The Nikon D80 SLR Digital Camera features a 10.2 effective megapixel DX Format CCD image sensor, providing a high level of resolution and sharp detail, so users can have the freedom to crop creatively and print impressive enlargements. It features Nikon's high-resolution image processing engine and a dedicated high-performance processing chip that has been introduced to significantly accelerate performance on all levels. With a start up time of just 0.18 seconds and a shutter release lag time of approx. 80 milliseconds, the D80 delivers instant response, and provides continuous shooting at a rapid 3 frames per second, making action photography a reality and the camera a must have for photography enthusiasts.
Nikon's DX Format sensor and F bayonet lens mount design assures compatibility across the comprehensive range of AF and DX Nikkor lenses. The Refined 11-area AF System (based on Nikon's advanced Multi-CAM 1000 AF Sensor Module) ensures consistently fast and precise focus lock in various shooting conditions and Nikon's exclusive 3D Color Matrix Metering II ensures accurate automatic exposure control, even in the most challenging lighting conditions.
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 large 2.5-inch, 230,000-dot high-resolution LCD provides an ultra-wide 170-degree viewing angle from all directions. A RGB histogram display also assists when evaluating exposures with greater precision. And a user-friendly menu interface makes for easier operation and menus can be customized using the "My Menu" setting. Furthermore, exclusive in-camera image editing features, such as D-Lighting and Red-eye correction ensure consistently satisfying results and greater creative freedom without the use of a computer.
| Camera Type | Interchangeable Lens SLR Digital Camera |
| Image Quality | |
|---|---|
| Image Sensor | 23.6 x 15.8mm (DX format) 10.8 Megapixel APC CCD with RGB primary color filter |
| Effective Resolution | 10.2 million pixels |
| Color Depth | 36-Bit RGB |
| Color Modes | Mode Ia (natural - sRGB), Mode II (wide color range - Adobe RGB), Mode IIIa (vivid color - sRGB), Normal, Softer, Vivid, More Vivid, Portrait, B&W |
| Image File Formats |
RAW (NEF) JPEG (Fine, Normal, Basic) Exif 2.21, DCF 2.0 and DPOF Compliant |
| Recorded Resolution |
Large (3872 x 2592) Medium (2896 x 1944) Small (1936 x 1296) |
| Video Recording | No |
| Audio Recording | No |
| Optics | |
|---|---|
| Lens Mount | Nikon F-mount (with AF coupling and AF contacts) |
| Focal Length Multiplier | 1.5x |
| Optical Image Stabilization | Supports Nikon VR lenses |
| Focus Control | |
|---|---|
| Focus Type | 11 area TTL Autofocus (TTL phase detection by Nikon Multi-CAM 1000 module) with AF-assist illuminator (EV -1 to +19 Detection range @ ISO 100 equivalent) |
| Focus Modes |
Instant single-servo (AF-S), Continuous-servo (AF-C), Auto AF-S/AF-C selection (AF-A), Manual (M), Focus lock, Predictive focus tracking automatically activated according to subject status in continuous-servo AF |
| Exposure Control | |
|---|---|
| Sensitivity |
Auto ISO (100-1600) Selectable ISO (100-1600) Up to ISO 3200 with boost (HI-0.3, HI-0.7 and HI-1) |
| Shutter Type | Electronically-controlled vertical-travel focal plane shutter; |
| Shutter Speed | 30 - 1/4000 seconds (in 1/3 or 1/2 EV steps), Bulb |
| Mirror Lock-Up | No (possible for sensor cleaning only) |
| Exposure Metering | Three-mode TTL exposure metering (3D Color Matrix Metering II, Center-weighted, Spot) |
| Exposure Modes | Digital Vari-Program, Programmed Auto [P] with flexible program, Shutter-Priority Auto [S], Aperture Priority Auto [A], Manual [M], Exposure Compensation (+/-5EV in 1/3 or 1/2 EV increments), AE lock, AE Bracketing (2 to 3 exposures in 1/3 to 2 EV increments) |
| White Balance Modes | Auto (TTL white balance with 420-pixel RGB sensor), 6 Presets with Fine-tuning, Color Temperature (in Kelvin), White Balance Bracketing |
| Scene Modes | Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Macro Close up, Sports, Night Landscape, Night Portrait |
| Flash | |
|---|---|
| Built-in Flash | Yes (Auto, Fill-in flash, Red-eye Reduction, Red-eye Reduction with Slow Sync, Rear-curtain Sync, Off) |
| Effective Flash Range | Up to 42' (13m) |
| External Flash Connection | Standard ISO hot-shoe contact with safety lock |
| External Flash Control | i-TTL balanced fill-flash or standard i-TTL flash |
| Maximum Flash Synchronization Speed | 1/200 second |
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Start-Up Time | 0.18 seconds |
| Shutter Lag | 0.08 seconds |
| Time Between Shots | 0.4 seconds (continuous) |
| Burst Capability | 3 fps up to 100 JPEG (FINE) or 6 RAW (NEF) images |
| Self Timer | 2, 5, 10, and 20 seconds selectable |
| Interval Recording | No (possible with optional Timer-Remote or during tethered operation) |
| Date & Time Stamp | No (Date, Time & World time info recorded with image metadata) |
