D200... - DPChallenge Forums

01/27/2006 01:04:51 PM · #1

I need help, I really do. Not just from you guys but psychological as well. I spend 6 hours a day just hanging around dpreview cruising the D200 forums. And it's driving me nuts.

I need you guys to reasure me that it would be a great investment to buy the D200.

But since I'm doing mostly studio and portrait stuff, I was first leaning towards the 20D. But then all the photographers I know urged me to buy the D200. And now we're ready to buy the D200, with the kit lens (18-70), with a 50mm lens and the 70-300. And the we're thinking to slowly upgrade the lenses.

My dad told me not to worry about the money issue (not easy, I'm blowing my brains out, I think it's going to come out of my non-existing college fond). And in the end we could sell all my canon equipment (though we haven't decided) and could get good money out of that since it's signed by a famous photographer in Turkey (let's say the Ansel Adams of Turkey, but for street stuff).

Please help?

livitup

Nikon D70

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

01/27/2006 01:13:25 PM · #2

I hate to say this, as a registered Nikon Zealot, but if you already have an investment in Canon glass (more than just the kit lens that came with your Rebel) then don't do it. And you probably shouldn't do it even if you only have the kit lens.

For one thing, have you ever actually held the D200 (or any other Nikon)? I've been shooting various Nikons for nearly 15 years, but I was considering switching to Canon when I bought a DSLR, to take advantage of my wife's glass collection (she's a Canon shooter). To say the Canon bodies felt alien in my hands would be an understatement.

Canon seems to have a really good lineup of bodies out right now, with both a full-frame, and a cropped sensor in their "prosumer" lines. And believe me, now that the D200 is out, Canon will shortly be releasing another new model, priced about the same as the D200, that will best the D200's features just slightly. It's the name of the game, Canon and Nikon are constantly trying to outdo each other.

The D200 sounds like an exceptional body, but don't be in such a rush to upgrade. If I were you (and the Digi-Rebel is a very capable DSLR) I'd wait to see what the 20D successor brings.

jbsmithana

Nikon D300

01/27/2006 01:14:45 PM · #3

Good decision. Better now while you have a minimal investment in your Canon equipment. The D-200 is clearly the best value for the dollar upgrade out right now.

But then again there are more Canon users on this site so my guess is the floodgates will open and they will try and talk you out of it.

fadedbeauty

Nikon D300

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

01/27/2006 01:16:09 PM · #4

Wish I could help but I have no first hand experience with the d200. I do love my D70 though and if I had the money I probably would go for the D200. I am not sure the kit lens is the greatest thing in the world...at least if it is the same one I have. Don't get me wrong, it is a very good lens, but in my opinion the results I get with my cheap little 50 mm are much better.

01/27/2006 01:20:54 PM · #5

I've been living with a 300D and very very cheap lenses so I think I'll be fine for now. Plus I think next to the D200 a good glass would be too much of a shock.

To be honest I love the rough body type, so I've always loved nikon bodies. I'm used to film although most people don't realize that. I remember a seller trying to give me a 350D because he thought I was too thin to cary a 20D.

Like I said my father is a nikon fan, he's all up for me switching the Nikon. I tried to explain him that canon would have a new one come out. He wouldn't listen. Apparently it's 20D, D200 or nothing.

Neurowork

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Nikon

01/27/2006 01:24:36 PM · #6

I might not be a real expert but I do own a D200 since dec, 15th 2005 and it's really amazing. No banding whatsoever nor any hot pixels or anything. I'm really happy with it. It makes my beloved D70 look like a toy. I wouldn't have ever imagined saying that !! I bought the body only though, so I can't tell if the kit lens is good or not. However, coupled with my Tamron 28-75 f2.8, it's really amazing. If you have the money, go for it !!

jbsmithana

Nikon D300

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

01/27/2006 01:25:17 PM · #7

I guess you should read this first:

D-200 Review

The reviewer says that the D-200 is very unforgiving with cheap glass. That is common the better the body. So if you decide to go with the D-200 you need to consider that you will want to buy better glass upfront and not skimp.

theSaj

Canon EOS-20D

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

01/27/2006 01:35:11 PM · #8

I would say that you should consider the following:

Nikon D-200, good camera but will require some new glass.

Canon 20D, superb low-light, very fast performance but now a couple of years old. Can utilize existing glass.

Canon 5D, full-frame and seeming to be quite liked by the studio photographers so far. Can utilize existing glass.

Canon 35D, coming out soon. Dad says 20D/D200...see if you can delay a bit. The last thing you want to do is make a platform switch, sell off your glass, and discover that you'd prefer the new Canon.

Frankly, I think you've got a lot of talent, enough that glass may soon become a limiting issue. Consider some new glass either way. If budget is limited for glass, consider something like the Tamron 28-75 f/2.8. It's approx. $400 & it's available for both Canon & Nikon.

Also you might consider trying to get a used 1D MarkII or perhaps a used pro-body Nikon. Just some thoughts...

