The new Nikon D80 is a high-performance digital SLR camera that integrates Nikon’s latest digital photographic technologies with features designed to satisfy any photographer yearning to create beautiful images and preserve special moments, according to Nikon.

Key features: 10.2 MP with Nikkor 18-135mm Lens, ERP $2000

(Do you own a D80? Leave a comment with your thoughts and experiences) 

A new 10.2 effective megapixel DX format CCD image sensor and high-resolution image processing engine ensure images with superb resolution and detail.

The powerhouse behind this resolution is a new high-performance processing chip, designed to accelerate functions on all levels while maintaining low power consumption. This assures users of a greater number of high quality pictures per battery charge.

Colour independent analogue pre-conditioning and high-precision 12-bit digital image processing algorithms, found in Nikon’s professional digital SLR cameras are also found in the D80. This makes reproduction of faithful colours and tones effortless.

Equipped with Nikon’s exclusive 420-pixel 3D Colour Matrix Metering II, the D80 seamlessly determines ideal exposures, even in complex lighting conditions. Capturing scene elements including brightness, contrast and colour content with a 420-pixel RGB-enabled sensor, this advanced system employs improved algorithms for even better evaluation of highlight and shadow detail, and an onboard database of over 30,000 images to evaluate against the content of each scene.

Variable centre-weighted metering and spot metering linked to the active focus area are also available, as are professional levels of exposure compensation and auto exposure bracketing. Sophisticated exposure automation combined with options for complete user control make the D80 an ideal high-performance digital SLR for passionate photography enthusiasts.

Constant, accurate colour reproduction with the D80’s advanced Auto White Balance (AWB) is achieved by measuring the entire frame of each scene and matching white balance to the light source. For those who wish greater personal control, the flexible options include a choice of six specific manual settings, (Incandescent, Fluorescent, Direct Sunlight, Flash, Cloudy, and Shade), as well as a preset option for using a grey or white object as a reference. The D80 produces accurate and lifelike colours in all lighting situations.

Fast and precise focussing is realised with the D80’s refined 11-area AF system. Adopting a version of Nikon’s advanced Multi-CAM 1000 AF Sensor Module (as found in the hugely popular D200) this new 11-area AF system adds new focusing options that instil greater confidence in getting the desired shot. For example, while the system is able to use each of its 11 focus areas individually, the centre sensor can also be switched to wide-frame operation for broader coverage. A new Auto-area AF mode measures all 11 focus areas, then automatically determines which of them are on the primary subject and activates only those areas for fast and accurate shooting.

Never miss out whenever that priceless expression or special moment presents itself. With the D80 taking only 0.18 seconds to power up and the shutter’s minimal release lag time of approx. 80 milliseconds, the D80 delivers instant response while shooting. Images are processed instantly and recorded quickly to the inserted SD memory card and preview images can be also displayed immediately. Continuous shooting at a rapid 3 frames per second in bursts of up to 100 JPEG (FINE M-size or smaller) images, make action photography a reality. Rapid response and performance guarantees the D80 is a camera to be relied upon for capturing fleeting moments.

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 buttons and controls are designed for maximum ease of use.

The D80 has a large and bright viewfinder, with a substantial 0.94x magnification, ensuring the clearest view possible for precise composition. A built-in diopter adjustment control knob also makes it easier to fine-tune the view to match eyesight. The viewfinder’s integrated grid display can also be turned on to assist in composition.

Reviewing and assessing images in-camera reaches new levels of performance in the D80. A large 2.5-inch 230,000-dot high-resolution LCD provides an ultra-wide 170-degree viewing angle from all directions. A new dedicated Zoom button makes it easy to preview images and gauge sharpness at up to an amazing 25 times magnification. Powerful RGB histogram display supports evaluating exposures with greater precision. Other playback options include single frame, 4 or 9-image thumbnail display and highlight point display.

New Pictmotion slideshow options, that are fun and creative, are available for users of the D80. Standard or Advanced settings with selectable styles, transitions and background music can be enjoyed on the 2.5-inch LCD, or complete with audio on a television when connected via the supplied AV cable.

A new menu interface featuring refinements to the colour scheme and increased font size makes navigation easier on the eye, intuitive and furthers ease of use. D80 owners can customise menus to display only selected items using the new “My Menu” set.

