Time for an upgrade

[sleepingdragon]

I am about to upgrade my camera and am considering a Pentax K200D.

I would love anyones opinion on this camera and if its a good choice.

I currently have a Pentax 35mm and a Nikon point and shoot.

I am looking for an all purpose camera as I favor shooting no particular subjet.

Thanks

[René]

Tough choice, so many good camera's out there now. Never really a fan of Pentax so I cant comment on them, but good luck with your decision. Personally, I LOVE MY NIKON, ssssh, dont tell anyone, or there will be a Canon V Nikon debate!!!

[kundalini]

My first camera was a Pentax. I really enjoyed it, but thirty years later and having gone through a Canon or two, I have to agree with René, I love my NIKON. Again, not trying to start a debate.

I think I remember from the other place, that there is favor with your choice. Apparently you will have lots of lens choices if you were to step into the way-back machine.

[sleepingdragon]

Thanks guys, I really love my Nikon point and shoot. It takes some great pictures but I keep reading people are having problems with Nikon service and having problems getting gear. It kind of spooked me away. I originally wanted to get another Nikon. What is a girl to do? :hmm:

[kundalini]

I wouldn't try to sway you one way or the other. I, too, have heard of some not-so-desirable accounts of Nikon service. The only experience I've had is with Wolf Camera. Not saying it's ther issue at all, but I had an extended warranty (never again) on my D80 and decided to have my annual cleaning service performed. It took about three weeks for the return. If I hadn't had another body, I would have been S.O.L. for shooting (for fun!!) However, the Wolf store told me that if I needed a body for a paying gig, they would give me a loaner.

However, I have 3 bodies, 10 lenses (I think), 3 flashes and NONE of them have failed me in nearly two years. I'm not like doenoe (Daan) and expect to click off 60K shots in 4 years, but I am pretty enthusiastic about shooting.... especially when I power on the grip and can shoot 8 fps (and I do). IMO, the gear is solid.

B-u-u-t-t-t, Pentax, in the short end, is cheaper.

[sleepingdragon]

I just had my Nikon repaired from Ritz camera its I think the same company as Wolf camera. It took 7 weeks. It was a gift and had the extended service plan. Little did I know that extended service meant extended repair time. :lol:

If I did go the Nikon route how are the D60 or D40? I have about an $800 budget.

[MissMia]

You could get a new D200 from Best Buy for $599 - LINK (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=pcat17005&type=page&tab=1&_requestid=117916) and get a lens from B&H or Adorama.

[sleepingdragon]

Thank You so much for your advice Christina.

I bought the Nikon D200 online today. :boogie:

I'll buy the lens after the camera arrives. :mrgreen:

[MissMia]

Thank You so much for your advice Christina.

I bought the Nikon D200 online today. :boogie:

I'll buy the lens after the camera arrives. :mrgreen:

Congrats! :toast: I've been tempted to pick one up myself.

[René]

Well I never ever had a problem with Nikon servicing as I never had a problem with my Nikon's. D70 first, then D200, then D2X and now D300. I think if you buy secondhand, then yeah, you really need to know the camera. Most stores will let you take it for a test run for a week and then the deposit goes off your purchase. You will be happy with the D200. I loved mine! But I went from a D2X to a D300 as I found the D300 much better.

Congratulations on your purchase.