D2x v D90 v D200 v D300s

[zephod]

I have several real estate clients and the time has come to add a second body. I can get a D2x or D200 for about the same price as I can get a D90 and I'm trying to decide between those three and a 70-200 VRI or a D300s and waiting until summer to pick up the lens. Real Estate work is my primary bread and butter right now but I've got about 20 people who want to do their senior portraits in the next 3 months which is one of the reasons I want to pick up the 70-200.

I keep thinking that the D2x or D200 might be the better choices but really this is when I could use some other viewpoints.

Doug

[kirbinster]

I would skip the D2x and D200 as they are older technology and the sensors in the D90 and D300 are much better. The D90 and the 70-200 now might be your best bet. Not sure what type of realestate photos you are talking about, but if indoors the higher ISO capabilities of the D90 and D300 will serve you well.

[OsmosisStudios]

I'll agree with Kirbinster here: get one of the newer bodies. As always, though, I'd recommend getting as much as you can out of it, so I'd be the one to suggest waiting just a bit and get the D300s and the lens.

Is there any reason you want a SECOND body instead of a replacement?

[zephod]

I have about 20 regular clients now that are purchasing everything from MLS shots fof the web to printed brochures and everything in between. So I'm doing interior shots, exterior shots and whatever features might be on the order. Just a few days ago I had one where the homeowners wanted a low light shot of the living room with the fireplace highlighted and although I LOVE my D80, and always will, it was certainly a moment when I wanted better low light capability.

Is there any reason you want a SECOND body instead of a replacement?

Several... First I realized how hosed I'd be if my one body crapped out on a weekend when I had shoots scheduled. I'd really like to know my way around my equipment and not be trying to learn the gear while learning the layout of a shoot. Second, I'd probably park the 10-20 on my D80 and use it for exteriors for now along with all the other uses for a back up camera.

I have about 2 weeks before I'm going to make the purchase so maybe I'll just keep looking for a gently used 300s (since the difference in price for a 300 and 300s is miniscule) and a even more gently used 70-200 vr I. Part of me keeps thinking I should just take the SBA loan and just gear out in one fell swoop but I really like not having that sort of bill hanging over my head.

Doug

[Almond.Butterscotch]

In my book, it goes D300s (hands down), then maybe even a tie between the D200 and D90. The D90 is definately better in terms of the sensor and quality (it is, afterall, as stated, newer), but personally, I liked the way the D200 felt in my hands. More rugged- but thats why I stick the D300 at the top there- newer and rugged.

Skip the D2x altogether. You can find the D300 on ebay used for under $1k easy (anywhere from 3000-20000 actuations); not so sure about the 300s