Nikon D80 Review

Barely three years ago, Nikon came out with the D70, a six megapixel digital SLR that combines high performance and easy usage with affordability. There’s an upgrade available in the market now, called the Nikon D80, which promises better features, a scaled-down body and overall improved performance. The question is, does it deliver?

The D80 does pose better specs, including a larger LCD monitor wider flash coverage, improved AF, and longer life battery. The first thing you will notice is the It features a ten megapixel DX format CCD, and an 18 to 135mm DX kit lens that will make any amateur photographer feel lucky to have. Compared to the Nikon D70, the D80 has a 10.2 megapixel resolution with controls similar to pro cameras like the D2X and D200 – making the
D80 a good substitute for its heavier pro counterparts.

Although the D80's higher megapixels reflect from the D200, they don’t have the same sensor, despite the fact that both are CCDs. The D80 has a two-channel readout as opposed to the D200’s four-channel data readout, which means that data from the D80 are read by the sensor a lot more slowly. You can see the difference in the D80’s three frames per second rate as compared to the D200’s 5 fps.

The D80 still assumes the same comfortable and lightweight grip of the D70, while slightly scaling down the bulk from the D70’s body. This change was made to comply with industry trends of more compact digital SLRs with wider LCDs. In fact, the 2.5 inch display and the optical viewfinder (magnified by 0.94x) was derived from the Nikon D200. This makes for easier viewing, adjustment of the settings, and composition of images.

Users of the Nikon D50 will be familiar with how the AF-A mode automatically shifts from AF-S (single autofocus) to AF-C (continuous autofocus) when the subject moves. You’ll find the same feature on the D80. On the other hand, one unique feature you can find is the D80’s new SDHC (High Capacity) standard, which handles up to 32GB of storage. The D80 is one of the first electronic devices in the world to use this standard. That’s a great leap from an SD capacity of 2GB.

The kit lens deserves exceptional mention. The D80 has a focal length of 18 -135mm, or an equivalent of 27-202.5mm lens on a 35mm camera, which means, all you need is one lens to cover a range of 7.5x, at a minimum cost. The D80 kit lens, furthermore, has great features like a silent wave motor (SWM), ED glass, a rounded seven-blade diaphragm for smoother bokeh, digital-specific design (DX), manual adjustment after AF in AF-S mode, with a focus capable of reaching 17.7 inches or 45cm, no matter the zoom position you’re in. The kit has a lens hood too, and all this for an additional $300, a reasonable price for a great package when you purchase it with the camera.

Pros: If you liked the D200, you’ll like the D80 as well. The solid grip is comfortable and reassuring, Good build quality, very solid feel in the hand, with excellent resolution and a high-quality kit lens. The D80 has high ISO performance, and the good news is, you can reduce the high ISO noise by adjusting controls. Digital photography beginners will enjoy easy to use menu controls and adjustments: if you’re one, check out the green zone and the scene modes.

Cons: Although the high ISO noise reduction works pretty well, expect a trade off, like sacrificing subject detail or uniform color. There’s a limited range to the contrast adjustment and color saturation control as well. Also noticeable is the poor effect created in incandescent lighting when you’re taking pictures in auto white balance mode.

Overall: Modestly priced, but generously packed, the Nikon D80 makes a good package in its approach to improve its predecessor, the D70, and retaining impressive specs found in the D200. Let’s say you own a D100 with a budget too short for a D200 – the D80 makes a good compromise. A great camera for beginners, though fully loaded for amateurs to enjoy and take seriously.

Attached Images

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