Upgrading from D70

I the D200 advantages have a lot to do with what you like to shoot. I have a D70, D2H, and D200. I can’t bring myself to sell the D70 as some of my favorite pictures were made with it. I was however, really frustrated with two thing that made me want to upgrade: lack of controls on the camera and RAW buffer. I really didn’t like going into the menu to change metering mode, etc…and once I started shooting RAW the buffer on the D70 became a real weak point for me. So if you are into sports or wildlife I think these things plus the better AF and increased frame rate would be helpful.

As for the D80 vs D200, I think it would come down to controls on the camera and RAW buffer. If you don’t plan to shoot RAW and continious then that isn’t an issue.

Good luck with your decision…and if you are looking for a reason to upgrade, I’m sure you can find it in this forum:biggrin:

 

You already have what's really important for making great images, and that's a fine selection of lenses.

I have both the D200 and the D80, and I love both cameras. But they do serve different purposes. If you need a rugged camera with fast RAW fps, then consider the D200. If you need a lighter weight camera with excellent low-light performance, consider the D80. Given the fact that the D80 has the same size sensor as the D200, it is probably the better overall value.

You will enjoy either camera.

 

D200

 

I agree with Gale ... go with the D200. Pick one up and you will see why.

- Jay

 

I think you will be happier with the D200, although you may be more succeptable to tendonitis

 

With a D200 you have the opportunity to use MF lenses. There are a number of "gems" out there all a very reasonable price. MY AI and AIS work superbly with my D200. I can easily put 2 lenses in my windbreaker's pockets with a 3rd mounted on the camera and be in a position to photograph almost any subject.

 

Once you pick up a D200, you'll never put it down...least that's what happened to me

 

D200.

George.

 

D200, I've played pretty extensively with a D80 and it didn't make me want to replace my D70s as much as the D200 did. It doesn't really make me want to replace my D70s at all. But D200 does.

 

The D80 shoots cleaner than the D200. But having said that, you'll want the D200 if you want them to meter with your old lenses. However, if you've already been used to doing manual lenses on your D70, the D80 should be no problem.

I would go with the D80 route and save some money for some good lenses since you don't need a tougher and heavier magnesium body that can spew out 5fps.

 

Sorry. The only bodies that meters manual AiS lenses are the D200 and the pro D2 series bodies. All not cheap.

I think a better way to improve your photography is to get a decent body like the D80 and invest in good glasses like the 300mm f/4 or the 80-200mm f/2.8 for wildlife stuff. That way, you sidestep manual lenses and go straight with AF lenses.

 

The D200 can use a Katz-Eye focusing screen, which is split-prism and which works wonderfully for shooting macros and anything in Manual Focus.
http://www.katzeyeoptics.com

Going from the D70 to the D200 would be a much more significant upgrade and I think you would be happier in the long run because of the additional features and functions available on the D200 as opposed to the D70 or D80.

 

D200

 

I have to ask...

Then why did you post the original question?

 

It shouldn't make you nervous. The D200 and good CS skills should provide viable images as long as the shutter functions and/or they are fixing them.

At about 35K on my D70 (I figure about half way through, should take a few more years since I have the D200 now), I am still learning the instrument and how to get the best out of it.

Remember no one is guaranteed tomorrow, I know that for a fact as 4 years ago the women I thought I'd spend the rest of my life with died very suddenly. Be prudent but live well.