Greater creative freedom and satisfying results without the use of a computer are achieved with new exclusive in-camera image editing features. D-Lighting automatically brings out detail to enhance results and add creative flair, all while optimising overall exposure balance. Red-eye correction automatically detects and compensates for the annoying red-eye effect sometimes caused by flash. Trim can be used to produce smaller files for easy sharing or greater efficiency. Image Overlay merges a pair of selected RAW (NEF) files taken with the D80 to create a new composite image. Other options include Monochrome settings (Black-and-white, Sepia, Cyanotype) and Filter Effects (Skylight, Warm filter, Colour balance).

Multiple Exposure is a new shooting option that creates a single image within the camera from up to 3 consecutive exposures, automatically producing an effect that resembles multiple exposure techniques used with film.

Creative photography is simplified with the D80’s selection of seven automated Digital Vari-Programs. Choose from Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Close Up, Sports, Night Landscape, or Night Portrait. The selected program automatically optimises white balance, sharpening, tone (contrast), colour, saturation and hue settings to best match the shot. The D80 also offers personal control over image optimisation settings, with user-selectable menu settings for the Normal, Softer, Vivid, More vivid, Portrait, Custom and Black-and-white options.

Like all Nikon SLR cameras, the inherent advantage of the D80 is compatibility with Nikon’s superior and comprehensive Total Imaging System. High image quality is assured through compatibility with over 50 outstanding AF Nikkor lenses, including Nikon’s DX Nikkor lenses engineered exclusively for use with Nikon digital SLRs and an extensive array of AF Nikkors designed for use on digital and 35mm SLRs.

The D80 harnesses the full potential of Nikon’s Creative Lighting System. Benefits such as i-TTL flash control, Advanced Wireless Lighting, FV Lock and Auto FP High-Speed Sync and high-precision flash photography are all standard to the D80. The powerful built-in flash can function as a remote commander for two groups of remote wireless Speedlights and has features such as Repeating flash function for creating stroboscopic effects and Modelling Flash, which allows photographers to visually assess overall lighting and shadow conditions prior to shooting.

Powerful dedicated accessories include the new MB-D80 Multi-Power Battery Pack, offering ergonomic design, added stability and extended shooting potential. The Wireless ML-L3 (IR) Remote Control and MC-DC1 Remote Cord options enhance camera stability when using long exposures, such as for landscape and macro photography.

Nikon’s PictureProject software, provided with every purchase of a Nikon D80, enables easy image importing, editing, organisation and sharing. Design templates make it easy to produce prints, tailor images to e-mail, or layout several images on a page to produce creative album arrangements.

Capture NX (available for purchase separately) is Nikon’s highly versatile and elegantly simple new photo editing solution designed for those who desire more creative control over post-processing and to help photographers tap the full potential of NEF (RAW) images. Featuring an innovative user interface that provides easier access to powerful and visually intuitive enhancement tools, Capture NX’s powerful photo image processing and editing tools can also be applied to JPEG and TIFF files to satisfy a broader range of photofinishing needs and applications.

The Nikon D80 beautifully combines the best advances in digital technology with ease of operation and quick and efficient camera handling. Add to this the advantages of Nikon’s Total Imaging System and every aspiring photographer is certain to enjoy the Nikon digital SLR experience as much as the superb pictures produced with the D80.
Major features

Exceptional imaging quality

New 10.2 effective megapixel Nikon DX Format CCD image sensor with the power to capture exceptional sharpness and faithful colour at 3,872 x 2,592 pixels size.

Inherits the industry-leading advanced imaging processing engine of Nikon professional D-SLR cameras. Colour-independent pre-conditioning prior to A/D conversion works in harmony with high-precision digital image processing algorithms to produce natural-looking images that benefit from faithful colour and tone reproduction.

3D Colour Matrix Metering II automatic exposure control ensures ideal exposures in most lighting conditions. Evaluating brightness, colour, contrast, selected focus area and camera-to-subject distance, the system references the data against an expanded onboard database created using data from more than 30,000 actual photographic scenes to instantly and accurately calculate the final exposure value for the shot. Variable centre-weighted metering and spot metering centred on the active focus area are also available.

Refined 11-area AF system packs the same number of focus areas available for the professional D2 series into a space-efficient system that features fast, precise operation. Each of the 11 focus areas can be used individually, the centre sensor can be switched to wide-frame operation for broader coverage, and new Auto-area AF mode measures all 11 focus areas, automatically determines which of them are on the primary subject and activates only those areas.

ISO AUTO mode automatically adjusts sensitivity between ISO 100 to 1600 to maximise available light and achieve optimal exposure. Sensitivity can also be set manually between ISO 100 to 1600 in steps of 1/3 EV, plus HI-0.3, HI-0.7 and HI-1. Three levels of High ISO Noise Reduction are available when shooting at high ISO settings. Long Exposure Noise Reduction is also available when shooting at shutter speeds of 8 seconds or slower.

