In the meantime, while you wait for a camera not yet announced, what money shots are you missing? Pick up the 700/7000 combo since this is your profession, but don't be so quick to dump the 200 either.
I went from a D200 to a D300 and there are some things I still prefer about the D200; something in the way it handles subtle color/shadow transitions... I think that CCD's did some things better than early full frame CMOS sensors. But the 200 kind of sucked above ISO 800 and I wasn't even thrilled with that. But I liked it better at base ISO when using studio flash or for macro work. I also have a D700 and it is such a leap in image quality I only use the D300 when I want the crop sensor advantage (macro work) or for travel when using the 18-200. If you move up to a D700 you won't regret it. Be prepared to start spending more on glass though... Overall, I also prefer the full access to controls and the feel of the pro bodies vs something like the D7000.
Im definetly going to keep the 200, its not worth it to sell for ~400 when it can be used as a fantastic backup for most situations.
Nightowl Cat, just this past weekend i had to shoot some highschool players working out in a gym for the paper, an extra 2 stops or so would have been helpful there, although i got a few usuable shots that are acceptable for newsprint, im not happy with them.
The D200 is among the best cameras I ever used (loved the handling, the functionality, and the af dynamic area mode). I moved to the D3 and have been amazed by the difference. I guess a D700 would be a very interesting choice. The D7000 is another very interesting option, but I still find the D200 AF slightly superior (tracking BIFs for instance). All the rest is better on the D7000.
Being so used to the 200, i love how the body is and the placement of the setting buttons and dials are, ive used a friends d3100 and it feels like a toy compared to the 200.. hows the 7000 compared to it?
gugs wrote:
The D200 is among the best cameras I ever used (loved the handling, the functionality, and the af dynamic area mode). I moved to the D3 and have been amazed by the difference. I guess a D700 would be a very interesting choice. The D7000 is another very interesting option, but I still find the D200 AF slightly superior (tracking BIFs for instance). All the rest is better on the D7000.
Guy
I have both and from what I have experienced, I don't think that the D200 auto focus is as fast as the D7K. And it is not any more accurate than the D7000 either, in any mode I have found. I don't shoot birds in flight but I have shot motorcycles on a race track. And they move pretty fast. However, I have seen enough really spectacular BIF shots taken with the D7000 on this forum to know it is easily up to that task.
clay23 wrote:
Being so used to the 200, i love how the body is and the placement of the setting buttons and dials are, ive used a friends d3100 and it feels like a toy compared to the 200.. hows the 7000 compared to it?
Well the buttons and dials are different between the D200 and D7000. But I have gotten used to the control differences between the D7K and the D200 and I now prefer the way the D7000 is set up and I like the heft and balance of the D7K. I have to admit that when I first handled the D7000 it felt flimsier(?) than the D200. Not that there is anything cheaply built about it. But it was lighter and that is probably what made it feel less substantial. If you know what I mean. But the results coming out of the camera soon overcame any doubts. OTH, I have to agree with your opinion of the D3100 or the D5100, even though they are great gear. I get frustrated trying to find many menu settings on a friends D5100. And quite often, they just aren't available on that model but they are on the D7K.
https://nikonandye.wordpress.com/thenikondfamily/ has a large comparison and history, and on the right, you'll see a link to his review about the D7000, and I'm sure there are reviews to the other cameras as well.
just for grins and giggles, my DSLR path goes like this
D50 > D1H > D300s > D1h & D1x > D200 > D700
and I've not sold any of them off, it's just the order they've arrived in. I enjoy them all.
