Would you guys recommend a new nikon body for me?

[Pyrex]

I purchased a D70 to get into photography a few years ago, and since then I've collected several prime lenses and other decent equipment, not to mention a great deal of knowlege. However, I've outgrown my camera body and It's time to upgrade to something with higher quality. I've always been a little upset with the poor autofocusing/softness of the images out of my D70, it just isn't the fidelity I'm looking for. Now, I'm going to be purchasing my next body soon, since I'm tight on money I'll probably be buying another used camera off the board or off craigslist. I've been thinking about the D200 since it seems to have a more advanced auto focusing and the images appear a lot cleaner. I think a D2 is out of my pricerange unfortunately, I'm looking to spend around $700 and maybe up to 1k for the body.

Any help would be GREATLY appreciated.

[Dakinetx]

Hi CJ
Well, I have a D300 and bought the missus a D200. Obviously the D300 is abit more than you are looking to spend. The D200 is usually (it seems a little more too on craiglist but not much) about $800 ish. I would def. recommend a D200. It has excellent features and menu system and quite easy to use and grow with.
My .02cents anyway

[Bartman01]

The D200 has better AF than the D70.
The D300 has better AF than the D200.
IMHO - if you can't wait and get a D300, I would look at the used D2x market as opposed to the D200 - it might be a bit over 1k though.

[phillip ino]

I would hold off and see what bodies Nikon actually releases this summer. If they do come out with the D90 to replace the D80, that might be right in your budget.

[Pyrex]

Hmm, yeah the D2 would be awesome, but I think it's just going to be too expensive, last time I checked they were like ~$1500 cameras, has that changed?

[Dakinetx]

I know of a D2H + lens for $1,200 but thats it

[Pyrex]

Originally Posted by Dakinetx

I know of a D2H + lens for $1,200 but thats it

Well, if I could talk him out of the lens I'd be up for that. I guess I need to comb some forums.

[Bartman01]

Originally Posted by Pyrex

Hmm, yeah the D2 would be awesome, but I think it's just going to be too expensive, last time I checked they were like ~$1500 cameras, has that changed?

I think you are right - the final prices on ebay are still approaching D300 prices. For that I would get the D300 instead.

[Pyrex]

Originally Posted by Bartman01

I think you are right - the final prices on ebay are still approaching D300 prices. For that I would get the D300 instead.

Yeah, I'd rather have a D300 for sure. It's funny how just a little more on top of a little more ends up being twice what you want to spend :)

If anyone knows someone wanting to get rid of their D200 or D2x for a decent price let me know!

[Dakinetx]

PM'd ya