I am a Nikon lover. I have used D100, D70s, adn borrowed a D80. Now I am about to get my own camera and looking at the characteristics I think it is better the D200.

I wanted to get your oppinion. Here is what I have thought:

D200

More frames per second
I like better the buttons display (ergonomics)
Seems to me more professional and with more possibilities of expanssion (ie: MB-D200, for example)

The price difference I dont think is too much, at least for me at the moment.

My idea is getting the equipment before Christmas: Body, 18-200, SB-800 and MB-D200 in case I go for the D200

I am a Nikon lover. I have used D100, D70s, adn borrowed a D80. Now I am about to get my own camera and looking at the characteristics I think it is better the D200.

I wanted to get your oppinion. Here is what I have thought:

D200

More frames per second
I like better the buttons display (ergonomics)
Seems to me more professional and with more possibilities of expanssion (ie: MB-D200, for example)

The price difference I dont think is too much, at least for me at the moment.

My idea is getting the equipment before Christmas: Body, 18-200, SB-800 and MB-D200 in case I go for the D200

I have the D200 18-200 and MB-D200 (+ a lot else). This is a really excellent combination, but I have kept my D70 for when I want something cheaper and lighter. Just a couple of comments:

- I had to wait six months for my 18-200 and as far as I can see they are still in short supply
- I don't need the MB-D200 with the 18-200, it makes the camera very big. I always use it with my f2.8 constant zooms because they are so big and heavy that I need more to hold on to

Charles

Charles:

Thanks a lot for the comment.

Regarding the tiem it took you to get the 18-200 I am checking on the web, and find that some of the dealers have it in Stock with a D200 Kit.

I hope I can get soon enough.

God Bless and Merry Christmas to you and your family

Joshua

Ritz Camera has the 18-200 VR lens here in the stores. It's expensive, ~ $750 or so.

The only knock I see on the D200 is the weight compared to the D80 - it is ~ 30 grams, whereas the D80 feels like half of that. But my Nikon F-100 is ~ 28 grams so there isnt much difference with what Im used to.

The camera store fellow told me that the 200 has a weather-resistant casing that protects it from rain and snow, etc. It isnt water proof but can take some abuse. He said that the 80 does not have that and was unsure as to what would happen in a rainstorm (but better expect the worst).

Something to think about, like where you plan on being and using it.........

GB

Well even the non-weather sealed bodies are pretty robust. I took my D70, which is not weather sealed, outside during a hurricane unprotected and it did just fine :)
That procedure is not recommended, of course...

The D80 is very nice and has a few improved features, and does support its own vertical grip (MB-D80), however given the choice I'd suggest the D200 if you like the feel better, the price difference isn't huge now. I've had the D200 since its release and it is fantastic. The metering system is also better than the one in the D80.

Joshua, be careful buying the D200 and 18-200mm as a kit. My favorite NYC photo store (a very large well known and respected retailer). Is selling the kit but if you subtract thier price for the D200 body only you find they're getting $906.00 for the 18-200mm. On thier website the 18-200mm lens is listed at $749.95 as a seperate item. Unfortunately the are back-ordered on the stand-alone lens. Heck yes, if they can get an extra $156.00 for it in a kit the may never sell it alone.

The bottom line is that the D200 is simply a fantastic camera, but, with the 18-200mm in such short supply, you will just have to decide how badly you want it. Personally, if you can't find a reasonaly priced 18-200mm I'd go for the great 18-70mm DX at $310.00 until the other lens becomes more available.

Good luck,

Bill

I want to thank you all for the advices.

I am so glad to have found such a friendly and willing to help forum community. I will let you know how everything went after I come back from my tripo to San Francisco. I guess I will get it from Ritz Camera over there.

May God Bless you all. And I wish you a Merry Christmas! See you next year.