Nikon DSLR users---D80 or D200?

The differences between the D80 and the D200 are relatively minor except to a pro: greater burst rate, magnesium frame, better seals. As far as image quality goes, the two are virtually identical and, I believe, use the same sensor. Therefore, unless you're going to drag the camera around the world and beat the bejeezus out of it like the pros do, the D200 is not worth the extra money.

I say this as a long-time Nikon owner with a D80, a D2x, and now, a D300. The D300 is very satisfying to work with, a real leap forward in image quality at high ISO, but if you can't spring for that one, the D80 is a good value.

Bottom line, I would suggest you figure out a way to get your hands on a D300, even if you have to wait a while and/or go down to a kit lens to start.

I'm with V2K1, and I use a Nikon D200 & love it.

Ken Rockwell is very knowledgeable but he's also the most biased Nikon fan on the planet - please dismiss his sales pitch for the D80/ D200. Yes, the D80 is a better camera than the Rebel XT, but not by a large enough margin to warrant switching brands. The D200 WOULD be a large enough jump... but not if you have to settle for budget lenses. If you want to upgrade your image quality, get a better lens for your XT. Or if you already have decent Canon glass, upgrade your XT to a used Canon 20D or 30D.

Photography is usually a life long hobby and Canon and Nikon both have excellent gear all the way up to professional quality. Don't get obsessed by which brand has a 5% better camera THIS year. By the time you're ready to upgrade to that D300, Canon might have something better. What will you do then - switch back again?

You won't find an appreciable difference in image quality between your XT and either of the Nikons.

In fact at high ISO I'll bet the Canon will give you better pics.

And if you're thinking the Nikon lens system is better than Canon's, it's not.

The major difference will be in camera size and weight. It doesn't make sense to me to get a new camera just because it's bigger.

Don't switch cameras unless you're moving up to one that makes better images.

Hope this helps.

V

Get the D80 instead of the D200...UNLESS there's a specific feature on the D200 you must have (i.e. intervalometer, weather sealed body, shooting banks, etc.)

Otherwise, the D80 will produce virtually identical quality images and you'll have put the money where it matters--on the lenses.

better lens equal better image BUT if you really need a feature that is on the 200 get it but if the features on the 80 will work get the better glass..glass last a LONG time your camera will probably be upgraded numerous times during the life of your lens