D200 or D5000

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lawrenceots

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Lawrence
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What would you keep? I was going to get rid of the D200, but I just had a quick play with it and the viewfinder is soo nice, and all the customisation with the camera settings...

Bearing in mind I need to get a 70-300 VR or thereabouts....
 
D200 all the way. Far superior build quality and handling, better waterproofness, better customisation, better balance with longer lenses.

The only downside is High ISO above 800 can be a bit dodgy, but nothing a bit of noiseninja cant solve.
 
Ohh decisions! I'm in turnmoil! :p
 
Tricky one d200 was a great camera but do wonder now would the d5000 have a better screen, sensor and probably take better pics
 
That's the thing - the D5k tales better quality - it has the sensor of the D300S, and the high iso is very good. But the 200 is obviously better build, slightly faster and I love the direct access to stuff, no flipping menu trips or stupid shortcuts.

And 2 months ago I bough 3 years insurance for it from Argos for £110.... :'(
 
D200 for me too. I have one and think the world of it, a super camera.
 
There is more to a DSLR than just advanced sensor technology - it might take superb pictures but if it's awkward & unpleasant to use then it could reduce the overall photographic experience.

The D5000 is really aimed at someone starting out with DSLR who is likely upgrading from a point & shoot "bridge" cam and wants something not too much bigger, but with the ability for a bit more control, picture quality and the ability to swap lenses.

The D200 does not have the latest technology but it still has the ergonomics and extra controls that someone will expect once they gain experience after perhaps starting with an entry level cam, then wanting to get something a bit less "toy like".
 
I doubt in real world low ISO shooting anyone could tell the difference between a D200 shot and a D5000 shot. Pixel peeping, maybe so, but who actually does that.
Besides, the D5000 cant get a lot of shots the D200 could, as you wouldnt dare take a D5000 out in rain, whereas a D200 is waterproof to quite a heavy downpoor. Surely better to have an image than no image?

The D200 still takes it for me.

Can use any Nikon F mount lens
Has the top LCD
Instant access through buttons to all major functions
Pro build quality
etc etc
 
The top LCD (or lack of) would be probably my main annoyance.

A traditional film SLR had an easy intuitive shutter dial and aperture dial on the lens, but a DSLR does not have a dial you can physically check by looking at the dial, so the only way to see what shutter & aperture you have set is to have to press an awkward "info" button or look at the settings in the viewfinder.

I don't think I have hardly ever used the viewfinder display or the rear display and only ever really look at the vital top LCD display.
 
boliston said:
The top LCD (or lack of) would be probably my main annoyance.


I don't think I have hardly ever used the viewfinder display or the rear display and only ever really look at the vital top LCD display.
Click to expand...

Same here.. Couldnt do without one TBH.
 
I can promise you will hate a D5000 over the D200. I changed from a D70 to the D5000 and not discounting the added features the layout is not as user frendily. I would suggest you keep the D200 and keep saving for D90 or even the D7000.
 
D200 all the way....Love mine to bits and would really love another but end of tax year and all that....HMRC will probably looking for the price of one and more...
 
DrRusty said:
I can promise you will hate a D5000 over the D200. I changed from a D70 to the D5000 and not discounting the added features the layout is not as user frendily. I would suggest you keep the D200 and keep saving for D90 or even the D7000.
Click to expand...

I think that someone used to the D200 form factor and control layout would not feel right reverting to the "consumer" form factor of the D90/D7000 even though it's leaps & bounds ahead of an entry level cam.

I was browsing in Jessops the other day and they had a D300s next to a D7000 and the D7000 definitely looked tiny compared to the D300s.
 
sorry to bring it up again, but...

I think I've decided I will keep the D200 and D5000. I currently have a 35 1.8, 85 1.8, 600 5.6 and 18-135. Getting rid of 18-135 for a 18 - 55 (rarely use that focal length anyway) and put some funds towards a 55-300 VR.

so when I do portraiture or glamour type photos, or anything that's 'controlled', I'll probably use the D5000. But out in the field with wildlife, probably the D200. I'd say, becasue of the size I'd take the 5000 as back up everywhere, but the fact they take different cards and batteries is a flipping pain!
 
I love the control you have with the AF on the D200 - all that customisation! Massive difference in burst mode, simply becasue I can choose when to fire etc over the 5000.
I'm going to get used to the quality - I just love the way it feels in the hand :)
 
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