Nikon F80/N80: Review

Posted to 35mm Cameras 2009-07-25

Nikon F80 (N80 US model) Review:

If you are in the market for a 35mm SLR with the look and feel of a professional camera, but has the portability of a consumer camera, then you may want to check out the Nikon F80. As a camera that is great for beginners and professionals alike, the F80 offers many of the same features that reside on the more expensive professional models there are also some features that these models could only dream of offering. This makes it the perfect, portable camera for the aspiring photographer as well as the professional who likes a lightweight, go anywhere camera that doesn't cost a fortune.

The F80 is more commonly known as the N80 in the US and the delineation is made solely because cameras in the US are classified as professional (F) and consumer (N) where the rest of the world does not use such a classification. Weighing in at 18.1 ounces, the F80 is most commonly compared its much larger F100 sibling since they share similar functionality. The F80 is also available in three different flavors. Both are compatible with AF-S lenses, offers viewfinder indication of P, S, A, and M exposure modes, matrix metering and an AF sensor selector. There is the standard F80, the F80D and the F80S. The difference between the three is that the F80D will imprint the date on your photos and the F80S will imprint the date as well as exposure data between frames. Other than date and exposure options, all three models are identical and easy enough to take anywhere so even the average photographer can utilize the tools that were once only available on the much larger professional SLR's.

Rating:

3.8 out of 5

Features

The F80 has four different exposure modes allowing even the savviest of photographers control over their results. It offers users the choice of Auto-Multi Program with Flexible Program [P], Shutter-Priority Auto [S], Aperture-Priority Auto [A] or manual [M]. Unlike other models, the F80 utilizes two 3V CR123A or DL123A lithium battery. There is also a battery pack accessory that can handle AA batteries for those times when you will be in an area where the standard batteries are not readily accessible. Where this camera excels over its much larger and heavier F100 sibling is a range of different tools that makes using this camera a breeze. For those who don't like to take their eye off the shot to make adjustments, the F80 offers extra displays within the viewfinder. Users can view the [+] or [-] AF mode, fill-flash compensation level as well as a grid for shooting horizon shots.

Performance

Since this model is smaller and lighter than its F100 sibling, it should come as no surprise that the viewfinder offers users a smaller percentage of the frame. The F80 is 92% which is by no means all that bad, but if you utilize glasses or prefer to see as much of the frame as you can then you may need to opt for the larger F100. The F80 is able to shoot 2.5 fps and utilizes ½ stops in the exposure compensation range. The top shutter speed is 1/4000 with a flash sync of 1/125 second.

Summary

In conclusion the Nikon F80 is great for the beginner photographer as well as the professional who's not quite ready to give up the performance of a non-digital 35mm SLR. Offering users the same functionality as its much larger and heavier siblings the F80 offers users access to an array of features that were once only available on the much larger professional 35mm SLR. So if you are looking for the perfect go anywhere camera then the Nikon F80 may be the one for you.

Pros

Lightweight and portable
Same functionality as professional models
2.5 fps
92% of frame viewable via viewfinder
4 exposure modes

Cons

There are no cons for this product