D200 worth the extra bucks

[redbluegreen]

Hi all, I am contemplating buying a D200. Have some users upgraded from a D70s and been happy with the changes. What are the features that they like the most compared to a D70s?

[radar]

Hi RBG,

I've recently upgraded from a D70s to the D200. I wasn't ready to upgrade but a close encounter with a rock and my D70s forced me to upgrade

I know that reason rarely gets in the way of gear lust, just look at what I have in my camera bag, but one thing you should ask yourself is what is it that the D70s does not do for you?

Okay back to answering your question:

-more rugged body
-mirror lockup for long exposures
-used CF cards instead of SD, as per the D80
-easier access to controls
-worse battery life (not good )
-higher rating on shutter
-semi-pro
-better colour rendition
-lots of other extras that I like but that wouldn't make me switch

Love my D200 but as I said, I was still very happy with my D70s. You may also want to consider the D80, very similar features to the D200 but in a D70s package.

HTH,

André

[losfp]

Plenty to like about the D200

- Nicer, more solid construction
- bigger screen
- More controls have dedicated buttons and dials so you don't have to go into menus
- Bigger, brighter, nicer viewfinder
- More AF points
- slightly better AF performance
- faster continuous mode
- and of course the most important factor - a much sexier shutter sound

[the foto fanatic]

Just bought a D200 - too new to give feedback based on pix taken.

Why did I upgrade from the D70?

- Bigger and clearer viewfinder
- Bigger LCD
- Wider range of ISO
- Better build quality
- More features (custom setting banks)
- Multiple exposures in camera
- Black & white in camera

Not to mention:
- Better Auto-focusing system
- Better WB control
- Higher resolution
- Improved sensor, better colour reproduction

I haven't yet tested all of these points (the camera only arrived today), but my purchasing decision was based on these factors.

[Slider]

I have only had mine since Monday and I love my D70s. But the D200 is Awesome ...

Just do it

[whiz]

I bought my D200 because of:
The faster and longer buffer memory.
The ability to get a proper battery grip and escape proprietry batteries.
The ability to utilise the integrated intervalometer.
The ability to use a huge range of older cheaper excellent quality lenses.

Mind you, I kept my D70 as well. Even though it's currently going through Nikon Australia for the BGLOD....

[gstark]

I cannot recall seeing anyone here make a comment that they were not happy with their upgrade from their D70 to their D200.

[Greg B]

The specific reasons detailed above are all good. Add to that, if you like photography and having a DSLR, you will like having a D200 more. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the D70 - I loved mine - but the D200 is just better and I love it more.

[Kyle]

I Own a d70s, and just picked up my d200 and bg from thanh last night.

I've only snapped about 5 stuffing about frames, but it was worth the upgrade just for the build quality alone.

Feels so much like a d2* it's not funny!

The other big ticket item for me is all the essential controls are removed from the menu and are on the body.

[shutterbug]

JUst Do It

I just love that shutter slap on my D200

I have captured 40 weddings this year with my ones...and they have not lost a beat....

My next upgrade will be a Fuji S5 or Canon 5D

[Yi-P]

I had the chance to use the D200+grip for about a month and I fell in love with it on the first 3 days using it.

First impression you will get is a 'wow' from the viewfinder and then a 'woah' from the shutter sound... Its too sexy to resist...

But I'm now back to my D70 accepting the reality of having no money for upgrade

[Steffen]

I cannot relate any D70 -> D200 upgrade stories since I upgraded from an FE2 to a D2H, but rather than going for a new amateur camera it might be worthwhile (and cost-saving) getting a handed-down pro body.

Of course, everybody knows that no decent image can be taken with less than 8 megapixels, but considering that well kept D2H and D2Hs bodies can sometimes be found for quite a bit under $2k, this may well be worth considering.

I've always taken that sort of avenue and haven't regretted it yet. I have saved a lot of money, though.

Cheers
Steffen.

[marc]

Of course, everybody knows that no decent image can be taken with less than 8 megapixels

Cheers
Steffen.

[christiand]

YES

[TonyH]

Just do it, I've found my upgrade to be chalk and cheese....

The poor old D70 rarely sees the light of day anymore.

[seeto.centric]

hehe the D70/s are great to keep as backup bodies- light and simple to fall back on if something more advanced decides to conk out. (God forbid)

also, have many of you considered whacking another lens (like your 2nd most used lens) on the D70/old body and carrying that around to complement your main body and lens?

i think that's what ill do- get a better body for the 70-200VR so its more balanced and sturdy, and put the 28-75 on the D70. saves a lot of time changing lenses and cleaning dust i can imagine.. and less wear and tear on the mounts. less missed shots too!

i remember a few months ago i went to the come together festival and one of the photogs there had a 5D with his 24-70 and a 20D with his 70-200/4L. swapping bodies throughout.

-julz