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Nikon D80 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera Review The Nikon D80 digital slr camera packs high performance and high resolution into a body that is more compact and slimmer than previous Nikon digital SLR cameras. True to Nikon's commitment to intuitive operation, the size, layout and operation of all buttons and controls are designed for maximum ease of use, and the included 18-55mm ED II AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor lens allows you to start shooting right away. Nikon D80 digital slr camera features 10.2 effective megapixel Nikon DX format CCD Optimized to capture sharp details, the 10.2 effective megapixel CCD image sensor yields extraordinarily high-resolution images, providing plenty of freedom to crop creatively or print impressive enlargements. Included 18-135mm AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor lens A key advantage and one source of the fun associated with Nikon digital SLR photography is the ability to take advantage of the creative possibilities offered by interchangeable lenses. The new NikonD80 offers seamless compatibility with Nikon's extensive family of high-performance AF Nikkor lenses, as well as the expanding family of digital-dedicated DX Nikkor lenses, providing superb color reproduction, razor-sharp image clarity, and fast and accurate autofocus performance. This NikonD80 camera kit comes with an 18-135mm AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor lens. Ideal as a normal lens designed exclusively for Nikon DX format SLRs, this 7.5x zoom provides superb versatility in a wide variety of shooting situations. Its new compact rod-type Silent Wave Motor (SWM) enables ultra-high speed autofocusing with exceptional accuracy and super-quiet operation, its ED glass element achieves minimized chromatic aberration and superior optical performance, and its non-rotating front design provides for more convenient use with circular polarizing filters and the D80's Wireless Close-up Speed System. The 18-135mm lens also enables quick switching between autofocus and manual operation, plus a seven-blade rounded diaphragm for more natural out-of-focus highlights. In addition, the Internal Focus (IF) system provides fast and quiet auto-focusing without changing the length of the lens, retaining subject-working distance through the focus range. Advanced Auto Exposure system Consistently dependable exposure is the hallmark of Nikon's exclusive 3D-Color Matrix Metering II. Refinements for the D 80 include its inheriting the advanced exposure evaluation system from the Nikon D2Xs and D200 digital SLR cameras. Brightness, color, contrast, selected focus area and camera-to-subject distance information is evaluated, with the results referenced against the expansive onboard database of exposure data from over 30,000 actual photographic scenes, and the final exposure value calculated--instantly. Variable-size center-weighted metering is also available, as are a choice of 11 spot meters linked to each of the 11-area AF system's area sensors. Broad ISO-equivalent sensitivity range The D 80 features extensive range for sure performance through diverse lighting conditions. Sensitivity can be set manually between ISO speeds of 100 and 1600 in 1/3-EV increments, or boosted even higher using the HI-0.3, HI-0.7 or HI-1 settings. Automatic sensitivity adjustment (ISO AUTO) is also available offering the freedom to concentrate on composition while the camera selects the right sensitivity for the shot. Precision white balance Advanced Auto White Balance (AWB) produces natural coloration by matching white balance to the light source of the shot. Other flexible options include a choice of six specific manual settings with fine-tuning, (Incandescent, Fluorescent, Direct Sunlight, Flash, Cloudy, and Shade), as well as a preset option for using a gray or white object as a reference. An 11-area autofocus system ensures precise focusing under varying shooting conditions 11-area AF system The D80 inherits Nikon's advanced Multi-CAM 1000 AF Sensor Module that recently debuted in the D200. Refinements to this new 11-area AF system ensure consistently fast and precise focus lock under varying shooting conditions, all while the addition of effective new focusing options instills photographers with greater confidence to get the desired shot. For example, while the system is able to use each of its 11 focus areas individually, the center sensor can also be switched to wide-frame operation for broader coverage. Refinements to the programming algorithms that control lens focus action further improve system response and focus precision, along with subject acquisition and tracking abilities. Auto-area AF mode This new mode measures all 11 focus areas, automatically determines which of them are on the primary subject, and activates only those areas. During AF measurement, all focus areas that lie within the range of proper focus blink for easier confirmation. Optimized color modes Nikon's advanced color reproduction system optimizes the three available color modes to best match the subject or intended use for the image. Mode Ia: Renders natural-looking skin tones out of the camera. (sRGB) Mode II: Realizes a wider color range suitable for processing or retouching. (Adobe RGB) Mode IIIa: Renders vivid landscape and floral colors out of the camera. (sRGB) Instant start-up and immediate response The D80 starts up in approximately 0.18 seconds, so it's ready to shoot immediately. Its short shutter release time lag of approximately 80 milliseconds helps ensure instant response while shooting, as does the fast and precise focus of the new 11-area AF system with AF-assist illuminator. Images are processed and recorded extremely quickly. Preview images are displayed instantly. The D80 is capable of shooting a rapid three frames per second in continuous bursts of up to 100 images High-speed continuous shooting Capable of shooting a rapid 3 frames per second in continuous bursts of up to 100 JPEG (FINE M-size or smaller) or 6 RAW (NEF) images, the D80 makes it easier to stay on top of the action or to capture those unexpected, yet precious picture opportunities. Refinements to achieve this performance include improved