Former D200 User, Now D5000, Considering D200 Again (2nd Body)

I shot briefly with a Nikon D200 earlier last year, later sold it when times were tough, downgrading to a D60. Later, when funds allowed, I got a D5000. That's been my primary camera since (with the "secondary" either being a D40 or D40x, mainly my wife uses it) and I'm basically happy with it.

However I have the chance to get a D200 on a good deal, and it's tempting me. I've considered getting as a second body, NOT for replacing the D5000. The main thing I think that tempts me is (a) the larger viewfinder (b) non AF-S compatibility (even meters with manual-focus lenses, although I have none) and (c) compatibility with the Capture NX 1.3 I still have (never bothered upgrading to NX2).

I do a lot of landscapes, although at times I do take advantage of the great ISO 1600 performance of the D5000 and like it.

When I got the D5000 I could've gotten the D200 with a bit more of a stretch. I chose the D5000 because of the newer 12mp CMOS sensor, and because many of the features which I had missed in my D200, it has. 11 autofocus points, ISO in the viewfinder, 1/3 ISO steps, JPEG options in Raw+JPEG mode, plus it stays "neutral" with its image processing like the D300 instead of going for "consumer friendly" as, say, the D60 did with its 10mp sensor vs how the D200 did it.

And, at times, I have liked having the swivel LCD. The D5000 may not work with Capture NX 1.3, but I convert to DNG and Photoshop CS opens it, since I shoot "neutral" anyway there's no issue with not being able to reverse "over-processing."

Every logical thought in me says: just stay where you are, you're fine, or if you do need the larger viewfinder and non-AF-S lens compatibility of the D200-D80 series but can't swing a D300, the obvious choice would be the D90. It has most of these features & also its NEF files can be easily "hacked" to open up in NX 1.3 natively.

Plus, I prefer image navigation in playback with the newer models. I didn't like the "press button-turn thumbwheel" setup of the D200; I didn't mind it when my D50 worked like that. but after getting used to the new way, I found the old way uncomfortable.

And, besides all of that, since I don't have a lot of glass, and the 50mm is the only non AF-S lens I'm seriously considering (maybe the "old" Tokina 12-24 f/4 as well, and it's been updated anyway), another thought is that it would be better to spend the money on a new lens, or a dedicated flash etc for flash shots (I often "lazy-out" with the pop-up, or try to use an old non-dedicated flash with all the fiddling it entails).

Have any of you gone back & forth with a D5000 vs a D200? I have heard many who mention shooting with a D300 buying a D5000 as a "walk-around" SLR, since they have the same sensor (and same imaging characteristics), but any D5000-D200 "straddling the fence" users here?

Thoughts? Am I crazy?

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LRH
http://www.pbase.com/larrytucaz
{ http://larrytxeast.smugmug.com/ (inactive) }

The only reasons I can think of to have a second body is for backup at events or to have two completely different lenses available to you without having to change them in the field. Do either of those apply to you? There isn't that much difference to you in features, it appears.

Keep your money and wait and see what happens with the next iteration of the D300-D400. The result will be a drop in D300 prices as everyone flocks to the new body. I can't see any advantage to getting a D200 unless the price was like $400. I suspect that you can get excellent results with a D5000 if you know what you're doing.

I always travel with two D300 bodies and it's a curse. Now I'm paranoid if I leave one home, the other might brake and I'll be screwed. It weighs a ton, but there's redundancy especially if you travel off the beaten path.

FWIW, I am thinking of a D5000 just for the weight savings, but I would also need lighter lenses.

This whole photography thing is a curse.
--
vettran.zenfolio.com

I would be lost without my D200, I tried the 300 and gave it back, It just wasn't for me, If the price is right you can't beat the D200, It is a work horse.
--

Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming - ' Wow! What a ride!'

D200, D5000, D60, D40, D4x, D90, D300,

"And, besides all of that, since I don't have a lot of glass, and the 50mm is the only non AF-S lens I'm seriously considering (maybe the "old" Tokina 12-24 f/4 as well, and it's been updated anyway), another thought is that it would be better to spend the money on a new lens, or a dedicated flash etc for flash shots (I often "lazy-out" with the pop-up, or try to use an old non-dedicated flash with all the fiddling it entails)."

...?!?!?!?

It contains factually incorrect statements such as: " because many of the features which I had missed in my D200, it has. 11 autofocus points, ISO in the viewfinder, 1/3 ISO steps," these are things that the D200 does have.

"Fiddling with an old non-dedicated flash" is the fastest way to learn the fine art of flash lighting.

The only way I know to answer your question meaningfully is to ask a different couple of questions:

1. How is the D5000 limiting your ability to express yourself fully in your pictures?

2. Does the D200 have the technical resources that you need to overcome those limitations?

The way you posed the question, with all due respect, sounds a bit like a word salad, and I would be really surprised if it led you to helpful choices.

If it is indeed true that you have some money that you want to spend pursuing better photographs perhaps a landscape photography workshop would get you there faster than the assorted gear that you are thinking of buying.

It has done so for me in the past.

Best Regards,
Renato

'The world is going to pieces and people like Adams and Weston are photographing rocks.' Henri Cartier Bresson, in the 1930's

--

....I thinking about picking up a good used one again...killer color off that sensor.

Larry,

You have some good cameras. I do not see the D200 really helping your photography.

Suggest spending the money on Capture NX2. It it really is a great program and it can help you make those D5000 shots pop.

And second, get an SB600. You will be so glad you did. The extra oomph in Image Quality that a TTL flash gives you is just tremendous.

--
Catallaxy

larrytusaz said:

I shot briefly with a Nikon D200 earlier last year, later sold it when times were tough, downgrading to a D60. Later, when funds allowed, I got a D5000. That's been my primary camera since (with the "secondary" either being a D40 or D40x, mainly my wife uses it) and I'm basically happy with it. However I have the chance to get a D200 on a good deal, and it's tempting me ....

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Go for it.

The camera is a bargain, & offers so much more flexibility than the consumer cameras (which you already know).

Cheers.
--
Vaya con Dios
imo
(c) 2010 fastglass

I find the D200 to be one of the finest DSLR's out there.

I have a couple of them both with nearly 100,000 actuations and still going strong!
I also tried the D300 and prefer the D200's color.

larrytusaz said:

Thoughts? Am I crazy?

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Yes, you're crazy, but if you're going to spend the money anyway on a camera with the same relative performance, get a used D2x and enjoy longer battery life and the stronger AF motor for AF-D lenses.

Paul
http://www.PaulDRobertson.net

larrytusaz said:

Thoughts? Am I crazy?

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Yup

Normally I'd advocate getting a D200 rather than a D5000 but but you've already got the D5000. Just keep it and continue to practice. If you've really got money burning a hole in your pocket get some nice glass and or flash units. Or better yet spend it on education as some have suggested.

I still have a D200 and very glad to. I have both the D300 & D700. I enjoy taking low iso withe D200 the colors are awesome as the IQ This was taken with D200 & 18-70 kit lens