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 fps, 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", 230,000-dot high-resolution LCD provides an ultra-wide 170° 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.
The included Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED AF-S DX lens is an ultra compact, lightweight standard zoom lens that has a 3x focal zoom range and is ideally suited to the compact Nikon digital SLR cameras.
| 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 (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° 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
Cons
Best Uses
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 73 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon D80 SLR Digital Camera Kit with 18-55mm VR Lens:
The D80 is a great camera. The light meter has a tendency to overexpose a little. But with the price being so low now, this is a great buy. Think of it as a D40 that can auto focus more lenses.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon D80 SLR Digital Camera Kit with 18-55mm VR Lens:
Mostly using to document technical devices. The image quality & flexibility are great. It has a lot of features to get used to, but such is life.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon D80 SLR Digital Camera Kit with 18-55mm VR Lens:
I upgraded from a Nikon D50. This camera is loaded with lots of features, but yet it's easy to use. The photos I've shot have been crisp and the color very vivid. I highly recommend this camera. I lent it to my neighbors and now they plan on buying one. I have been a customer of B&H for a couple of years now and highly recommend them on a frequent basis to anyone who is into photography. The prices are very competitive [...].
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon D80 SLR Digital Camera Kit with 18-55mm VR Lens:
Recently received the Nikon D80 with the 18-55 VR lens kit. Fantastic Camera, easy to use and the pics are just incredible. The lens kit that came withit is perfect for out of the box shooting. The features of the D80 are immense compared to the previous generation D70. I love this camera and would recommend it to anyone.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon D80 SLR Digital Camera Kit with 18-55mm VR Lens:
Camera is very easy to use. First day out shooting and took over a 100 pics.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon D80 SLR Digital Camera Kit with 18-55mm VR Lens:
Great camera!! Just need to get more lenses for more creative versatility. Have plenty of options. Love the bracketing system and white balance control.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon D80 SLR Digital Camera Kit with 18-55mm VR Lens:
Just made the switch from point and shoot.
This is one great camera. Lots of opitions.
In camera motor, 11 point focus and you can
use a lot of older lenses. Really good buy.
Could not be happier!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon D80 SLR Digital Camera Kit with 18-55mm VR Lens:
I purchased this camera only two weeks ago and I'm still testing it, so my impressions can change.
I came from a SLR-Like camera (Panasonic FZ7) with the desire to improve the quality of my pictures. Also, I really would like to maintain some features that my SLR-Like give me as the powerful zoom.
My first impression about quality is that my pictures improved 200% compared to the ones I had with my previous camera, and I'm really satisfied and happy to have purchased Nikon D80.
To satisfy the need I had about the zoom, I purchased too Nikkor 18-200mm Lens, which is great and covered what I wanted.
I decided to purchase D80 instead D40 or D60 only because of its built-in motor, since I like prime lens as 50mm f/1.8 and also wide angle lens, and it would be very hard to focus in wide angle lens in any situation without an auto-focus. But if D40 or D60 had this built-in motor I would decide for them without any doubt, since they are lighter and smaller, what for me is also decisive.
Therefore, the only problem about the camera - not the Nikon D80 itself, but the SLR camera - is its size and weight. If you're used to your SLR-Like - which is not the lightest digital camera - beware that you'll need a stronger neck, and it'll be more difficult to carry to any place as you're used to.
Also, it's not a very discrete camera, so maybe it's not the type the camera to take street photography without be noticed.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon D80 SLR Digital Camera Kit with 18-55mm VR Lens:
The D80 with a 18-55mm VR lens might be all you will ever need. It is a terrific combination. Photos straight from the camera are sharp and colorful, no fixing needed. I am a casual user, though I sometimes try to get artsy, and this camera is perfect for me. Handling is amazing. It isn't too heavy. The menus are easy to use, and there is more customization allowed than I will ever need.
