Nikon D80

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By Damian Koh, CNET Asia
Oct 09, 2006

The last time Nikon had an upgrade for the lower-end range of its dSLR lineup, this saw the release of the D70s. Fast forward to the D80 which should be seen as a new product category that bridges the gap between the entry-level D70s and the midrange D200. With a 10.2-megapixel CCD sensor, larger LCD, improved AF system and a whole bunch of in-camera editing features and unique functions, the D80 should appeal to a broad range of photographers, from first-time dSLR users to enthusiasts. Find out how this Nikon scored in our review.

Design
Although the D80 is smaller overall compared with the D70s, the shooter exudes the "just right" feel with a delicate balance between weight and size--solid, yet without the feel of a brick. The body weighs slightly lighter at 585g, but the heavier AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor 18-135mm F3.5-5.6G IF-ED kit lens dismisses any weight advantage the D80 has over the D70s.

Nikonians will find the button layout similar to the D70s/D70 with numerous dedicated buttons for commonly used settings. The straightforward and intuitive interface also makes it easy for first-timers to navigate the controls and to understand the camera. You can manually set most of the functions with the rear jog dial and their respective buttons. Oddly enough, the drive mode and autofocusing settings require the user to tap only the individual keys in order to cycle through the options.

There are three dials on the D80. The mode dial allows the user to select full auto, program, shutter- or aperture-priority and manual settings. There are also six preset scene modes for various shooting environments. Two jog dials are located at the front and rear, respectively, on the handgrip where your first finger and thumb rest when holding the shooter. In full manual mode, these dials allow you to adjust both aperture and shutter speed settings concurrently without having to lift your hand off the camera.

Nikon has also moved the memory card compartment from the back of the camera to the side on the handgrip, presumably to make space for the larger 2.5-inch LCD. Over on the left of the monitor, just around the corner behind the vertical row of buttons, are the USB, DC-in, AV-out and remote connections protected by rubber doors.

Unlike the Canon EOS 400D or the Sony Alpha 100, the D80 comes with a second top LCD screen that displays the camera's current settings. This is especially useful in discreet lighting conditions when the light from the main 2.5-inch LCD could be distracting. When the unit is off, the monitor shows the remaining number of shots left. The Power switch when flicked in the clockwise direction lights up the screen just enough to see the settings and the spring-loaded mechanism returns it to the On position.