| Memory & Power | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Built-in Memory | No | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Compatible Memory Cards |
Secure Digital (SD) Secure Digital High Capacity (SD-HC) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| File Size |
For RAW+JPEG files, image size applies to JPEG images only. Size of RAW (NEF) images can not be changed. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Battery Type | EN-EL3e Rechargeable lithium-Ion Battery | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Power Adapter | EH-5 AC Adapter (optional) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Input/Output | |
|---|---|
| Computer Interface | USB 2.0 (Hi-speed) |
| Direct Print Capable | Yes (PictBridge) |
| Remote Control |
MC-DC1 Remote Cord (optional) ML-L3 Wireless Remote Control (optional) |
| Video Output | Yes (NTSC & PAL) |
| System & Software Requirements |
Windows System
Macintosh System
|
| Display | |
|---|---|
| Viewfinder | Fixed Eye-level Pentaprism with Built-in Diopter Adjust (-2.0 to +1.0m-1) |
| Viewfinder Info | 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 |
| Depth-of-Field Preview | Yes (with CPU lens is attached) |
| LCD Display | 2.5" Low-temperature Polysilicon TFT color LCD (230,000 pixels) with brightness adjustment and 170-degree viewing angle |
| Information Display | Shutter-speed, Exposure compensation value, Flash compensation value, ISO sensitivity, White balance fine-tuning, White balance color temperature (K), Number of shots in bracketing sequence, Aperture (f-number), Bracketing increment, PC connection indicator, Number of frames remaining, Number of shots remaining before buffer fills, PC mode indicator, Preset white balance recording indicator |
| Language Options | Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish |
| Playback Options | Full frame, Thumbnail (4 or 9 up), Zoom, Slideshow (Standard or Pictmotion), RGB histogram indication, Shooting data, Highlight point display, Auto image rotation |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (HxWxD) | 4.1 x 5.2 x 3.0" (103 x 132 x 77mm) body only |
| Weight | 21 oz. (585g) body only |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
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Most Liked Positive Review
Great camera, bad lens choices
The D80 is impressive in every way except one. You have to spend a fortune to get decent glass for it.I am a pro action sports photographer of 9 years, shooting mostly whitewater rafting ...Read complete review
The D80 is impressive in every way except one. You have to spend a fortune to get decent glass for it.I am a pro action sports photographer of 9 years, shooting mostly whitewater rafting and some snowmobile races. The D70 is the camera I dreamed of for the first 6 of those years. It performed beautifully with the exception of very bright light on the river and backlight subjects. I love my D70 and have probably about 150,000 (yes really !) pictures on it over 3 years of pro use by my estimation. It still works great.This year I upgraded to the D80 for it's improved light handling. The D80 is everything that the D70 was, but way faster on a burst (almost too fast?!), and with much better bright light handling. The D80 is a truly spectacular camera.The problem that I have with it is that Nikon changed their lens lineup to some poor choices. The two lens kit gives you a decent short lens and a sub par 55-200 f4 lens. The only real option on a super zoom is the $675 VR 18-200 lens. I tried the 55-200 f4 lens, and it was janky. It was so dark that in full sun I had to either run an ISO 800 or run ap priority mode and stop it down to get over 1/250 shutter speed. You shouldn't have to do that on the D80. That lens went back and left me wondering what it was good for. The VR on the $675 lens was a waste of money for me. Shooting in bright conditions with a 3.5 lens I don't have any problem staying above 1/400, and shoot most stuff over 1/1000th.I run the D80 with a now discontinued 28-200 f3.5 G series non-vr lens, list price about $300. It is a dream rig. It is lightning fast, has great light and color handling, and is razor sharp. The powers at Nikon discontinued that lens, leaving poor or expensive choices for glass. I couldn't bring myself to hang an aftermarket lens on the D80 after using Nikon glass, and for my second rafting photo concession business I actually considered the Canon Xti instead of the D80. Thankfully I found a used 28-200 f3.5 G series lens for that one too. If it weren't for the poor lens lineup, the D80 would be a 10 in every way. B & H Photo has been a 10 too, [...]. They are now my first source for camera equipment.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Nice body, poor sensor
This is my third DSLR, after the Canon Rebel and Canon XTi. Of the three, the Canon XTi is the best, in my opinion.
