Just Bought a 20D, Mistake? re: Nikon 200D

[sti jaguar]

Hmmm, I just purchased a 20D and waiting for it to arrive this week. Paid around $1200. Now I see that Nikon has released the 200D for about $1700.

Did I just made a mistake by buying this Canon too soon? The performance at a glance looks roughly the same, with the slight pixel edge to the Nikon. The biggest difference for me is the large 2.5 LCD screen vs the 1.8 Canon.

So is the price difference worth the extra 2 mega pixels? Any other major difference that the Nikon has over the 20D?

I'll probably feel much worse when the 30D gets released though.

review of the Nikon 200D http://www.dpreview.com/articles/nikond200/

[kaitanium]

i suppose it will be even clearer if this was a "mistake" once indepth usage of the d200 reviews hit the web. the 20d is an awesome camera already.
ive always believed that its not so much the camera that creates great pictures, its yourself and how you use what you have (camera, light, etc) to create great compositions. camera helps but in the end its you as the photographer. my 2 cents at a quick confidence boost for you =P

btw subarus rock the world. =P

[tacos3]

You'll have to wait till January for your D200 and in February, Canon will have it's next rounds of announcements. The 20d is a great camera and as kaitanium says, its a tool like any other, the craftsman is the artist.

Go out and shoot and learn how to use that tool.

Darren

[sti jaguar]

I just needed a little boost as you mentioned. I don't think it was worth shelling out the extra $400-500 for the little extras that Nikon added.

I think that Nikon's answer to the 20D is pretty weak considering the 20D was released in the summer of 04. I am a gadget freak and probably will have to sell my new 20D once the 30D hits the shelves though.

[Bob_A]

Unless you have a ton of money to be changing cameras (and brands) everytime a new body comes out I wouldn't fret about upcoming models. You also didn't mention how experienced you are. If you are new to photography or have never used an SLR before then the 20D might even be more camera than you will ever need :)

Both Canon and Nikon have very nice equipment, and you can't go wrong with either. I bought Canon because I was used to Canon film gear and was always happy with the controls and how their cameras feel in my hands.

[sti jaguar]

heh, you guys are completely correct. I am a level 1 photographer (out of 10-being the highest). I only knew that having an SLR camera means that you can change lenses about a month ago. Been reading up so much lately and got caught in the gadget wave.

[Bob_A]

I am a gadget freak and probably will have to sell my new 20D once the 30D hits the shelves though.

As long as you realize that the more expensive gadget isn't going to automatically give you a better result :)

[Snapman]

Smile and don't worry :)

In any event, you've a wonderful camera, so just go out and take some pictures whilst enjoying your lovely new toy :)

I've got a 20D and love using it and am not in the least worried about another camera being released.

[Bob_A]

heh, you guys are completely correct. I am a level 1 photographer (out of 10-being the highest). I only knew that having an SLR camera means that you can change lenses about a month ago. Been reading up so much lately and got caught in the gadget wave.

If this is the case then the 20D, if anything, will be much more camera than you will need for the next couple of years or longer. By the way, the money you save by NOT jumping to the latest and greatest body every year can be put to better use by adding to you lens collection :lol:

[thebrewer]

Hmmm, I just purchased a 20D and waiting for it to arrive this week. Paid around $1200. Now I see that Nikon has released the 200D for about $1700.
Nikon announced the camera, the did not release it. I was on the fence, but the end of December availability was it for me. I ordered my 20D yesterday. I sold my XT last week, and don't want to wait till next year.

