The thread title sort of says it all. In July, I made the switch from P&S to DSLR by purchasing a used D200 with Aquatica housing. I used the camera over a several week trip to Lembeh and Komodo only to have the taxi driver take off with my camera bag as I returned home. The D200 was in a separate camera bag, so I've still got the camera w/ 18-200 and 10-17 lenses (my 60mm was taken). Homeowners insurance will cover and pay replacement cost for all items. I think I can get a Sea & Sea housing for the D200. Nexus may still have D200 housings available as well. Alternatively, I could ebay the D200 body and buy a D90 probably spending $300 or $400 and then wait for housings to come out. (I've got a year to purchase replacements.) From what I can see, the main advantage of the D90 would be improved high ISO performance. The main disadvantages would seem to be the loss of some controls and lesser build quality. But I'm sure I'm missing other important issues. Having just switched to DSLR, I just don't know what they are. Other than diving, my main use of the camera, once I buy a longer lense, would be shooting my son's surfing competitions. Would the high ISO performance of the D90 be a big factor there?

Why you don't look for an old or new Nexus D200 housing in which you may be able to house your future D300 or 700?

Don't you believe it: unless you can engineer a new baseplate and pushbutton contacts. The D300 does not fit easily into a Nexus D200 housing. The D700 is worse (although I was being harrassed by the camera storekeeper when I tried it!). Now, if there was a commercially available conversion kit....

Tim

Thanks for the information. If I stick with the D200, I think my plan will be to take advantage of its declining price and buy an extra body rather than plan on an upgrade. But Nexus is one of the housings I'm considering. Are you happy with yours? Anything you don't like about it?

Actually, there is a Nexus conversion coming very soon for the D200 housing that will allow a D300 camera to be installed. For more information, you might want to contact an authorized Nexus dealer.
Barry

Does anybody know when the conversionkit for the Nexus D200 to a D300, will be comming?
Thanks.

The kit is already out. I had one installed by Marine Camera a couple of months ago. Everything works great. You cannot switch back and forth between the D200 and D300--after the conversion it is D300 only.

Tim,
I do not know where you were when we were posting pictures of conversion kit but, you can find it
when you search here. further, I have been sending the kit to members in advance so that they can try
& pay when kit is fully working. So far, everybody paid. My kit includes new base plate + extension knob
to reach pushbuttons. I also,now have d700 kit as well.

Sam

Hi Sam

I just read all the good threads I could find on conversion kits and you seem to bee the Yoda of conversions, Great work.

I'n one tread you mensiont trying to make a new backplate for the D700/D300 in a Nexus D200 for optimal fit, but I cant find the results of your efforts?

And are you still selling your conversions?

Thanks.

d700 conversion is here; http://wetpixel.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=27152

d300 kit is still available but, need 2-3 weeks time as my machine shop is busy making one
for Subal d200/d300 conevrsion kit. My conversion takes only 10 min & takes 10 min to go back
to d200 and my cost(your price) is 1/4 of factory conversion.

Now, only problem I see is finding a good used Nexus d200 housing & is not easy to find these days.

Sam

He He, I have one comming from the US as we speak. I expect that one to be ready for conversion.

So how do I get a hold on a conversion from you, Please...

I made a decision earlier this year to not re-house a D200 and move up to a D-300. Underwater, shooting macro, I don't see much of a difference. I would think that if you liked wide-angel shots you might want a FF like the D700. My solution was to keep the very bulky, very reliable Ikelite housing for the D200 for wide-angle and equip the D300/Seatool setup only for macro. That way I have a complete backup.