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Top Nikon D80 Camera Reviews
ephotozine wrote a review of the
Nikon D80
and said: "The D80 is a surprise because, on the surface, the
specification is quite close to the D200 which Nikon market as
an advanced amateur to professional level camera. However, when
you take a longer look, there is still a considerable divide
between the two and as you dig deeper you find that the D80 is a
worthwhile upgrade from the, now, two and a half year old D70
(D70s upgrade is 16 months old) not least because of the 67%
increase in the pixels count."
Nikon D80 News Release Summary:
Nikon UK is pleased to announce the introduction of the D80, a
high performance digital SLR camera incorporating Nikon’s latest
digital and photographic technologies.
This outstanding interchangeable-lens digital SLR boasts
automated operation and advanced features, designed to satisfy
photographers with the passion to create beautiful photographs.
The D80 features a 10.2 effective megapixel DX Format CCD image
sensor, providing a new level of high resolution and sharp
detail. With this, however, also comes the freedom to crop
creatively and print impressive enlargements. Nikon’s DX Format
sensor and F bayonet lens mount design assures compatibility
across the comprehensive range of AF and DX Nikkor lenses.
Featuring Nikon’s own high-resolution image processing engine
and a new dedicated high-performance processing chip, the camera
is a must have for photography enthusiasts. The processing chip
has been introduced to significantly accelerate performance on
all levels, while achieving lower power consumption and assuring
more pictures per battery charge.
The new model inherits many advantageous qualities from Nikon's
latest professional digital SLR cameras, including colour
independent analog pre-conditioning and high-precision 12-bit
digital image processing algorithms. These combine to produce
natural-looking images built on faithful colour and tone
reproduction.
Nikon's exclusive 3D Colour Matrix Metering II ensures accurate
automatic exposure control, even in the most challenging
lighting conditions. The system offers the added advantage of
evaluating, rather than simply measuring the true content of
each scene. Variable centre-weighted metering and spot metering
are also available, as are exposure compensation and auto
exposure bracketing.
Advanced Auto White Balance (AWB) produces natural colouration
by measuring the entire frame of each scene and matching white
balance to the light source. For those who wish greater personal
control, there is a choice of six specific manual settings:
Incandescent, Fluorescent, Direct Sunlight, Flash, Cloudy, and
Shade.
The Refined 11-area AF System is based on Nikon's advanced
Multi-CAM 1000 AF Sensor Module to ensure consistently fast and
precise focus lock in various shooting conditions. This new
11-area AF system offers effective new focusing options that
will instill greater confidence for capturing the desired shot.
With a start up time of just 0.18 seconds and a shutter minimal
release lag time of approx. 80 milliseconds, the D80 delivers
instant response. Continuous shooting at a rapid 3 frames per
second, in bursts of up to 100 JPEG images (FINE M-size or
smaller) makes action photography a reality.
Packing high performance and high resolution into a slimmer,
more compact body, the D80 also remains true to Nikon's
commitment to intuitive operation. The size, layout and
operation of all controls are designed for maximum ease of use.
A large, bright viewfinder with large 0.94x magnification
ensures the clearest view possible and a built-in diopter
adjustment control knob allows the photographer to alter the
view to suit eyesight. An integrated grid display can also be
activated to assist composition.
A large new 2.5-inch, 230,000-dot high-resolution LCD provides
an ultra-wide 170-degree viewing angle from all directions.
Images can be previewed easily thanks to a new dedicated zoom
button which helps assess sharpness up to 25 times
magnification. A new RGB histogram display also assists when
evaluating exposures with greater precision. The D80 boasts
built-in Standard or Advanced Pictmotion slideshow options,
including style selections that control transitions and
background music.
A new user-friendly menu interface makes for easier operation
and menus can be customized using the "My Menu" setting.
Exclusive in-camera image editing features, such as D-Lighting
and Red-eye correction, in the new Retouch menu ensure
consistently satisfying results and greater creative freedom
without the use of a computer. A new Multiple Exposure option
creates a single image from up to 3 consecutive exposures to
offer a similar effect of that produced with film.
The powerful built-in flash employs Nikon's highly robust i-TTL
flash control for greater precision in flash exposure
evaluation. Full support for the Advanced Wireless Lighting
System allows the built-in flash function to operate as a
two-group remote commander providing direct control over
wireless SB-800 or SB-600 Speedlights.
Convenient and practical Total Imaging System add-ons include
the new MB-D80 Multi-Power Battery Pack, offering extended
shooting potential. The Wireless ML-L3 (IR) Remote Control and
MC-DC1 Remote Cord options provide necessary camera stability
when using long exposures for landscape and macro photography.
