Nikon D200 vs. D300
I have used my Nikon D200 digital SLR for nearly two years now, and acquired the D300 just over a year ago. Main differences:
D200 10 MP and D300 12 MP: My conclusion: No difference in low ISO performance, even at the largest print sizes. Both cameras make outstanding high quality 17×25 in images. Much larger would a stretch for both.
D200 11pt AF and D300 51pt AF: The difference for moving and low light subject is significant. Not overwhelming, but significant. Better focus accuracy on D300.
D200 vs D300 ISO noise: D300 low light ISO performance is OVER HYPED. Yes, the D300 is better, but it is NOT the low ISO panacea that some web bloggers have claimed it is. Functionally excellent under nearly all conditions up to ISO 800, most conditions up to ISO 1600, and some conditions up to ISO 3200. Mostly forget ISO 6400. The Nikon D200 is BETTER at ISO 100 than the D300 is at ISO 100 and ISO 200 for large prints.
D200 vs. D300 speed: D2oo is 5 fps, D300 is 6 fps without the grip. D300 is 8 fps with the battery grip. The grip adds weight and bulk to an already heavy camera. I only use the grip VERY occasionally.
D200 vs. D300 LCD panel: HUGE improvement on D300. LiveView LCD functions CAN be useful.
Bottom line: If I were to choose, I would NOT recommend and upgrade from D200 to D300, unless the photographer planned to use the camera for a lot of high speed action shots. Used D200s now sell for less than half the price of a D300.
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I think i’ll get the d200..
thanks
Really liked the images on your blog! Saw that you seem to be using a D40. The D200 will be a great choice for the type of images I see on your site.
Gerald
Thank you. Very clear & concise summary.
So you suggest I keep my D200 and not envy the D300?
Yup! Unless you have lots of cash that’s exactly what I would do!
Gerald
At last. Thank you for a common sense summary. I’m a semi-pro D200 user who has not yet seen the need to move up to a D300, D300s, or full frame. I can get everything I need from the hard working, excellent D200, carefully selected primes and the 17-55mm DX zoom.
We’re all easily swayed by great new products, but don’t be fooled by the “you must have the latest technology” pressure I read on the Internet. It’s still about the glass - and your picture taking. That’s one thing that digital progress doesn’t change.
Cheers.
I was considering upgrading for the CCD Sensor. I saw some reviews that showed better color suturarion over the D200’s CMOS sensor. I’ve found that I need to use software to bring out the color intensity I see with my eye. My D200’s untouched pictures seem somewhat wash out color and intensity wise. Is there a real difference in image color and contrast, or do I just need to work on my photography? Thanks, -Mike P Newark DE
The D200 is a great camera, I soot RAW and convert in Adobe CS5, and the photos look fantastic.
The D200 is a great camera, I shoot RAW and convert in Adobe CS5, and the photos look fantastic.
Hi Mike,
The D200 has a CCD sensor, and I think it may be the last Nikon that does. In my opinion the colors on the D200 are more saturated than on the D300 - with default settings. I use Nikon Capture NX (v. 1.4, not the latest V 2.x) to process and I have a difficult time getting similar colors with the D300, though it’s not impossible. The D200’s colors are a bit warmer (redder) by default. Mostly, I like the colors on the D200 better.
Gerald
Does the d200 have a motor to drive my non motor lens? 50mm 1.4 af nikkor
The Nikon D200 was my second Nikon SLR I bought back in 2006, I nearly bought the Nikon D300 but I bought a secondhand D2xs instead, I still use both cameras and still take just as good photos as my D7000 as long as I keep the iso 800 or less, the D7000 is good up to 1600 iso, but I don’t find I need more than 800 iso often.
Yes, the D200 works fine with all Nikon AF lenses. I have multiple AF-D lenses that work great, eg. the 50 f/1.8, 60 f/2.8 AF-D Micro, and 85 f/1.8 AF-D, and the 80-400 VR. The D200’s internal focus motor is not particularly fast (I think my D300 is a little faster with these lenses), but it works fine.
How is the D7000 at low ISO? I suspect that the D2x and D200 are still cleaner at ISO 100 than the D7000 is at its base ISO.
Gerald