The body is certainly designed well wit...Read complete review
This is my third DSLR, after the Canon Rebel and Canon XTi. Of the three, the Canon XTi is the best, in my opinion.
The body is certainly designed well with buttons and dials in convenient places. I bought it for the layout and feature set, of which I have few complaints (see below).
If this camera had a CMOS sensor, I would have no problems recommending it, but as it stands, I cannot do so. The most important aspect of a camera is its ability to take clear pictures, and the CCD sensor on the D80 does not belong in current-generation cameras, especially since the Canon XTi has a CMOS sensor. With the D80, I almost never use ISO levels above 400 because of poor noise level, while on the XTi I would often use ISO 800 and occationally ISO 1600. This means that shots on the D80 require a much slower shutter speed.
I would try to convince anyone thinking about the D80 to take a close look at the Canon XTi and XSi, the Nikon D300, or the Pentax K20D.
Complaints about the D80:
1. Poor sensor. This is a deal breaker. Buy a Canon or the D300.
2. The viewfinder does not display ISO, even when changing the ISO. If you want to change ISO, you must take your eyes out of the viewfinder. (The XTi and many others have this).
3. No auto sensor cleaning. The XTi and many others have this.
4. The lifing of the mirror when taking pictures causes the camera to shake noticably.
5. (nit pick). The programmable function button, while a great idea, has extremely limited options. For my shooting, I find that "display ISO" (which shouldn't even be needed) and "display grid lines" to be the most useful. I would much rather be able to use the button to automatically set the white balance based on the current subject, for example.
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Pros
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Comments about Nikon D80 SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
It is Nikon's last digital camera with a CCD, not a CMOS. CMOS may give you lower noise, but can not match CCD for color/tonal fidelity.
Pros
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Comments about Nikon D80 SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
I use it for family events, travel shots and misc.
casual photography.
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Comments about Nikon D80 SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
I read the reviews on CNET, and this was an editor's pick. I've always liked my Nikons better than my Canons, so for my first foray into digital SLR, I went with the D80. Got a great deal on a refurbished one here, and with the 50mm f/1.8 Nikkor lens, I have gotten incredible portraits of my newborn son. Especially after going from a point and shoot to this, it's amazing to be able to take crisp, bright, richly detailed photos handheld indoors late in the evening with no flash!
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Comments about Nikon D80 SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
I use the D80 for youth league photography, most of which is done in direct sunlight. Being able to shoot using 100 ISO is a god-send because fill-flash is important to the quality of my photos. Most other affordable DSLR's only go as low as 200 ISO and don't offer a fast enough shutter sync. for the flash. In fact, I wish the sync. was a little faster on the D80-but it works. I miss film, but this is as close as I've come yet with a DSLR!
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Comments about Nikon D80 SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
The D80 is a pleasant surprise. The D80 has made my transition from film and point and shoot digital a rewarding experience. I have friends with more expensive Canons and Nikons, but I can't tell the difference in performance. Albeit, I take pictures of my children's birthday parties and sporting events. But that's the extent to my camera use. The flash gives even lighting which makes the pictures appear more natural and the programmed shooting modes make taking pictures enjoyable. The construction is light and sturdy, better the Canon at similar price. I know there's more expensive models, but the D80 is all I need.
Highly Recommended.
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Comments about Nikon D80 SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
The Nikon D80 is a fav of mine, its fast, not too bulky and not too heavy! an versatile camera and great as a backup for wildlife photography!
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Comments about Nikon D80 SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
I am a student who bought this for my journey through school as well as for product shots for websites. I really wanted the D90, but the cost was a little steep for me right now so I instead went with the D80. For me this camera is more than I can handle at the moment with all of the features, but I have so far managed to go through about 75% of the guide and have learned enough to know which settings to use for certain shots. The quality is amazing.
To test the various settings I set my camera up in front of my kitchen sink and took pictures of running tap water. This way I was able to determine which settings slowed the water down and which ones shot at normal speed. Overall the quality exceeded my expectations.
The only cons I have with the camera are some of the LCD settings. I do not use the LCD for anything other than to view the images after I take them, but I seem to have changed certain settings like a brightness highlight that makes white areas flash, and then now I have a menu that is blocking the images, but these are fixes I am sure I can find just by reading some more. Overall a nice camera for the price!
