dcampbell52 Loc: Clearwater Fl

A newer camera is going to provide a lot. I went from a Nikon D70s to a Nikon D7100. The D7100 had more ISO range, more resolution, considerably more memory (the D70s uses a (theoretical) max 8gb Compact Flash memory card (nearly impossible to find new now). The D7100 uses any combination of two SD cards (I generally carry two 64gb cards but can go much higher). And some of the cameras can use the even newer cards. I also have a Nikon D610 which is a Nikon Full Frame DSLR. Your D200 is a crop sensor DSLR which means that it is (in essence) cropping about 1/3rd of the outer portion of the image (regardless of if you are using DX lenses of FX lenses. Personally, I now only purchase FX (full frame) lenses for use on all of my cameras. This allows me to purchase what are theoretically considered professional grade lenses. These lenses (typically) seem to use better quality glass, are better and more sturdily constructed, more weather tight and generally feel better to use (though they are typically considerably heavier than DX lenses). New camera also handle all of the accessories better than the older models.

catia

I loved my D200 but was having problems with lots of noise in rather low ISO settings. I found myself really limited when doing indoor shots without flash. Depending on what you shoot this may not be a problem for you ,then I would keep it. It is a really nice camera. If you do switch to a newer model you will be amazed at the quality of photo with high ISO.

johnst1001a Loc: West Chester, Ohio

It's not just pixel count. New cameras usually have better focusing capability, better dynamic range, better ISO performance. I would say yes, a new camera will give you better pictures assuming you are in the $2000 range. But your older camera is better than a point and shoot.

traderjohn Loc: New York City

Keep your money in your pocket.

rgmichel Loc: Connecticut

I find that the high iso performance of my Canon 6D has made a very significant difference to what I can do with my camera. Automatic iso gives much more freedom to choose shutter speed and aperture, and indoor photography became ever more interesting. So, iso performance is one of my criteria. I think upgrading to another camera depends on whether you are happy not only with the camera you are using but the type of photography you are doing. If you want to branch out to new types of images, then a new camera might be justified.

ole sarg Loc: south florida

It would get you correspondence ftom your favorite credit card company

Kmgw9v Loc: Miami, Florida

If you enjoy and value your photography---buy a new camera. You will be happy--ER.

LWW Loc: Banana Republic of America

Thanks for such a detailed and informative response.

ELNikkor

You might not even need a DSLR anymore. Most of the smaller, "always there" cameras will give you decent 8x10s.

Tomcat5133 Loc: Gladwyne PA

I had the D200 (sold to a close friend) he still uses it for product shots. Had the D70 and a D300 and the D700.
Loved them all. My former son-in-law still uses the D70. He has a good eye so his shots are good. Amazingly
when i looked at his settings a few years ago they were really just not set. He just shot. Afraid to touch them.
Yes low light is a great feature of today. I am lucky enough to have the Sony a7s II which is the king of low light.
Great but you need to ND it in outdoor light. A good friend of mine uses the D90 and doesn't want anything else.
He is in marketing but this is fine for him. I had 2 D800's sold both was moving to more video and I did not
feel the same way about the D800 they had some quirks when they came out. I loved the D700 & D300.
Nikon is a memory I will keep forever. Still have some their lens in closet
with an adaptor. Enjoy your camera it is timeless.

LWW Loc: Banana Republic of America

I recently upgraded from a D50 to a D7200 for pretty much the same reasons.

The D50 was limited to ISO 200 at the low end and 1600 at the high end, although 1600 was getting dicey.

Now I have as low as 100 up to a very usable 12800, and beyond with some iffyness.

The increased MP count is nice, but IMHO its the most overrated stat in DSLR cameras.

I also like being able to have 2 cards in camera. The D50 has a 2 GB limit, I now carry 2 X 32 GB cards in camera.

Before the D7200 I was still using an F4s for a lot of stuff.

I also shoot mostly outdoor sports, some inside.

The D7200 allows for the vertical grip, which the D50 did not, like an F4s and an extremely fast frames per second rate, faster than the F4s Im sure.

So, there definitely are benefits to a DSLR upgrade, but whether they are worth it to you is a decision only you can make.

I also use almost exclusively high end NIKKOR glass, other than the 18-200 VR and 10-20 VR which are gems for all purpose glass, for real serious work.

I like the DX bodies for the smaller form factor and lighter weight. I like the 7XXX series for having a metal chassis as opposed to NIKON plastic.

I's soon to be 62 and carrying an F4s with an 80-200 2.8 wasn't an issue at 42, today its more tiresome.

Those are choices that work for me.

My $0.02, YMMV.

olsonsview

I have had a lot of cameras, and sometimes the new ones were a result of GAS I admit. But since you like to shoot your grandchildren a camera body capable of good quality images at very high ISO, taken in very dim light should be enough to settle this question? And the much wider dynamic range is also a big plus. Most of us use the GAS to drive moving up from one generation of hardware to the next one. But you are taking a giant leap over many generations. You will immediately see a vast difference in capability. Your money will be very well spent.

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

There is another thing to consider-cropping. If you crop a significant amount, your 8X10 print is ,in effect, a much larger print, and your 10 mp camera may not be adequate. So a new camera with 20-24 mp would allow you much more flexability.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

Save your money. In the first place, it could be old but the D200 is a competent camera with some of the most beautiful first generation colors than many other bodies.
If the shutter count is over 20k and it was my camera I would send it for service. The rubber on the external parts of the body will be changed, the camera thoroughly cleaned and lubricated. If necessary, shutter speeds and the exposure meter will undergo adjustments and the AF will be checked for accuracy. On its way back your camera will be like a brand new one and will give you many more years of service.
My advise, stay with what you have.

GENorkus Loc: Washington Twp, Michigan

A) If your camera is doing whatever you want to do without a problem, stick with it.

B) If your camera is giving you problems or is restricting much of your photography, (eg: broke or you can't get that shot because...), start looking for something newer or different that will get you out of the “B” group and put you back in the “A” group above.

One other thing to consider. The older cameras had few abilities compared to the more modern cameras. You can expect to have a near brand new learning curve and that might slow you down until the new technique is learned,