Compact to SLR

I currently use a Canon digital compact with which I have taken 000’s of shots (some of which have been (in my opinion!) pretty good). I also own a Nikon D50 but have no housing. I now want to move to a DSLR uw setup to take advantage of the faster speed, better macro potential, increased flexibility and the RAW shooting function which are superior to my compact.

I could buy an uw housing for my D50 but would prefer to get a more feature-rich/future proof body (eg D80 or D200) before committing to the expense of the uw housing. The main differences between D80 & D200 seem to be the shutter speed (3 vs 5 fps) which I figure may be useful for capturing some of the uw life.

I have looked at Canon too although most uw photographers seem to use Nikon (feel free to correct me on this huge generalisation!). My question to all the Nikon users out there is this – is it worth paying the extra for a D200 over a D80 when the D200 is an older model (age seems to count for a lot in digital equipment but not sure in this case – I wonder when a D300 will come out!) and the only major diff seems to be the no. of fps and the composition of the body? And if so why?

What housing is a whole different ball game for which I think there is probably enough info on the forum already….

Thanks in advance for any advice offered.

There have been a few discussion threads on this site on this; do a search for D80 and D80 vs D200, you will be directed to them.

Thanks loftus - several threads in fact!

Mike,

I just went through the same issue - D80 or D200? search on google, ken rockwell does a thorough job of going through the differences...

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d80.htm

I choose the D80 because its smaller, lighter, and has longer battery life. I like to take my camera on hikes. Most people seem to choose the D200 because of its weather-proofing, and other numerous improvements that Ken Rockwell goes over.

if you are spending tons of $$ on a dSLR setup (and it will be lots of money, after strobes, ports, lenses, covers, cases, etc.), the $400 difference in price will not be a big factor in your decision, it wasn't for me.

the D200 in a S&S housing with a macro lens is quite heavy underwater. my D80 with 60mm lens is heavy underwater, but not as heavy as the D200.

how do I know? I held both setups underwater yesterday in my hands, my dive buddy had a D200/S&S, I had the D80/S&S. same 60mm lens.

Scott

Scott

Thanks for the link. I've had a thorough look at his views along with several other sites too. It seems that either body will be "relatively" obsolete in a few years anyhow (like all things expensive and digital) so a good investment in lenses is as important. I was sold on the D80 for the battery life. Then thought the D200 may be a little more durable/longer lasting because of it being better sealed against the environment. Then figured that as both are not really as future proof as we all may like the extra money spent on a D200 for no real advantage would be better put towards a decent macro or wide angle to go on the D80.

And that's what I think I will do. Had enough analysing it all and think it's time for some practical underwater use! Now for the housing - think I may opt for a Hugyfot with an Inon D2000 or Z240. I will post on here once it's all purchased to try and help others in the great D80 v D200 dilemma....

Thanks again.

Also, going back to your initial post - 3 vs 5fps doesnt make a difference underwater, as your strobes are not going to recycle fast enough.

Personally, I think the D50 would be a decent enough camera for underwater use, if you are comfy with its ergonomics. How large do you plan to print? 6MP + RAW gives excellent 20x30s if up-rezzed carefully.

Vandit

Personally, I think the D50 would be a decent enough camera for underwater use, if you are comfy with its ergonomics. How large do you plan to print? 6MP + RAW gives excellent 20x30s if up-rezzed carefully.

 

Vandit

My opinion: D50 is not good for w/u usage!

There is only one wheel for F-Stop and speed settings, its really limit you when using housing.

Much better option is the D80 or if you on limit budget get D70/S.

One difference between the D80 and D200 is that the D80 only supports compressed NEF. Nikon, unlike Canon, does not provide lossless compression with its compressed RAW. Though some claim that compressed NEF is visually lossless, I feel that the potential need to make large corrections in UW shooting raises a concern and I ruled out the D80 for that reason.