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Nikon - D80 Review

What's Hot: Great ergonomics, balance and handling while compact enough for new DSLR users; great value with 18-135mm kit lens and wonderful viewfinder.

What's Not: Not much. Wish it was weather sealed; no trial capture NX software on disc -- must download and it's difficult to buy software in Western Australia.

Review: I was a Minolta film SLR enthusiast when I was younger. However, with work and family commitments, I grew lazy over the past 10 years and got stuck in a photographic rut with the convenience of the Canon PowerShot digital cameras (mainly for family snapshots}. I rarely shot anything with my old 7000 or Dynax 7xi film SLRs any longer. I've been waiting for DSLR sensor resolution to improve and price to be affordable before plunging back into SLR cameras again. I was originally planning to pick up a Canon 400D XTi since I felt that Canon digital P&S cameras were superior to the Sony and Nikon P&S cameras I had tried; I also noticed Canon's market dominance in rolling out high-end pro DSLRs.

Little did I expect to change my mind so quickly when I held the D80 in my hands for the first time after the serendipitous decision to ask to see the Nikon on the store's shelf. I fell in love with the bright viewfinder and feel of the camera. With the benefit of hindsight, I feel that the higher price of the Nikon was actually a better value with the 18-135mm kit lens as opposed to the less sharp 18-55mm kit lens of the Canon. Since buying it, I have been amazed by the performance, feel and handling of the D80 and am now a full Nikon fan. I never thought I would end up buying a Nikon DSLR and I am beginning to wonder if I should have given the D200 a try as well. Even my wife -- having seen the shots I have been producing of the kids -- no longer protests so much about me packing along all my SLR gear for day trips. The D80 has rekindled my love of photography and will sit proudly next to my mostly retired Minolta film SLRs and lenses in my camera cabinet. Having got to know the D80 well enough now, I would venture to say I would still choose the D80 over the Sony a100 even though it could work with my old Minolta lenses.