Nikon D80: Review

Posted to Digital SLR 2009-12-24

Nikon D80 review:

The Nikon D80 digital SLR is a mid-priced 10.2 megapixel digital SLR with an included 18-135mm AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor kit lens. The camera features a metal chassis with plastic body, dust and moisture resistant seals and a 2.5 in. color LCD display. The lens has a zoom factor of 7.5X and the camera includes an advanced auto-exposure system and a broad ISO range of 100 - 1600 ISO.

Other features include an 11-area autofocus system, optimized color modes, near instant start-up and a continuous shooting speed of up to 3fps. The D80 also features shutter speeds ranging from 30 to 1/4000 seconds, in-camera editing functions, a viewing angle of 170 degrees for the LCD display and a large, bright 0.94X viewfinder. The D80 uses SD memory card storage, has a built-in flash with i-TTL control and runs on a rechargeable lithium ion battery pack.

Rating:

3.8 out of 5

Quality

The Nikon D80 is built to near pro-quality standards. It has a metal chassis with a high-quality plastic body. In addition, it is constructed with moisture and dust-resistant seals throughout. The camera is very compact, yet has a hefty feel to it. The shutter is entirely mechanical and is rated for an extra long life. The zoom and focus controls on the lens are smooth and positive, and the controls are well laid out.

Ergonomics

Nikon does an excellent job of laying out controls, and the D80 is no exception. The control layout is very logical and intuitive, as are the on-screen menus and viewfinder display. The camera is very easy to use, and produces quality images even when set to full auto. The included lens is the perfect all around focal length, ranging from a true wide angle to a very useful telephoto length. The camera includes features from some of Nikon's more advanced cameras, yet is as small and compact as some of the entry level models.

Summary

If you're an advanced amateur or a pro in the market for a second body, the Nikon D80 makes an excellent choice. The included lens makes this camera a good buy despite it's mid-price range, and the amateur photographer will likely find that the zoom range makes this an ideal all-around camera without buying any extra lenses. All in all a very good offering from Nikon.

Pros

10.2 megapixel resolution
2.5 inch color LCD display
Near pro-quality construction
11-area autofocus system

Cons

No Live View