D200 or D300 ?

[gasjkh2]

Can someone please give me some HONEST advice.

I have been on Nikonians etc looking at D300/D200 reviews.

I am considering upgrading D70s to one of these 2 two cameras for use in bird, landscape & portrait photography so needs to be vey versatile.

There is a big price diference with the D200 coming down in price fast at the moment which makes me think it will be a really good buy, but how well will it compare to the D300 which looks a very good camera.

There are also plenty of excellent reviews on the D200 also, so a D200 for £500 less looks attractive and affords me an opportunity to invest in some more glass (Nikon VR range?).

Any helpful advice & comments would be greatly appreciated by people who may have had experience at using these 2 good cameras?

I would like the D300 but am tempted towards the D300 because of the £ saving?

Thanks gasjkh2

[Duke Leto]

horses for courses, the D300 is a replacement and looking at the test reports it performs in certain areas far in excess of the D200 especially noise control, I for one have a D200 and its a great piece of kit but if I had a choice of what to buy today I would plump for the D300 because its newer, is it £500 better depends on what your doing, if your livelihood is photography I would say yes, if its not then what would you get for the D200 with that extra £500?

[GYRob]

Im A Canon user ( sorry for that ) but the d300 really must be worth the extra with better noise control etc but what amazes me is it has the same AF system as the top of the range D3 that alone would be worth the extra to me.
We Cxxxx guys have to buy the 1d series to get the best AF system Cxxxx offer -if i did not have so much tied up in my system that d300 would be first on my list.
Rob

[pe'rigin]

Both cameras are very good, I think that I would go and try out both at Jessop’s with your own card and analyse the results. I don’t think you’ll see a huge difference on an ordinary monitor. The D300 image should be cleaner with more definition.

The plus for the D300 is the higher ISO that the camera can use.
More focusing points and a new processing engine.
It has better waterproof sealing and live View with a 3” screen.
New and bigger sensor and it has a sensor-cleaning unit.

Downside is the extra £500.

I agree with Steve and Rob, with the D3 and D300, these are cameras that demand to be used.

With the price difference between the D200/300 being important, it’s not an easy choice.

[Outboard]

Having used the D200 for nearly 2 years I can assure you that the D300 is well worth the extra. The target aquisition and tracking is vast improvement over the D200, noise is better, the whole build is better than the D200 which was extremely good but the D300 improves on it.

[Duke Leto]

Having used the D200 for nearly 2 years I can assure you that the D300 is well worth the extra. The target aquisition and tracking is vast improvement over the D200, noise is better, the whole build is better than the D200 which was extremely good but the D300 improves on it.

BUT, if I get excellent results from my D200 what benefit will I get from a D300?? I have an uncle that every year buys a new set of golf clubs because he believes they are better than the previous years model, does his golf improve, I think we all know the answer to that one.................

I'm not saying that the D300 isn't worth it, I'm just saying is it $1000 / £500 better? £500 is half a used Sigma 500/4.5 lens, now would I rather get a D200 and half way to a good birding lens or buy the D300 and have to wait even longer for a quality lens?
Ahh maybe thats it, the noise improvement makes up for the fact that you can only afford to buy low cost optics so need the faster focusing and improved performance3:-)

Bottom line, if I was wealthy enough I would buy a D300 but as a normal member of society I love my D200 and will continue to use it until the D400 is launched and I can buy a D300 for £400.00:eek!:

[Leif]

I agree with much of the advice. But why not wait around until the D300 drops in price. My guess is that it will drop to £1000 in a few months, and maybe even less.

Maybe you need to examine your pictures taken with a D70s, and ask yourself what you need to make them improve? Is it technique? Is it fieldcraft? Is it better high ISO performance? Or more detail? Or longer lenses?

For landscape and portrait, the D200 would be fine, but for A3 enlargements I think the D300 would win. But you would need the best glass and excellent technique to realise the potential.

[Duke Leto]

Leif well said, never thought about my trusty D70s.....still produces cracking shots, now why did I buy a D200.....

[pe'rigin]

Steve, Leif,


I don’t think that you will see a reduction in cost for the D300. Nikon intend to keep the D200 in production manufacture, so they are not going to reduce it significantly.

My view would be the launch of a D400 at a higher retail cost late next year, retaining the D300 at the £1000 mark.

