Would this be a good "learning" DSLR

[saturndb]

I owned a d80 that I need to replace, broke beyond repair, I have read on some other posts about the d200. Gdad mentioned it for 599 at bestbuy. My wife would like to learn photograpahy and I would love to increase my basic knowledge as well. Do you think this would be a good DSLR to learn on?
The budget I have is 1200 max and I would need a good lens also.

This is what I think we would photgraph.
Disney- of course
lanscape
local/ disney firework shows
air shows
some sports
the basic snap shots of the family

 

[YesDear]

I had a D200 and now have a D300. I would recommend the D90 over the D200 only because the D90 is newer technology and has better sensor than the D200. The D200 is a great camera but the D90 does more and better.

I would get the D90 and a good kit lens then grow from there!

 

[handicap18]

The other thing about the D200 is that it is more of a "Pro" entry level body. There are no pre-programed "icon" modes like you had on your D80 (ie: landscape, portrait, sports, etc...). Its also a bigger camera than the D80.

The D200 is an excellent camera and people will be taking pictures with it for many many years to come.

When it came out new about 4 years ago it was listed at $1499 IIRC. It has since been replaced by the D300.

If price is your primary concern, then the D200 at $599 is a great deal. You can put some more money towards getting a better "kit" lens like the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 or 24-70mm f/2.8.

 

[bob100]

I owned a d80 that I need to replace, broke beyond repair, I have read on some other posts about the d200. Gdad mentioned it for 599 at bestbuy. My wife would like to learn photograpahy and I would love to increase my basic knowledge as well. Do you think this would be a good DSLR to learn on?
The budget I have is 1200 max and I would need a good lens also.

I'm admittedly ignorant about Nikon's camera lineup but isn't the D80 considered an excellent even advanced beyond "learning" DSLR? how long did you have it?

 

[saturndb]

I had the camera for about 7 or 8 months. I did like the camera and would like to learn more about how to take a picture. I did find at times I would be lazy and just keep the camera on auto. Price is a concern right now. Times are tough and getting the best bang for the buck is important. Spending 600 - 800 is better then spending 1100-1200.

I would like a camera that will allow me to learn how to take great pictures, not just press a buttom

 

[handicap18]

Also, there is no AUTO on the D200. There is Program Mode which the camera will choose the shutter speed and aperture, but you can choose the ISO (this mode was also on the D80). So using the D200 will pretty much force you to learn more and pay more attention to your settings.

Keep in mind though, if your settings are wrong you wont take great pictures. The camera can only do so much. Knowledge is power.

 

[jenseib]

If it's broke and it' only a few months old, wouldn't be under warrenty still? How did yopu break it? I would be worried about breaking a new one too if it was due to carelessness. Not saying it was, but these are expensive toys and costly to fix. I know. I had a Rebel XTi and i revcently broke a prong in my CF card slot when I jammed one in too hard. $250 to fix that small thing. I about hit the floor. I eneded up buying a new 50D, and am much more careful when I take cards in and out.

 

[saturndb]

I had it on a shelving unit and the shelving unit got tipped over and crushed the lens and the d80 body. To much damage..... from now on it will be kept inside my desk or in a camera bag.

 

[saturndb]

I have it down to two cameras. the d200 body from bestbuy and go out a get a fast lens or a d90 kit with 18-105 lens refurbished from Cameta Camera on Amazon for 999.00

 

[jenseib]

Are you a member of Cosco. If not you can still look on there site, but I have read of people getting Nikons for great prices there. I think the D60 with 2 lenses is 7 or 800. And I know the D90 was as dectn price too.

 

[saturndb]

I do belong to Costco, might have to stop by and see thier prices.

 

[oregondaddyof2]

Funny you mentioned Costco and the D60... i went to my loca Costco and actually purchased that setup... The D60 came with the 18-55mm and the 55-200mm (Both VR Lenses) and it came with a Nikon camera bag... It was around $800... It is a great camera setup for beginners to learn on, and I have began to dive in and take the camera off of Auto... i was scared at first, but the very user-friendly interface helps show me what the settings do and makes learning the camera easy and fun... I would recommend this camera for sure, especially if money is an issue... I will hopefully be upgrading to a D300 next year (If the wife gives me permission.. It will take lots of these... )

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

Funny you mentioned Costco and the D60... i went to my loca Costco and actually purchased that setup... The D60 came with the 18-55mm and the 55-200mm (Both VR Lenses) and it came with a Nikon camera bag... It was around $800... It is a great camera setup for beginners to learn on, and I have began to dive in and take the camera off of Auto...

Except that the D60 doesn't auto focus with older lenses like the 50mm. I have a D80 and a D90. I love my D90. You can't beat the high ISO capabilities. It helps so much in low light.
OP I would get the D90 because it has all the auto features if you need it.