So, I am looking for a new camera to replace my D70 . I have heard great things about the D200, and I was wondering if this is a justifiable upgrade.

Also, I have seen that the D300 is scheduled to be released later this year. Are the updates on the D300 going to be enough to hold off on buying the D200 and wait for the D300?

If anyone has any advice, I would appreciate any thoughts.

So, I am looking for a new camera to replace my D70 . I have heard great things about the D200, and I was wondering if this is a justifiable upgrade.

Also, I have seen that the D300 is scheduled to be released later this year. Are the updates on the D300 going to be enough to hold off on buying the D200 and wait for the D300?

If anyone has any advice, I would appreciate any thoughts.

I have a D70 and a D200. The D200 is a leap forwards in terms of exposure accuracy, image quality, user interface, viewfinder (to name just the things that come to mind immediately). With the D70 I wasn't totally convinced by DSLR's. With the D200 I feel I can do almost everything better than with film.

However - the D200 is targeted at the semi-pro market whereas the D70 is targeted at amateurs. Why don't you look at the D80, which has almost the same characteristics as the D200 at a lower price?

I haven't heard anything about the D300. I've noticed that the D80 is being sold off cheaply at my local shop. Perhaps a replacement will be announced for PMA with dust removal?

Charles

The D80 delivers the same image quality and the D200, maybe slighty better images if you shoot at high ASA's as the noise levels are better with the D80. The d200 offers more robust build quality that includes being weather sealed. My philosophy is to save money on the body and spend it on quality glass instead.

The D80 delivers the same image quality and the D200, maybe slighty better images if you shoot at high ASA's as the noise levels are better with the D80. The d200 offers more robust build quality that includes being weather sealed. My philosophy is to save money on the body and spend it on quality glass instead.


That is what I was looking for in making my decision. Most of what I shoot is outdoor and mountain biking pictures, which has made my D70 kind of cumbersome. I can definitely use a stronger body with better seals.

I think I can use a Nikon made vertical grip on the D200, which is not available for the D70. I am not sure if the D80 can take the Nikon vertical grip.

At the risk of falling prey to marketing, I think the D200 might be the best choice-unless I hear anything more on the D300.

I haven't heard anything about a D300 either. The D200 hasn't been on the market for that long - look how long the D100 was current (I'd say too long for that one, but as an example...).

The D200 design has at least another year of life left in it, probably more. There may be an "-S" update sometime, but those are typically marginal improvements barring a major change in the image processor (as occurred with the D2Hs)

The only 'rumors' of a D300 are mere speculation and hint at it being a full frame body which would be separate from the D200.

That is what I was looking for in making my decision. Most of what I shoot is outdoor and mountain biking pictures, which has made my D70 kind of cumbersome. I can definitely use a stronger body with better seals.

I think I can use a Nikon made vertical grip on the D200, which is not available for the D70. I am not sure if the D80 can take the Nikon vertical grip.

At the risk of falling prey to marketing, I think the D200 might be the best choice-unless I hear anything more on the D300.

Puzzled. You say you find the D70 kind of cumbersome for outdoor and mountain biking but you want to get a D200 with battery pack?? The D200 is really heavy and when you add the battery pack it gets quite big. I only use my battery pack when I have big f2.8 constant zoom lenses and I need something to hold on to.

The D80 is slightly smaller than the D70 but most importantly it has the viewfinder from the D200. It has its own dedicated battery pack.

I think it is extremely unlikely that there will ever be a full frame D300 replacing the D200. Like the D100 (which was on the market for 4 years) the D200 puts a great body around Sony's current mass-produced sensor. It would probably cost 10x more to make a full-frame sensor and I think that this would only go into a high-end body.

Charles

You will not regret getting a D200. I have one and I love it!

A cheaper alternative, with most of the features, is the D80. I've heard nothing but good things about it.

The D80 does have a vertical grip available for it and it is less expensive than the grip for the D200. I actually wrote a review on it here on this site. Let's you use AA batteries in a pinch too.

i can highly recommend the d200...I just bought it a couple of weeks ago and it has made my D70 totally unappealing...awesomebuild quality, great performance at high ISOs, WB is dead on, and it just feels tough and professional...

I am absolutely in love with it.

Another advantage the d2900 over the d80 is time lapse photography which may be useful for moutain biking. The better body build and seals may be necessary too.
I love my D80 but I think the d200 would be better for you, except for the size and weight issues.

I made the D70 - D200 switch and love the thing. It has a great feel to it, lots of nice up front buttons to change settings on the fly instead of going into the sub-menus.

I would deffinatly go for the d200 if I were looking to upgrade. IMO it's new price of 1400 dollars is a bargain for the features you get. The 5 FPS is excellent, and the controls, from what I have used are incredible. It is deffinatly a good switch to make.

A cheaper alternative, with most of the features, is the D80. I've heard nothing but good things about it.

I'm shooting with a D80, lovin' every minute! D200 is weatherproof, has several pro features not found on the D80.The D80 has all the way cool in-camera editing features not found in the D200.

The D80 is a featherweight DSLR. :thumbsup: I may be a bit biased. :D :p :D :p :D
:cool: Rick