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Photography Question 

Giordano
 

D70s to D200


I have a D70s and I'd like to upgrade to the D200.
Do you think it's the right moment to do so, since the new D300 and people selling the D200 to upgrade?
Or should I wait a little bit more?

Thanks

Gio


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January 16, 2008

 

Sharon Day
  I would try and go for the D300. I like my D200 but if I were making an upgrade from the D20 the D300 is the one I would want. Otherwise now is probably a decent time to get a D200 if you can still get them new. I wouldn't want a used camera. Good luck!


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January 16, 2008

 

Raymond H. Kemp
  The D300 is a great camera! However, there are now some real bargains for the D200. I've seen some great buys on e-bay in the $800 - $900 range. I'm thinking now of buying another D200 and upgrading one of my D200's later this year when the price of D300's begin to drop a bit.

Ray


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January 16, 2008

 

Debby A. Tabb
  Good day Gio,
and Hey Ray!:-)
I too love the D200,it is a wonderful Camera!
and there will always be a step up.
I still use me Fuji S2(for studio), D70 and really enjoy the D200 for on site shoots.
However my next purchase will be the Fuji S5: that wonderful Fugi color in the Nikon D200 body!
here are the specs(and keep in mind every thing Nikon works on Fugi)

**
The new FinePix S5 Pro is an important step in continuing with the company's goals for achieving professional DSLR image quality consistent with Fujifilm's professional film heritage.

The increased dynamic range from the Super CCD SR Pro double pixel technology (6.17 million S-pixels and 6.17 million R-pixels) became popular in the FinePix S3 Pro with portrait and wedding photographers. The new FinePix S5 Pro continues these advancements by coupling the proven Super CCD SR Pro with the companies new RP (Real Photo) Processor Pro for even more outstanding film-like results. The two technologies will be married together in a fully digital and durable metal alloy body frame.

12.3 MegaPixels (S – 6.17MP, R – 6.17MP)
Three new Film Simulation Modes were added for improved reproduction of natural skin tones
New Real Photo Processor Pro unleashes the full potential of Super CCD SR Pro Technology
New Facial Detection Technology (Post capture Face Zoom allows the photographer to easily and quickly zoom in and confirm facial detail such as focus and exposure on the LCD monitor.)
New commercial grade durable metal alloy frame with password protected feature lockouts
Nikon F-mount compatibility for full functionality with all Nikkor AF-D/G and the lastest AF-S optics
New dual cycle noise reduction algorithms for pristine pictures at 3200 ISO (ISO range from 100 – 3200)
More Dynamic Range settings from 100% to 400%
New RAW + Jpeg simultaneous shooting option
New high precision i-TTL flash control
New exclusive Li-Ion rechargeable battery
Compact Flash™ (CF) Card (Type Ⅰ/Ⅱ) and Microdrive™ compatible


FinePix S5 Pro supports tethered shooting via USB 2.0. This function requires the optional HyperUtility HS-V3 or HyperUtility HS-V3UP upgrade from HS-V2. HyperUtility is Fujifilm's advanced RAW conversion and file management software which supports a greater range of RAW conversion file sizes with additional file management utilities. A free copy of Fujifilm FinePix Viewer is included with the S5 Pro, and supports RAW conversion to the full 12.3 MP file size only.

You see review here:
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0609/06092502fujifilms5pro.php

Just a thought,
Debby


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January 16, 2008

 

Giordano
  Thanks Sharon, Raymond and Debby for your help.
Of course I know that the D300 is better than the D200! I'm just an amateur photographer and I don't feel like spending so much money in a camera; this is the reason because 2 years ago I bought the D70s instead of the D200! The Fuji S5 is a freat camera too, but again, now it's around $1,600.

Thanks again.

Gio


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January 17, 2008

 

Pete H
  Giordano,

Newer and "better" cameras become available as soon as the "best" hit production. Some say it is a commercial conspiracy, some say it is the way of technology; perhaps a little of both.

Photographers should look at what they need more than what they want.

"Why" do you want to upgrade to a D-200?
I hope your answer is NOT so you can take better photos.
I won't bore you with "it's the photographer, not the camera" lecture. LOL

Personally; when I purchase a new camera, which is not often by the way;my decision is based more on longevity of the camera more than it's electronics.

Make a list of what (YOU) shoot the most. This will often serve as a good guide and decision maker for WHAT to buy.

Portrait shooters require different cameras compared to let's say a sports shooter.

Most of the people here are shooting a little bit of everything. This is probably true for most of the world.
So, camera companies try to make the "everything" camera.

Yes; the D-200 is plummeting in price.
Yes; the D-300 is superior to the D-200 in more than one area.

