Why to buy a Nikon D200
For around $1,250 the Nikon D200 hands-down offers the best functionality, handling, and image quality for the dollar in the Nikon lineup – and perhaps among all DSLR’s. It’s big brother, the D2X(and D2Xs) is three times more expensive and offers only small, incremental improvements. A professional can purchase two D200’s and several accessories for the cost of one D2Xs.
There is a great divide in handling and responsiveness between the amateur-focused D40, D50, D70/D70s and D80 cameras versus the D200 and D2X. Shutter response and mirror blackout are noticeably faster on the D200 than the amateur line. The magnesium alloy body of the D200 gives the camera a solid feel not quite matched by the plastic bodies of the amateur cameras. Finally, 5 frames-per-second shooting helps assure that fast action will not be missed.
The D200 can effectively be considered a Nikon D2X in a smaller package. While there are real advantages to the D2X (I do own one), it is hard to overlook the discount of the D200 with most of the D2X functionality intact.
D200 advantages over D2X
Smaller size and lighter weight. D200 grip is optional, while D2X grip is integrated.
ISO 1600 is available without having to go to “Hi-1”
Built in flash on D200, including Commander mode
Larger JPG and RAW buffers
D2x over D200
8fps shooting in high-speed-crop mode. 5.3fps with full resolution versus 5.0 for D200
12.4 megapixel images versus 10.2
Built-in viewfinder curtain
Better battery life (D2X battery has higher voltage and amperage)
External White Balance sensor in addition to white balance detection from the sensor.
Same with D200 and D2X
Virtually identical image quality for most purposes
Weather sealed
Metering support for manual focus lenses
LCD Screen size
WiFi available (WT-3 for D200, WT-1/WT-2 for D2X)
Available shutter speeds and x-sync speed
Mirror lockup and 0.4 sec mirror pre-fire
GPS Support