Nikon’s phenomenal semi-professional D-SLR, the D80, will impress any photographer who wants to expand the scope of their creative palette. Built upon the solid foundations of the Nikon’s award winning D200 and the D2Xs, its exceptional combination of superior optical performance, creative image technologies and efficient handling will strengthen your belief in Nikon’s ability to support your creative aspirations, no matter which shooting style you prefer. The D80 18-135 kit includes the AF-S DX 18-135 mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED, which has been optically designed specifically for use with Nikon digital SLR sensors. 135 equivalent to 27-202.5mm zoom range.
Price Range: $870 - $1,109
One of the key advances developed for the D80 is its high-resolution image-processing engine, a dedicated new high-performance processing chip that greatly accelerates performance. ISO AUTO mode automatically adjusts sensitivity between ISO 100 to 1600, maximizing available light to help achieve optimal exposure 7 automated Digital Vari-Programs (Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Close Up, Sports, Night Landscape and Night Portrait) optimize white balance, sharpening, tone, color, saturation and hue to match the scene User-selectable choice of optimization options Near-instant response with 0.18 sec. power-up Top shutter speed of 1/4,000 second and flash sync speeds up to 1/200 second Fast image transfer via USB 2.0 Hi-Speed interface and SD memory card Creative in-camera effects and editing functions Multiple Exposure modes Large 2.5-inch LCD monitor with ultra-wide 170-degree viewing angle for clear image preview and easy access to settings and information; Slideshow function (Standard or Pictmotion) SD memory card storage, SDHC compatible High-energy EN-EL3e rechargeable lithium-ion battery delivers the power to shoot up to 2,700 pictures on a single charge Supports more than 43 AF NIKKOR lenses in addition to the growing family of DX NIKKOR lenses Built-in Flash with i-TTL flash control Includes Nikon's PictureProject software Unit Dimensions WHD - 5.2 x 4.1 x 3.0 inch; 1.3 lbs Supplied Accessories - EN-EL3e Rechargeable Li-ion Battery, MH-18a Quick Charger, EG-D2 Audio Video Cable, UC-E4 USB Cable, Strap, Body cap, DK-5 Eyepiece Cap, DK-21 Rubber Eyecup, BM-7 LCD monitor cover, Accessory shoe cover, PictureProject CD-ROM Kit 2 includes Nikkor DX 18-135mm zoom lens.
MPN: SLR1147
Weight: 1.31 lb.
Image Sensor Type: CCD
Resolution: 10.75 Megapixel
Camera Type: SLR/Professional
Family Line: Nikon D
Interchangeable Lens: Interchangeable Lenses
35mm Zoom Lens: 27 - 202 mm
Focus Type: Autofocus
Focal Length: 18 - 135 mm
Camera Resolution: 10.75 Megapixel
Shutter Speed: 30 - 1/4000 sec
White Balance: Auto, Manual, Colour Temperature Adjust
Frames Per Second: 3 Frames
Memory Type: SD Card
Compression Modes: Fine, Normal, Uncompressed, Basic
Compression Type: JPEG, Raw Image, EXIF 2.1, DCF, DPOF
File Size (High Res.): 17.2 MB (7 images on 128MB card)
File Size (Low Res.): 0.3 MB (about 427 images on 128MB card)
ISO Speeds: 100, 1600
Flash Type: Built-In&External
Flash Functions: Flash Off, Auto Flash, Rear Sync Flash, Fill-in Flash, Red-eye Reduction Flash, Slow Sync, Manual
Viewfinder: Optical
LCD Panel: With LCD Panel
LCD Panel Size: 2.5 in.
LCD Screen Resolution: 230,000 pixels
LCD Protected Position: Without LCD Protected Position
Interface Type: USB 2.0
Video Interface: Video Out
Battery Type: Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery
Self Timer: 2 Sec., 5 Sec., 10 Sec., 20 Sec.
Built-in Microphone: Without Built-in Microphone
Tripod Mount: With Tripod Mount
Width: 5.2 in.
Depth: 3 in.
Height: 4.1 in.
Weight: 1.31 lb.
