d200, d3000 or d3100?

[gartea13]

I had originally planned on purchasing the d200 because of the great reviews, reasonable price, and all around high quality (from what I've been told), but after more thorough research, I am now unsure of this decision. I have a friend who owns the d3000 and loves it... it is about the same price as the d200 and they seem to be very similar models. The d3100 has 14.2MP whereas the other two have 10.2MP and it isn't much more expensive. I read a previous post saying that the d3000 and d3100 don't work with wireless remotes, which is a big turn off. Is this also true for the d200? Another post describes the d3000 and d3100 as "crippled" which is somewhat discouraging also. I just want to make sure i make the right decision... especially with all the different options presented! I am most interested in shooting portraits and sports, particularly the sport of rowing (which takes place a few hundred yards from land, making me think that more MP is important). What are the primary differences between the 3 models and which seems like it would best fit the things I am looking for? Thanks so much for any help and advice!

[candleman]

D200 & D3000 are very different models.

D200 is a semi-pro body and theD3000/3100 are bottom rung entry level.

I would go to DPREVIEW's Camera Comparisos and then add the ones you want to compare.
Buying Guide: Side-by-side: Digital Photography Review


What is your budget?
buying a body on the NIkon side I wouldn't buy anything less than a D90 or D7000.

[katahdin]

The d3000 is not "crippled" and it does work with the wireless remote. (The d3100 doesn't work with the remote).
Don't fall for the old, "My camera costs more than yours, so my pictures are definitely going to be better than yours" routine. The d3000, for the price, is an excellent camera and an excellent learning tool. I was looking at the d3100 as an upgrade, because of it's supposed high ISO peformance and superior sensor. But then I decided, I DON'T want to pay for "movies" I'm never going to use and the loss of wireless remote is just unexplainable and unacceptable. Nope, I'll keep struggling with my crippled , entry level, "worst camera Nikon ever made" d3000, for awhile.

[Almond.Butterscotch]

Katahdin is right- the D3000 and D3100 aren't crippled. The lack of a built-in focussing meter means that you can't use ever autofocus lens Nikon has ever made, but for the first many months, it won't matter. We're in a transition period now as it is; a couple years from now every lens Nikon makes will be AF-S and will autofocus on the D40/40x/60/3000/5000/3100/5100.

As for ISO capabilities, the D3100 is supposed to be the best, and that comes with the new technology. The D200 will likely be the worst as its the oldest, but offers the best ergonomics and body handling and control.