Optimised and Predictable Results

Seven automated Digital Vari-Programs easily accessed from the Mode Dial provide automatic operation that optimises white balance, sharpening, tone, colour, saturation and hue for crisp and vivid results that match the intended shot. Selections include Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Close Up, Sports, Night Landscape and Night Portrait.

Easily accessed image optimisation options closely tailor results to the scene at hand or the intended use of the image. Image sharpening, tone (contrast) compensation, colour mode, saturation and hue adjustment is controlled by the user-selected choice of Normal, Softer, Vivid, More vivid, Portrait, Custom and Black-and-white.

Immediate response and fast performance

• Near instant power-up of 0.18 seconds lets photographers respond to any shutter opportunities.
• A mere 80-millisecond shutter time lag (approximate) promotes fast handling.
• Swift continuous shooting performance at 3 frames per second* enables the shooting of up to 100 JPEG (FINE M-size or smaller) or up to 6 RAW (NEF) images.
  * Average frame rate with continuous-servo AF, manual or shutter-priority auto exposure, a shutter speed of 1/250 seconds or faster and remaining buffer memory.
• Shutter speeds ranging from 1/4,000 to 30 seconds or bulb setting provide full creative control.

In-camera image editing and effects

Creative in-camera effects and editing functions available under the new Retouch menu:

• D-Lighting automatically brings out detail to enhance results and add creative flair, all while otimising overall exposure balance.
• Red-eye correction automatically detects and compensates for the annoying red-eye effect sometimes caused by flash.
• Trim can be used to produce smaller files for easy sharing or greater efficiency for specific end purposes.
• Image Overlay merges a pair of selected RAW (NEF) files taken with the D80 to create a new composite image that can be saved in RAW or JPEG format.
• Monochrome settings (Black-and-white, Sepia, Cyanotype)
• Filter Effects (Skylight, Warm filter, Colour balance)
• Multiple Exposure creates a single image within the camera from up to 3 consecutive exposures to produce imaginative and even surreal results.

Ergonomics for efficient handling and further versatility

• The D80 features a slimmer, more compact body with the size, layout and operation of all buttons and controls designed for intuitive operation.
• A large 2.5-inch LCD monitor with a 170˚ viewing angle and new dedicated zoom button assist accurate and easy assessment of sharpness by enabling image preview at up to 25 times magnification (for L-size images). Convenient displays include RGB information as a single histogram display or as separate histograms for each colour channel.
• Built-in slideshow options include Advanced Pictmotion shows with style selections that control transitions and background music, and that can be enjoyed on the 2.5-inch LCD, or complete with audio on a television via the supplied AV cable.
• The carefully chosen colour scheme and increased font size of the new colour-coded menu display makes navigation easier on the eye, easier to understand and easier to use. “My Menu” lets you customise Menus to display only the items you wish to see.
• Bright pentaprism viewfinder with large 0.94x magnification ensures the clearest view possible for precise composition.
• Nikon’s EN-EL3e rechargeable lithium-ion battery delivers enough power to support the shooting of up to 2,700* images on a single charge, can be recharged at any time and features a handy real-time fuel gauge system display that shows remaining charge by percentage, number of shots since last charge and overall battery status.
• Achieved under the following test conditions: Fully charged EN-EL3e battery; temperature of 20°C/68°F; Zoom-Nikkor AF-S DX 18-135mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED lens; continuous shooting mode: continuous-servo autofocus; image quality set to JPEG BASIC; image size set to Medium; shutter speed 1/250 second; shutter release pressed halfway for three seconds and focus cycled from infinity to minimum range three times with each shot; monitor turned on for five seconds after six shots and then turned off; cycle repeated once exposure meters turned off.

