Forums > Photography Talk > Nikon D200?

Photographer

JDFotos

Posts: 71

Erie, Pennsylvania, US

If you had a Nikon D200 in need of repair and it would cost about $300, would you fix it or buy a used newer model like a Nikon D90 for $500 + shipping? I like my D200 for build quality but is it comparable or inferior to newer bodies because of its ISO capabilities? Who here still uses a Nikon D200 to shoot with???  Thanks,  Jeff

Jan 16 13 02:18 pm Link

Photographer

FullMetalPhotographer

Posts: 2797

Fresno, California, US

I went through this debate when a second shooter broke my D70s, Simply put I could replace it for what the repair was. I decided on replacing it. with an up grade a used D3. If the repair for D200 is $300 then you can replace for the same amount. http://www.keh.com/camera/Nikon-Digital … 3770?r=FE.

I might suggest getting a used D300, for about $500 http://www.keh.com/camera/Nikon-Digital … 24630?r=FE that will give a camera with a better sensor than the D200 with a build, feel and action similar to the D200.

Jan 16 13 02:31 pm Link

Photographer

Ian Brooks Photography

Posts: 583

Kincardine, Ontario, Canada

I still have a D200, but I use it for underwater use only.  I have a D3 for on land. 

My opinion is that a D90 is not enough of an improvement.  Too close in heritage.  I would be looking for a D300 or D300s.  This may be bad advice based on price, I am not sure what a D300 would be going for.  But, it is the level of camera that I would be looking for after having a D200.  Frame rate, build quality, AF ability.

Jan 16 13 02:35 pm Link

Photographer

Marty McBride

Posts: 3142

Owensboro, Kentucky, US

If you are completely happy with the D200 and how it performs, fix it and forget it! $300 is a small price to pay for a solid reliable camera, and at least you know what you have and how it was treated!

Jan 16 13 02:39 pm Link

Photographer

ontherocks

Posts: 23575

Salem, Oregon, US

for me it's all about low light. i feel like my 5D MK II is obsolete. but if you don't shoot events in dark places then maybe you wouldn't even notice a difference.

Jan 16 13 02:48 pm Link

Photographer

AJ_In_Atlanta

Posts: 13053

Atlanta, Georgia, US

I still have a D80, same sensor and both suck at even medium ISO like 800.  Nope I would not fix it unless it was under $100.  I don't think the build quality of the D90 is bad by any means

Jan 16 13 02:50 pm Link

Photographer

Vector One Photography

Posts: 3722

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, US

Personal choice... if you really like it and are happy then get it fixed. Otherwise I'd try to find a D300 or even a D300s.  I use a D200 for knock around but a D300s for real stuff.  The D300s has some great features like a bigger screen and easier card door. Also it uses CF and SD cards at the same time. Just one problem, I doubt you can get one for what the repair may cost you.

Jan 16 13 02:53 pm Link

Photographer

Worlds Of Water

Posts: 37732

Rancho Cucamonga, California, US

AJScalzitti wrote:
I still have a D80, same sensor and both suck at even medium ISO like 800.  Nope I would not fix it unless it was under $100.  I don't think the build quality of the D90 is bad by any means

I'd also go with the D90 and forget about repairing the D200... UNLESS... you can get a D5100 or D7000 at some low prices.  Huge fan of both of those as the 16MP sensor ROCKS in those cams... borat

Jan 16 13 03:34 pm Link

Photographer

maso-arts

Posts: 1114

Cincinnati, Ohio, US

I still use a D200- it's my only digital camera, and I don't look forward to having to replace it.  If the $300 repair is to replace the shutter, I would probably do it.

Jan 16 13 04:26 pm Link

Photographer

OpenMind Photography

Posts: 609

Madison, Alabama, US

Just got a d7000 for $749.99 (Nikon Refurbished) from Adorama.com. Significantly better technology than D200. No sense putting $300 into older technology when a few hundred more can get you something significantly better.

Jan 16 13 05:01 pm Link

Photographer

ChanStudio

Posts: 9219

Alpharetta, Georgia, US

That all depends on how long you have it and the condition of the D200.  If it is in great condition and if you going to fix it, are you able to use it for few more years? 

I wouldn't pay $500 for the D90.  I would get a D300 or spend extra money and get a Refurbished D7000.


By the way, I still have my D200 and loving it.  I don't even like cranking up the D200 above ISO 400 but that is different story.  The new Nikon model miss that thick body and the back thumb holder thing.

Jan 16 13 05:08 pm Link

Photographer

Gary Melton

Posts: 6680

Dallas, Texas, US

My current primary camera is D7000, backup is D200.  I spent $250 to replace the shutter on the D200 (I clumsily broke the shutter while cleaning the sensor - don't ask!)...and I feel the $250 was money well spent!

The D200 is a quality workhorse, and while already outclassed in image quality by the D7000 and everything that came after that...the D200 will always stand as a VERY solid, quality camera!!

Jan 16 13 05:18 pm Link

Photographer

Worlds Of Water

Posts: 37732

Rancho Cucamonga, California, US

Model Starr Photography wrote:
Just got a d7000 for $749.99 (Nikon Refurbished) from Adorama.com. Significantly better technology than D200. No since putting $300 into older technology when a few hundred more can get you something significantly better.

+1

Jan 16 13 05:19 pm Link

Photographer

Aaron Lewis Photography

Posts: 5217

Catskill, New York, US

To replace the D200 I'd be looking for a D300 if you want to be in the $500 range.

Jan 16 13 05:29 pm Link

Photographer

JohnWebb

Posts: 125

Alpharetta, Georgia, US

Still shooting with the D200, haven't felt the need to change.
If it was giving you the results then go ahead and have it repaired. If you need high iso or felt it performance was lacking go for the upgrade.