I’ve noticed that the 2Dxs has been removed from their listing, I still think that this is a great camera, if you can pick one up at a reduced price, even better.

The only hope, (if you can call it that), would be the squeeze on consumer credit in the USA and UK which may alter Nikons view of the marketplace.

[pduxon]

fwiw the D300 was initially selling for £1299 but is now available for £1199

[pe'rigin]

The reduction on the D300 was probably due to Canon's reducing the 40D, can't see a price war erupting, both Canon and Nikon are too sensible for that.

But, wouldn’t it be great if they both started to slash their product costs, we live in hope.

[Outboard]

BUT, if I get excellent results from my D200 what benefit will I get from a D300??

The benefit that you would get from a D300 as opposed to a D200 is getting a shot or not getting a shot. I can take a picture of a black cat in a dimly lit room with my D300, with the D200 I cant, simple as that. Same with birds, I often miss a shot with the D200 because I can not acquire a focus lock not a problem with the D300. In the US the D300 is $1799 and the D200 is $1429, so $370 difference if my maths is anything to go by. Worth the difference, too bloody right it is on the focusing alone.

[gasjkh2]

Thanks everyone.

I have been reading up on the D300 on the net and have to admit, it looks a cracking piece of kit for bird photography and getting rave reviews from people like Ken Rockwell compared to D200 which I also like.

Can anyone suggest any reliable websites to purchase from abroad?
Either in the US or Hong Kong or wherever else you recommend?

I bought my D70s from HK and have been pleased with it's performance but struggling with bird photography, especially in poor light situations.

Thanks gasjkh2

[Duke Leto]

The benefit that you would get from a D300 as opposed to a D200 is getting a shot or not getting a shot. I can take a picture of a black cat in a dimly lit room with my D300, with the D200 I cant, simple as that. Same with birds, I often miss a shot with the D200 because I can not acquire a focus lock not a problem with the D300. In the US the D300 is $1799 and the D200 is $1429, so $370 difference if my maths is anything to go by. Worth the difference, too bloody right it is on the focusing alone.

£900 for a D300 now thats a real bargain, when Nikon announced the D300 release they were quoted as saying it was a replacement for the D200......

I like the logic outboard but if we extend that in the future it equates to every one getting every shot all the time if the camera manufactures keep making progress. (I personally know one pro photographer that is not rushing out to sell his D2xs's for a D3's)

About 30 years ago I could take pictures of black cats in a coal cellar why is technology going backwards..........
Oh thats right I used to focus it myself, do you think if we applied Darwin's (the scientist not the canoeist) theory to the human race we would loose the ability to rotate our left or right hands if we continue to rely on AF...... 8-P

[Outboard]

gasjkh2 asked for honest opinions about purchasing a D200 or a D300. As someone who has both I have given him my opinion. The D200 is an excellent camera, no doubt about it. The D300 is better, not just a little better in one or two features but better all round, Focusing, tracking, battery life, viewfinder, construction, liveview, noise etc etc etc.

Not just my personal opinion either.

D300 Camera of the Year 2007 (http://www.popphoto.com/cameras/4911/camera-test-nikon-d300.html)

[Duke Leto]

Sorry outboard, I was just being light hearted about the whole progression of technology thing not trying to belittle anyones comments....Always looking on the bright side of life

btw on eBay in the UK we can now buy the D300 for £1000 inc shipping from the far East, they'll be £900 after Christmas

[Duke Leto]

Thanks everyone.

I have been reading up on the D300 on the net and have to admit, it looks a cracking piece of kit for bird photography and getting rave reviews from people like Ken Rockwell compared to D200 which I also like.

Can anyone suggest any reliable websites to purchase from abroad?
Either in the US or Hong Kong or wherever else you recommend?

I bought my D70s from HK and have been pleased with it's performance but struggling with bird photography, especially in poor light situations.

Thanks gasjkh2

I have used Kea Photo on eBay and never had a problem with them

[gasjkh2]

Thanks everyone.

Kea Photo & Digital Rev look favourable.
Reading Outboards comments makes me think he is talking sense on this thread.

If I can get a D300 for £900 after Xmas, I will go for it, otherwise the D200 looks excellent value for money with a big step up from my D70s which is till a good camera for landscapes etc.

Maybe the D300 will be £600 also in 2 years time?

[Outboard]

Reading Outboards comments makes me think he is talking sense on this thread.