The D80 comes complete with PictureProject software, enabling
easy image importing, editing, organisation and sharing. Design
templates make it easy to produce prints, tailor images to
e-mail, or layout several images on a page.
Capture NX (available for purchase separately) is Nikon’s highly
versatile, yet simple new photo editing solution. It is designed
for those who desire more creative control over post-processing
and helps achieve the full potential of NEF (RAW) images. Its
innovative user interface provides easier access to powerful and
visually intuitive enhancement tools.
The Nikon D80 beautifully combines the latest advances in
digital technology to ensure every aspiring photographer will
enjoy the Nikon digital SLR experience as much as the superb
pictures produced with the D80.
Nikon Digital SLR Camera D80 Specifications
Type of Camera
Single-lens reflex digital camera
Effective Pixels
10.2 million
Image Sensor
RGB CCD, 23.6 x 15.8mm; total pixels: 10.75 million, Nikon DX
format
Image Size (pixels)
3,872 x 2,592 [L], 2,896 x 1,944 [M], 1,936 x 1,296 [S]
ISO Sensitivity (Recommended Exposure Index)
100 to 1600 (ISO equivalent) in steps of 1/3 EV, plus HI-0.3,
HI-0.7 and HI-1
Storage Media
SD memory card (SDHC™ compatible)
Storage System
Compressed NEF (RAW): 12-bit compression, JPEG: JPEG
baseline-compliant
File System
Exif 2.21, Compliant DCF 2.0 and DPOF
White Balance
Auto (TTL white balance with 420-pixel RGB sensor), six manual
modes with fine-tuning, colour temperature setting (Kelvin),
preset white balance; white balance bracketing also available
LCD Monitor
2.5-in., 230,000-dot, low-temperature polysilicon TFT LCD with
brightness adjustment, allows up to 170-degree viewing angle.
Playback Function
1) Full frame 2) Thumbnail (4 or 9 segments) 3) Zoom 4)
Slideshow (Standard or Pictmotion) 5) RGB histogram indication
6) Shooting data 7) Highlight point display 8) Auto image
rotation
Delete Function
Card format, all photographs delete, selected photographs delete
Video Output
Can be selected from NTSC and PAL
Interface
USB 2.0 (Hi-speed) (mini-B connector); SD card slot: supports
firmware updates via SD cards
Text Input
Up to 36 characters of alphanumeric text input available with
LCD monitor and multi-selector; stored in Exif header
Compatible Lenses
Nikon F mount (with AF coupling and AF contacts)
Picture Angle
Equivalent in 35mm [135] format is approx. 1.5 times lens focal
length
Viewfinder
Fixed eye-level pentaprism; built-in diopter adjustment (-2.0 to
+1.0m-1)
Eyepoint
19.5mm (-1.0m-1)
Focusing Screen
Type-B BriteView Clear Matte screen Mark II with superimposed
focus brackets and On-Demand grid lines
Viewfinder Frame Coverage
Approx. 95% (vertical & horizontal)
Viewfinder Magnification
Approx. 0.94x with 50mm lens at infinity; -1.0m-1
Viewfinder Information
Focus indications, Metering system, AE/FV lock indicator, Flash
sync indicator, Shutter speed, Aperture value, Exposure/Exposure
compensation indicator, ISO sensitivity, Exposure mode, Flash
output level compensation, Exposure compensation, Number of
remaining exposures
Autofocus
TTL phase detection by Nikon Multi-CAM 1000 autofocus module
with AF-assist illuminator (approx. 0.5m to 3.0m). Detection
range: EV -1 to +19 (ISO 100 equivalent, at normal temperature:
20°C/68°F)
Lens Servo
Instant single-servo (AF-S); continuous-servo (AF-C); auto
AF-S/AF-C selection (AF-A); manual (M); predictive focus
tracking automatically activated according to subject status in
continuous-servo AF
Focus Areas
11 areas; any single area can be selected; center focus area can
be switched from normal to wide-frame
AF Area Modes
1) Single Area AF: Focuses only on subjects in the selected
area. Selection can be made from any one of the eleven AF spot
sensors.
2) Dynamic Area AF: Focuses on subject in the selected area, but
follows the subject if it moves from its original position,
shifting instantly and automatically to the focus area into
which the subject has moved.
3) Auto-area AF: measures all 11 focus areas, automatically
determines which of them are on the primary subject, and
activates only those areas.
