that range.

I would probably choose the 17-55 when all is said and done. Are you keeping the D70, cause you could use that as a second body with a longer lens on it? Just a thought...

I also have the grip and it's fantastic

I'm looking forward to the new Tokina 16-50mm f2.8 that is going to hit the shelves around March. It was co designed with Pentax, so I have high hopes for it. 84 degree coverage (16mm on the d200) is a natural wide angle as it represents what the average human sees with both eyes open. Great for both group shots and landscapes.

Personally I think Nikon is missing the boat starting all its mid range zooms at 18mm (76 degrees). Back when film ruled, they introduced several zooms starting at 84 degrees on the wide end including two 24-85mm zooms.

pawdrix