Seamless integration with Nikon’s Total Imaging System

• Unprecedented compatibility with Nikon’s line-up of AF Nikkor lenses and digital-exclusive DX Nikkor lenses. (When used with the D80 or any DX Format SLR, all AF and DX Nikkor lenses have a picture angle comparable to 1.5x that of 35mm [135] format.)
• Compatibility with the Nikon Creative Lighting System allows the D80 to work seamlessly with SB-800, SB-600 and SB-R200 Speedlights to deliver the benefits of i-TTL flash control’s advanced monitor pre-flash, accurate measurement for bounce and versatile wireless operation. SB-800 and SB-600 Speedlights also offer a Wide-Area AF-assist Illuminator, which aids flash photography in dim light by projecting a pattern of red light that covers all eleven autofocus areas of the D80’s 11-area Multi-CAM 1000 AF Sensor Module.
• The optional MB-D80 battery pack adds extended shooting capability in an ergonomic design that adds shooting stability. Able to run on either one or two EN-EL3e batteries or six AA-size batteries*, the pack also features an additional command dial and alternative buttons for shutter release and AE-Lock/AF-Lock that make vertical shooting more comfortable.
• Compatible AA-size batteries comprise alkaline, Ni-MH, lithium and nickel-manganese batteries.
• PictureProject (complimentary with camera) software features an intuitive user interface that provides fast and easy access to powerful tools for organising, editing and sharing images. Auto Enhance and other creative functions are readily available via handy buttons, as are Mail, Slideshow and CD/DVD burning functions. Pictures can be organised using simple drag ‘n’ drop operation, and can be quickly located by name, keyword, or date. Design templates make it easy to produce prints, tailor images to e-mail, or layout several images on a page to produce creative album layouts.
• Capture NX (available for purchase separately) is Nikon’s highly versatile and elegantly simple new photo editing solution designed to help photographers tap the full potential of NEF (RAW) images. Featuring an innovative user interface that provides easier access to powerful and visually intuitive enhancement tools, Capture NX’s powerful photo image processing and editing tools can also be applied to JPEG and TIFF files to satisfy a broader range of photofinishing needs and applications.

  Nikon D80 - Specifications

  Type of Camera

  Single-lens reflex digital camera

  Effective Pixels

  10.2 million

  Image Sensor

  RGB CCD, 23.6 x 15.8mm; total pixels: 10.75 million, Nikon DX format

  Image Size (pixels)

  3,872 x 2,592 [L], 2,896 x 1,944 [M], 1,936 x 1,296 [S]

  ISO Sensitivity (Recommended Exposure Index)

  100 to 1600 (ISO equivalent) in steps of 1/3 EV, plus HI-0.3, HI-0.7 and HI-1

  Storage Media

  SD memory card

  Storage System

  Compressed NEF (RAW): 12-bit compression, JPEG: JPEG baseline-compliant

  File System

  Exif 2.21, Compliant DCF 2.0 and DPOF

  White Balance

  Auto (TTL white balance with 420-pixel RGB sensor), six manual modes with fine-tuning, colour temperature setting (Kelvin), preset white balance; white balance bracketing also available

  LCD Monitor

  2.5-in., 230,000-dot, low-temperature polysilicon TFT LCD with brightness adjustment, allows up to 170-degree viewing angle.

  Playback Function

  1) Full frame 2) Thumbnail (4 or 9 segments) 3) Zoom 4) Slideshow (Standard or Pictmotion) 5) RGB histogram indication 6) Shooting data 7) Highlight point display Auto image rotation

  Delete Function

  Card format, All photographs delete, Selected photographs delete

  Video Output

  Can be selected from NTSC and PAL

  Interface

  USB 2.0 (Hi-speed) (mini-B connector); SD card slot: supports firmware updates via SD cards

  Text Input

  Up to 36 characters of alphanumeric text input available with LCD monitor and multi-selector; stored in Exif header

  Compatible Lenses

  Nikon F mount (with AF coupling and AF contacts)

  Picture Angle

  Equivalent in 35mm [135] format is approx. 1.5 times lens focal length

  Viewfinder

  Fixed eye-level pentaprism; built-in diopter adjustment (-2.0 to +1.0m^-1)

  Eyepoint

  19.5mm (-1.0m^-1)

  Focusing Screen

  Type-B BriteView Clear Matte screen Mark II with superimposed focus brackets and On-Demand grid lines

  
  

  Nikon D80 – Specifications (cont’d)

  Viewfinder Frame Coverage

  Approx. 95% (vertical & horizontal)

  Viewfinder Magnification

  Approx. 0.94x with 50mm lens at infinity; -1.0m^-1

  Viewfinder Information

  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

  Autofocus

  TTL phase detection by Nikon Multi-CAM 1000 autofocus module with AF-assist illuminator (approx. 0.5m to 3.0m) Detection range: EV -1 to +19 (ISO 100 equivalent, at normal temperature: 20°C/68°F)

  Lens Servo

  Instant single-servo (AF-S); continuous-servo (AF-C); auto AF-S/AF-C selection (AF-A); manual (M); predictive focus tracking automatically activated according to subject status in continuous-servo AF

  Focus Areas

  11 areas; any single area can be selected; centre focus area can be switched from normal to wide-frame

  AF Area Modes

  1) Single Area AF: Focuses only on subjects in the selected area. Selection can be made from any one of the eleven AF spot sensors.