Focus Lock
Focus can be locked by pressing shutter-release button halfway
(single-servo AF) or by pressing AE-L/AF-L button
Exposure Metering System
Three-mode through-the-lens (TTL) exposure metering
1) 3D Colour Matrix Metering II (type G and D lenses); colour
matrix metering II (other CPU lenses); metering performed by
420-segment RGB sensor
2) Centre-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 6, 8, or 10mm dia.
circle in center of frame
3) Spot: Meters 3.5mm dia. circle (about 2.5% of frame) centered
on active focus area (on center focus area when non-CPU lens is
used, or if Auto-area AF is selected)
Exposure Metering Range (ISO 100, f/1.4 lens, 20°C/68°F)
1) EV 0 to 20 (3D Colour Matrix or center-weighted metering)
2) EV 2 to 20 (spot metering)
Exposure Metre Coupling
CPU coupling
Exposure Modes
Digital Vari-Program (Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Macro Close up,
Sports, Night Landscape, Night Portrait), Programmed Auto [P]
with flexible program; Shutter-Priority Auto [S]; Aperture
Priority Auto [A]; Manual [M]
Exposure Compensation
±5 EV in increments of 1/3 or 1/2 EV
Exposure Lock
Luminosity locked at detected value with AE-L/AF-L button
Auto Exposure and Flash Bracketing
2 to 3 exposures in increments between 1/3 to 2.0 EV
Shooting Modes
1) Single frame shooting mode
2) Continuous shooting mode: approx. 3 frames per second
3) Self-timer
4) Delayed remote mode
5) Quick-response remote mode
Shutter
Electronically-controlled vertical-travel focal plane shutter,
30 to 1/4000 sec. in steps of 1/3 or 1/2 EV, bulb
Sync Contact
X-contact only; flash synchronization at up to 1/200 sec.
Flash Control
1) TTL: TTL flash control by 420-pixel RGB sensor
Built-in Flash, SB-800, SB-600: i-TTL balanced fill-flash
(except when using spot metering exposure mode)
Built-in Flash, SB-800, SB-600: standard i-TTL flash (when using
spot metering)
2) Auto aperture: Available with SB-800 with CPU lens
3) Non-TTL Auto: Available with Speedlights such as SB-800,
80DX, 28DX, 28, 27, and 22s
4) Range-priority manual; available with SB-800
Flash Sync Mode
1) Auto
2) Fill-in flash
3) Red-eye Reduction,
4) Red-eye Reduction with Slow Sync,
5) Slow Sync,
6) Rear-curtain Sync
7) Off
Built-in Flash
(Auto, Portrait, Macro Close up, Night Portrait) auto flash with
auto pop-up; Manual pop-up with button release
Guide number (ISO 100, m/ft.): approx. 13/42
Flash Compensation
-3 to +1 EV in increments of 1/3 or 1/2 EV
Accessory Shoe
Standard ISO hot-shoe contact with safety lock provided
Self-timer
Electronically controlled timer with 2 to 20 seconds duration
(2, 5, 10, and 20 second selectable)
Depth of Field Preview
When CPU lens is attached, lens aperture can be stopped down to
value selected by user (A and M modes) or value selected by
camera (P and S modes)
Remote Control
Via Remote Cord MC-DC1 (optional) or Wireless Remote Control
ML-L3 (optional)
Power Source
One Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e, MB-D80 battery pack
(optional) with one or two rechargeable Nikon EN-EL3e Li-ion
batteries or six AA alkaline (LR6), Ni-MH (HR6), lithium (FR6)
batteries, or nickel-manganese (ZR6) AA batteries, AC Adapter
EH-5 (optional)
Tripod Socket
1/4 in. (ISO 1222)
Dimensions (W x H x D)
Approx. 132 x 103 x 77mm (5.2 x 4.1 x 3.0 in.)
Weight
Approx. 585g (1 lb. 5 oz.) without battery, memory card, body
cap, or monitor cover
Supplied Accessories*
Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e, Quick Charger MH-18a, Audio
Video Cable EG-D2, USB Cable UC-E4, Strap, Body cap, Eyepiece
Cap DK-5, Rubber Eyecup DK-21, LCD monitor cover BM-7, Accessory
shoe cover, PictureProject CD-ROM
Optional Accessories
Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D80, Magnifying Eyepiece DK-21M, AC
Adapter EH-5, Wireless Remote Control ML-L3, Remote Cord MC-DC1,
Speedlight SB-800/SB-600/R200, Capture NX, Camera Control Pro
* Supplied accessories may differ in each country or area.
Specifications and equipment are subject to change without any
notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer. August
2006
Nikon D80 Best Price:
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