[Boo]

I'm about to get a DSLR but can't quite make up my mind between the Nikon D80 and the D200. I don't want to make the wrong decision by going for the D80 and find myself frustrated further down the line

What I was wondering was, which is better for macro photography? I know the D200 has mirror lock-up but the D80 doesn't. Does the MLU feature in the D200 really make a difference?

I realise that the lenses make a difference but is there anyone out there that uses the D80 and/or the D200 for close-up/macro work that can give me some pointers?

Thanks in advance for any help.

[VinnyP]

In terms of Macro work the 2 cameras will give nearly identical results as they use the same sensor indeed the D60 would do the same but you could only autofous using AFS lenses which may be a draw back as many good value Macro lenses don't have internal focusing motors. Having said that for Macro work manual focus is the way to go. The only difference as you say would be in terms of mirror lock up which might be of marginal benefit in some cases but usually you need to see what you shooting with macro. Which leads me to my next point. Liveview. This is such a big help for Macro shooters that it should be top of your list of must have features. Unfortunatley if you are going Nikon the cheapest is the not so cheap D300. This has the best live view of any camera so far for macro but is over your budget. If I had your budget and no existing Nikon kit I'd definitely go for either the Canon 40D or 450D. I say this as a Nikon user but liveview is that good for macro.

It's a shame that Canon haven't quite got Nikon matched in the Macro lens deprtment yet and the Nikon flash system (important for macro) is also a little better but I'd still go with the Canon.

It even has a little picture of a flower on the shooting mode dial to remind you what macro shooters take pictures of

[WOODY]

THERE IS AN ALTERNATIVE TO LIVE VIEW BUILT IN TO A CAMERA. IF YOU DECIDE TO GO FOR A D80 OR D200, YOU CAN BUY A ZIG VIEW WHICH ATTACHES TO THE HOT SHOE ON THE CAMERA, YOU CAN ALSO USE A REMOTE LEAD WITH THESE AND TAKE YOUR SHOTS FROM ABOUT 30 FEET AWAY STILL SEEING YOUR SHOT IN LIVE VIEW. I USE ONE OF THESE, THEY ARE FANTASTIC.

[Boo]

Well interesting you should mention the D300. I nipped into jessops today to see how the D200 felt compared to the D80. As they didn't have the D200 I had a peek at the D300 which is the same size give or take.

Well.... BIG MISTAKE!!!! Now I want the D300 Yeah its heavy and yeah it made my little hands ache but wow what a serious piece of kit! I was quite surprised at how much the D80 felt almost childlike in comparison. I hadn't realised how much I'd grown in what appeals to me.

The mention of live view just adds fuel to the fire, that on top of the fact that hubby wants to get it me... but not yet! Thats the draw back. I'll probably have to wait a few months but I think it will be worth it. Save up a nice deposit and eek out the rest....

Saying that the Zig View now that sounds very interesting! I've never heard of such a gadget! Where would I get one from?

I'm not sure if I need bringing back down to earth and start being sensible.. after all will the D300 really be any better for my needs? Its a lot of money but will last me a few years. Will the D80 keep me interested?

Very hard decision

[WOODY]

BOO, WAREHOUSE EXPRESS DO THE ZIG VIEW S2 , I EXPECT OTHER PLACES DO AS WELL. ZIG VIEW HAVE THEIR OWN WEBSITE, WHICH WILL PROBABLY TELL YOU WHO ELSE SELLS THEM.

[Boo]

Originally Posted by WOODY

BOO, WAREHOUSE EXPRESS DO THE ZIG VIEW S2 , I EXPECT OTHER PLACES DO AS WELL. ZIG VIEW HAVE THEIR OWN WEBSITE, WHICH WILL PROBABLY TELL YOU WHO ELSE SELLS THEM.

Cheers Woody, will take a look