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February 08, 2007
[ REVIEW—NIKON D80 DSLR ]
Price: $1800 body or $2250 with Nikkor 18-135mm lens
Camera body highly recommended
The low-down: This camera is the 10 megapixel replacement for the Nikon D70S. The excellent ergonomics of the old camera carry over into the new.
The camera is very responsive with short mirror blackout and fast autofocus. Exposure using any of the three modes is good and rendering of detail is exemplary. We are particularly impressed with the wide dynamic range and the generally good auto white balance.
Nikon have not included automatic dust removal from the sensor which makes it the odd camera out in this price range. Dust is such a problem with digital SLRs that this is a factor to take into consideration.
The D80 body is superb. It is light but balances nicely with most lenses and feels well in the hand. The viewfinder is large and bright, showing essential shooting information at the bottom of the view area.
High ISO performance is particularly good. Finicky purists will no doubt find noise in high ISO shots but realistic photographers will be amazed at the image quality at ISO1600. We turned the in-camera noise reduction off to test the D80’s true performance and were convinced that this is the way to use it. We prefer to do the noise reduction, if it is necessary, post-camera.
Like this: These are small points, but important -- a good, comprehensive user’s manual and the transparent protector that clips on over the LCD screen that keeps it clean and free of moisture. Why don’t all makers offer this gadget? So cheap, so simple and so useful.
Dislike that: The kit lens is not up to the quality of the camera body. The Nikkor 18-135mm zoom is not particularly sharp, perhaps because of inherent low contrast. Pin cushion distortion is severe. Putting a better quality lens on the camera produced noticeable improvement in image quality.
Parting shot: This camera is a worthy successor to the D70 and no doubt Nikon have another winner. It’s a pity that once again we have been disappointed by a kit lens. This is the one area where most makers are cutting costs. It is false economy.
[ Sample images from the Nikon D80 are in the Gallery ]
Posted by terry at February 8, 2007 10:25 PM
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Comments
i need help to decide between, nikon bodies,d60, d80(does it have a metal frame or body?),or the d2000.the less i pay for abody, the more i can use for a starter lens.i will shoot family occasions, outdoors, grandkids etc. i do have pixma 9700 prntr. thanks so much. len p.s. i'm ready to buy.
Posted by: lenb at March 6, 2009 04:17 AM
In this business you get what you pay for -- so the sad fact is that the D60 is not as good as the D80 which is not as good as the D200. [I speak as an owner of D70, D80 and D300 at various times.]
Both the D80 and D200 can be recommended without reserve. The D60 is a good camera, with one word of warning. It doesn't have a focus motor built into the body, which means that lenses -- if they are to autofocus -- must have focus drive motors built in.
Nikon is gradually remaking its lens range with built-in motors but they are expensive. Second hand Nikkors will usually be without motors, and third party lenses are more likely to be without motors.
For general, advanced amateur use I would recommend the D80 as the best cost/quality compromise.
Hope this helps.
Posted by: Terry at March 6, 2009 08:03 AM
i intend to go with the D80. the lenses in the package are, the 2 vr lens that go up to 200mm ? i was shown a quantary (18?-200 hsm. i will make this purchase shortly, aft last bit of advice. can the d80 switch its screen vert.,like the d60? is the d80 better in low lt.? i really liked the viewer on the d80. thanks again, len
Posted by: lenb at March 8, 2009 07:24 AM
I have the D80 too and can confirm that high quality glass (lenses) produce a better picture , the average kitlenses are real fine but this body shines with good glass on it ..
Posted by: nikonian at March 13, 2010 03:57 AM