Jan 16 13 05:39 pm Link

Photographer

Art Silva

Posts: 10064

Santa Barbara, California, US

The D200 is my main DSLR, most of my port is shot with this camera.

If I had costly repair issues I would probably scrap it, sell off a few lenses and temporarily go back to my D100 and get ready to purchase the Fuji X-e1 I have my eye on. wink

Never had the need to go above 800 ISO on my D200 so in essence the camera has been a workhorse and treated me and my models well. It will be sorely missed if this ever happened.

Jan 16 13 05:46 pm Link

Photographer

AJ_In_Atlanta

Posts: 13053

Atlanta, Georgia, US

Select Models wrote:

I'd also go with the D90 and forget about repairing the D200... UNLESS... you can get a D5100 or D7000 at some low prices.  Huge fan of both of those as the 16MP sensor ROCKS in those cams... borat

Good point the D7000 really stood out when it was released.  I was tempted but I had the shutter replaced on my D80 not a year or so before (it was actaully pretty cheap to replace) and wanted to squeeze all my money out of it tongue

Jan 16 13 05:55 pm Link

Photographer

Red Sky Photography

Posts: 3896

Germantown, Maryland, US

My D200 does everything I need it to do. Mostly studio shoots  so no need for high iso. If it broke, I might look at a D300 but I hope that doesn't happen.

There are certainly newer cameras with higher mp counts and better low light performance, but do you need those for what you shoot?

Jan 16 13 06:57 pm Link

Photographer

L o n d o n F o g

Posts: 7497

London, England, United Kingdom

The D300s is a delight, still kicks ass!

Jan 17 13 12:56 pm Link

Photographer

Phase Shift Photography

Posts: 86

Atlanta, Georgia, US

My D200 arrived today to be used as my main camera. Low ISO is not necessary for what I shoot. My avatar was shot with a D200. It's the third time I've owned one. For three hundred bucks, you can't beat it.

Jan 17 13 01:05 pm Link

Photographer

Kelvin Hammond

Posts: 17397

Billings, Montana, US

I'd chuck it and move on.  I'd rather have the new features, though a D90 wouldn't be my choice.

I'd do a d5100

**except that... AF-S lenses don't work on the new bodies**

To be honest, I never really liked the D200. Seemed like work to me (just to navigate the menu), and the rear screens were shit.

Jan 17 13 01:11 pm Link

Photographer

Fotografica Gregor

Posts: 4126

Alexandria, Virginia, US

I carried two D200s for a while -  great cameras in their day, but for the overheating issue with the battery grip on some specimens.....

but the entry level Nikon dslr today has such superior IQ -  I'd just by a new one....

Jan 17 13 01:11 pm Link

Retoucher

Pictus

Posts: 1379

Teresópolis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Model Starr Photography wrote:
Just got a d7000 for $749.99 (Nikon Refurbished) from Adorama.com. Significantly better technology than D200. No since putting $300 into older technology when a few hundred more can get you something significantly better.

+2 smile

Jan 17 13 04:14 pm Link

Photographer

Carlos Occidental

Posts: 10583

Los Angeles, California, US

$300.00 is cheaper than $500.00.  How much can you afford to blow?  Until you can afford to blow $1000.00 on something much better, spend the $300.00 and call it a day!

Jan 17 13 04:16 pm Link

Photographer

Gary Melton

Posts: 6680

Dallas, Texas, US

The Nikon D200 is the Abrams M1 tank of today's DSLR's.  There already exist DSLR's today that surpass it in a lot of categories - but it remains a force to be reckoned with...

Jan 17 13 04:23 pm Link

Photographer

Bob Helm Photography

Posts: 18907

Cherry Hill, New Jersey, US

If the camera did not break would you be looking to replace it?
I have a D200 as my walking around camera with a 18-200 on it. My main camera is a D3s with D300s and D300 as back up. The D200 also serves as my remote camer (shoot a lof of sports)
Money is money so what can you afford? Remember that any used camera you buy will have at most a 30 day warranty and that $500 camera could turn into an $800 overnight.
In the end it is your money and your decision, good luck deciding.

Jan 17 13 04:28 pm Link

Photographer

Harry Samuel

Posts: 2

Alpharetta, Georgia, US

I only parted with my D200 to give it to my daughter. I started her with a D70 and it was time to move her up. But my D700 rocks as my main camera. It all depends on the condition of your D200, and what the problem is. A good used one is $300 or less, I almost bought one for my daughter but decided to give her mine instead.

The big question is what do you need?  If the D200 meets your needs buy a used one, and maybe fix yours as a backup. I like to move up and keep the older one for backup. But that was a few years ago. The D200 or D300 are great cameras. You might be smart to move up to a D300, and when you can afford it fix the D200.

Jan 17 13 08:57 pm Link

Photographer

Will Tejeda

Posts: 302

Orlando, Florida, US

i got rid of a d200 not too long ago , some of the shots in my port were shot with it.

Straight up answer : DO NOT fix it ..

Extended answer :

a)For the amount they are charging, you could pick up another of the same body (if your really wanted to.

b)The d200 is probably the WORST camera I've owned when it comes to low light performance (CCD sensors suck in this regard). I would get substantial amounts of noise if I shot anything above ISO200 .. , If you shoot mainly with strobes, then this isnt a factor for you.

c)For a few more bucks you could upgrade to a much better body. If you look for it, you should be able to find a d7000 body for around $700ish which is a much better body or a used d300s.

Jan 17 13 09:36 pm Link