Nikon D80 or Nikon D200

[riverslucas]

Hi all!

I'm thinking about buying a DSLR this year, actually in a couple of months, and I can't wait for it! :) anyway, I was searching on the Internet about the D80, and I liked this camera, for me, It has almost the same features as a D200, but is cheaper, anyway, in my research, I discover that the D200 has 1005 pixel 3D color Matrix metering II, and the D80 has 420 pixel 3D color Matrix metering II, I don't know what this is :confused: , can anybody explain this to me, and help me with my decision, what could be better, a d80 or a d200? :confused:

[Markus]

Depends on the budget and how serious you are.

Performance between the two is near-identical. I've been impressed with my D80 since I first layed hands on it. It's big, chunky and built like a tank. Really a great body to handle and use, the LCD and menu are fantastic. In comparison, the D200 is big, chunky and built like a bomb-shelter. Weather-proof sealing, magnesium alloy body and what not... it's a more rugged body.

Concerning the Matrix Metering II, I could only assume that the D200's metering is more accurate. Sorry, but I don't know either.

One aspect I know the D80 mauls the D200 in though is battery life. From what I've heard from D200 users it's not that great.
I can easilly rack off 600 odd photos on a single charge. It's phenomonal, make's life a whole lot easier. That said, I wouldn't mind the D200's 5fps...

In summation, you would not be dissapointed in either body one bit. It's just a matter of need, do you need the ruggedness and durability of the D200 for what you aim to shoot?

[Saralonde]

I'm not personally familar with either of these, but here is a side by side comparison:
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=nikon_d80%2Cnikon_d200&show=all

[riverslucas]

Depends on the budget and how serious you are.

Performance between the two is near-identical. I've been impressed with my D80 since I first layed hands on it. It's big, chunky and built like a tank. Really a great body to handle and use, the LCD and menu are fantastic. In comparison, the D200 is big, chunky and built like a bomb-shelter. Weather-proof sealing, magnesium alloy body and what not... it's a more rugged body.

Concerning the Matrix Metering II, I could only assume that the D200's metering is more accurate. Sorry, but I don't know either.

One aspect I know the D80 mauls the D200 in though is battery life. From what I've heard from D200 users it's not that great.
I can easilly rack off 600 odd photos on a single charge. It's phenomonal, make's life a whole lot easier. That said, I wouldn't mind the D200's 5fps...

In summation, you would not be dissapointed in either body one bit. It's just a matter of need, do you need the ruggedness and durability of the D200 for what you aim to shoot?

-------------------------------------

yeah... I read also that battery issue, I have a coolpix 3100, and the suddenly the batteries run out rapidly, and I hate it. I'm thinking about the D80, my budget fits for that camera, because 1600 for the D200 it's too much for me. Thanx for the reply! :D

[Englishteacher]

I am a D70 user (immediate predecessor to the D80) and love it. I looked at Saralonde's specs and find that most features are identical. Unless you need the faster shutter speeds or work a lot in wet environments or absolutely need one of the other few advantages, I would save the $500 or so and put it into a really good long lens!

Besides that, consider the weight difference. If you intend to carry the camera around a lot without the absolute need for the other features, the extra weight will get to you in short order. I know, I carried my D70 all over London last year and that was enough for me!

[bored_stupid]

I bought the D200 a month ago and i love it. I got it because the price has dropped to reasonable level, but the D80 is also a great camera. The D200 has got some extra features; but would you need or want them. In the end only you can decide. But which ever way you go, you will have a great photographic tool. but remember, you are the one who sees the scene, the camera just sees 18% grey.

[mikem12188]

bored_stupid,

It has been my experience in life (not that I'm old) that most people want what they don't have. After you buy a camera, you'll probably want a better(?) one. My advice(for what it's worth) buy what you want and HAVE FUN with it. In a year or two you'll probably want something better.:cool:

[bored_stupid]

I agree mikem12188.
Shortly after buying the D200, "in fact the same day in the same shop" I came across a s/h D2H, perfect condition and cheaper than the D200. 4mp maybe, but the thought of owning a real pro camera "so to speak", did get my mind thinking.

[riverslucas]

I agree mikem12188.
Shortly after buying the D200, "in fact the same day in the same shop" I came across a s/h D2H, perfect condition and cheaper than the D200. 4mp maybe, but the thought of owning a real pro camera "so to speak", did get my mind thinking.

It also happened to me.... hahahaha :D but I've made up my mind. The D80 fits my budget and my expectations, and as Mikem said, I'll have fun with it!

thank you all for the replies!!!... is good to have nice opinions!!! :D

[bingo]

bored_stupid,

It has been my experience in life (not that I'm old) that most people want what they don't have. After you buy a camera, you'll probably want a better(?) one. My advice(for what it's worth) buy what you want and HAVE FUN with it. In a year or two you'll probably want something better.:cool:

I agree. I was in the same hurdle 3 moths ago. I decided to go with the D200. It was totally worth it.