Thanks for all the input, but the problem is I can't afford a D90 unless someone wants to sell one to me for $400.

shivaswrath said:
get a used D90, much better than a D200 under low-light situations and will be easier for you to get used to. . .D200 is pretty old and meant for those that want MUCH more manual control. . .

Agreed 98%ish There is a reason my D90 is my prime shooter and my d200 is my backup...

I do find that the D200 doesn't offer much more manual control than the D90 though although there is one one switch I find kinda nifty that the D90 lacks. Get the D90

get a used D90, much better than a D200 under low-light situations and wil be easier for you to get used to. . .D200 is pretty old and meant for those that want MUCH more manual control. . .

Yeah, Drab's right, the prices prices are lower in the U.S. than in the U.K.
I understand what you mean about the lensbay now, it only meters in manual with the D90... just a case of learning how to use it in manual, it's really not difficult.

The D3000 has basically the same sensor as the D200, so (as you said) you're gaining controls, displays, and lens compatibility.

As much as I'm a fan of the x00 series (when x > 1), I'm still going to suggest you get the D90 instead of the D200. You lose some lens compatibility but gain an impressively better sensor.

Shoot the lensbaby manual. It isn't that hard and you will gain valuable instincts in the process.

The D90's screen is also far superior to the D200.

Current used street prices for D200s are $450 -> $500. If they were less I could recommend it, but for that price I (personally) can't unless you only shoot outdoors in daylight. Else the 400 ISO practical limitation of the D200 is too burdensome IMHO.

Ignore overseas prices when converted to USD, they have no relationship at all to what you should expect to pay. Search completed listings on eBay and follow metro Craigslist listings. KEH is overpriced as are all other second-hand retailers. KEH is great when you just want something of known quality and want it now. Else a patient consumer will always win by buying from an individual. Dealers must make money.

Yikes that's a lot. I don't have much money so the D3000 needs to fund the D200... I'm thinking I need to save my money up for a while. Lensbabies don't have a cpu in the lens so when you use it on a lower end camera body you have to use manual. Then you mess around with the aperture and shutter speed and guess at it and hope that your picture comes out right.

Fair enough NikoDoby, here a currency convertor sionicle http://www.xe.com/ucc
I've never used the D200 or lens baby so I really don't know about the metering ?

It is against forum rules to post links to commercial websites but you are imagining things boxi. No one has been banned for posting links to "competitors". The only ones getting banned are those spamming the forum with links to cheap Nike shoes, software, free music downloads, home improvement whole sellers, and those claiming to be selling new D90 and D7000 for $400 and $800 dollars. PM me if you want to discuss it further.

Thanks, but I have no clue how much that is in American money, as I am living in America. And also, I have looked at the D90 but it does not meter with any lens. If I got a lensbaby, for example, and used it on a D90 I would have to guess at what aperture and shutter speed to use to properly expose the picture. The Nikon D200 does it automatically with lenses that don't transmit their info to the camera body.

A looked after used D200 in the UK will cost you about £450, you won't get that for your D3000 as they're selling for £280 brand new.
A used D90 would be a better choice at around £500.
I can't post any links as this site is sponsored by certain retailers, and members are apparentlty being banned for posting links to competitors...just use google ?

I have a Nikon D3000 with the 18-55mm VR kit lens and a 35mm f/1.8. I want a new body that has an autofocus motor, will meter with any lens, and has the lcd screen on the top behind the shutter button. I have been looking at the D200, but I haven't decided on it yet. If I do decide to get a D200, I will sell my D3000 body and the kit lens to get it. Where should I buy it, and will I be able to afford it with the money that i get for the D3000? Thanks!