Okay... my trusty Kodak 290 finally bit the dust. I need a new digital.

I was down at the local Pro Camera Shop and looking at the D70 and the D200.

They don't have the D80 in stock as yet.

The price range is aprox. as follows

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

I've lost interest in the D70 after looking at the D200 and looking at the
D80 online. I think the D200 seems to be the favourite right now.... but I'm
going to research some reviews.

What is your opinion of these 3 selections?
Can I use my Nikon lenses [Nikkor / Tamron / Speed light etc] on all of
these? They seem vague about it on their site. These all fit my F4. Is the
D200 worth the xtra money?

thanx

CM

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

"Capt. Rob" wrote in message

Thank- You.... I appreciated your point of view.

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.

I agree.... but I'm in a position where the provision of good photos is
almost mandated to acheive a professional end product. The Kodak DC 290
[Rest her Soul] did so reliably, in inclement and hostile conditions. The
D200 has dust-proof/weather proof sealing. This is a critical factor. Due to
time constraints... I'm not in a position to wait. I believe that utilizing
my diversity in "old glass" would be the wiser choice ... then decide on
upgrades as required.

Without a doubt..... if the D80 was available immediatly... it would be the
logical choice. Unfortunatly... it seems life has placed me once again in a
position to heed my father's advise of "Son.... Buy Quality!"

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

They have a D200 in the showcase.....

CM

Without a doubt..... if the D80 was available immediatly... it would be
the
logical choice. Unfortunatly... it seems life has placed me once again
in a
position to heed my father's advise of "Son.... Buy Quality!"



FYI, my D200 had some bugs and required service. I plan to sell it when
I get the D80 because the D80 is really all I need and I'll take the
extra cash and buy a new Tokina 12-24.
You'll love the D200. It's awesome.


RB

"Capt. Rob" wrote in message
ups.com...

Without a doubt..... if the D80 was available immediatly... it would be
the
logical choice. Unfortunatly... it seems life has placed me once again
in a
position to heed my father's advise of "Son.... Buy Quality!"



FYI, my D200 had some bugs and required service. I plan to sell it when
I get the D80 because the D80 is really all I need and I'll take the
extra cash and buy a new Tokina 12-24.
You'll love the D200. It's awesome.

OKAY.... I'm a new owner of a Nikon D200. I decided to heed your advise
regarding new glass and also purchased a lens [ AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm
f3.5-4.5G IF ED]

It didn't break the bank.....

I haven't used it as yet..... just reading the huge manual that accompanies
it! :-)

It is an awesome camera. Thanks for the link to Nikonians. Now... is there
any way I can assign a macro to place the time and date to the photo from
the data? I understand it has programmable options..... but nobody can tell
me if time & date stamping is an option or programmable or can be achieved
in another manner.

I'll let you know how it performs in a few days..... I have mega programs to
load up right now to my HP zd8000 laptop.

CM

OKAY.... I'm a new owner of a Nikon D200. I decided to heed your
advise
regarding new glass and also purchased a lens [ AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor
18-70mm
f3.5-4.5G IF ED]

It didn't break the bank.....


The 18-70 was the first new glass I had in years. It's often called the
"kit lens" as it's packaged with several Nikon bodies. But don't let
that fool you. Any review of the 18-70 speaks highly of it. My far more
expensive 18-200VR is really no better across the same focal lengths.


It is an awesome camera. Thanks for the link to Nikonians. Now... is there
any way I can assign a macro to place the time and date to the photo
from
the data? I understand it has programmable options..... but nobody can
tell
me if time & date stamping is an option or programmable or can be
achieved
in another manner.

In spite of owning the thing for a few months I can't answer that. I've
just been shooting with it. Here are a few tips:

1) The default sharpening on the D200 is mild and expects you to
sharpen in post. It's a subjective thing, but some folks feel the in
camera sharpening could be stronger. I find it just fine.
2) The D200 is VERY vulnerable to poor technique. All those pixels will
translate to subtle motion blurring that will make images soft. Work at
it and you'll soon bet getting sharp images.
3) The D200 is not the best high ISO machine, UNLESS you really nail
exposure, so take special care at higher ISO's as the camera is not
forgiving. I'm hoping the D80 is better in this respect. Nikon's best
high ISO cameras are the D2H and D50


I'll let you know how it performs in a few days

Have fun and take your time. All of these DSLRs are power tools...

http://members.aol.com/bobsprit/images/posetweby.jpg

RB

"Capt. Rob" wrote in message

In spite of owning the thing for a few months I can't answer that. I've
just been shooting with it.

I believe they should include a 2 day course with each purchase. There are
sufficient control buttons & options to warrant envy from an F18 Fighter
Pilot.
I'm embarrassed to say that I haven't figured out how to force fill flash as
yet... then again the clarity and ability to shoot in low light conditions
is nothing short of amazing. Due to work requirements, I estimate to be
fluent in D200 controls by the end of September simply because I will be
forced to use the camera every day.

A big beef is the size of the manual. I think the standard font size is 3!!
I'll have to review the Photography CD that accompanies it. You think they
would include a CD with a PDF version of the manual!

The D200 is bigger than my F4 and despite the multitude of control options
on that camera [I have a "Data-Back"].... I can still operate the F4 with
ease. Familiarity is the key..... this is not your point & shoot camera.
Anyone intimidated by complex operations should avoid the D200. Fortunately
I consider it as a challenge. I'm eager to learn all the possible options on
the controls.

I have a Manfrotto tripod and Manfrotto Pod with several mount heads. Now
all I need to do is purchase another Pelican Case foam liner and reposition
the components to fit the D200 & lens to my kit.

I'll post a series of pictures to webshots in a few days.

Thanx

CM

Sir, did you also buy the battery grip and flash?

I don't want to force money from your wallet, but.....

The SB600 and SB800 flashes quite honestly will tripple the indoor and
lowlight function of the D200. It's almost not worth trying to use it
in any other way, including outdoor fill. Only the Nikon flashes
utilize the full spectrum of metering, zoom and so on. They will also
greatly improve auto focus.
The battery grip improves balance and will keep you shooting. The D200
is a battery hog compared to other DSLRs, so the grip will give you
much more time to shoot.


RB

"Capt. Rob" wrote in message
oups.com...

Sir, did you also buy the battery grip and flash?

I don't want to force money from your wallet, but.....

The SB600 and SB800 flashes quite honestly will tripple the indoor and
lowlight function of the D200. It's almost not worth trying to use it
in any other way, including outdoor fill. Only the Nikon flashes
utilize the full spectrum of metering, zoom and so on. They will also
greatly improve auto focus.
The battery grip improves balance and will keep you shooting. The D200
is a battery hog compared to other DSLRs, so the grip will give you
much more time to shoot.

Both units will be secured in the next couple of weeks. I want to fully
familiarize myself with the basics first before I head into additional
territory. I will assess battery life with the current set-up in field
conditions. I am also going to purchase other options like the AC power cord
to work with the camera's potential with the computer.

CM

Both units will be secured in the next couple of weeks. I want to fully

familiarize myself with the basics first before I head into additional
territory. I will assess battery life with the current set-up in field
conditions. I am also going to purchase other options like the AC power
cord
to work with the camera's potential with the computer.


Good plan. The SB800 and 600 flashes are famous for being very capable
and yet quite confusing....to the point that some websites are up to
try and de-mystify them. The manuals are tough going. I have the
SB800...which I suggest because it comes with built in bounce card,
diffusion dome and better coverage.
Anyway...enjoy.


RB