B&H is the best photo equipment supplier on the planet, so you can't miss with this offering.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon D80 SLR Digital Camera Kit with 18-55mm VR Lens:
I am an amateur photog but this product inspires me to be more.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon D80 SLR Digital Camera Kit with 18-55mm VR Lens:
At a step below the new series of Nikon D-SLRs it still holds its own for bargain hunter.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon D80 SLR Digital Camera Kit with 18-55mm VR Lens:
I have always been a Minolta/Konica-Minolta shooter, and decided to finally go with Nikon. I felt the Sony Alpha series that replaced my beloved Konica-Minolta is too proprietary. After attending a Photoshop World Photo Safari in April '08, I realized that the majority of shooters were Nikon enthusiasts. I have not had a lot of time to get to know this camera inside and out, but the photos I have taken right out of the box have been excellent... just in 'Auto' mode! This is a purchase that I made for work... my next personal camera will definitely be a Nikon. I am very impressed.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon D80 SLR Digital Camera Kit with 18-55mm VR Lens:
I purchased the Nikon D60 earlier this year and while I was pleased with its performance; I was immediately interested in aquiring a D80. I use this camera for portraits of my 4 month old son most of all, but also shoot landscapes and other artistic photos. The control that you have with this camera far exceeds that of the lower models, but if you plan on leaving it on auto then it probably isnt worth the extra money.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon D80 SLR Digital Camera Kit with 18-55mm VR Lens:
I was hesitant at first about buying the D80 because of the size and price- seriously considering the Canon Rebel XTi and the Olympus E420. I finally decided on the D80, taking to heart the fact that I read nothing but positive reviews. Truthfully, I couldn't be happier. I love the feel of the camera and the pictures are exquisite. One of the best features is its capacity to take sharp and clear photos at very low light. With the ISO at 1600 and no flash, the camera still performs beautifully. I do admit the size is a bit daunting, but if you're going to get a DSLR, why not add a few extra ounces.
Also, the 18-55mm VR lens is a joy to use!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon D80 SLR Digital Camera Kit with 18-55mm VR Lens:
I've been shooting film for the last 10 years as a hobbyist. I've got a baby on the way and decided to switch to a DSLR. I'm not at all disappointed. The D80 is perfect for me. I looked at the D40 and it just didn't seem to have the level of control I was used to with my full manual FM2. And to top it off, when the D90 came out the price of the D80 when through the floor. Pick one up while you still can.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon D80 SLR Digital Camera Kit with 18-55mm VR Lens:
This is a grate product, it does almost everything a photo enthusiast would want, but I miss the possibility to record video. It supports HCSD cards, so there would be no problem recording as much video as most modern video cameras can hold. Just a couple of months after I purchased my camera, Nikon introduced D90 that supports video recording! I strongly recommend buying D90 instead of this one – you will never need a video camera with it.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon D80 SLR Digital Camera Kit with 18-55mm VR Lens:
I bought this camera just a few weeks before our wedding & honeymoon, crossing my fingers that it would work out well. Well, it far exceeded that expectation! It takes beautiful pictures (which did not surprise me), is very easy to use, is lightweight, and has excellent battery life. I bought the camera specifically because I have an old Nikon film SLR and wanted to be able to use the three lenses I already had. Even though the lenses are 10-15 years old, they all worked flawlessly. I could not be happier with this purchase, and I would recommend this camera to any advanced beginner or even beyond that.
The VR lens is excellent for all shots, but particularly shines in low light conditions.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon D80 SLR Digital Camera Kit with 18-55mm VR Lens:
LOVE THE EASE OF THIS PRODUCT
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon D80 SLR Digital Camera Kit with 18-55mm VR Lens:
Upgraded from a D70S and I am very happy. In camera editing, large megapixels and total manual controls make this a great point and shoot camera but also a professional camera as well. Very easy to use as well. The VR lens is very nice and gives you a few extra F stops in lower light. Get this camera while you can unless you really need the D90.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon D80 SLR Digital Camera Kit with 18-55mm VR Lens:
I have been a photo nut since I was in high school. I have been a Nikon user (FE, FE2, F3, N80) for the last 30 years. I was delighted to be able to take my Nikkor-D AF lenses from my N80 and use them fully functional on the D80. I am still fumbling through the menus but that is not a bad thing. This camera has unlimited flexibility and along with that comes complexity. The first time out I took 150 shots of various things to get a feel for the camera. The results are magnificent. I have toyed with a Canon A85 for basic snapshots and I thought all digital photos would be good, but never great, based on that camera. The D80 is a powerful tool and now it will be up to me to hone my skills to be able to use it well.
I would recommend using Class 4 SD cards at a minimum if you want to do rapid fire shooting. B&H was a pleasure to do business with, as usual.
Pros: Has a good solid feel in the hand, shooting in Prog mode makes it easy, quick autofocus (and accurate), controls are well placed.
Cons: I wish it used common AA batteries without having to buy the accessory battery holder.
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »