D200 or older D1X?

[JDArt]

Is $1700 the typical asking price?

[Nikonfreak]

Having already bought the D200, I'm a tad biased.

I have not used a D1x, but given the market perception and reality that the D200 is a D2x lite... there wouldn't be a second question in my mind as to which one I'd buy.

I'd buy another D200 in a heartbeat, in fact, I may have to do that... depends on whether I decide to sell my D100 or use it as a second body or go with a second D200 as a backup body.

Julio

[JDArt]

The D200 does sound like a better idea. I'm just used to the D1X and enjoy using it in the studio.

[badpickev]

Originally Posted by JDArt

Is $1700 the typical asking price?

yes that is the b&h price and i think its the same at ritz. its $1699

[Nikonfreak]

Originally Posted by JDArt

The D200 does sound like a better idea. I'm just used to the D1X and enjoy using it in the studio.

WARNING: PREPARE FOR BAD PUNS

You will absolutely love the D200.

I'm telling you, the two of you will really click. Soon you'll have all kinds of shutter releases that will really be fulfilling and if you're not careful, you'll have little wallet size photographs running around everywhere.

So join the "band" and earn your "stripes".



Julio

[dougjgreen]

I had a chance to handle a D200 last week. And I also seriously considered buying a used D1x last year, before deciding to get a Kodak DCS-760 instead. IMHO, the DCS-760 might be the best of the bunch for studio useage, but it's a big heavy honker - so much so that it gives one pause to carry it around anywhere that is not specifically a photography assignment. I also prefer the 1.3 vs. 1.5 crop factor and 6.3 vs. 5.2 MP resolution, but that's minor..

IMHO, the ergonomics of the D200 blow away both the D1x and the DCS-760 for field use. It's much lighter, but still feels quite solid and substantial. The big LCD is great. It's faster than either the D1x or the DCS-760. The D200 viewfinder is excellent. Most importantly, the battery technology of the D200 is an order of magnitude better than either the D1x or DCS-760 - in terms of power/weight ratio and battery life. And of course, addressing the prior post, you CAN use the D200 in a lower res mode (but you won't want to).

IMHO, if the price of the D200 is not a fatal problem, I'd certainly recommend going that route.

[JDArt]

I agree that the battery of the D1X is (another) weak point. However, I routinely replace the original batteries with the aftermarket ones, and I get about 1200 shots per charge, which is good enough for what I use the camera for.

Interesting to read your experiences about the Kodak.

[dougjgreen]

Interestingly enough, I actually just postponed my D200 jones for a while by buying an Olympus E-300 for under $450 (including their basic kit lens). It's super small and light, and I can use my Nikon glass in stopped down metering mode (including aperture priority AE) with an adapter. The 2.0 crop factor means it should be great with my Nikkor teles, and 50mm lenses used as an ultra fast tele, but worthless with my nikon Wide angles be;ow 35mm. Any wide angle shooting will require either the Olympus lenses or use of my DCS-760. The lack of metering with my manual focus glass is why I never did get a D100, D70 or D50.

At that price, The Olympus will pay for itself just by delaying my lust for a D200 till later in the year. Plus it gives me the chance to let the banding-affected D200 bodies work their way through the system and get fixed. And who knows, I might never even need to get the D200 now, so I can save up for the 16 MP full frame D300 coming out in late 2007 LOL!

[Nikonfreak]

After drinking a Mountain Dew, I am caffeined up... but since you guys are being serious...

Here's a real take. *If you were happy with the D1x in the studio, there's nothing not to like about the next generation in technology. *You can get the MB-D200 battery pack and get a vertical shutter release and basically double the battery life, which is excellent to begin with.

The D200's technology is leaps and bounds ahead of the older camera systems. *The focusing system is fantastic and the low light performance is much improved.

The view screen is a joy to use and it's bright and clear. *Older Nikon lenses can be used with this camera.

In the studio, check the color temp of your strobes and set the Kelvin WB.... BAM... done!

The camera feels solid in your hands. *The ergonomics are really nice and the buttons and dials are well placed.

Ah the sync socket....

When you are out in the field or about town taking pics or on vacation, you won't mind a lighter camera. (Take that MB-D200 pack off!)... The large LCD display on the back is absolutely lovely.

How do you beat the histogram??

Not to mention 10 megapixels? *"Shooting for the crop" takes on a whole new meaning here....

Aside from that, the 8 Gig Ultra II is available at clubmac for $365

Julio

[JDArt]

Julio, you're bad for my wallet.

But the proof is in the pudding. Do you have any D200 pictures you can show us?