I would like some help and guidance regarding the purchase of my first DSLR.I already have read some reviews concerning de D200 but I would like to compare with the D80
Thanks for your help
Posted by Steve Zimic on January 8, 2007 at 9:42 PM
If you go to Nikon's website and select any SLR there's a link to a PDF document that lists all the differences between the camera's. Or just click here. Mainly the differences are the weather proofing on the D200 and 5 versus 3 frames per second.
Posted by Kent Staubus on January 9, 2007 at 12:50 AM
I've been using the D80 for the past six weeks. While don't know everything about it, I'll list some pro and cons:
PROs
1. Compact, light weight
2. Image quality
3 Easy to learn to use
4. Easy to use
5. Supports SB-800 wireless flash, which is cool!
6. Truly usuable viewfinder
CONS
1. Not as well sealed as D200
2. No mirror lock up (does have one for sensor cleaning.)
3. 3 fps vs 5 fps
4. D200 meters with older AIS lenses
The meter on the D80 is the same as the D200, as is the sensor. For me, I just couldn't justify spending the extra cash on the D200. I spent it on an ultrawide lens instead and am perfectly happy with the choice. The D80 is a very usable camera. I like the smaller size very much. Image quality is great. Believe it or not, I ended up selling one of the first shots I made the first time I had the camera out to a major magazine!
Problem with the D200 is it's getting older. A new camera is coming due, and when it does the value of the D200 will drop like a rock. I just didn't see enough difference to justify the extra money. Note that the price on the D200 has dropped a little. I think this is due to the excellent value of the D80.
I've been using the D80 virtually every day for the past 6 -7 weeks, and so far do NOT regret buying it instead of the D200. Note that fast AF and fps are not a priority for me. My subjects tend to be stationary or predictible (trains, buildings.) AF on the D80 seems at least as fast as that on my F100.
Battery life on the D80 was a pleasant suprise for me. I'm also finding a lot of uses for the wireless SB-800 flash and may buy a second SB-600. I also intend to buy a Nikon 80-200mm f2.8 VR lens. I still think it's wiser to put money into lenses than into camera bodies.
Thanks a lot for your comments and help.It seems that the only serious issue against the D80 is the mirror lock up...
The comparative chart in the provided link was also very usefull
thanks again
Posted by Mark Fellowes on January 11, 2007 at 4:40 PM
Hi
I moved from a D70 to a D80 when it came out. The increase in sensor size is great, but I preferred the exposure on the D70, where you had to work a bit to blow highlights; setting -1/3 or even -1/2 of a stop exposure compensation sorts that out pretty much on the D80. The main issue is that I find it a bit small - I'm used to bigger camera bodies. So, if I had enough excuses to spend the difference, I would prefer a D200, but to be honest, it's more to do with handling, than anything else. Spend a bit of time with both and see what you think - they're both great cameras.
Fernando, it so happens that the Nikon D80 is my final choice for my first DSLR. I wanted a DSLR that I would feel confident in buying and using, and the D80 was it. I read many, many reviews and everyone of them highly recommends it. Find out for yourself. On your search engine type in Nikon Lens Links by Studio JW, welcome It should appear at or near the top of the list in the results of the search. Click on it and then click on Nikon DSLR on the menu bar. There you will find links to many reviews and information on the Nikon D80 and more.
I cut costs down for myself by researching the lenses too. Two quality prime lenses I have chosen is the 35mm f/2 Nikkor D for 365 dollars CAN) and the 50mm f/1.8 D. for 165 dollars (CAN). These lenses are far better rated than the lenses that come with the camera if you buy it as a kit.
Discussion
6 repliesThanks for your help
PROs
1. Compact, light weight
2. Image quality
3 Easy to learn to use
4. Easy to use
5. Supports SB-800 wireless flash, which is cool!
6. Truly usuable viewfinder
CONS
1. Not as well sealed as D200
2. No mirror lock up (does have one for sensor cleaning.)
3. 3 fps vs 5 fps
4. D200 meters with older AIS lenses
The meter on the D80 is the same as the D200, as is the sensor. For me, I just couldn't justify spending the extra cash on the D200. I spent it on an ultrawide lens instead and am perfectly happy with the choice. The D80 is a very usable camera. I like the smaller size very much. Image quality is great. Believe it or not, I ended up selling one of the first shots I made the first time I had the camera out to a major magazine!
Problem with the D200 is it's getting older. A new camera is coming due, and when it does the value of the D200 will drop like a rock. I just didn't see enough difference to justify the extra money. Note that the price on the D200 has dropped a little. I think this is due to the excellent value of the D80.
I've been using the D80 virtually every day for the past 6 -7 weeks, and so far do NOT regret buying it instead of the D200. Note that fast AF and fps are not a priority for me. My subjects tend to be stationary or predictible (trains, buildings.) AF on the D80 seems at least as fast as that on my F100.
Battery life on the D80 was a pleasant suprise for me. I'm also finding a lot of uses for the wireless SB-800 flash and may buy a second SB-600. I also intend to buy a Nikon 80-200mm f2.8 VR lens. I still think it's wiser to put money into lenses than into camera bodies.
Hope this helps.
Kent in SD
The comparative chart in the provided link was also very usefull
thanks again
I moved from a D70 to a D80 when it came out. The increase in sensor size is great, but I preferred the exposure on the D70, where you had to work a bit to blow highlights; setting -1/3 or even -1/2 of a stop exposure compensation sorts that out pretty much on the D80. The main issue is that I find it a bit small - I'm used to bigger camera bodies. So, if I had enough excuses to spend the difference, I would prefer a D200, but to be honest, it's more to do with handling, than anything else. Spend a bit of time with both and see what you think - they're both great cameras.
Hope this is of some help.
Mark
I cut costs down for myself by researching the lenses too. Two quality prime lenses I have chosen is the 35mm f/2 Nikkor D for 365 dollars CAN) and the 50mm f/1.8 D. for 165 dollars (CAN). These lenses are far better rated than the lenses that come with the camera if you buy it as a kit.
Will
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada
This might help!