Nikon D80 Review | 108 Data compared

The DPReview evaluation of the Nikon D80 highlights its excellent 10.2-megapixel CCD sensor, which produces high-resolution images with vibrant colors, and praises the camera's superior build quality and intuitive ergonomics. Key pros include a fast 11-area autofocus system, a bright pentaprism viewfinder, and quick operation, alongside useful features like a built-in wireless flash commander and effective in-camera D-Lighting. Conversely, the review identifies significant cons, including high noise levels at increased ISO settings and disappointing automatic white balance under incandescent light, which often necessitates manual correction. Additionally, the D80 features a slower 1/4000 sec maximum shutter speed compared to some competitors and requires superior software for optimal RAW processing.

The Nikon D80 is a highly capable 10.2-megapixel mid-range dSLR that delivers excellent image quality, exceptionally fast performance, and highly customizable controls tailored for both lower-end enthusiasts and ambitious beginners. Borrowing the advanced image-processing and autofocus mechanics of the higher-tier Nikon D200, it features a 2.5-inch LCD display, a 3D Color Matrix Metering II system, and an upgraded 11-area AF layout. It shines brightest with its lightning-fast operations—clocking a 0.1-second startup and 0.3-second shot-to-shot times—and its impressive noise control, keeping grainy speckles practically nonexistent all the way up to ISO 800. Users will also appreciate extensive creative perks like an in-camera retouch menu, multichannnel wireless flash Commander Mode, and a detailed battery status menu that displays exact remaining percentage capacity. However, the D80 does come with distinct compromises, particularly for action photographers transferring from the older D70s, as its maximum shutter speed drops to 1/4,000 second and its flash sync speed falls to 1/200 second. Its Matrix metering can also overexpose highlight areas in highly contrasted, dark scenes to preserve shadow detail. Furthermore, a notable financial drawback is that Nikon...

The Nikon D80 is a mid-range digital SLR that bridges the gap between entry-level and high-end models, sharing the compact dimensions of the D50 while inheriting advanced capabilities from the D200. Its high-impact plastic body delivers a reassuringly secure, comfortable grip that physically outperforms the competing Canon EOS 400D/XTi. Highly praised for its advanced control features, the D80 includes an upper right control panel screen for instant setting readouts, custom menu options for shutter speeds, and three distinct metering systems including 3D Colour Matrix Metering II. Its robust flash capabilities are a standout feature, utilizing an i-TTL compatible popup flash that supports a powerful Wireless Commander mode capable of controlling multiple external Speedlights. It also introduces the EN-EL3e battery with an intelligent Fuel Gauge system that provides detailed percentage feedback within the menus. On the downside, the camera falls short of the rugged magnesium alloy build seen on higher-end bodies like the D200. Ergonimically, the rear lockable four-way rocker switch feels stiff, and users must awkwardly press a separate OK button to confirm changes rather than just pressing the center...

Ken Rockwell describes the Nikon D80 as a high-value camera, packing the 10.2-megapixel sensor, bright pentaprism viewfinder, and AF motor of the D200 into a lighter, more compact body. Key pros include excellent battery life, reliable autofocus with most AF lenses, and vibrant, high-saturation color rendering (Color Mode IIIa). Key cons involve an unpredictable matrix metering system that frequently blows out highlights, often requiring -0.7 exposure compensation, and the inability to meter with manual-focus lenses. While a strong performer for its time, Rockwell notes it is sometimes outclassed in specific image performance areas by the cheaper D40 or more modern D90.

Nikon D80 Retro Review Summary The Nikon D80 is a highly recommended 2006 classic DSLR that remains a compelling, bargain-priced choice for students, beginners, and vintage tech enthusiasts looking for a pure photographic experience without modern distractions. It stands out as the final model in its line to feature a 10-Megapixel APS-C CCD sensor, which is highly prized by photography purists today for its superior tonal and colour reproduction compared to early CMOS sensors. Key advantages include its excellent, timeless ergonomics featuring dual control dials, a useful upper information screen, and a large, bright optical viewfinder equipped with on-demand LCD gridlines for easy framing. Furthermore, its reliable 11-point autofocus, excellent Matrix metering, and accurate auto white balance consistently produce great-looking images that easily resolve enough detail for social media crops or 13x8-inch prints. It also remains highly practical because it utilizes widely available EN-EL3e batteries and standard SD/SDHC memory cards up to 32GB.

The What Digital Camera review rates the 10.2-megapixel Nikon D80 at 91%, highlighting it as a capable mid-range DSLR with excellent ergonomics, comfortable handling, and dual command dials for quick manual adjustments. It features a fast 0.18-second startup, high-speed continuous shooting that exceeded tests, and strong image quality with accurate white balance. However, the review notes that large file sizes require a fast computer for efficient processing, and image noise becomes severe at ISO 1600 and above. Furthermore, heavy in-camera noise reduction can reduce fine image details, and default JPEGs have a slightly warm color tone.

Nikon D80 Review Summary The Nikon D80 is an outstanding 10.2-megapixel D-SLR camera that balances excellent performance and superb image quality with a powerful zoom lens. It boots up and recycles in a swift 0.6 seconds, ensuring virtually zero shutter lag for the photographer. It shares several high-end features with the advanced Nikon D200, including a 2.5-inch LCD screen and a pop-up flash that can talk wirelessly to external Speedlights. In speed tests using Fine JPEG mode, the camera shines by capturing a spectacular 2.4 pictures per second for around 80 images without stalling. It records data onto SD and high-capacity SDHC memory cards. The camera also includes helpful in-camera tools borrowed from the Coolpix line, such as red-eye fix and D-lighting for quick exposure adjustments. However, the camera does have a few minor drawbacks. The review notes that the D80 carries a high sticker price compared to its competition, costing $999.95 for the body alone or $1,299 when bundled with the tested 18- to 135mm kit lens. In terms of image quality, daylight test shots showed slight overexposure and...

The ImagingPixel review highlights the Nikon D80 as a highly regarded, enthusiast-grade 10.2 MP digital SLR camera launched in 2006. Positioned between the entry-level D50 and professional D200, it stands out for its DX-format CCD sensor, which delivers exceptional color fidelity that continues to appeal to vintage camera enthusiasts. The camera boasts excellent build quality, intuitive controls, quick startup times, and seamless support for newer SD-HC memory cards. It features an 11-area autofocus system and a bright 2.5-inch LCD monitor with broad viewing angles. Additionally, its standard Nikon F-mount includes an internal AF screw drive mechanism, enabling automatic focusing on older G- and D-type AF Nikkor lenses—a premium feature absent from entry-level bodies. However, the review outlines several specific functional limitations due to its mid-tier, retro placement. On the downside, the camera completely lacks a sensor-based image stabilization system, meaning users must rely on lenses with built-in optical stabilization. For vintage lens collectors, the D80 omits the 'Non-CPU Lens Data' menu item and the aperture-indexing finger found on higher-end models. This forced omission requires tedious stop-down metering and limits full...

The Nikon D80 features an intuitive, robust design with dual command dials that enable quick, efficient adjustments for manual users. While the 2.5-inch LCD screen provides exceptional, wide-angle viewing and sharpness, the camera body's limited height can cause an uncomfortable grip for some users. The review highlights that button placement is logical, keeping critical controls accessible similar to the D70, enhancing the overall handling experience. Despite the ergonomic constraint regarding the grip size, the overall build quality and user interface are praised.