Is the Nikon D5100 really better than the D200?

Question

On a wedding occasion, I learned the photographer was using D200. I have D5100. I quickly jumped in and checked the prices on Amazon (it was 2.5x expensive) and then compared it on snapsort. Now the site says D5100 is winner. The votes on the site also favor D5100 vs D200.

Should I be convinced that although the photographer was using a nearly $3000 camera but mine is better? In other words a newer lower-model camera is better than an older, higher-end one?

I would also ask this: I know price is the big difference so let's ignore the price. Let's say you are are paying $1000 for either of the cameras — which one will you buy?

Answer

I have owned both the d200 and the d3000 (very similar body to the d5100).

The d5100 has a better sensor and a better LCD but the d200 has a much better body.

The d200 is more durable, has a ton of body controls, and has a 2nd display. You can change all of the important exposure settings very quickly with just a glance down at the body. This can't be said for the d5100, where you have to enter the menu to change settings.

This is not a trivial difference, if you are used to a higher end Nikon body you will feel crippled trying to shoot with a d5100.

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