[ACDCROCKS]

I'm waiting for the "30D in the spring, it won't hurt....as soon as it comes out I'll be happy and feel all up to date...I'll be playing with it, and be the kid on the block, while the noinks are bored silly with the Noink D200 Because they found out it's worth nothing, and canon kicked their ass;)This is my first canon though, thats why I'm waiting....4 years of DSLR photography, and just about every year theres a reason to get a new SLR,but this is my last until the shutter litterly burns out :rolleyes:

[kaitanium]

yep as bob_a said, the 20d will be beyond your expectations until you become level 8ish, and even then it could be still enough for you! i wish i had the money right now to get a 20d

[wolf]

......but this is my last until the shutter litterly burns out :rolleyes:

Yeah right !!! http://photography-on-the.net/forum/images/icons/icon12.gif

[pehabe]

if you are level 1 (just started) in photography and not yet collecting thing (lens, flash, battere etc.) AND you could wait till December2005 or Jan2006... my suggestion is go for Nikon D200.
I have 20D and I know its limitation and from the spec I saw D200 is 'better'.
http://www.dpreview.com/articles/nikond200/page12.asp

Dont get me wrong... I love 20D and its a great camera, but hey... with that price different and you'll get more features... for the starter like you it would not be a big problem. For me its rather too late :) I have invested my money to Canon system.

If you want to have Canon system anyway AND you could wait... lets see what Canon will release as an answer to D200 next year.

Carpe diem... cheers

[Moniphoto]

Wow too much differences...I like canon 20D...But Nikon D200 is good as i see ...I whant to have a Christmas present...But I cant wait for 30D...

I need to invest too.. I have the knowledge and all that.....after all the photographer....is the one that knows.... I just need a good body....to invest in lenses...

I need to find a good body.....

Moniphoto

[cyclone]

I saw the D200 specs, and it's a nice camera. Is it worth $500 more than the 20D? Not for me anyway, but everyone is different. We are getting to the point that each generation of digital SLR's is not the tremendous step above the previous generation that we saw several years ago.

Also don't make camera purchasing decisions based on the latest leapfrog - that's a losing proposition. Look at the system and the overall trend/strategy of the manufacturer. For me (and most of the people on this board), Canon makes the most sense (after all, it is a Canon forum).

I think you made a fine choice in getting the 20D. JMHO. When the 30D comes out, it will be priced higher, so you saved some money now.

[ACDCROCKS]

there almost exaclt the same (my personal opninon) Nikon is trying to just catch up for the 20d, they don't have didly foy the new 20d and 5D, nothin, canon is prepared, Nikon just waits and waits till there forced to do something or there in deep financial

[grego]

Well it would be a mistake if you had Nikon lens and no Canon lens.

But if you are starting from scratch, its up to you to make the choice. But by the time the D200 is out for a while, Canon's next camera to replace the 20D will be out. Nikon is just slow........The d100 came out to compete with the 10D. The 10D has been off the market for nearly a year.

I'm waiting for the "30D in the spring,

I'd bet you it's not going to be called the 30D. They already have the D30. It would be just too confusing for people, I'd say and I'm sure a lot of people would get ripped off on Ebay, with that type of name.

[ACDCROCKS]

Well it would be a mistake if you had Nikon lens and no Canon lens.

But if you are starting from scratch, its up to you to make the choice. But by the time the D200 is out for a while, Canon's next camera to replace the 20D will be out. Nikon is just slow........The d100 came out to compete with the 10D. The 10D has been off the market for nearly a year.



I'd bet you it's not going to be called the 30D. They already have the D30. It would be just too confusing for people, I'd say and I'm sure a lot of people would get ripped off on Ebay, with that type of name.

my main point was the "new camera coming", thats all :)

[zakabog]

Wow too much differences...I like canon 20D...But Nikon D200 is good as i see ...I whant to have a Christmas present...But I cant wait for 30D...

I need to invest too.. I have the knowledge and all that.....after all the photographer....is the one that knows.... I just need a good body....to invest in lenses...

I need to find a good body.....

Moniphoto

I've never read... something online... that sounded... like william shatner.

[BTBeilke]

I've never read... something online... that sounded... like william shatner.

Too funny!