Don't I always talk sense? 3:-)

[Leif]

The reduction on the D300 was probably due to Canon's reducing the 40D, can't see a price war erupting, both Canon and Nikon are too sensible for that.

But, wouldn’t it be great if they both started to slash their product costs, we live in hope.

The D300 is now down to £1,099 at two shops:

http://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk/prod585.html

And it is not even the New Year sales yet. Care to take a bet on the pricing? :)

Incidentally shops in the UK are reporting poor sales, due to high housing costs I guess.

[Leif]

my trusty D70s.....still produces cracking shots, now why did I buy a D200.....

Because it is a fine camera with MLU and a brighter viewfinder. I do not regret buying a D200. But I am not sure I will go for a D300 despite its charms.

[gasjkh2]

Can anyone please tell me if the D300 takes CF cards?

I have a D70s currently and am trying to find out if all my kit will work on a D300 or D200 when I upgrade?

What about remote D70s remote flash cable, batteries, etc ?

[Outboard]

The D300 takes CF cards and the battery is the same as in use on the D200 the EN-EL3e, however the D300 will take in the region of 2000 shots on one charge. You view the D300 pdf manual on line to see the compabilty with older equipment.

[Duke Leto]

The D300 is now down to £1,099 at two shops:

http://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk/prod585.html

And it is not even the New Year sales yet. Care to take a bet on the pricing? :)

Incidentally shops in the UK are reporting poor sales, due to high housing costs I guess.

I always said it would be sub £1000 after Christmas and I think I suggested that £900 will be the price to buy it at............... more importantly what price will it be in June when I get my bonus???

[gasjkh2]

Thanks everyone for there input.

Bought a nearly new D200 (less than 3000 actuations) from well known auction site today with hand grip, batteries & CF cards, almost new for less than £600 - great deal.

Will let you all know how I get on with my new camera.

Regards gasjkh2

[Duke Leto]

look forward to seeing your results with the D200

[pe'rigin]

Thanks everyone for there input.

Bought a nearly new D200 (less than 3000 actuations) from well known auction site today with hand grip, batteries & CF cards, almost new for less than £600 - great deal.


Excellent, good choice.

Now how's about a 400mm F2,8 VR going with it?

[gasjkh2]

Perigin - this is my next target but have got to save some shillings now until my summer bonus. Does VR technology work?
Also which lense would anyone recommend?

I have been reading conflicting reports but would appreciate 1st hand accounts from forum readers.

I have been using the Bigma up until now & pleased with it on my D70s - hoping the D200 will take to another level though?

Currently I have no ND filter on the end but have read that these work well with this combination - can anyone advise?

[pe'rigin]

Does VR technology work?
Also which lense would anyone recommend?


Yes it does, but it's not always the answer.

On the lense the best that you can afford or justify, whether, Nikon or Sigma or others.

I like these Nikon's, 300mm 2.8 VR, 105 2.8 VR and the 70-200mm 2.8 VR, but they are expensive.

The 300mm F4 is also a little cracker.

Anything above the 400mm mark, zoom or prime does come with a wealth warning with NIkon.

[Tim Taylor]

Thanks everyone for there input.

Bought a nearly new D200 (less than 3000 actuations) from well known auction site today with hand grip, batteries & CF cards, almost new for less than £600 - great deal.

Will let you all know how I get on with my new camera.

Regards gasjkh2

I'm glad you made that decision. The D300 seems a fab camera but the biggest difference improvements in picture quality seem to me to relate to getting better lenses all other things being equal. Hope you get a good summer bonus now for that new glass... ;) ;)

[Leif]

I always said it would be sub £1000 after Christmas and I think I suggested that £900 will be the price to buy it at............... more importantly what price will it be in June when I get my bonus???

It's now down to £1,044.99:

http://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk/prod585.html

[Doug Greenberg]

In terms of bang-per-buck it's always smartest to hone in on the next-to-current technology, not the latest and greatest. The D200 is or will soon be an amazing bargain. The D300 appears to be a better performer in some ways and that extra performance is worth how much???? That's a personal thing, right?

And in two more years there will be something newer and much better and many of us will wonder how we all got along with old, primitive cameras like the D200. Hey, a few years ago I marvelled at what my D100 was capable of.

[Duke Leto]

It's now down to £1,044.99:

http://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk/prod585.html

okay so I was £45.00 out, theres still time..............

