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The 10.2MP Nikon D80, priced at $999 (body only, estimated street) might be called a D200 Lite, except there ain't nothing lite about it -- other than the weight, a fraction of an ounce below the trim D70s. (It's a bit smaller, too.) It packs lots of technology derived from the Nikon D200 and D2x models, plus so many in-camera image-editing controls that it could be called Photoshop to Go. The handling of the polycarbonate-bodied D80 is vintage D70 -- comfortable in the hand, with well-placed controls. As on the older camera, the rear command dial and jog dial are within easy reach of the thumb, while the front command dial isn't quite convenient to the index finger. The image zoom in playback is now a much more convenient one-button operation. The D80's big (0.94X magnification), bright glass pentaprism viewfinder is tops among its peers. Its 11-point autofocus system is also the most sophisticated for the money. Framing rate is ample at about 23 Large/Normal JPEGs. Worth special mention is the 2,700-shot battery, which even tells you when it's time for a replacement. Other pro-grade features include a true spot meter, wide ISO sensitivity from 100 to 3200, a mirror lockup mode that delays the shutter to reduce vibrations, and the ability to control external Speedlights wirelessly from its pop-up flash. The D80's menu system is superbly designed; it includes 32 custom settings plus the option to save a personal menu. And we're impressed by the camera's onboard image-editing capabilities, including cropping, color effects, red-eye removal, resizing, shadow boost, and RAW frame overlays. Though the D80 lacks sensor-shaking dust removal, Nikon software uses a reference image to map dust spots and automatically retouch your photos. There's no built-in image stabilization, but the increasing number of VR-stabilized Nikon lenses makes the D80 all the more attractive to serious photographers. In short, the D80 offers several high-end features at a low-end price.
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| Built-In Flash |
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Yes |
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| Continuous Shooting |
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3 images/sec |
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| Flash Sync Speed |
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1/200 |
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| Lens Mount |
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Nikon AF (digital only) |
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| Screen Size |
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2.5 in |
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| Screen Resolution |
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230,000 |
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| Screen Type |
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LCD |
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| Maximum ISO |
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1600 |
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| Max Continuous JPG |
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23 |
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| Max Continuous RAW |
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6 |
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| Media Type |
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SD |
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| Width |
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5.2 in |
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| Height |
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4.1 in |
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| Depth |
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3 in |
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| Weight |
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21 oz |
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| Release Date |
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August 2006 |
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More Nikon D80 Articles
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February 2008
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July/August 2007
Nikon D80 |
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February 2007
If you're looking for top image quality for less than a grand, one of these rigs is your perfect 10. |
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October 2006
See how the Nikon D80 stacks up against the Canon Rebel XTi, Pentax K10D and Sony Alpha 100. |
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October 2006
With the major camera makers drawing up battle lines in the 10MP DSLR war, Nikon just marched onto the field with a small but potent new weapon. |
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More Digital SLR Articles
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May 2008
This beginner DSLR goes above and beyond. |
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May 2008
The only excess is of good stuff. |
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May 2008
America's top-selling DSLR: Canon's EOS Digital Rebel XTi. Second: Nikon D40. More...
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April 2008
Can't nail that perfect shot? Here are the answers. |
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April 2008
Never be afraid of the dark. |
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User Reviews
Here's how our visitors have reviewed this camera.
RATINGS |
AVERAGE RATINGS |
Overall quality |
9.54
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Ease of use |
8.73
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Fit and finish |
9.5
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Click-to-click speed |
9.5
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Display quality |
9.54
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Flash quality |
8.58
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Image quality |
9.62
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Overall value |
9.5
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RATING SCALE: 1 = WORST 10 = BEST |
Read other reviews
Submit your own review
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