D200 or older D1X?

[Shelbell82]

I'm going to be digging my hole of debt pretty soon and I've been trying to figure out what camera to buy.* I currently use a D1X at work, but I want to buy my own personal camera so I don't have to worry about legal issues when I go off on a shooting spree of subjects that have nothing to do w/ my job...Anyway, I just wanted to get opinions on what would be smarter, buying a D200 or an older D1X?* (b/c I definitely can not afford the D2X)*

So far the D200 has gotten nothing but great reviews, but can someone who has shot w/ both tell me which one they like better and why?**(Since I live in the middle of BFE Texas, I haven't been able to even get my hands on a D200 to see if I like the feel of it yet.)* I'm not entirely worried about the megapixel issue b/c I currently have no plans to be shooting for anything larger than a 16" x 20"poster print and having a little weight on the camera doesn't bother me b/c I want to feel like I am holding something when I shoot.* I'll be using this personal camera to shoot weddings/"money-maker" jobs and to build up my portfolio for future professional endeavors.

Please help me choose!

Thanks,
Shelley

[JDArt]

That's a tough one. You can get a used D1X in mint condition for about $900 right now. Great camera. That much I can tell you. Its weakness is auto white balance, but that's fairly easy to get around.

I see the 5.2 megapixels as an advantage, actually. You buy the 200, and you'll need big film cards.

[Shelbell82]

Really? Where can you get it for that much? I've only looked on B&H, but they only have refurbished ones for $2699.95. Yeah, I really like the D1X and I don't normally use auto white balance b/c it is never right!! Thanks for the advice.

Good point about the 200 and having to buy larger film cards! Who needs all these megapixels anyway!?! LOL!

[badpickev]

i will add a few thoughts here. if i was to chose a used d1x or a d200. it would be a d200, with no debate or question. now if i was to think about a new d200 a used d1x and a fuji s2. it would be a d200, then the fuji, then the d1x.

the d200 is new and thus has the latest sensor, most resolution, and all the other goodies. Fuji S2 while its 4 years old, can really compete against the D1x and its auto wb is awesome. Ebay price on the S2 is about $650-$1000. you also get those awesome fuji colors, it is slower than the d1x though.

the d1x you know all about.

[JDArt]

Originally Posted by Shelbell82

Really? Where can you get it for that much? I've only looked on B&H, but they only have refurbished ones for $2699.95.

Don't look at B&H for used items. That's my opinion. You'll pay a lot more there. Go to eBay and do an advanced searched for D1X cameras that have sold recently. Range is $850 - $1300 at the moment. The ones at the upper end of that range typically come with accessories: lens, flash, etc.

[JDArt]

Badpickev may be right. I have not even touched a d200. If it's anything like the D100, though, I woiuld choose the d1x over it.

[Shelbell82]

I'm just a little nervous about buying used b/c I don't want to get stuck w/ someone else's defective crap, especially when I am spending so much money on it. *Obviously you haven't had many problems or else you wouldn't have given me that advice, so am I worrying for nothing?

[Shelbell82]

Originally Posted by JDArt

Badpickev may be right. I have not even touched a d200. If it's anything like the D100, though, I woiuld choose the d1x over it.

From reading all the reviews, I am getting that the D200 is closer to the D2X than it is to the D100.
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond200/

[JDArt]

Originally Posted by Shelbell82

I'm just a little nervous about buying used b/c I don't want to get stuck w/ someone else's defective crap, especially when I am spending so much money on it. *Obviously you haven't had many problems or else you wouldn't have given me that advice, so am I worrying for nothing?

Your concern is understandable. You have to be able to separate the reliable sellers from the bad ones. I personally have had only good luck buying photographic equipment from eBay sellers. And I do not always buy used. Here are some threads for reference:

http://www.photocamel.com/index.php/topic,3560.0.html

http://www.photocamel.com/index.php/topic,5038.0.html

[badpickev]

Originally Posted by Shelbell82

I'm just a little nervous about buying used b/c I don't want to get stuck w/ someone else's defective crap, especially when I am spending so much money on it.

i am the same way, but in the end it comes down to money. if you have the money and can aford the d200. get it. $1700 for 10mp, 5fps, and the rest of the toys that comes with it. its a no brainer. if its a stretch or if bad things intervene, then look used.