D70 = $700
D80 = $1200
D200 = $2000


Hi, Mooron (In my sane voice here)

The D70s is probably about to be retired with the D80 taking it's
place. The D80 is a camera with D200 image quality in a slower body.
The D80 is 3 FPS compared to the D200's 5 FPS. The D200 will also meter
old AI lenses, while the lower end bodies can't. Having had the D200
for a few months I know I would never have bought it if the D80 was
available.
On the other hand the D200 has better weatherproofing and is certainly
more in the professional realm. As you probably know, image quality
between Nikon's 5000 dollar D2x and thier entry level D50 is about
identical unless you're making giant prints. You pay for better auto
focus and higher frame rates with cameras like the D200.
Since you're used to regular SLRs, the rather dim finders of the D50
and D70s will not make you happy. Go for the D200 or D80. If you have
really old glass that you want to manual focus that leaves the D200 I'm
afraid...not a cheap camera by any means.
My D80 won't get here until October or November and D200's are
backordered badly. You might also consider selling your old glass.
Believe me when I say that new glass has made impressive strides. A
single zoom lens like a 18-200VR would probably make you very happy.
Also: Only the newer flashes like the SB800 and SB600 take full
advantage of the metering and AF systems of the D80 and D200.
If you've got the bucks for a D200, consider waiting a couple of months
and buying a D80 with 18-200VR and SB800 flash.

Good luck with it and contact me if you need additional info. A great
resource is Nikonians.com.


RB