Chose the camera that meets your specific photography needs.
The Nikon D80 and Nikon D200 are D-SLR cameras that share similar image quality, weight, and performance. The Nikon D200 retails for $1699 while the D80 goes for $999. The substantial difference in price reflects several differences between the cameras.
Body Makeup
The D200's body is made of metal while the D80's body is made of hard plastic. The D200 has a sticky rubber exterior covering over the body while the D80 uses slick plastic covering. The D200 wins the contest for durability because of its sturdy design, but the D80 is much lighter because it is made of plastic.
Shooting Power
The D80 can shoot at a maximum of three frames per second while the D200 shoots at a maximum of 5 frames per seconds. The D80's battery can last for up to 2000 shots. The D200's battery life only spans 500 shots. The D200 is better suited for sports photography because it can capture more in short bursts of time. The D80's battery will last longer, for a full day assignment, for example.
Interface Differences
The Nikon D200 has dedicated buttons for white balance, ISO, and Image Quality. The Nikon D80 has buttons that address these functions as well as other settings. In a quick shooting situation, having the D200's dedicated buttons for exposure settings is advantageous because they will be easier to find and operate quickly. The D80's buttons can be confusing because they each have more than one function and can take a few extra seconds to set.
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