Mattel Barbie Photo Designer Digital Camera

01/27/2006 01:47:37 PM · #9

Believe me theSaj, if I could get a THAT good a body, I would have gotten it by then. I really wanted the 5D, a photographer friend suggested it to my father, and he gave that laugh, that very sarcastic yeah-right-sure laugh.

J.B., I read quite a few reviews saying that but I don't really believe it. I have seen fabulous stuff done with the 18-70 and 50mm and since I haven't tested out any luxury glasses I have no idea what I'm missing which makes parents happy.

Also Canon bodies have been known not to be able to resist me. Bought film, digital and P&S. I broke two of my own film canons, my 300D just may be falling apart, and the little digital P&S of a friend's is now dead. That's the main reason I want to switch to Nikon. I know it can handle me. Plus I won't be in all the hype of getting a new camera anytime soon.

agenkin

Nikon MF Nikkor 20mm f/3.5 AIS

01/27/2006 02:07:40 PM · #10

One area where the D200 really shines over all the competition is the ability to meter (both matrix and spot metering mode) with the older Nikon manual focus lenses. Since you are going to do studio work, you may very well take advantage of this (since you'll have time to get the focus adjustment just right). In his review, Bjorn Rorslett *does* say that D200 likes good quality glass, but in this case good quality does not mean expensive. There are classic Nikon manual focus lenses that can be had for under $100, or just over $100.

Also, I hear that the Nikon Creative Lighting System has a sharp edge over Canon's lighting system. Another big plus for those doing studio work.

I was buying a camera recently, and chose Nikon over Canon primarily because of compatibility with great older lenses. I definitely plan to expand my lens collection, and, when time is right, I'll switch my D50 for a D200.

All this I am saying from a perspective of a person starting from scratch. You, on the other hand, already have some Canon lenses. How much do you like those lenses? If you feel like replacing them anyways, perhaps you should switch. If they are fine lenses, then you should probably stay with Canon.

edmeng

Apple iPhone 13 Pro

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED

01/27/2006 02:18:02 PM · #11

If my Dad offers me to buy a new �prosumer� camera and new glass for it I wouldn�t think twice, I�d go for it. as long as its not your collage funds.

Dr.Confuser

Nikon D800

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

01/27/2006 03:35:03 PM · #12

I've owned my D200 for about a month and am delighted with it.

I loved my D70 but was attracted to: 1) Greater resolution; 2) Wider ISO options; 3) Sturdier construction; 4) A better auto-focusing system; 5) Faster burst-mode frame rates ... and probably some other stuff I can't remember.

In short, the D200 has lived up to each of these expectations. And there have been some pleasant "surprise features" I hadn't expected (e.g. in-the-camera double exposure). It's also quieter than the D70 by quite a bit.

I have non-kit glass. You can see what I use in my profile. So I have no opinion on the kit lens.

Hope this helps.

Apple iPhone 5

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

01/27/2006 03:58:02 PM · #13

Originally posted by Ennil:

To be honest I love the rough body type, so I've always loved nikon bodies. I'm used to film although most people don't realize that.

If you love film, and you love Nikon bodies, you'd love the FM2 :)

spydr

Nikon D850

Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 200-400mm f/4.0G IF-ED

01/27/2006 04:01:15 PM · #14

Go for it. You will not be disappointed with the D200.

undieyatch

Olympus E-10

Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM

01/27/2006 04:10:57 PM · #15

your father know's best....... you can always blame him if it does not work out. What I like about it is the amazing amount of nikon glass, including old nikon manual lenses that will interact with this camera in ways impossible with other systems.

doctornick

Apple iPhone 13 Pro

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

01/27/2006 04:12:29 PM · #16

Since your dad is paying...go for the D200 and get him to get you some good fast Nikon glass to go with it...

In any case you could be using a point and shoot and still produce great images...you got the eye...IMHO

kirbic

Canon EOS R5

Canon RF 24-70 f2.8 L IS

01/27/2006 04:44:10 PM · #17

Well, the D200 is a great cam, no doubt about it. Nikon has really done a wonderful job with this body. You don't have a big investment in more expensive Canon glass, so there's not much impact in making the change in lenses. Seems like you have a preference for the Nikon system, so what's holding you up??
Now the dissenting opinion... If you like existing light work and want the best high-ISO performance you can get, Canon is ahead by a measurable margin. The rumor is that the new Canon (20D replacement) will have a focus system similar to 5D, and if true (I have no idea how accurate these rumors are) it is going to be one awesome machine. One thing there is NO doubt of, the 20D replacement WILL be direct competition for the D200, and if history is any kind of teacher, it will compare very favorably. With regard to previous posts to the effect of "D200 can make use of all that great old manual-focus Nikon glass," so can the Canons. Just as effectively. I've shot with a copy of the Nikon 200/2.0 AI on my 10D, and was very impressed by the results. Also usable on the EOS system cams are many lenses in M42 (e.g. Pentax screw mount), Contax RTS, Olympus OM, Leica R, and even Exakta. The EOS system is the most adaptable in the world when it comes to old manual glass.
Not making your decision easier?? I guess what I'm trying to say is, the savvy consumer would prolly wait a couple months to see what the 20D replacement looks/feels like, then make the decision.