OT: Coming Nikon DSLR - D80?

harmsr said:
Don't get me wrong the D80 is a nice camera, but the files out of the D200 are noticeably better.

Why is that? I thought they had the same sensor. Is the processing different?
 
If you have a bunch of compatible Nikon lenses, go for it. If not go Canon or Pentax. At least they have the decency to inlude the full RAW conversion software in the box.
I have a Nikon film system but I would never buy one of their DSLRs. After lots of testing I think Canon really does have better image quality. Pentax seems to offer the best bang for the buck and the new K10D looks really exciting - basically a D200 for half the price.
The best DSLR for my Nikon lenses is the Fuji S3 Pro (speaking strictly from an image quality point of view). I recently shot a night time skyline shot that was printed 16' x 20' (that's right - feet!) to be used as a backdrop for a TV set, like on the Tonight Show.
 
Stephan said:
Well, in all fairness its a very long focal range. As for the CF to SD change I agree, that's the one thing that really pisses me off about buying this camera, I'm going throught the rigmarole of selling my CF cards and replacing them with SD... annoying move from nikon, I wonder wether they may have done that on purpose to try and position the d80 out of competition with the d200 (ie d200 is for pro photographers who use CF cards already and SD cards are for entry-level amateur gear).

It might also be a move to distinguish Nikon from the similar Canon products, most of which use CF cards.
 
I too recently purchased an S3 Pro and have been very impressed by the image quality. My D70 is faster on the download than the S3 but no where near the image detail. I think Fuji is about to release a new version so the S3 can be had for less than $1200. I really like the wider DR of the S3. 🙂
 
tomtodeath said:
to be, or not to be? i need a digital slr, and i need to decide by the end of next week. i have a limited budget, so the d200 is a bit too much. im leaning towards the d80, unless someone wants to change my mind.

Nikons are good cameras; and from what I've read about the D80, it sounds like a good deal. If you want to get into a DSLR system, Nikon will generally cost you a bit less than Canon for similar functionality. Canons are also good cameras. One thing to think about is that you're buying into a system; and the decision you make now is going to have a lot of effects downstream, if you plan to get serious about photography. If you're not all that serious, don't worry about it.

I use both rangefinder and SLR cameras (M7, R-D1, Nikon D2x.) If someone were to steal my Nikon system, I might just replace it, but I might also take a long look at the new Pentax K10, especially with the new "pancake" lenses. There are also a lot of really great Pentax lenses floating around out there that the new camera can use, and they're dirt cheap. I'm almost tempted to buy the new Pentax just to see how great a system I could put together for less than say, $2,000 total. With the K10 at $900, and $1100 for glass, I bet you could put together an unbelievably good Pentax system...

JC
 
tomtodeath said:
is the durability and weather sealing that much better on the d200 worth the extra money?

The answer is definitely yes, if you will be exposing your camera to such conditions. I guess the bottom line is what you are going to use the camera for, and what is good enough for your needs.
 
Ray,

The images from the D200 have more 3D quality to them and they seem to handle a larger dynamic range with more highlight and shadow detail. This is with both cameras shooting RAW and the same RAW processor.

Are the sensors identical or different? I don't know. If I am shooting RAW in both cameras, theoritically no in camera processing should be done.

I would be happy to send you a file from each of the same scene, using the same lens, if you want to make a comparison. (email me off-line)

Best,

Ray
 
well im not going to be travelling to places with extreme conditions, nor do i plan on actually using it in the rain/snow, but the lack of sealing in the d80 worries me, as ive never owned a digital slr before, and have no idea how easily things like moisture and condensation, etc.., could ruin such a camera.

also, the speed of the d200 would be nice, but i dont feel its necessary, and im also trying to decide if id rather have speed or battery life, and money left over for lenses, and a good flash. especially if i decide that the 18-200 lens is going to be too slow, im going to need the extra money. so to make a long story short, i want the d80 to be good enough, but would purchase the d200 if necessary.
 
harmsr said:
Ray,

The images from the D200 have more 3D quality to them and they seem to handle a larger dynamic range with more highlight and shadow detail. This is with both cameras shooting RAW and the same RAW processor.

Are the sensors identical or different? I don't know. If I am shooting RAW in both cameras, theoritically no in camera processing should be done.

I would be happy to send you a file from each of the same scene, using the same lens, if you want to make a comparison. (email me off-line)

Best,

Ray

Ray & Ray,

See the link I posted above for the specs on all the Nikon DSLR's. Yes, the D80 and the D200 have the same sensor. In fact there are apparently very few differences between the two, definitely the weather sealing and the fps rate (which is what is steering me towards the D200). I think the D200 has a bigger buffer too; although I don't know what/where that spec is. The Rockwell site makes a good comparison between the D2X and the D200. He'll probably do a similar comparison between the D80 and the D200 (if he hasn't already). He seemed to like the D70.

Ray 😉
 
harmsr said:
Ray,

The images from the D200 have more 3D quality to them and they seem to handle a larger dynamic range with more highlight and shadow detail. This is with both cameras shooting RAW and the same RAW processor.

Are the sensors identical or different? I don't know. If I am shooting RAW in both cameras, theoritically no in camera processing should be done.

I would be happy to send you a file from each of the same scene, using the same lens, if you want to make a comparison. (email me off-line)

Best,

Ray

Interesting. Thanks for the offer. I am not yet planning to buy either, but when I do, I may take you up on it.
 
i only actuially ordered it, and it hasnt came yet. my decison to go with the d200 was not only the 5fps but the better build and weather sealing. it will be the first new camera ive ever owned, and 20 something years younger than my newest camera, and im not fond of plastic. im going to like the weight of it.
 
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