Nikon D200 or Canon 30D?

Ciber

Platinum Member
Nov 20, 2000
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So far all i've gathered from reading reviews on both is that the Canon is better at higher iso settings and that the Nikon is much better built. Is the lower noise on the Canon worth passing on the Nikon?

I don't own any lenses or photo equipment other than a Canon SD400 P&S and I don't particularly care about the price difference between the two, I just want to buy the better all around camera.

So what are your thoughts?

 

tfinch2

Lifer
Feb 3, 2004
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What are you going to shoot? If it involves any type of action, the Canon will be the better bet at 5 fps and better high ISO performance.

For anything else, just close your eyes and pick.
 

JMWarren

Golden Member
Nov 6, 2003
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Umm, The Nikon also has 5fps....

Other than High ISO the D200 is a better camera in every respect.
 

tfinch2

Lifer
Feb 3, 2004
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Originally posted by: JMWarren
Umm, The Nikon also has 5fps....

Other than High ISO the D200 is a better camera in every respect.

And it's $300 dollars more.
 

JMWarren

Golden Member
Nov 6, 2003
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Originally posted by: tfinch2
Originally posted by: JMWarren
Umm, The Nikon also has 5fps....

Other than High ISO the D200 is a better camera in every respect.

And it's $300 dollars more.


I'd have to say its worth it. Build Quality is better, Viewfinder is better, Nikon Interface is Better (I've shot with both Nikon and Canon extensivly...Nikon just Fits).

Don't get me wrong 30d is a GREAT camera, I'd just rather have the Nikon
 

virtuamike

Diamond Member
Oct 13, 2000
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I'm partial to the D200 myself. I got to compare to my buddy's 20D (the 30D isn't that much of an upgrade) and overall the D200's more solid and responsive plus the viewfinder's nicer, though it's up to you whether or not that justifies the price increase.

Then again, all the gear is making me numb to prices. I just bought a $300 rotary trimmer and I've already had to restock on paper and ink (there goes another $150).
 

aphex

Moderator<br>All Things Apple
Moderator
Jul 19, 2001
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Another vote for the D200... Fantastic camera and i love Nikon glass :)
 

Koing

Elite Member <br> Super Moderator<br> Health and F
Oct 11, 2000
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Canon images are cleaner at any ISO and more so at high iso.
Nikon camera build quality is better then Canon minus the 1 series.

I prefer the egonomics of the Nikon range but the images aren't as good as the Canon's. Compare them to even the 10D and you will see which looks better. Canon cameras feel cheaper then the Nikon's but the CCD Vs CMOS images, the CMOS wins hands down for me.

Go with what looks better to you. If you prefer the images of the Nikon go for it.

Don't forget to get a half decent lense to make good use of your DSLR!

Koing
 

torpid

Lifer
Sep 14, 2003
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I'm getting my models confused maybe, but I think the 30D is just a 20D with a few minor improvements. The D200 is noticeably better if that is the case.
 

JulesMaximus

No Lifer
Jul 3, 2003
74,570
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Okay, here's how this thread will go...

CANON
NIKON
CANON
NIKON
WTF!!! YOU CANON FANBOYS DON'T KNOW WTF YOUR TALKIN' 'BOUT!!! NIKON PWNS
WTF!!! YOU NIKON FANBOYS DON'T KNOW WTF YOUR TALKIN' 'BOUT!!! CANON PWNS

In the end just buy whichever one you like best or whichever one you want to invest in lenses for since they make more of a difference than what kind of box you have.

<--Canon fanboy ;)
 

ultimatebob

Lifer
Jul 1, 2001
25,134
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You're getting either a D200 or a 30D for your first D-SLR? Wow, you must have some coin laying around :)

Anyway, they're both good cameras. The 30D would be easier for you to learn, though, since you're already used to Canon's control layouts.
 

Kelvrick

Lifer
Feb 14, 2001
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Supposedly, even though its not marketed as such, the Nikon might be more weatherproof considering the rubber lining around the body. If the money doesn't matter, pick up the D200 with the 18-200 vr kit.
 

torpid

Lifer
Sep 14, 2003
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Originally posted by: Kelvrick
Supposedly, even though its not marketed as such, the Nikon might be more weatherproof considering the rubber lining around the body. If the money doesn't matter, pick up the D200 with the 18-200 vr kit.

I read an article in popular photography discussing the body of the D200 and how it was built with a better seal and was more resistant to dust - than previous nikons anyway.
 

Koing

Elite Member <br> Super Moderator<br> Health and F
Oct 11, 2000
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Originally posted by: torpid
Originally posted by: Kelvrick
Supposedly, even though its not marketed as such, the Nikon might be more weatherproof considering the rubber lining around the body. If the money doesn't matter, pick up the D200 with the 18-200 vr kit.