Happy new year B (:

[Vectis Birder]

I want to buy a second Nikon body later this year (I currently have the D80) and am looking at getting a D200 or D300. I'll probably go for a D200, if it's not completely discontinued, as it's fast becoming an absolute bargain.

[gasjkh2]

Hello Vectis

I was the originator of this thread, and as you can see, this has created a lot of discussion amongst members. I toyed for ages on the D200 v D300 question.

Ealy days for me, but I purchased the D200 1 week ago, and I am extremely impressed with this professional style camera - all I can say to you is, try one before you buy, drive a hard deal and grab yourself a bargain!!

Yes it is a steep learning curve (I also bought myself the D200 training DVD from Blue Crane Digital, guy on EBAY sells them for £20.00 & worth every penny))

I purchased my D200 2nd hand (only 2500 actuations) from somone upgrading to a D300 with the battery pack thrown in with CF cards & spare batteries for half the price of a D300!

The camera is in immaculate condition, apart from some dust on the sensor, so will have to clean this.

I upgraded from a D70s which I am keeping, but what I noticed immediately was that my BIGMA 500mm lense focus's quicker on the D200 also, which suggests you need decent glass to get the best out of this camera?

Is the D200 currently the best value camera on the UK market, easily capable of taking professional quality images?

YES - Get yourself a bargain!

[pe'rigin]

Vectis,


Nikon have said they 'intend' to keep up with the production of the D200.

DSLR camera sales have just reached an all time high. I was wrong with the price war, something most un-Nikon like is happening, they are lowering their prices this Christmas.

I don't really know what's going on, UK camera shops are now open to offers on Nikon cameras. If they decide to do like-wise with the lenses, then whay-he!

It would be interesting if Doug is finding the same panick selling in the USA!

[Vectis Birder]

Vectis,


Nikon have said they 'intend' to keep up with the production of the D200.

DSLR camera sales have just reached an all time high. I was wrong with the price war, something most un-Nikon like is happening, they are lowering their prices this Christmas.

I don't really know what's going on, UK camera shops are now open to offers on Nikon cameras. If they decide to do like-wise with the lenses, then whay-he!

It would be interesting if Doug is finding the same panick selling in the USA!

Excellent. Now I just have to find me a job...

[Jaff]

Check out mpbphotographic's website. They've got a virtually mint second-hand D200 going cheap, a bargain!

[Vectis Birder]

Looks great, but even so, I have to save the pennies until I get a job.

[bkrownd]

I want to buy a second Nikon body later this year (I currently have the D80) and am looking at getting a D200 or D300. I'll probably go for a D200, if it's not completely discontinued, as it's fast becoming an absolute bargain.

D300 prices should be down by then - won't you always wonder "what if?" every time you see some noise in your photo or realize the shutter should have been just a bit faster to make the image perfect? There's also a potential D80 revision to consider. What about the D40x?

[Vectis Birder]

D300 prices should be down by then - won't you always wonder "what if?" every time you see some noise in your photo or realize the shutter should have been just a bit faster to make the image perfect? There's also a potential D80 revision to consider. What about the D40x?

I was actually thinking about that last night. By the time I am able to save up £1300 the price will probably have come down by an appreciable amount so I will maybe end up getting the D300. I was reading a review in Practical Photography yesterday and the much improved noise levels at high ISO's is very attractive, especially living in Britain where light levels are often poor, especially in winter - I have photos taken at high ISO's on my D80 and the noise levels are a real pain.

As for the D40x, that is a very attractive little camera for a great price, but I'd like something a little more robust. The D300 has a more rugged build, with a magnesium alloy chassis and weather sealing. As I'm out in rain as well as good weather, that is a consideration.

[Keith Reeder]

Additionally, you're badly limited for lenses with the D40/D40x because of the lack of an in-camera AF drive motor.

[rioja]

I purchased my D200 ( my first DSLR) 8 month ago for £834. Had I known the D300 would be out by now I would have hung on, but I would have missed out on so much pleasure in the meantime that I have no regrets.
I also bought the Nikon .80-400 VR to go with it at about £950. I wish I had bought a prime or even the 200-400 VR. I hadn't realised how addictive bird photography was going to become.
I am about to buy a Manfrotto 055Pro tripod and I do wonder if I will regret not spending more in a years time when and if I purchase that much desired bigger bit of glass !