Nikon D2Xs vs Nikon D200

[lsisaxon]

Anyone can give good advice which is better? Nikon D2Xs or Nikon D200? Thinking of getting either one, but can't decide on which one. Please advise. Thanks!

KRW says D200 is better because for the price it's got most of the functions of a D2X plus a built in flash with CLS commander as well.

I feel that the D2X is better because it's faster in almost every aspect. So it depends on what you need. If you've extra dough, sure, you can buy the D2X but I reckon most people do fine with D200.

 

[lsisaxon]

Thanks. I want something to last. Was reading that the two has alot of similarities, and comparable, so which is more worth the money, and of course the weight of D2Xs is a factor. And D2Xs has considerable poorer control over the noise in 'shadow' areas of the picture taken above 400 ISO? Just pondering and of course, need to consider the lens as well. sigh. i can't find any article that does a good feature by feature comparison of the two.

Both the bodies can meter even with the manual AI-S lenses, so no problem with the lenses. Only difference is that the price difference can get you a couple of decent lenses.

10mp and 12mp is not much difference but the CAM2000 AF module of the D2X is very much more accurate and faster than the CAM1000 module of the D200. Still, with AF-S lenses you should hardly feel the difference at all.

Weight wise, if I didn't remember wongly, the D200 with the MB-D200 is as heavy as the D2X if not heavier. The D2X has a better weight distribution and thus would feel more balanced. Mirror slap sounds slightly sharper on the D2X and more muted on the D200 but the vibration is very minimum for both, but you can hardly feel any vibration on the D2X. The black out duration is considerably shorter on the D2X. Also, the use of CMOS on the D2X also means that there is less charge buildup to attract dust on the sensor.

Like in my previous post, if you're looking for value, the D200 is certainly the body to go for, but if you're on the quest for perfection, then the D2Xs would be closer.

 

[kcajkcalb]

I'd say, if you have the dough, go for the d2xs...

One of the things that bugs me about the D200 is that it isnt as well balanced as the d2x (if you have a lense like the 70-200)...you'll be surprised at how much lighter it feels when a body is well balanced.

As far as Ken rockwell is concerned...I don't quite get why ppl are even reading his reviews. It seems nearly every item he reviews is almost perfect.

 

[ExplorerZ]

Thanks! I am keen on a D200, at least it is cheaper and lighter than D2Xs. The only problem i am afraid is D200's handling of noise level? it was one of the main points in depreview for d200 in the cons. At least i think the noise problem isn't huge on my D70.

o great... if you can live with your d70 noise, y not d2xs and d200 noise? d70 was known to have the worse noise control as compared to the rest of the "newer" camera from nikon...

 

[Robbie J]

Thanks. I want something to last. Was reading that the two has alot of similarities, and comparable, so which is more worth the money, and of course the weight of D2Xs is a factor. And D2Xs has considerable poorer control over the noise in 'shadow' areas of the picture taken above 400 ISO? Just pondering and of course, need to consider the lens as well. sigh. i can't find any article that does a good feature by feature comparison of the two.

Both the D2X and D200 will be yesterday's camera in 2-3 years time (maybe even sooner).
Continuous developments in sensor and processing technology will definitely improve on what is already state-of-the-art today. If you shoot 4-5000 images per month, go for the D2X. Otherwise the D200 is enough. The $4000 saved can go towards a really super lens!

 

[lsisaxon]

o great... if you can live with your d70 noise, y not d2xs and d200 noise? d70 was known to have the worse noise control as compared to the rest of the "newer" camera from nikon...

I second that.

This is a 100% crop at ISO800 on a D2X.. Noise? I believe film is worse.

This is D70s noise at 100% crop, ISO800 also.

