This is a summary of my observations after upgrading from a D70 to a D200 for people who might be hesitating between both camera's.
To me, the delta between the D200 and the D70 is HUGE. There are
lots of reasons why I prefer a D200 over the D70...
(and BTW I still love the D70, and I am still using it a lot)
- build quality
- weather sealing
- user interface (large buttons, the WB/ISO top control, AF control button,
function button, the grip)
- the viewfinder including the constant display of the ISO value
- the display (possibility to really assess picture quality)
- all the extra functions, like RGB histogram, better CLS control..
- the grip
- the AI/AIS compatibility (old manual lens meter - usable in A and M modes)
- RAW+fine JPEG L together
- the speed and fps (startup and up to 5 fps)
- the AF system
- much better noise behavior (800 easily used on D200, ISO400 and up exhibit
noise on the D70)
- the picture quality...
- and many more...........................
regarding these last points, the pictures out of the camera might seem a
bit "soft" but the information is there and with some limited
post-processing I get fabulous pictures, with much more detail than with the
D70. I find the colors better too. I really see a clear difference on my A3
printouts.
There are two other things: I find the AF system much more reliable (for flying
birds, for instance) - gives me more keepers on moving subjects combined with
the 5fps. A D2X/D2H will of course give you even better results with their much
better CAM system, but I definitely see the D200 as a major improvement. Next to
the improved AF, maybe the most important improvement: exposure. With the D70, I
regularly had badly exposed pictures (highlights blown out, sometimes
underexposure but mainly overexposed pictures). Exposure with the D200 is dead
on in 98% of the situations and the RGB histogram is there to help you if there
is a problem...
In other words, yes the D200 is a major improvement vs the D70 and yes I love
them both (D70 and D200). And one last thing, purely psychological, I have more
fun with the D200, and I never hesitate to take it with me to take pics.