[Bill Hicks]

Did I just made a mistake by buying this Canon too soon? The performance at a glance looks roughly the same, with the slight pixel edge to the Nikon. The biggest difference for me is the large 2.5 LCD screen vs the 1.8 Canon.

No, you didn't make a mistake. As mentioned earlier, the D200 was announced, not released. If you could wait, perhaps the Canon D200 equivelant (the rumored 20D upgrade,) would be worth waiting for.

So is the price difference worth the extra 2 mega pixels? Any other major difference that the Nikon has over the 20D?


No one knows what the Nikon D200 can do at the moment so we can only judge based on specs. Your not just getting an extra 2 MP's... theres alot more (than a Canonite wants to admit) that you won't find on the 20D here. The price of the D200 seems low to me considering what it does offer. I personally put it between the 20D and the 5D (pressing more towards the 5D.) It has the extra MP's, the 2.5" LCD, and weather sealing (need to spend $4,000.00 on a Canon before you get weather sealing.) Well we all know the specs. and IMHO, the D200 "sounds" (I emphasize "SOUNDS") much better than the 20D. And a MUCH better value than the 5D. It basically sounds like a 5D to me without the FF, and the extra $1,600.00 tagged onto it. I know this opinion isn't going to make me the popular kid on the block around here, but I try not to be bias to a brand.

Still, be happy with your 20D (I love mine, and conduct a wedding/portrait business with it,) it will take just as good a picture as a 1D Mark II, 5D, the 20D successor, and even the D200. It's the features other cameras offer that warrant the possible need for an upgrade, or a more expensive camera body... do you need them? Probably not. Focus on photography, and your needs as a photographer. I'll run my 20D into the ground before I condsider an upgrade... pictures still look fine to me.

Peace!

[BottomBracket]

Welcome to the 20d world! I think it matters not if you go Canon or Nikon, as both are excellent brands and the SLR systems are very extensive and well supported (slight edge to Canon of course). The more important thing is that you will have your camera sooner and thus take pictures sooner. Don't sweat the smaller LCD, once you get used to shooting with dSLR's, it hardly matters anymore. The 20d is a great camera - the one thing I really like about it (as well as the others in the Canon line) is its ability to use older MF optics, which are excellent and quite cheap to acquire. Heck, you can even use Nikon lenses on your Canon, with an adapter.

ACDCROCKS, when your shutter burns out, you can have it replaced for around $200 I think. :) That way you'll never buy another dSLR :)

[kenyc]

Hmmm, I just purchased a 20D and waiting for it to arrive this week. Paid around $1200. Now I see that Nikon has released the 200D for about $1700.

Did I just made a mistake by buying this Canon too soon? The performance at a glance looks roughly the same, with the slight pixel edge to the Nikon. The biggest difference for me is the large 2.5 LCD screen vs the 1.8 Canon.

So is the price difference worth the extra 2 mega pixels? Any other major difference that the Nikon has over the 20D?

I'll probably feel much worse when the 30D gets released though.

review of the Nikon 200D http://www.dpreview.com/articles/nikond200/


:) Suck it up buddy.

KAC

[Dante King]

Hmmm, I just purchased a 20D and waiting for it to arrive this week. Paid around $1200. Now I see that Nikon has released the 200D for about $1700.

Did I just made a mistake by buying this Canon too soon? The performance at a glance looks roughly the same, with the slight pixel edge to the Nikon. The biggest difference for me is the large 2.5 LCD screen vs the 1.8 Canon.

So is the price difference worth the extra 2 mega pixels? Any other major difference that the Nikon has over the 20D?