Included Accessories: Software, USB Cable, Video Cable, Lithium Battery, Battery Charger, Lens Cap, Strap
Release Date: August, 2006
Product ID: 35770539
One of the best digital SLR deals on the market
Author's Rating:
The D80 is my first digital SLR, and my fourth Nikon camera. I've owned 35mm SLR cameras since 1975 or so. The D80 is already my favorite of them all. It packs a lot of features, Nikon reliability, and a good form factor into one well-priced package.
I had first intended to purchase the D60, but after doing a side-by-side feature comparison, I decided that the D80 provided more bang for the buck. One feature the D80 has that was critical to me is a depth of field preview -- an important feature for macro photography, and not one you will find on the D40 or D60 cameras.
People with small hands may find the D40/D60 easier to handle, but the D80 feels great in my average sized hands.
I purchased the 16-85mm and 70-300mm VR lenses at the same time and I am very happy with my choices.
Jun 24, 2008
Great camera, but overexposes a lot in automatic mode
Author's Rating:
Nikon D80 is my first Digital SLR(In fact, first serious camera I bought), my previous camera was canon SD1000 point and shoot. Overall I am pleased with the picture quality. But I don't like the fact that Nikon D80 overexposes photos a lot in automatic mode. Many of the photos I took in bright sunlight is washed out. After reading and experimenting a lot, I learned to take pictures in manual model, with different metering(SPOT and CENTER WEIGHTED) to avoid this issue. But after spending about 1299 $, I don't like the performance of the camera in automatic mode at all. I hope Nikon will release a firmware update to fix the metering. If you are a novice DSLR person like me, and is considering buying a system, I suggest you go with Canon EOS 40D, I haven't used it, but after researching a lot online, I haven't come across major issues with EOS 40D. Experts can correct me if I am wrong.
Jun 23, 2008
Nikon hit a 2-run grand slam
Author's Rating:
I won't go into the individual specs because every other review does that. Ever wonder why it is compared to the professional Nikon D200? Most people don't know this but the D80 and D200 are brothers! The little brother, D80, has most of the same functions, CPU programs and CCD image sensor (10.2 mega-pixel) but the D80 must be preprogrammed to set up your shot (unless using AUTO), a time consuming process, and the main frame is made of plastic.
The metal D200, however is for the pro who has the camera to their eye everyday and knows the settings like the back of their hand, thus it can be programmed on the fly by rubber finger knobs and settings can be read in the viewfinder so they don't have to take the camera from their face. That's a lot of itty-bitty info for an amateur and although it can be used in AUTO, what self-righteous photographer wants that?
In short, the D80 is meant for the semi-pro while its big brother, D200, is the D80 on steroids!
Jun 22, 2008
Amazing Photos.
Author's Rating:
An avid photographer, I was upgrading from a Sony Cybershot that I had had for 5 years and that had essentially been another appendage. So I read review after review... knowing simply that I wanted my next camera to be user friendly, have more pixels/take clearer photos than my previous, have greater zoom, a larger LCD screen and give me editing options for photos taken. Well, my Nikon D80 delivers all of this and more. I've had it for 1 month today and I've taken over 200 photos... and to give you another's perspective, friends have commented on the clarity of all the photos that I have shared with them. I'm a thrilled with it. It was worth EVERY PENNY!
Jun 21, 2008
Great Camera
Author's Rating:
This camera is packed with options that will never even be used, but they're nice to have just in case. Jus tneed to spend time and learn how to use them. Would reccomend this camera to everyone.
Jun 16, 2008
Nikon D80 vs Canon Xsi
Author's Rating:
I am the typical point a shoot upgrader and was in the market for a DSLR for the month of may. After extensive online research, I ultimately decided for the Nikon D80 and received it 2 days ago. If you want my blessing to buy this product, you got it. If you are interested in my detailed reasoning, read on.
My Sony P&S had reached its limits in terms of image quality and creative freedom (though it has a pseudo manual mode). I long hesitated to go DSLR due to their size and weight, but if you are looking for serious image quality, there is no other option (plus they came a long way in shrinking them). The consumer DSLR market is largely driven by feature craze, so let's take a look at what's out there and how useful some features are at closer inspection. Benchmark is the Canon XSI, since it has all of the latest features and is the newest on the market:
1. Live view: Coming from P&S and wearing glasses, this is obviously a feature I liked. However, it is not practical in real use, since it can cause add'l noise on the sensor due to heat and focusing is not fast enough (Sony and Olympus got canceled off my list due to other reasons). Friends who own the XSI say they never use live view. It's also a significant battery drain. Canon's 600 shot bat life compares to 2,700 on the Nikon.
