A realize a fellow member posted a similar question in the gallery but I'm looking for advice so please chime in. Can I please have some input on the two cameras listed below as far as which purchase you would make. Both cameras are about the same price.

New Canon 40D with lens
OR
Used Nikon D200 body only - mint condition, approx 50 shutter releases, manuals, strap, battery, etc. are still in package unopened

Thanks

Are just looking for a dslr for photos of the family,guns,vacation,etc?? Or are you looking into going into business or selling photos or do you have something else in mind??

If you are only looking for a slr for around the house and general picture taking...then you can't go wrong with the D40 kit.

More advanced then the D200 is definately the way to go.

quote:

Originally posted by USMC-PRIDE:
Are just looking for a dslr for photos of the family,guns,vacation,etc?? Or are you looking into going into business or selling photos or do you have something else in mind??

If you are only looking for a slr for around the house and general picture taking...then you can't go wrong with the D40 kit.

More advanced then the D200 is definately the way to go.

He was asking about a Canon 40D vs a Nikon D200.

I'm a Canon fan and want to purchase a 40D, so I vote for that. I spent A LOT of time doing A LOT of research, and it was the clear winner.

Just remember... 85% of a good DSLR is the lens, so if you're going to spend that much on the camera, expect to spend at least that much on some good glass as well, as the stock lenses they come with are average at best.

Try them both out to see which you like better - ergonomics/screen size will be different.

They are both great cameras, and the quality of the pictures will be more dependent on your skill level than the camera's.

I'm a Nikon fan, but believe that Canon's are equally capable.

The 40D rocks (I've got one and love it) and apparently comes with a lens so that's an advantage. This appears to hinge on a few questions. How much do you have later to spend on lenses and what's the price gap on the two packages?

40D is terrific, but heavy. Probably more than most folks need (but what does "need" have to do with it, huh?)

I've had both, liked and kept the Canon.

The difference in price is less than $100. I would at sometime like to earn a little money taking pictures (not earn a living).

Neva, I would have $400-$500 left to get me a lens. I would also plan on getting one new lens a year. Thanks.

between the 2, the 40D is the better camera.

Nikon's competitor to the 40D is the D300. there are Major changes between the D200 and the D300 which make the D300 nicer than the 40D...at least for me

I would go with the Nikon.

Right now, Nikon has all the momentum while Canon is floundering. Unless Canon pulls something major out at the next big photog show, Nikon will have a significant competitive edge for quite some time with the D300, D700 and D3 (and upcoming D90). This applies to going with the D200 because the word on the street is that - as part of Nikon's resurgence - they have invested massive resources into computational optics modeling to essentially redo their entire lens lineup, including some prime lenses in the 35mm - 135mm range. Looking forward, I would rather be on the Nikon train so I can get my grubby hands on some of the things that are getting cooked up by them right now.

Having said that, I have a 40D and think it is a great camera. Until the rumors come to fruition, Canon owns the fast prime lens arena, which is what I like to shoot.

Techguy...Go with the D200 it is a Proven Workhorse. It has great features and after 4 years it is still in contention with the finest cameras out there. Other than a few Bells and whistles it is as good as it gets.
if you have any questions as to its abilities..Check out any of Dr Kens pictures in the Gallery Prior to him getting his 300..

As much as it kills me to say, the 40D is the better of the D200. Only if you are willing to get a D300 or more, does Nikon leave the 40D in the dirt.

Both are great cameras, but the D200 is a half generation behind the 40D and the latest Nikon stuff. If you want the technology, your choice is clear.

P.S. I am not a fan of waiting for Photokina. If you see something out there that you like, buy it. DSLRs are updated about every 2 years with something bigger, better, and faster. You can wait, but doing so will cause you to never get anything due to the knowledge that something 'better' is a month or two away.

Buy now and start shooting, you are missing once in a lifetime shots waiting for something that may not be delivered now or in the future.

quote:

Originally posted by techguy:
OR
Used Nikon D200 body only - mint condition, approx 50 shutter releases, manuals, strap, battery, etc. are still in package unopened

Thanks

For all intensive purposes, 50 shutter click is still new.

Kit lenses usually aren't that good. So, I'd take that into consideration. Most people end up buying th body and the lenses they want. Better yet, fine the lens you want then get the camera that goes with it. Be it the 40D or a D200...

quote:

P.S. I am not a fan of waiting for Photokina. If you see something out there that you like, buy it. DSLRs are updated about every 2 years with something bigger, better, and faster. You can wait, but doing so will cause you to never get anything due to the knowledge that something 'better' is a month or two away.

Photokina is very important this year.

The pro-photography world use to look like this:



3 years later, it now looks like this:



Canon is a beleaguered company right now. While the 30D and D200 were competitive (with the edge to the D200), the D300 is generations improved from the D200 while the 40D was a relatively minor upgrade. The 1DMkIII is disappointing professionals because they tend to crap out and need repair and Canon hasn't fixed the autofocus issue. The 5D is at least 12 months past it's expiration date.

quote:

the D300 is generations improved from the D200

...and it's improvements that you can see and use. just the CMOS and the focusing points were enough for me to pass on the D200 and step up to the D300...the combo deal with the 18-200 lens sealed the deal

Photokina is important to the industry as a whole, but too many amateur photographers agonize over Photokina and product introductions. Is the OP going to be included in the pro photo pool at an Olympics or a Presidential Inauguration, probably not.

If you want a particular camera now, buy it now. Don't wait until lethargy causes your prized dream DSLR to become an obsolete model at clearance prices.

Get out there and shoot now.

I have a Nikon D200 and have kick the crap out of it in Afghanistan and now in Africa and it is still ticking. It is good, it is solid. I cannot give you a good comparison to the Canon camera. As of now I am working with the Nikon D3, and after being spoilied with that I am going to have to figure out how to find $5000 without cutting into my gun fund.

quote:

Originally posted by ZenDriver:
Canon is a beleaguered company right now. While the 30D and D200 were competitive (with the edge to the D200), the D300 is generations improved from the D200 while the 40D was a relatively minor upgrade. The 1DMkIII is disappointing professionals because they tend to crap out and need repair and Canon hasn't fixed the autofocus issue. The 5D is at least 12 months past it's expiration date.

Sad but true...

I'm a Canon guy...have thousands wrapped up in their glass.

I was going to buy a 1DM3 but am very hesitant.

They are pissing away a good thing...and pros are speaking with their wallets elsewhere.

I'm sitting on 10K to upgrade my kits and am afraid to buy Canon bodies until things prove out...

...my crappy 1Ds will have to suffice for now...

quote:

Photokina is important to the industry as a whole, but too many amateur photographers agonize over Photokina and product introductions. Is the OP going to be included in the pro photo pool at an Olympics or a Presidential Inauguration, probably not.

Well, probably not... but digital stuff moves wicked quick (as Canon is getting schooled in right now). What the pro-photo pool is shooting today is what the average joe with $1700 to blow on a DSLR will be buying in 2-3 years.

This Photokina will be big because we will see if Canon is going to step it up here, or if they essentially lost the DSLR market for the next 3-5 years. If Canon doesn't fix the MkIII and seriously upgrade the 5D, than I don't know if I would want to be on the Canon train for a good long while because Canon will be digging out of a hole and in no position to be making strides with great products (the way Nikon is now).

I would wait till Photokina, or just skip it and get the Nikon.