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Garth Herrick · 09-08-2006, 07:36 PM

Dear Mike, and all,

Sheesh, all this cutting edge camera talk has made me succumb to my worst weaknesses! Last night I went out and picked up a Nikon D200. I am still evaluating whether it was a purposeful purchase or not; but the test results look pretty promising so far.

It's one of the 10.2 megapixel generation of DSLR cameras out now. With a generously sized magnesium body, it's pretty hefty (much more than my D100), and with it's ergonomics, no-nonsense controls and finish, it screams "professional" at you. The new D80 is a lightweight plastic bodied version, smaller and more consumer friendly at a better price; however I preferred the more professional feel and customizable functionality of the D200. The D80 feels too slight to me; I know that's highly subjective, as the picture quality has got to be very similar if not the same.

In some respects, I have a renewed appreciation for my old D100 (which just turns four this weekend). It is so much simpler in scope of functionality, however, due to that it is difficult to come up with the finely nuanced results the new D200 can acheive. One apparent surprise: images compress better for the web with the new camera. I suppose the images being less grainy and cleaner, account for that.

I have been attempting to compare apples to apples with test picture comparisons between the two cameras. It might be better to just write that the D200 has better rendering of color, with four years of evolution on its side.

This afternoon, I shot a picture of Lesser Apotheoun, and got the best results ever. To me the photo looks just like the painting. The head detail is from the same shot. I did adjust it very slightly in Photoshop, but I was mostly splitting hairs on some imperceptable nuances. These images are subtle, like the painting.

Edit: It's a bit more murky in the darks, in these images (back to the drawing room).

Yikes, this camera may completely undo my marriage!

Julie: Did you get your camera yet???? Your brand new Sony has got to be very comparable to the D200. Send us a picture!

Another edit: I just lightened the images slightly.....

Garth

09-08-2006, 07:36 PM	#18
Garth Herrick SOG Member FT Professional '09 Honors, Finalist, PSOA '07 Cert of Excel PSOA '06 Cert of Excel PSOA '06 Semifinalist, Smithsonian OBPC '05 Finalist, PSOA Joined: Mar 2004 Location: Philadelphia, PA Posts: 1,445	Dear Mike, and all, Sheesh, all this cutting edge camera talk has made me succumb to my worst weaknesses! Last night I went out and picked up a Nikon D200. I am still evaluating whether it was a purposeful purchase or not; but the test results look pretty promising so far. It's one of the 10.2 megapixel generation of DSLR cameras out now. With a generously sized magnesium body, it's pretty hefty (much more than my D100), and with it's ergonomics, no-nonsense controls and finish, it screams "professional" at you. The new D80 is a lightweight plastic bodied version, smaller and more consumer friendly at a better price; however I preferred the more professional feel and customizable functionality of the D200. The D80 feels too slight to me; I know that's highly subjective, as the picture quality has got to be very similar if not the same. In some respects, I have a renewed appreciation for my old D100 (which just turns four this weekend). It is so much simpler in scope of functionality, however, due to that it is difficult to come up with the finely nuanced results the new D200 can acheive. One apparent surprise: images compress better for the web with the new camera. I suppose the images being less grainy and cleaner, account for that. I have been attempting to compare apples to apples with test picture comparisons between the two cameras. It might be better to just write that the D200 has better rendering of color, with four years of evolution on its side. This afternoon, I shot a picture of Lesser Apotheoun, and got the best results ever. To me the photo looks just like the painting. The head detail is from the same shot. I did adjust it very slightly in Photoshop, but I was mostly splitting hairs on some imperceptable nuances. These images are subtle, like the painting. Edit: It's a bit more murky in the darks, in these images (back to the drawing room). Yikes, this camera may completely undo my marriage! Julie: Did you get your camera yet???? Your brand new Sony has got to be very comparable to the D200. Send us a picture! Another edit: I just lightened the images slightly..... Garth Attached Images __________________ www.garthherrick.com