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Comments about Nikon D80 SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
I have been waiting for a long time to purchase a digital and finally broke down and bought one.
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Comments about Nikon D80 SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
I love this camera. It's my first SLR and I find it incredibly more user friendly than the P&S I had been using (Nikon Coolpix 5600). To give the P/S some credit it did take really good pics, but trying to change any settings on that camera was a nightmare. The D80 is awesome - you can easily change ISO, f-stop, shutter speed, etc. with one of the dials that are really well located for the hand. Image quality is great, feels like a well constructed camera (doesn't feel flimsy), and I've just been enjoying using it tremendously. My photography is getting the chance to improve quite a bit as a result.
I've been starting to try it out in lower light situations, and it's been interesting. I think something to keep in mind is to be aware of your lenses as that will affect performance, but I've gotten some nice night-time shots with just the kit lens, so I'm pretty impressed with the camera.
Like most dSLR's it is a bit on the heavy side, so if you want something lighter, I would suggest trying a P/S.
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Comments about Nikon D80 SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
I'm not a pro at photography, but I just love this camera. I also have a Nikon D40x which I enjoy. This D80 is a great camera. It feels good in your hands, takes great pictures and I would definately recommend.
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Cons
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Comments about Nikon D80 SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
Positive:
Works seamlessly with my old Nikor AF lenses
Easy to use
Many options, both automatic and controlled
Good pictures in low light
Picture quality seems great, but I have not yet compared
Fast in starting up and taking pictures
Good manual
Good tutorial on-line
Negative:
Only had it few weeks, haven't seen any yet
Pros
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Comments about Nikon D80 SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
I just use it to take pictures of my children
The battery life is amazing
Quality of picture great
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Comments about Nikon D80 SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
The D80 is a great value. I use it for family shots and action shots of my kids playing sports. It takes great pictures and it is very easy to use in auto mode and there are a myriad of manual settings for advanced photographers. I wish the LCD screen was bigger but that is available on more expensive cameras. The D80 offers a lot of camera for the money.
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Comments about Nikon D80 SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
After much research this is my first dslr. I am very pleased with its picture quality, nice build, and its capabilities to capture great pictures for a novice (right out of the box). Would highly recommend. B&H's price [...] can't be beat!!!
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Comments about Nikon D80 SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
This is a great camera at a great price. I bought it as a second, put the nikor 18-200 vr on it and its what I use most of the time.
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Comments about Nikon D80 SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
If you are considering a Nikon D80 it means that you are interested in a semi-professional but beginner SLR. This camera will do more than you'll ever need and for personal or even professional photography this camera will out perform the photographer every time.
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Comments about Nikon D80 SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
I love the D80, with diffent lense, I use it for anything and I love it. [...]
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Comments about Nikon D80 SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
Before I bought this camera, I was using a D70s which wasn't the best camera but was a very good beginner camera. I wanted to take it to the next step and this camera was very successful in doing it. I use this camera for pretty much everything but mostly sports. I only recommend this camera for sports if you have a decent and fast telephoto lens otherwise don't bother . I shoot a lot of football and just acquired a new Tamron f2.8 70-200 telephoto lens. Before I had that lens, I was using an f4.5 lens which wasn't the best. I work for multiple companies during the football season and the companies put my pictures up on websites and in newspapers so they expect decent quality. This camera does not do very well in low light. Every time I shoot football, I have to use an external flash or every picture is blurry. Bottom Line People, if you plan to shoot lots of sports, this camera is not the camera for that unless you have a decent lens for it and still, you will get decent quality but you won't get pro quality. The camera is good for everything else but sports.
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Comments about Nikon D80 SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
I study journalism and loved the photo classes. So, I decided to buy a digital SRL. I looked many cameras, but D80 was realy the best for me. I work with stop n´ motion films at the Uni, and Nikons are preety fast for that. I love that info display, others cameras for the same price don´t have one, and it´s better to see the infos in this display than in the LCD.
It doesn´t have Livew View. Sometimes it could be usefull. But it isn´t a really problem.
10 megapixel is good but 12 megapixel would be great.
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Comments about Nikon D80 SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
I shoot skateboarding pictures just for fun and really enjoy this camera. Easy to use with a soid feel. I love it.
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DX-Nikkor lenses are engineered and optimized for use on Nikon DX-format D-SLRs and are designed to cover the smaller image area of the DX sensor. When a DX lens is mounted on an FX-format Nikon D-SLR, the camera's DX-Crop Mode is automatically engaged, introducing a 1.5x magnification (cropping) factor.
This item is backordered by the manufacturer.