I'll probably feel much worse when the 30D gets released though.

review of the Nikon 200D http://www.dpreview.com/articles/nikond200/

Thats why you needed to buy a 1Dsmk2 Like I did. for a while, no room to upgrade or worry about it ;)

[Snapman]

Thats why you needed to buy a 1Dsmk2 Like I did. for a while, no room to upgrade or worry about it ;)
Haha - Can't argue with that philosophy Dante :lol: When all's said and done, you are the King here and long may you reign in splendour :lol: :lol: :lol:

[koho]

The SINGLE ONE THING that I like the most about the D200 is that the switch between focus modes and continuous/single point AF are all on switches that I can get to while my eyes are still fixed on the viewfinder.. with a finger on the shutter. For what I shoot.. not having to back out to look at the top LCD to change between these would increase the number of my "keepers" significantly. I can't recall how many times I've missed a shot because I had to stop to make the changes.

I also love the flash system that the N brand has.

ON THAT NOTE HOWEVER, until I get useable ISO 800+ shots from them (when it comes to large prints).. all the buttons and switches in the world will not make a difference.

[Titus213]

I have owned Canons for years. I never looked at it as a mistake or not a mistake but rather as a decision. I didn't buy a camera, I bought into a system. I like the whole Canon system, lens, flash, accessories, price, etc. The cameras are teriffic - we currently have 5 in the house, 3 in our sons, and 3 in our daughters. I've never regretted a single one of ours.

[tsw910]

hope this link works and help ...

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=canon_eos20d%2Cnikon_d200&show=all

[ScottE]

Buying the 20D is not a mistake. The mistake would be to never buy because a better camera might be introduced in a few months. Technology keeps advancing and you have to jump in at some time or get left behind.

The 20D is a good camera and it is not going to change when the D200 is released. Sure, it won't be state of the art any more, but neither will the D200 in a few more months.

[whchan]

We will all be making "mistakes" if we always look forward for something in the pipeline.

e.g. I wanted to buy a PC in 1989 and it was a 486 33Mhz, 32MB ram, costing me $1,900. I knew in the future the price will drop, with better computer power...etc. Then 1993 came along, I still wanted to have a PC (P1, 400MHz, 128MB ram,..., but I knew in a short period of time, I can get a computer with better features and lower price. Then it came 1998, same story.... Then 2005, same story... I am so afraid of making "mistakes" and never able to own a computer. So sad.

When Canon released the 300D 2.5 years ago, I knew Nikon will make something better with comparable price, so I waited. Then it came D70, a better camera than the 300D. But then I knew Canon was going to put out something even better (20D), so I waited. Then I knew Canon is going to lower the price with the new model having similar features (350D), so I waited again... Now I know Nikon is going to release D200 with just a few hundred dollars more than the 20D, so I will wait. But then I know Canon will respond by having a new model either with a lower price or better feature than a D200..... Another sad story

[kenyc]

hope this link works and help ...

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=canon_eos20d%2Cnikon_d200&show=all

Interesting comparison. Looks like spec-wise the only thing going for the Nikon Body is a few more pixels in the sensor and a bigger lcd (the exposure differences, etc. are not that big a deal) nor really is the # pixels, particularly when you look beyond the body alone to the lenses, company, history, research and development etc.

Looks to me like the d200 is Nikons answer to the 20D and Canon will have new models out shortly and Nikon will will be a year behind again :)

The more important thing to choose is the company, the accessories available, etc. These companies are the two leaders so both are going to be useable, but for me and what I see Canon definitely has the edge, which is why I chose it.

KAC

[Elliot73]

Hello,

I have a D70 and have been waiting for the new Nikon "catch up with Canon" camera. After all this wait, they have come up with something Canon has been doing for a while. Couldn't they do better...? The new camera has really nothing new to offer except a few bells and whistles.

I have so much money invested on my Nikon system that very doubtfull I will change to Canon. However, I am not happy with Nikon. I have been using Nikon since the F2 over 25 years ago. In my opion Nikon has become just another camera company pushing products every so often just trying to meet investor spectations, not trying to meet customers expectations.

After so much noise from Nikon I thought we where going to see some new outstanding technology... A breakthrough.... Instead we got more of the same. Go to the Nikon site and all you see there is a group of people argueing about what the specifications do mean.... Here you se a group of guys just posting their pictures.

