I have 2 D70 and I've done a few weddings in the past 2 years.
But next year I want to do some serious business in wedding photography.
But I want to have no excuse in image qualaty, so I want to upgrade for a better camera body for the main camera. I also want to buy the 70-200 VR and the 17-55 also, this is for shure.
But what do you think is a better camera for this type of photography? The D200 with grip or the D2Xs?
Any other advices regarding this issue, like lenses for example?
Well I don't shoot weddings, I'm just stating my opinion, but If you can afford a D2Xs, then get it. I love my D200, but the D2Xs is a better camera overall. However I would think the D200 is a very capable wedding camera.
For the price of a D2X you could get 2-D200s. I agree that you might start with 1 D200, and look at either a SB800 or some high end glass. Such as 12-24, 17-55, 80-200VR, 50 F1.4 or the 80 F1.4.
2X D70
2X SB800
1X 18-70 Nikkor DX
1X 50mm f1.8 Nikkor
1X 30mm f1.4 Sigma (excellent by the way)
1X 70-300mm F4-5.6 D ED Nikon
So the SB800 is allready in the bag.
On Jannuary I want to do the upgrade, so I allready decided for:
- 70-200 f2.8 G VR from Nikon
- 17-55mm f2.8 Nikon (I don't know if I can afford this one if I go for the D2Xs)
And the doubt is D200 vs. D2Xs (or D2X)
I've read some pro reviews regarding this comparison. Almoust everyone complain about the noive above is800 with the D2X, saying the D200 manages the high iso better. But in other hand, despite the resolution difference is negligible, the D2X image is better than the D200.
Get the D200 (keep a D70 for backup) and use the extra cash on glass.
I would also recommend the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 over the 17-55mm f/2.8 Nikon for your general candid lens. You'll like the extra reach for walking around grabbing candids. You have the kit lens for wide angle shots.
i would sell the d70s, and buy two d200s. many wedding pros carry two good bodies, and you will probably find the d70 very limiting in comparison to the d200. assuming you dont want to spend more than $7000 you should be able to easily get $1100 for the d70s, and you can buy 2 d200s for $3200. that leaves you with $5400 to spend on lenses, which is a very tidy sum. :)
i wish i was in your position.
If I go the D200 route I probably want to add a wider angle for special photos.
If ou're capable of producing different photo's from regular subjects you're probably get people's attention on your photos.
So the Nikkor 12-24mm f4 (expensive for this kind of lens, and a lot of same aov with the 17-55) or a Sigma 10-20mm (seems more money wise for a not very used lens) might join the buy, or just for the fun, the 10.5mm :)
Your D70s are very capable of shooting weddings. Hell, I do it more often now with the Canon 300D (I'm just now moving from film).
D2X is too much camera for the job. It's quite frankly a warzone camera. Personally, I think a D200 with a D70 backup is plenty. Spend your money on glass and lighting and you will be much happier.
I beg to differ. Actually, no begging, I differ in opinion on that.
I missed the stinking kiss because I only had 3fps. Some people don't understand that they really need to hold it.
Doesnt sound like the cameras fault. :-P
ETA: And thinking about it the avg. kiss when I kiss my girl is about 5 seconds (We timed it :-P) so that would be, at 3fps, 15 exposures. So how did you miss it?
The two D70s are plenty. You have to remember, it's the photographer, NOT the equipment. Yes there are pieces of equipment that you must have but you can achieve great quality pictures with those two D70s.
Well let's return a bit to the subject here please :)
This year I started to do what here they call "digital albums", wich is more or less big coffee table style wedding books. They are printed at 254 dpi and with 12x16 inc. you need a lot of resolution if you don't want to interpolate. So at least the D200 is mandatory here.
There isn't much difference in resolution between the D200 and D2x.
The D2x offers a few more features that the D200 doesn't have:
-2 more megapixels (not a deciding factor in my opinion)
-built in vertical grip
-different AF sensor
-better viewfinder
-high speed crop mode
-longer battery life
If the extra features do not justify the extra cost for you, then get the D200. If there is a feature that you need on the D2x, then buy that instead.
I use a D200 with grip profesionaly and am totaly happy with it. The D2x is to big and heavy for me and the difference between the 2 cams is not worth the diference in money (TO ME...)
Your pics won't get better by buying more expensive gear, but by experience. Guess if I where you I bought some nice extra glass.