I've seen a NEW D-200 for $1,100 body only.
I've seen a NEW D-300 for $1,500 body only.

THAT for me would NOT be a hard decision.


all the best,

Pete


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January 17, 2008

 

Giordano
  Thanks Pete,

Where did you find the D200 for $1,100 and the D300 for $1,500?

Thanks

Gio


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January 17, 2008

 

Pete H
  http://www.bwayphoto.com/productlistings.phpx?fc=F_NKD300&l=google&gclid=CJ3oh5P2_ZACFTgrOAodjwlCpQ


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January 17, 2008

 

Lori Wheeler
  I think I fried my S2 Pro and it is in a repair shop at the moment. So if I need to buy a new camera (mostly studio work) I was wondering about the S5 Pro vs the Nikon D300. Anyone with some comparisons on these two cameras?


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January 17, 2008

 

Sharon Day
  "Why" do you want to upgrade to a D-200?
I hope your answer is NOT so you can take better photos.
I won't bore you with "it's the photographer, not the camera" lecture. LOL"

Pete, in some situations the camera makes all the difference. I have the D70 and the D200. I submit my photos to stock. The D70 has much worse noise than the D200. It's difficult to clean up all the noise the D70 produces so I don't even use that camera anymore for stock.


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January 17, 2008

 

Giordano
  Is bwphoto reliable?


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January 18, 2008

 

Debby A. Tabb
  Lori,
as stated I work with both Nikon and Fuji. Personally I keep the Fuji S2 for Studio work only now, Due to the color processor. I just love the fuji color.
(at one time I used it for both,but the S2 is much slower then the D70)
So as you can see Pete is giving you good advise as well. As a portrait Photographer I use mostly the Fuji s2 and that same CCD Sencor is in the S5.
Now please don't get me wrong, I have used the D200 in house as well with good results, but I use the Nikons mostly for outside(on site) jobs and sports.
The Nikon D70 with 3fps and the D200 at 5fps.
Fuji S2 with 2fps and the S5 at 3fps.
The differance for me is in the Studio color I get out of Fuji.
You relly do need to have a good idea of what you'd like to do with your camera if puting out a large sum,just to "upgrade"
The D70s are great cameras and used by many here at BP.
as for B&W yes very reliable, I have bought cameras for myself and many others from Cameta Camera.

D200:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Nikon-D200-Digital-SLR-Camera-Body-Kit-D-200-NEW-USA_W0QQitemZ350013654131QQihZ022QQcategoryZ150131QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

D300:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Nikon-D300-Digital-SLR-Camera-Body-Kit-4GB-NEW-USA_W0QQitemZ350013344750QQihZ022QQcategoryZ43456QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem


I hope this helps,
Debby


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January 18, 2008

 

Lori Wheeler
  Well looks like power board needs replaced on my S2 ($200) so not going to purchase a new camera at this time! That's a relief :)


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January 18, 2008

 

Giordano
  Thanks everybody for your help.
Now I'm just more confused... :-))

Instead of getting a D200, I'm now thinking of waiting a bit more a go for the D300...

Gio


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January 18, 2008

 

Pete H
  Gio,

Being confused is a good thing...It means you are considering your options.

I just downloaded the full manual to the D-300 (448 pgs) wow! Not as bad as ya' might think really.

There is a ton of info on this camera all over the net so have a look.

I have to say as a experienced shooter, I am VERY impressed from what I read and see.

Tonight I am trying to figure out how Broadway Photo can sell it for $1,400 when all other online vendors are closer to $1,800? Hmmm?

Coming from the D-70s Gio, you might find the features on the D-300 a little daunting to say the least.
Here is a link to the manual...

http://www.camera-news.com/2007/12/05/nikon-d300-user-manual-download/

I always read the user manuals before I buy anything! LOL By the time it gets here, I know how to use it and go out and start shooting.


all the best,

Pete


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January 18, 2008

 

Giordano
  Hi Pete,

I was wondering the same thing...how can they sell it at that price???

Gio


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January 19, 2008

 

Pete H
  Gio,

I did a little research.

Stay away from "Broadway Photo"
Their re-seller rating is one of the worst I've seen.

Seems the current retail average is a good number; $1,800

Pete


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January 19, 2008

 

Raymond H. Kemp
  Pete's advise on Broadway Photo is sound. Just Google them and you will see tons of complaints, bait and switch tactics, etc.

Ray


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January 19, 2008

 

Debby A. Tabb
  Gio,
Cameta Cameras 300 body is $1,845.
heres the link:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140199993949

Again always fast and reliable.
and you can call ahead as I did before I bought they'll tell you, they have every listing packaged at listing, waiting to send at close. No Backorders on actions.
I hope it helps,
Debby


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January 19, 2008

 
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