D200 or D2X?

[JonathanP]

I'm trying to resolve an upgrade dilemma from my D70 to either a new D200 or refurb/allmost new D2X?

I've been trying to do the right thing by upgrading glass first - now have the 17-55 and 7-200 2.8's as my main lenses, and have some Lee filters, reasonable tripod, A3+ printer etc. My main interest is in Landscape/Nature photography rather than sports or studio work.

I think I've got to the point where I can justify upgrading the camera body (particularly to improve ergonomics as well as image quality), but having difficulty deciding whether the extra £900 odd for the D2X is worth it? Assuming that I have the budget and that I don't have a burning hole in my lens lineup, does the D2X offer something extra in its image quality? I know the technical differences, but whats difficult to judge is that "extra" quality that some cameras seem to produce - often not easily quantifiable.

So does anyone have experience of using both cameras - ideally for landscape work - any have any comments?

Thanks,

Jonathan

[_dobbo_]

I can't comment on the D2X but can confirm that the D200 is a massive step up from the D70 in every single respect (except flash sync speed as no doubt Ken Rockwell will point out, before telling you to buy a D40).

[trackdemon]

_dobbo_ said:

I can't comment on the D2X but can confirm that the D200 is a massive step up from the D70 in every single respect (except flash sync speed as no doubt Ken Rockwell will point out, before telling you to buy a D40).

[JonathanP]

Thanks dobbo, yes my son has a D200 so I've used it a bit and certainly looking forward to getting a better viewfinder, bigger LCD and all the extra controls as well as improved resolution! I guess I'm just trying to get a feel for whether I'll always be thinking "should I have spent the extra on the D2x?"

[robinw]

I have a D200 and am absolutely delighted with it. It's a dream to use and all of the major functions become second nature within a few days of use. I also use the 17-55 F2.8 and it feels just right on this camera (Bear in mind that the D2X and 17-55 is one seriously heavy combination).

If your living depends on a bomb proof camera then the D2X it may be for you, but personaly I can't see any great benefit in shelling out the extra wedge of cash for the little additional functionality that the D2X offers over D200 (you also lose the convenience of the built-in flash). Many pros are happy with the D200 as their only camera. I can understand why.

That said, like all things in life, if you can afford it and you want it , then go for it.

[poah]

d200 has less noise than D2X. apart from the better battery is thre any real difference between the two cameras

[trackdemon]

2 Megapixels. Big deal

[rustyspit]

Have you considered a Fuji S5? Might be worth a look if high ISO performance and/or DR are important to you.

[lowdrag]

I upgraded to the D2X from a D70 but keep both. The D70 is OK as a consumer camera but the D2X is a formidable piece of kit and I heartily recommend it. The D200 I haven't tried but from all accounts it is a superb camera too, but the D2X has incredible battery life and I've never had a dust problem, so well is it sealed. Incidentally I use the same lenses as you plus a few others. In brief, the D70 is my backup but the D2X has taken a hammering over the 18 months with never one hiccup. I love it.

[jonathanp]

Thanks for the comments - I've decided to go with the D200.

Cheers,

Jonathan

[beano500]

JonathanP said:

"should I have spent the extra on the D2x?"

Exactly the same position here. Considered and finally dismissed the S5 Pro as a contender. Dynamic range had it for a while, but no grip and slightly better noise on the D200 from all the reports I've seen.

But value for money is on the side of the D200. £815 at Jessops new, sub £750 secondhand, and even with MB-D200 and spare EN-EL3e we're half of secondhand D2X(s) territory. Even if prices come down massively for anyreason on D2X, there's no real edge apart from being built to cover wars....

...and that difference could buy yet another piece of glass

(You can see that after all this agonising I'm nearly there!!!)