Nikon d80 or Nikon d200?—matt

Im not sure which one I want.

Im a sophmore in High school getting ready to take photography courses next year and eventually be a photographer as a career

Best Answer —electros…

Well, are you going to be a professinonal next year, or do you just want to show it off to your friends? The reason I ask this is becuase the Nikon D200 is a professional grade camera. The D80 is a great camera as well, but for a fraction of the price. Since you are just starting out, and have not listed yourself as having any previous experience, it would be best you not drop $1,500 for a camera. Get the cheaper Nikon D80. Like I said, it is a nearly perfect camera.

Also, do not worry so much about the camera body as the lens that will go on the front. A large sum of money should be used to buy a good lens. The Nikon D80 usually comes with the 18-70mm, and while a good lens, there are better. You should decide what type of lens you’ll really need. Wide angle? Macro? Portrait? Zoom? Super zoom? Decide this, pick a price, and make your purchase. Let me just say, a good lens will and should cost many times more than the actual camera body itself will. So, do not be afraid to spend $1,000 on a camera body and another on a good lens.

Let me get back to you saying what you want out of life. You want to be a photographer, but you do not mention having any previous experiecene with a camera. Do you really want to spend $1,000-$2,000 on a camera? Do you even know how to properly use one? If no, ditch a DSLR and get a film SLR. You’ll be glad, spending around $100 instead of $1,000. Also, a film SLR will allow you to learn and develop your shooting skills.

As for you wanting to be a pro photographer….well, just take it one step at a time. A lot can change in a few years. And know that the world is absolutely full of photographers. You have to be better than the competition to make a living, and even then, the living is not that good. Try $10,000-$20,000 a year.

Hope this helps.

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