10.2 Megapixel Nikon DX format CCD imaging sensor: Effectively optimized by Nikon to deliver a wide dynamic range, producing outstanding images with high resolution and vivid detail yielding 3,872 x 2,592-pixel files.
New high-resolution Nikon image-processing engine: New 12- bit Image Processing Engine combines color independent analog pre-conditioning with improved image processing algorithms.
Instant 0.18 sec. start-up with fast 80ms shutter response.With a power-up time of a mere 0.18 seconds and a shutter release time lag of only 80ms, responsiveness is extraordinary.
Continuous shooting at up to 3 frames per second and up to 100 consecutive JPEG images: Fast framing rates contribute to the ability to capture moments in time instantly. Sophisticated systems throughout the D80, including high-speed buffer memory handling, fast image processing, high-speed memory card access and large system bus bandwidth help make this possible.
Up to 2,700 images per battery charge:* High-Efficiency power systems featuring reduced power consumption and Real-Time Fuel Gauge with Nikon's EN-EL3e Lithium Ion rechargeable battery.
Nikon 3D Color Matrix Metering II, plus Variable Center-Weighted and Spot Metering: Substantially more sophisticated than traditional multi-pattern metering systems, Nikon's 3D Color Matrix Metering II instantly and accurately evaluates brightness, color, contrast, selected focus area and subject-to-camera distance information, referencing the results against an onboard database of 30,000 scenes from actual photography. Vary the size of the center-weighted area reading and spot metering readings correspond to 11 focusing points.
In-Camera Image Editing with Retouching Menu: Highly versatile in-camera editing features include Nikon D-lighting, Red-eye Correction, Image Trimming, Image Overlay, Monochrome Black and White, Sepia and Cyanotype along with Skylight, Warm Tone and Custom Color filter effects.
Built-in Speedlight with Nikon i-TTL flash metering and two-group Wireless Commander: Nikon’s acclaimed i-TTL flash control evaluates flash exposure with greater precision to achieve better automatic flash balance and deliver outstanding results with SB-600, SB-800 or SB-R200 Speedlights.
2.5” LCD color monitor with 170-degree, wide-angle viewing: Playback images can be viewed easily from all angles with extraordinary color and clarity.
11-area AF system with Wide-area Center Segment and Auto-area AF functions:Nikon’s Multi-CAM 1000 provides maximum flexibility and optimum performance under varied shooting situations. 11-area autofocus system features a cross-type sensor in the center, broad frame coverage, as well as class-leading low light detection and convenient AF-assist illuminator to aid in low-light conditions. New Wide Area AF option gives greater compositional freedom when shooting sports and action.
Seven Digital Vari-Programs plus Programmed Auto with Flexible Program, Shutter-Priority Auto, Shutter-Priority Auto and Manual: Digital Vari-Programs include: Auto Portrait, Landscape, Macro Close up Sports, Night landscape, Night portrait each of which adjust automatically for optimal results under varied conditions—automatically.
Image Optimization Mode: Optimize color, contrast, sharpening as well as other image settings according to the type of scene or output desired. Options include: Normal, Softer, Vivid, More Vivid, Portrait, Custom, Black and White
Large, bright 0.94x viewfinder: Optical glass viewfinder features large (0.94X) magnification making composing frames easier while overall viewfinder brightness makes low-light photography possible.
Total Megapixels:
10.2
RRP::
549
Read about alternatives to the Nikon D80 by clicking here for more camera reviews, product comparisons, photography information, digital camera price comparisons, digital SLR cameras, digital compact cameras, film SLR camera, photography books, camera lenses and camera accessories.
Author
mfellowes New Member
Registered: November 2006 Posts: 2
Review Date: Thu 23, November, 2006
Would you recommend it? Yes |
Total Spent: £699.00| Rating: 10
Strengths:
fast, excellent metering, solid, superb
Weaknesses:
SD cards - irritating if you own a collection of CFs
I upgraded from a D70 to a D80 about six weeks ago; I'd bought the D70 the month it came out, and I've done the same with this. No patience.
For a wildlife photographer, the critical issues are:
1. Metering. This is excellent, but I have to admit that I'd got used to the D70, which tended to underexpose by 1/3 of a stop. This meant that highlight detail was retained, although the images (pre-Photoshopping) looked a bit dark. The D80 doesn't do this (more like the D50), so be careful of blown highlights - check the histograms for very contrasty subjects. For most of the time, and I suspect for most photographers, having bright images straight from the camera is preferable.
2. Construction. Compare to a Canon and you'll see how solid it feels!
3. Sensor. For anyone who uses a bridge camera (prosumer), then extra pixels doesn't equal better quality, simply because adding pixels results in increased noise on the tiny sensors (i.e. an image from a 5MP bridge camera *may* be better than that from an 8MP camera - most obvious on blue skies). The 6MP D70 sensor gives much better images than an 8MP bridge camera because noise is not a problem. Therefore I was curious to see how the 10MP D80 would compare for noise levels with the D70, and I was releived to see that this wasn't a problem. The big advantage of course is that cropped images on the D80 still give you excellent images. I'm really impressed!
Overall, an excellent camera. My minor irritation with it is that I've had to switch from Compact Flash cards to Secure Digital, but in the big scheme of things, this is trivial.