processing speed, optimized buffer memory handling, as well as higher data transfer rates. Broad shutter speed options Shutter speeds from 30 to 1/4,000 seconds can be selected manually or used in conjunction with the automated program modes. Bulb and time options as well as flash-synchronized shutter speeds of up to 1/200 seconds further enhance the digital photo experience. Enjoy easy in-camera optimization Optimize image options Easily accessed optimization options closely tailor results to the scene at hand or the intended use of the image. Image sharpening, tone compensation, color mode, saturation and hue adjustment is controlled by the user-selected choice of Normal, Softer, Vivid, More vivid, Portrait, Custom or Black-and-white options. Multiple exposure This feature creates a single image within the camera from up to 3 consecutive exposures, producing an effect that resembles multiple exposure techniques used with film. Higher energy lithium-ion battery The EN-EL3e rechargeable lithium-ion battery with increased energy capacity delivers enough power to shoot as many as 2,700 images per charge. The battery can be recharged at any time, and it now features an accurate real-time fuel gauge system that displays the percentage of remaining charge, number of shots since last charge and overall status of battery service life. In-camera editing functions include red-eye removal In-camera image editing functions Exclusive in-camera image editing features under the new Retouch menu help ensure consistently satisfying results and greater creative freedom. D-Lighting automatically brings out detail to enhance results and add creative flair, all while achieving overall exposure balance. In-camera Red-eye correction automatically detects and compensates the annoying red-eye effect sometimes caused by flash. Images can be trimmed within the camera to produce smaller files for easy sharing or greater efficiency for specific end purposes. Greater operating ease with Nikon ergonomics The D80 packs high performance and high resolution into a body that is more compact and slimmer than previous Nikon digital SLR cameras. True to Nikon's commitment to intuitive operation, the size, layout and operation of all buttons and controls are designed for maximum ease of use. Large wide-angle 2.5-inch LCD monitor with improved menus The D80 features a large new 2.5-inch 230,000-dot high-resolution LCD monitor that provides an ultra-wide 170o viewing angle from all directions. To accurately assess sharpness, images can be easily previewed at up to 25 times magnification using new dedicated zoom buttons. A new RGB histogram display aids in evaluating exposures with greater precision. Other playback options include single frame, 4 or 9-image thumbnail display, an improved histogram display and highlight point display. Refinements to the new menu interface make navigation easier on the eye, easier to understand and easier to use. The carefully chosen color scheme helps make the larger font size of menu items remarkably easy to read. Menus can be customized to display only selected items using the new "My Menu" set. Automated Digital Vari-Program and Exposure modes A selection of 7 Digital Vari-Programs makes creative photography as simple as rotating the mode dial. Choose from Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Close Up, Sports, Night Landscape, or Night Portrait and the selected program automatically optimizes white balance, sharpening, tone (contrast), color, saturation and hue settings to best match the scene. Greater personal control over camera operation is provided by the Programmed auto [P], Shutter-Priority Auto [S], Aperture-Priority Auto [A] and Manual [M] exposure modes. Large, bright 0.94x viewfinder Another important new feature of the D80 is the adoption of the pentaprism viewfinder from the D200. This new eye-level optical viewfinder features large magnification (0.94x) that helps ensure a clear view for precise composition. The diopter adjustment control knob also makes it easier to fine-tune the view to match eyesight. The viewfinder's integrated grid display can also be turned on to assist composition. Storage media (SD memory card) The D80 is compatible with SD memory cards. Already widely in use around the world and available in a variety of capacities, SD memory cards feature efficiency and convenience in a slim, compact design. Built-in slideshow functions Built-in slideshow options for the D80 include Standard or Pictmotion, which includes style selections that control transitions and background music. Shows can be enjoyed on the camera's 2.5-inch LCD monitor, or complete with audio on a television when connected via the supplied AV cable. Built-in flash with i-TTL flash control The powerful built-in flash does much more than fire when natural lighting is inadequate or effectively add balanced fill flash when there is strong backlighting. Nikon's highly robust i-TTL flash control evaluates flash exposure with greater precision to achieve better automatic flash balance and deliver outstanding results. It also helps realize features such as Repeating flash function for creating stroboscopic effects and the Modeling Flash, which allows photographers to visually check for shadows and reflective objects and assess overall lighting prior to shooting. Full support for the Advanced Wireless Lighting System lets the built-in flash function as a remote commander that provides direct control to wireless SB-800 or SB-600 Speedlights. What's in the Box Nikon D80 digital slr camera, 18-135mm AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor lens, rechargeable lithium-ion battery (EN-EL3e), quick charger (MH-18a), AV cable (EG-D2), USB cable (UC-E4), strap, body cap, eyepiece cap, rubber eyecup, LCD monitor cover, accessory shoe cover, PictureProject software CD-ROM --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nikon D80 Digital SLR camera customer reviews One of the best digital SLR deals on the market 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. Great camera, but overexposes a lot in automatic mode 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. Nikon hit a 2-run grand slam 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!
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