D80 or D200

Well I have to deside in next day or two. Aquatica has both, D80 is cheaper. The camera is considerably cheaper. Does anyone have any experience with both??

Mike

Hi Mike, I think that between these two its a toss-up. They have the same AF and same image quality. But the D200 is built better (weather sealed, so less dust will get to your sensor and it won't be affected by light rain), it is heavier and a little larger (it feels more like a "pro" camera). The only significant difference is that the D200 has a larger buffer and allows for faster FPS (5 versus 3 in the D80), but that isn't very important for shooting underwater.

Here is a side by side comparison at dpReview:

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_po...80&show=all

I just got a D80 body and I am blown away by how good it is (image quality). As Luiz says it is also lighter if you carry it on land a lot. I was a little up in the air too, but now I am a big D80 fan.

Hi Mike,

it depents on what is more important to you. if price is a major factor, then go for the D80, spend the extra money on a good lens (like a nikon instead of a 3rd party lens) and never look back. if carrying weight is an issue, get the D80. image quality is EXACTLY the same.

If price & weight aren't a big deal, or maybe you're slightly worried about dropping it: 1. get insurance, and 2. get the D200. Like Rocha said, the D200 is better built, its magnesium alloy instead of plastic. I just dropped my D200 from 4ft onto concrete and it survived. (though i can't say the same for my plastic 12-24.... doh! - and the body hit first). I doubt the plastic D80 would have survived that.

It also has dedicated buttons for WB, Quality and ISO which i use a lot on the surface, but not UW. For me the 5fps is essential, cause I shoot a lot of action and if you shoot any action (sports, wildlife etc.) that extra 2fps can get you that prize winning shot you waited 2 hrs for vs a pile of junk.

Also, contrary to what Rocha said, the 5fps comes in handy UW if you're shooting with your strobes at less than full power.

EX. when I shoot macro, i set my 2 SB105's to 1/4 and 1/16 and I get at least 2-3 frames (at 5fps, depending on battery power) with the flash. It really helps to "capture the moment". hope this helps.

Cheers,

undertow

I think that the D200 has a better AF system than the D80. The D80 has better high iso performance, and is smaller and lighter.

I disagree with undertow about the need for high frame rates. In my experience the need for high frame rates underwater is minimal. An alternative approach for capturing the moment is to watch the action through the viewfinder, taking single frames when you think it is appropriate.

Alex

I tell yer..Its SO annoying

I was looking at excatly the same two cameras for myself (after borrowing a friends D70's I'm hooked) and was wondering 'which one' when I saw Mike's thread...

But exactly like the video guys your all so self opinionated

I will be mainly (as I cannot afford a housing at the mo) be using it dry..

D200 or D80..Come guys, straight answers....

I know Alex would say the cheaper option...But he's scared I'll steal his thunder

Dive safe

DeanB

get the D80 Dean....

and save your money for a proper video cam

:D

ps: if it were me upgrading i would go with the D80 if that means anything to anyone.... but i am cheap so i am not upgrading!

Veitch !!!

Are you following me

My mate just told me he's upgrading his D70s to a D80 and I can buy the D70s for a song..

Well he can whistle..I've been borrowing his D70 for three months now, so I'll wait for my upgraded freebie loaner

Anyone got a cheap housing.. But I mean CHEAP

Dive safe

DeanB

I think both cameras are exceptional and you can get great images from either but let me chime in with a couple of points in favor of the D200.

Durability: metal vs plastic body.

Interchangeable: if you get a housing for your D200 it's probably going to work for the Fuji S5 as well when that camera is released (D200 body.) I plan on getting a S5 as a backup for my D200.

The D200 also has some features - such as mirror lockup - that while they're more applicable to terrestrial photography make it more of a serious photographic tool.

Excellent points, Larry.

i second the d200. mostly because the AF performance is better than the d80.

i wish nikon can conjure a d2H to d2X version to the d200.

a 6mp version of the d200 would be a great backup!

I went for the D200 not long ago, after the same debate. In addition to the reasons above, the D200 felt a lot better in my hands, and I find the dedicated ISO and WB buttons very handy. With the vertical grip (is that an option for the D80?), it feels great for land use -- which is all I've done with it so far! I wanted to buy one camera that I would want to use for everything, with durability for all kinds of use, and so far I'm delighted with the D200. Because it's been around longer, there is a substantial body of knowledge out there too, and prices really dropped recently too. I'd say get the D200 unless the weight will really bother you.