 

[macfreak]

Thanks! think i shall go for D200 and with the 4k saving, i can get a decently good lens!!! time to go shopping at John316

 

[lsisaxon]

Thanks! think i shall go for D200 and with the 4k saving, i can get a decently good lens!!! time to go shopping at John316

Enjoy! You will not regret it. :thumbsup:

 

[macfreak]

Enjoy! You will not regret it. :thumbsup:

Yea, someone just commented i shd go for a D2Xs instead! Think i will ask Sam (from john316) for advise too. is the mb/vg for D200 worth the money?

 

[lsisaxon]

Yea, someone just commented i shd go for a D2Xs instead! Think i will ask Sam (from john316) for advise too. is the mb/vg for D200 worth the money?

It really depends on your use. IMO, a D200 with the MB-D200 is perfectly fine if you're using it even for professional use. A D2Xs would only be very useful if speed is also concern or if you're someone who choose to go with the best. But like some of us here has mentioned, one or two years down the road, things are going to change again. So it would really be better to invest the difference in a (or even a couple of) good lens(es) instead.

The MB-D200 balances up the weight, lowering the CG of the entire system so it feels more balanced. Also, the D200 is quite a power monster, and the grip allows 2 batteries to be used and they are used sequentially, so you can even take one out to charge and put a spare back in the midst of a shot. It's certainly useful if not essential.

 

[Goondoo]

Just a small advise,
Digital equipments will never last

 

[lsisaxon]

Just a small advise,
Digital equipments will never last

Unfortunately, it will obsolete but will still physically last.... Leaving you without a reason to buy new ones. Hahaha...

 

[Robbie J]

It really depends on your use. IMO, a D200 with the MB-D200 is perfectly fine if you're using it even for professional use. A D2Xs would only be very useful if speed is also concern or if you're someone who choose to go with the best. But like some of us here has mentioned, one or two years down the road, things are going to change again. So it would really be better to invest the difference in a (or even a couple of) good lens(es) instead.

The MB-D200 balances up the weight, lowering the CG of the entire system so it feels more balanced. Also, the D200 is quite a power monster, and the grip allows 2 batteries to be used and they are used sequentially, so you can even take one out to charge and put a spare back in the midst of a shot. It's certainly useful if not essential.

I use the vertical grip + 6AA NiMh batteries (2500mAh) with my D200. On a shoot recently I got over 900 shots before the batteries needed replacing. Also I'm used to the size and balance of that combo... Fits my hand like a glove.

 

[Ansel]

Unfortunately, it will obsolete but will still physically last.... Leaving you without a reason to buy new ones. Hahaha...

You want it to spoil, very easy, just replace head with camera > :hammer:

 

[lsisaxon]

I use the vertical grip + 6AA NiMh batteries (2500mAh) with my D200. On a shoot recently I got over 900 shots before the batteries needed replacing. Also I'm used to the size and balance of that combo... Fits my hand like a glove.

:thumbsup: That's a good point. I missed it. You can use AA batteries with the grip.

 

[lsisaxon]

You want it to spoil, very easy, just replace head with camera > :hammer:

Hmm.. then that would not be a compelling reason to buy a new one because the MoF will think that you're going to do the same with the replacement unit.

 

[Ansel]

Hmm.. then that would not be a compelling reason to buy a new one because the MoF will think that you're going to do the same with the replacement unit.

Very easy. Just keep MoF in the dark.

If she finds out then :hung:

Otherwise, :vhappy:

 

[lsisaxon]

Very easy. Just keep MoF in the dark.

If she finds out then :hung:

Otherwise, :vhappy:

Hahaha.. she can read my mind, so it's not an option for me.

 

[zac08]

Btw...

Here's one shot of that night's wedding at ISO 1600 and f2.8 (D200 with 50mm f1.8 lens)

And this is a 100% crop from the image above

 

[airforce1]

D200-- as good as D2Xs ,lighter and you save more money which you can invest in lenses.
If you do know what to buy then settle for the less as technology changes. Always remember body keep upgrading but lenses can use for a lifetime. My humble opinion.