My camera is capable of producing some outstanding photos. However, the problem is that under similar conditions and workflows, the camera doesn't always produce the same results. It is very inconsistent in its output. There is also a problem with the Focus. Nikon gets these kind of complains all the time and they continue blaming the users.

I have friends with both cameras (Canons and Nikons) and I have been following both forums. My un-scientific observation is that Canon users are happier and they produce better photos with much less of a learning curve or hazzles.

My suggestion is to stay with Canon. I have over 18 thousand on the Nikon system. If I could dispose of it without lossing a lot of money, I would definitely switch.

Take a look at this article:

http://www.quesabesde.com/noticias/Nikon-D200-Canon-EOS-5D,1_en_2114

I am not a photographer. I am a Nikon user of over 25 years with Nikon. I have become really dissapointed at them. The specs on paper are a work of literature creativity..... Go simple..... just compare the images and your workflow in obtaining those images. Canon may be easier on the learning curve and produce better images.

Good Luck
ELliot

[thomasrhee]

If you like the lenses offered by Nikon more than those from Canon, get the Nikon. If you like the lenses offered by Canon more than those from Nikon, get the Canon. When buying a SLR camera of any type, you're buying into not only their body, but IMO more importantly their lenses.

My personal viewpoint is that Nikon has been playing catchup with Canon for many years now. Canon is by far, the leader in digital photography.

[NullMind]

Funky .. I have sort of the same dilema .. I just bought the 20D .. and wondered if I should have robbed a local convinicence store for the extra $$ for the 5D instead :)

but the tought of Nikon never comes up :D

[Moniphoto]

lol

[Moniphoto]

:lol:

[ACDCROCKS]

Hmmm, I just purchased a 20D and waiting for it to arrive this week. Paid around $1200. Now I see that Nikon has released the 200D for about $1700.

Did I just made a mistake by buying this Canon too soon? The performance at a glance looks roughly the same, with the slight pixel edge to the Nikon. The biggest difference for me is the large 2.5 LCD screen vs the 1.8 Canon.

So is the price difference worth the extra 2 mega pixels? Any other major difference that the Nikon has over the 20D?

I'll probably feel much worse when the 30D gets released though.

review of the Nikon 200D http://www.dpreview.com/articles/nikond200/

Is buying ANY DSLR a mistake? (take a minute to figure how much you spent on it,used it,love it, cherrish it ;) )I love mine, I take pictures and get paid...What could be better?other than being Hue Heffner ;)

[Croasdail]

I had an interesting conversation with a pro saturday night whose shop has both. He agreed that the new body from Nikon looks interesting, but said the holes in the Nikon glass like still cause him to reach for canon glass. He remarked that in particular the 70-200 from Nikon is weak compared to the Canon - particularly when it comes to color saturation. So, yes the body is a 20D killer - but it's supporting cast per this pro who has access to both just is not up to the task.

Just relaying what one guy told me.... if that make you fill any better.

[defordphoto]

The cool thing about this all is that Canon smokes Nikon every time. I can hardly wait till Spring '06 and what Canon's retort will be. This is very exciting!!!

[buckwheat]

My early experience with Nikon (as far back as the famous original 995 digicam) was that compared to Canon the controls on most of their digital cameras ( including D-SLRs) has been what I call 'inconsiderate'. The controls/menus access were always more confusing and less intuitive vs Canon controls. In my dealings with both companies, I find Canon to be more 'responsive' to customer needs and considerably more user-friendly over the entire product range. The image quality difference has never been an issue so why not go with the system that 'considers' its users with a little more 'consideration'. IMHO

[ScottE]

Right. The Nikon D200 is a really good camera because Canon will now have to come out with a new camera that is better and cheaper. We all win (except for our bank accounts). Nikon users will finally get a camera better than the 20D. Canon users will get an even better one.

