I’m seeing some really good deals on used Nikon D200’s right now because the D300 is out. I’m wondering if that would be a better bet long term than the D40x or D80 for my first Nikon DSLR because of the durability. Any thoughts on whether it would be too advanced for just starting out? Or could I grow into it pretty quickly?
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I think I can give you some idea of the difference. I’ve been using Nikon SLR’s for years. Then I went to digital with a D70 (predecessor to the D80). Later, I added a D50 as a backup (predecessor to the D40).
Recently, I took the next leap and purchased a gently used D200. Yes, it’s a fantastic camera and I’m very glad I made the move.
But, for a first digital camera, it can be overwhelming. I’ve had it for about two months now and am still figuring out how to put it to best use.
The big difference, as I see it, is that the D40 and D80 have several choices in the mode dial to help a photographer easily set the camera.
You’ll find these choices on the D80:
Programmed Auto (Flexible)
Shutter Priority Auto
Aperture Priority Auto
Full Manual Exposure
Vari-program: Portrait
Vari-program: Landscape
Vari-program: Close up
Vari-program: Sports
Vari-program: Night Landscape
Vari-program: Night Portrait
On the D40x, you’ll find these:
Programmed Auto (Flexible)
Shutter Priority Auto
Aperture Priority Auto
Full Manual Exposure
Vari-program: Flash off
Vari-program: Portrait
Vari-program: Landscape
Vari-program: Child
Vari-program: Sports
Vari-program: Close up
Vari-program: Night Portrait
On the D200, there are fewer quick choices:
Programmed Auto (Flexible)
Shutter Priority Auto
Aperture Priority Auto
Full Manual Exposure
While the D200 had a vast selection of custom settings, for quick settings to match an immediate need (sports, landscape, portrait, etc.) the D40 and D80 have much shorter learning curves
Bottomline: how much time are you willing to spend learning? If you can dedicate yourself to the capabilities of the D200, you’ll find yourself with a durable, extremely capable DSLR. If you want immediate photographic gratification, then a D40x or D80 would be a better choice.
It’s like having an automatic transmission versus a manual shifting car. The ultimate choice belongs to the user.
If you have any other questions, please ask.
Its a pretty adavanced camera in my opinion, If you hhave the money then go for it. otherwise the nikon d40’s and d80’s are excellent cameras…especially for amateurs
If you are spending that much money, go to a good camera shop, not a department store, and hold them to see which camera feels right in your hands and ask the clerk questions. I have the Nikon D40X and I really like it! Its easy to use and not too large or heavy.
Ok i was not ready to step up to a DSLR but i was to advanced for a point and shoot camera. I looked and looked for a camera that would let me grow into a DSLR and I discovered what they call a Bridge Camera. I chosed the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50 and i made the right choice i believe. This camera is as follows: 10.1mp 12x optical zoom, 2x &4x digital zoom, 15 scene modes, as well as full manual mode, also takes video in 4:3 & 16:9. oh and the lens is not interchangable but having a 35-420mm lieca lens who needs it. there are alot of attachments out there for this camera too.
With a bridge camera there is alot of oppurtunity to advance yourself so when you do step up to a DSLR it will give you the confidence you need to take that step. Good luck in your decision.
If you are willing to invest the time to really really READ & STUDY the Owner’s Manual for the camera then you should be okay. Investing in a couple of books will also help.
“Hands-On Digital Photography” by George Schaub
“How Digital Photography Works, 2nd. Edition” by Ron White
You can read reviews of those books at shutterbug.com – they were reviewed in the Dec. 2007 issue.
If you expect to just turn the camera on and start taking good photos then you will be very disappointed. You really have to devote time to learning to use the camera.
Subscribing to a photography magazine or even two is also a good way to learn. My magazine of choice is Shutterbug.
Back in 1971 when I bought my first SLR – a Minolta SRT100 – there were very few resources available. It was just me and the camera and the Manual. Believe me, learning about focusing and setting exposure and setting the film speed was not as easy as you might think.
ALL cameras operate on the same basic principles, which are pretty simple.
If you understand those principles you can operate a D200.
If you don’t, any camera you pick up will seem difficult.
Learn the principles and you won’t have any problems.
Just my 2 rupees.
If you know how to shoot manual, you will be fine. The D200 is a lot more advance than the models below. What makes it more challening for people who do not know how to shoot manual is the D200 DOES NOT have shooting modes. For example, portrait, sports, etc.
I like the D80 and at one time, was going to use it as a back up camera.