2. Dust reduction: Already had dust problems on my P&S and it's a known problem on DSLRs. However, tests show that the vibration systems are mostly ineffective, with Olympus having the best and Canon the worst. Even on Nikon's web page where they showcase the feature, they say that a blower is a very effective way to remove dust from the sensor. Tests confirm this, there is no way around it.
3. Lens selection: Web pages advise shoppers to not only look at the body, but also at lenses, which is very true. I got the impression that Canon's lens selecton for APS-C sized sensors in the consumer segment is straight out horrible. Terrible build and image quality, terrible zoom ranges. They are still stuck in 35mm film stuff.
4. Mega Pixels: It's the lens, stupid! Increasing pixel resolution beyond what the lens can resolve just clogs your memory card.
5. Build quality: Yes, the Canon is lighter, but: No pentaprism, just mirrors for the viewfinder, tons of plastic, and the lenses are even worse...
6. LCD size: it's a battery drain. To really benefit from a larger screen, you would also want more pixels to keep resolution constant. Nikon and Canon both have 230k.
Bottom line: The Nikon is a gorgeous camera engineered for photography! It gives me the image quality and creative freedom I want. After doing my homework, I figured it's not even worth waiting for it's successor D90, coming out between now and September.
The D80 delivers solid performance w/o going over board with feature craze. It received a ton of accolades for image quality, so I don't have to repeat it here. Just a serious piece of equipment that now is available at a great price. I invested the savings into the new Nikkor 16-85 DX VR lens, making it the awesome combination that I was looking for.
Jun 07, 2008
Nikon D80 vs Canon Xsi
Author's Rating:
I am the typical point a shoot upgrader and was in the market for a DSLR for the month of may. After extensive online research, I ultimately decided for the Nikon D80 and received it 2 days ago. If you want my blessing to buy this product, you got it. If you are interested in my detailed reasoning, read on.
My Sony P&S had reached its limits in terms of image quality and creative freedom (though it has a pseudo manual mode). I long hesitated to go DSLR due to their size and weight, but if you are looking for serious image quality, there is no other option (plus they came a long way in shrinking them). The consumer DSLR market is largely driven by feature craze, so let's take a look at what's out there and how useful some features are at closer inspection. Benchmark is the Canon XSI, since it has all of the latest features and is the newest on the market:
1. Live view: Coming from P&S and wearing glasses, this is obviously a feature I liked. However, it is not practical in r
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Feels better.
Author's Rating:
SO I had about 3 camaeras in one month to test them out.They where the Nikon D80, canon XSi and the sony A300. The Nikon D80 felt the best in my hand and build quality just felt better ecspecially when spending alot of money. Ths XSI and A300 had some great features but I kept coming back to the nikon.
The XSi had a plastic feel. And the Sony felt good build wise but the flip screen I felt got in the way of my face using the viewfinder.
So hope that helps a little.
Jun 07, 2008
D80
Author's Rating:
The D80 is a great SLR digital for people like me who had previously used Nikon Cameras and have collected a number of Nikor autofocus lenses.
Jun 06, 2008
Fantastic camera!
Author's Rating:
I upgraded from a Nikon D50 to the D80. I have really enjoyed the extra features that the D80 provides. It is a great camera, a great purchase!
Jun 04, 2008
Image Quality
Author's Rating:
Pretty darn good camera for it's price. Image quality is very good. Have to zoom in pretty far to see any blurring or pixelization. Ease of operation is very good as well. Had qiute a bit of it figured out in a couple of days, to get me rolling, and I haven't even scratched the surface on what it may do.
Unfortunately the optional telephoto lenses from 300mm to 600mm range in price from around $1700 to almost $9500 respectively. So I'll stick to what I have.
Jun 04, 2008
Pros: Long battery life, excellent picture quality, sturdy
Cons: Heavy and bulky.