I read an article in popular photography discussing the body of the D200 and how it was built with a better seal and was more resistant to dust - than previous nikons anyway.

Nikon build quality :thumbsup:

Canon 1 series :heart:

Koing
 

Kelvrick

Lifer
Feb 14, 2001
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Originally posted by: Koing
Originally posted by: torpid
Originally posted by: Kelvrick
Supposedly, even though its not marketed as such, the Nikon might be more weatherproof considering the rubber lining around the body. If the money doesn't matter, pick up the D200 with the 18-200 vr kit.

I read an article in popular photography discussing the body of the D200 and how it was built with a better seal and was more resistant to dust - than previous nikons anyway.

Nikon build quality :thumbsup:

Canon 1 series :heart:

Koing

See here for a diagram of the rubber seals.
 

anonymouschris

Diamond Member
Jan 17, 2001
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I don't necessarily agree with the build quality. I agree that the Canon feels cheaper, but that doesn't mean the build quality is lacking. FYI the Nikon D50/D70 is made in Thailand while the Rebels etc are made in Japan. Just my 2 cents worth. I'm not saying that Thailand can't make quality products..but I personally prefer my electonics to be made in Japan.
 

n yusef

Platinum Member
Feb 20, 2005
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Originally posted by: anonymouschris
I don't necessarily agree with the build quality. I agree that the Canon feels cheaper, but that doesn't mean the build quality is lacking. FYI the Nikon D50/D70 is made in Thailand while the Rebels etc are made in Japan. Just my 2 cents worth. I'm not saying that Thailand can't make quality products..but I personally prefer my electonics to be made in Japan.

Where they're made doesn't matter. It's the same assembly line whether it's in Japan, Thailand or on one of Saturn's moons.

Even if the quality control is worse in Thailand, then Nikon build quality wouldn't be worse, there would just be a higher chance of defects in the product line.
 

Ciber

Platinum Member
Nov 20, 2000
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I guess i'll be getting the D200, even though i still don't feel too happy about Nikon's high iso performance... You'd think they would of fixed that by now.
 

virtuamike

Diamond Member
Oct 13, 2000
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Originally posted by: Ciber
I guess i'll be getting the D200, even though i still don't feel too happy about Nikon's high iso performance... You'd think they would of fixed that by now.

You plan on doing a lot of high ISO shooting?
 

Koing

Elite Member <br> Super Moderator<br> Health and F
Oct 11, 2000
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Originally posted by: Ciber
I guess i'll be getting the D200, even though i still don't feel too happy about Nikon's high iso performance... You'd think they would of fixed that by now.

They can't fix it. It is the Sony CCD. I'm somewhat sure Nikon don't make the CCD in the D200 but get it from Sony instead.

It'll probably only show in big prints or when viewed on screen at full res. I'm sure at lower resolutions you won't notice it so much.

Koing
 

Ciber

Platinum Member
Nov 20, 2000
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Originally posted by: virtuamike
Originally posted by: Ciber
I guess i'll be getting the D200, even though i still don't feel too happy about Nikon's high iso performance... You'd think they would of fixed that by now.

You plan on doing a lot of high ISO shooting?


Not really planning on it. Just would be nice for it to look good if I ever do.

Mike, is there any chance you could post a high iso picture taken with your D200?


Thanks.
 

virtuamike

Diamond Member
Oct 13, 2000
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Originally posted by: Ciber
Originally posted by: virtuamike
Originally posted by: Ciber
I guess i'll be getting the D200, even though i still don't feel too happy about Nikon's high iso performance... You'd think they would of fixed that by now.

You plan on doing a lot of high ISO shooting?


Not really planning on it. Just would be nice for it to look good if I ever do.

Mike, is there any chance you could post a high iso picture taken with your D200?


Thanks.

I don't have any full res shots online. This one's ISO800 resized for web.

I can tell you that unless you're printing at 12x18, it's really tough to spot grain.
 

Ciber

Platinum Member
Nov 20, 2000
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Originally posted by: virtuamike
Originally posted by: Ciber
Originally posted by: virtuamike
Originally posted by: Ciber
I guess i'll be getting the D200, even though i still don't feel too happy about Nikon's high iso performance... You'd think they would of fixed that by now.

You plan on doing a lot of high ISO shooting?


Not really planning on it. Just would be nice for it to look good if I ever do.

Mike, is there any chance you could post a high iso picture taken with your D200?


Thanks.

I don't have any full res shots online. This one's ISO800 resized for web.

I can tell you that unless you're printing at 12x18, it's really tough to spot grain.

That's a very nice shot Mike. I'll be grabbing a D200 then.