Question......

[TonyH]

I've got a couple of weddings to shoot in September (only cheapies).

Is the image quality of the D200 substantially better than the D70? Is it in your opinion a worthwhile difference to buy one before the shoots.

Let's ignore lenses for the moment, purely bodies.

Then my next question is if you have ordered from the site here through Poon, what has been the delivery time?

Thanks for your input.


Tony

[Geoff]

I've got a couple of weddings to shoot in September (only cheapies).

Is the image quality of the D200 substantially better than the D70? Is it in your opinion a worthwhile difference to buy one before the shoots.

Let's ignore lenses for the moment, purely bodies.

Then my next question is if you have ordered from the site here through Poon, what has been the delivery time?

Thanks for your input.


Tony

Hi Tony,
Great question!!
I have shot a few weddings with the D70 and have had absolutely no problems at all with it. Having said that I recently upgraded to the beautiful D200 and have noticed a significant difference in both image quality and speed (both FPS and autofocus).

As far as image quality - this is a no brainer. I can see a huge difference in image quality and the the D200 colour rendering and the way it deals with brights really impressed me. Skin tones seem a lot more natural.

When in September are you shooting these weddings? If it is early Sept I'd advise on using your D70. It will take a little while to become use to the D200 and all it's settings etc.

The turn around time recently for items ordered here is approx 1 week.

Do you have a backup body of some sort?

Hope this helps.

[TonyH]

Hi Geoff,

the weddings are the 9th and 16th of September.

Regards to backup, I've got 3 film bodies (Nikon) and worse case scenario (if I was really desperate) a fuji S7000 with actually doesn't take too bad a shot, but professionally would be embarrassing to use at a wedding......

Thanks for the input...


Tony

[gstark]

Tony,

On paper, my first impressions of the D200 were that there was not real reason to upgrade.

Then I had a play with one. The evaluation of the theoretical differencs plays out very differently when you have one in your hand. There are signifcant differences between the two bodies.

[MHD]

Indeed... after playing with one at the AA dinner I would say the d200 is much closer to the D2* line of bodies than the d*00 and d*0 lines...

BIG viewfinder, snappy response, lots of neat things (eg multi expose)...

Optional vertical grip...

[TonyH]

I think I need one......

[Greg B]

I think I need one......

You don't actually have to need one to want one. It is a very nice camera, and I believe it is an excellent progression from the d70.

[Nnnnsic]

Indeed... after playing with one at the AA dinner I would say the d200 is much closer to the D2* line of bodies than the d*00 and d*0 lines...

Especially when you consider that the D80 seems to be more of the replacement for the D50 user and entry level (until a D30 rolls along) and the D200 more of the replacement for the D100 and D70 user.

[whiz]

Having just gone through the transition there are a few answers:
If you expect massive amazing differences in image quality, I think you'll be disappointed.
If you're looking for ease of changing between settings, you'll be rapt.
If you're looking for much faster fps, you'll be very happy.
If you need to justify getting it for any reason that you decide, you'll be very happy with one.

If you've got older lenses that you want to use, you'll be ecstatic.

If you have to be able to justify it to a spouse, having a D200 has made me last longer in bed, I've also been more complimentary about her appearance and have helped more around the house.
Her friends are extremely jealous of her and tell her that she's very luck to have me.

There. Some advice for all occasions.

[shakey]

having a D200 has made me last longer in bed,

Geez, didn't realize there was a Viagra option in the Custom settings

Is this available as a firmware update to the D70?

[moggy]

When you use the viagra option you definitely get the firmware!

[sheepie]

having a D200 has made me last longer in bed,

Geez, didn't realize there was a Viagra option in the Custom settings

Is this available as a firmware update to the D70?

It's because his wife doesn't sleep with him now he's got a d200

All good stuff guys - am on the edge of taking the plunge, and this is helping with the decision

[gstark]

FWIW,

Supply of the D200, through Poon, is currently excellent.

As a general rule, and through our facilities, you can expect delivery in about four working days from receipt of your payment. Note that the prices we quote include delivery to your door, which makes them even better value.

[losfp]

All good stuff guys - am on the edge of taking the plunge, and this is helping with the decision

Yeah well, if you've figured out a way to:

a) Afford one, and
b) Not get beaten to a pulp for bringing one home

then please do share the wealth

[moccie]

I have but one word of advice for you Sheepie.....Diamonds

[Pa]

leon said
All good stuff guys - am on the edge of taking the plunge, and this is helping with the decision
a d200 an 80-200 lens and diamonds as well, sounds like a lot of dollars
to me.
cheers pa

[sheepie]

Come on guys, let's get this back on topic before Gary chastises me!

The D200 is a very sweet camera, and a worthy upgrade from the D70. The real issue is whether you want to trust yourself with a new camera for weddings. As I understand it, the transition to controlling a D200 from a D70 is pretty simple, so control-wise (things being in the place you expect) you shouldn't have any problems. Performance wise, the D200 is superior, and is sure to have some subtle differences in the way it handles difficult situations. Do you want to trust yourself using a wedding to find these differences?

One last thing - welcome aboard Moccie - about time you posted something! Now stop following me around and go make your own thread somewhere

[TonyH]

Thanks for the advice guys, I've taken the plunge....

The Weddings are 9th and 16th of September, so if I can't use it by then it is time to give this photgraphy lark away....

All it cost me to stop ear-ache was a new dishwasher!

Pretty good value I reckon...!


Tony

[whiz]

When you use the viagra option you definitely get the firmware!

I never said anything about needing a firmware update. I was referring to time spent, not lack of ability!

[TonyH]

All good stuff guys - am on the edge of taking the plunge, and this is helping with the decision

Yeah well, if you've figured out a way to:

a) Afford one, and
b) Not get beaten to a pulp for bringing one home

then please do share the wealth

Quite simple really.... it has to be their idea (the wife)....

You just need to explain how your limited talent needs to be propped up by better equipment.... never let the truth get in the way of a good story