The Bottom Line: null
Review: I have had the D80 for nine months. I took it with me to Europe and used it every day for seven weeks. Now I use it at least weekly. I have had no problems with the camera. The pictures look great. I no longer get the blurry images that I got... Read Full Review by jonathanm, Feb 8, 2008
Pros: Great Pictures. Good battery life
Cons: Not much to complain about. Pricey for sure.
The Bottom Line: null
Review: We bought ours from buydig.com after some research on gray market cameras that came in a couple hundred cheaper. We opted for the American Market which was $967 versus $600 and no warranty. I would rather have a warranty than risk spending hundreds for... Read Full Review by buelm, Nov 29, 2007
Pros: Shutter Speed Is Amazing
Cons: Nothing Really.
The Bottom Line: null
Review: This 10MP Digital SLR Camera Is Totally Worth It. Everything About It Is Yummy. The Depth Of Field Preview Button, Burst Mode, And The Shutter Speed Is Very Fast. Your Don't Have To Worry About Any Lag. What You See Is What You Get. There Are Also Many... Read Full Review by curtiss_02, Jun 17, 2007
Pros: fits in my hands excellent viewfinder good menus strong battery impressive pictures incredibly flexible
Cons: sometimes, too flexible SD card plastic kit lens mount no dust removal
The Bottom Line: null
Review: After looking hard at the Canon Rebel XT, Olympus, and Sony offerings, including several hands-on sessions, I chose the Nikon as the best photographer's camera. It just feels right. It also takes remarkable pictures. The kit lens is quite good given... Read Full Review by AndyTolman, Jun 15, 2007
Great camera for novice and pro alike
Pros: Long battery life, fast auto zoom, clear pics with kit lens
Cons: Eventually, photo imaging software needed to get the most out of your pictures.
The Bottom Line: A good beginner camera for photographers or novices who aspire to be called such. High quality photos without too high of a price.
Review: I'll start of by stating that I am not a professional photographer, but more like a pro-hobbyist who enjoys photography. I am a father who wants to truly enjoy the"life"of the photos that I take. I am also a police detective who decided that the... Read Full Review by motorcop28, May 31, 2007
On par or better than the competition
Pros: Compact body, bright and large viewfinder, easy to use, decent low-light performance
Cons: Matrix Metering *different* than other Nikons like D70s or D200
The Bottom Line: D80 is probably the best offering Nikon has at the moment, dollar for dollar. D40 and D200 are next (below and above it). Matrix Metering and ISO1600 notwithstanding, great camera!
Review: EDIT 7/13/2007. I've learned some more since I wrote this review, particularly in terms of noise performance of the current Nikon offerings. Most sites will show JPG noise performance out of camera in default settings. When compared this way, the best to... Read Full Review by kocho, Jul 13, 2007
Nikon D80 Digital Camera with 18-135mm Lens
Pros: allows you to come up with exactly the shot you want easily
Cons: no mirror lock up, bundled software is worthless
The Bottom Line: The Nikon D80 is a perfect choice for someone looking for a DSLR camera with lots of features and excellent photo quality.
Review: We decided it was time to get a digital SLR (single lens reflex) camera, and after considerable research my husband decided on the Nikon D80. The camera set he purchased at Best Buy included an 18-135mm lens. We've owned the camera for almost 6... Read Full Review by artemis8, Apr 1, 2007
Pros: Great results and impressive features. Impressive battery life
Cons: Images could be slightly sharper without having to apply external sharpening
The Bottom Line: null
Review: A great camera. Low noise and excellent quality results from the 18-70mm zoom included as part of the kit. I can highly recommend this DSLR for serious amateurs or as an additional camera for professionals. I have been using this kit for a few months now... Read Full Review by chakraphoton, Feb 7, 2007
Pros: Excellent manual control varied auto modes. A little heavy, but it feels good to me.
Cons: Poor lens quality. Camera doesn't seem to focus well either. Expensive for poor quality.
The Bottom Line: null
Review: I bought the camera SEPT 27, 06 from Circuit City because it was available before a trip. I took about 900 photos in the 8 days and realized somewhere in the last few hundred shots, it would not focus very well. Finally, the lens was going crazy, the... Read Full Review by raneyck, Jan 4, 2007