[DocFrankenstein]

Nikon keeps eating away it's share of cameras... Since noink is more historically established, it's usually perceived as better value to canon. This way quite a lot ok newbies start with D70 instead of 300/350D or will go with D200 instead of 20D.

You can spring for canon for x... but if you just add a bit more you can go nikon for x+n but it's a better camera.

Clever marketing for noink.

[ACDCROCKS]

The cool thing about this all is that Canon smokes Nikon every time. I can hardly wait till Spring '06 and what Canon's retort will be. This is very exciting!!!

I think it's funny, but I feel a little bad for Nikon (seriously)

[grego]

I had an interesting conversation with a pro saturday night whose shop has both. He agreed that the new body from Nikon looks interesting, but said the holes in the Nikon glass like still cause him to reach for canon glass. He remarked that in particular the 70-200 from Nikon is weak compared to the Canon - particularly when it comes to color saturation. So, yes the body is a 20D killer - but it's supporting cast per this pro who has access to both just is not up to the task.

Just relaying what one guy told me.... if that make you fill any better.

I used the 70-200 VR and the 80-200 VR, and it just doesn't feel as good as the 70-200 IS. When I used them, I was expecting to get what I got out of my 70-200 IS. Maybe it was the body, that didn't make me like the shots, but the lens didn't leave me excited. I was happier to use Nikon's 17-35 2.8, because it felt better than the Nikon tele's.

[lostdoggy]

Just curious do you have any idea what you getting into???

If ask some one who uses a canon they'll say gowith canon and the opposite will be true.

Do you know how to use a DSLR and a PC/MAC???

With a DSLR you are also committed to working on the PC/MAC to PP them if you are not then you might be wasting your time with DSLR. DLSR is not going to come out like those P&S Digicams.

Whatever you decide its just money.

[lost]

Whoa, Did anyone notice the weight difference? 200grams, thats about 20% heavier.

[ACDCROCKS]

I used the 70-200 VR and the 80-200 VR, and it just doesn't feel as good as the 70-200 IS. When I used them, I was expecting to get what I got out of my 70-200 IS. Maybe it was the body, that didn't make me like the shots, but the lens didn't leave me excited. I was happier to use Nikon's 17-35 2.8, because it felt better than the Nikon tele's.

Nikon doesn't have an 80-200MM VR, but they do have a 80-400MM VR

[grego]

Nikon doesn't have an 80-200MM VR, but they do have a 80-400MM VR

Maybe it wasn't VR, it was just 80-200. I've used both the 80-200 and 70-200 though, by Nikon.

[ACDCROCKS]

Maybe it wasn't VR, it was just 80-200. I've used both the 80-200 and 70-200 though, by Nikon.

I was VERY VERY Close to buying the 80-200MM by Nikon, I talked to my boss...then he told me all about Canon, this how I got here. (true story)

[Lester Wareham]

You should decide on the feel of the camera and the whole system (lenses, flash etc). Don't get caught up in the must have the latest or larger Mp thing.

[ACDCROCKS]

You should decide on the feel of the camera and the whole system (lenses, flash etc). Don't get caught up in the must have the latest or larger Mp thing.



I'm not like that, Isaw the difference in quality, 5 FPS, focusing, Real grip, a better system, I work off these caneras, and get paid off these camera, i want the best I can buy...

[Jon]

I'm not like that, Isaw the difference in quality, 5 FPS, focusing, Real grip, a better system, I work off these caneras, and get paid off these camera, i want the best I can buy...
Did you actually read the post you quoted? Lester said that you should buy the system, not the camera. You said you're not like that, you looked at the whole system. Please engage brain before entering post.

[Moniphoto]

I am wondering the picture doesnt wait for one....I learn all my basics in Canon cams...My first cam de AE-1......I want to have a real digital cam...But my picture is not going to wait till spring 03...for the D30.

I love Canon brand .....the Nikon 200D is great but if I learn in Canon.....

Now I am on my way of becoming a professional....