  2) Dynamic Area AF: Focuses on subject in the selected area, but follows the subject if it moves from its original position, shifting instantly and automatically to the focus area into which the subject has moved.

  3) Auto-area AF: measures all 11 focus areas, automatically determines which of them are on the primary subject, and activates only those areas.

  Focus Lock

  Focus can be locked by pressing shutter-release button halfway (single-servo AF) or by pressing AE-L/AF-L button

  Exposure Metering System

  Three-mode through-the-lens (TTL) exposure metering

  1) 3D Colour Matrix Metering II (type G and D lenses); colour matrix metering II (other CPU lenses); metering performed by 420-segment RGB sensor

  2) Centre-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 6, 8, or 10mm dia. circle in centre of frame

  3) Spot: Meters 3.5mm dia. circle (about 2.5% of frame) centered on active focus area (on center focus area when non-CPU lens is used, or if Auto-area AF is selected)

  Exposure Metering Range (ISO 100, f/1.4 lens, 20°C/68°F)

  1) EV 0 to 20 (3D Colour Matrix or centre-weighted metering)

  2) EV 2 to 20 (spot metering)

  Exposure Meter Coupling

  CPU coupling

  Exposure Modes

  Digital Vari-Program (Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Macro Close up, Sports, Night Landscape, Night Portrait), Programmed Auto [P] with flexible program; Shutter-Priority Auto [S]; Aperture Priority Auto [A]; Manual [M]

  Exposure Compensation

  ±5 EV in increments of 1/3 or 1/2 EV

  Exposure Lock

  Luminosity locked at detected value with AE-L/AF-L button

  Auto Exposure and Flash Bracketing

  2 to 3 exposures in increments between 1/3 to 2.0 EV

  Shooting Modes

  1) Single frame shooting mode 2) Continuous shooting mode: approx. 3 frames per second

  3) Self-timer 4) Delayed remote mode 5) Quick-response remote mode

  Nikon D80 – Specifications (cont’d)

  Shutter

  Electronically-controlled vertical-travel focal plane shutter, 30 to 1/4000 sec. in steps of 1/3 or 1/2 EV, bulb

  Sync Contact

  X-contact only; flash synchronisation at up to 1/200 sec.

  Flash Control

  1) TTL: TTL flash control by 420-pixel RGB sensor

  Built-in Flash, SB-800, SB-600: i-TTL balanced fill-flash (except when using spot metering exposure mode)

  Built-in Flash, SB-800, SB-600: standard i-TTL flash (when using spot metering)

  2) Auto aperture: Available with SB-800 with CPU lens

  3) Non-TTL Auto: Available with Speedlights such as SB-800, 80DX, 28DX, 28, 27, and 22s

  4) Range-priority manual; available with SB-800

  Flash Sync Mode

  1) Auto 2) Fill-in flash 3) Red-eye Reduction, 4) Red-eye Reduction with Slow Sync, 5) Slow Sync, 6) Rear-curtain Sync 7) Off

  Built-in Flash

  (Auto, Portrait, Macro Close up, Night Portrait) auto flash with auto pop-up; Manual pop-up with button release

  Guide number (ISO 100, m/ft.): approx. 13/42

  Flash Compensation

  -3 to +1 EV in increments of 1/3 or 1/2 EV

  Accessory Shoe

  Standard ISO hot-shoe contact with safety lock provided

  Self-timer

  Electronically controlled timer with 2 to 20 seconds duration (2, 5, 10, and 20 second selectable)

  Depth of Field Preview

  When CPU lens is attached, lens aperture can be stopped down to value selected by user (A and M modes) or value selected by camera (P and S modes)

  Remote Control

  Via Remote Cord MC-DC1 (optional) or Wireless Remote Control ML-L3 (optional)

  Power Source

  One Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e, MB-D80 battery pack (optional) with one or two rechargeable Nikon EN-EL3e Li-ion batteries or six AA alkaline (LR6), Ni-MH (HR6), lithium (FR6) batteries, or nickel-manganese (ZR6) AA batteries, AC Adapter EH-5 (optional)

  Tripod Socket

  1/4 in. (ISO 1222)

  Dimensions (W x H x D)

  Approx. 132 x 103 x 77mm (5.2 x 4.1 x 3.0 in.)

  Weight

  Approx. 585g (1 lb. 5 oz.) without battery, memory card, body cap, or monitor cover

  Supplied Accessories*

  Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e, Quick Charger MH-18a, Audio Video Cable EG-D2, USB Cable UC-E4, Strap, Body cap, Eyepiece Cap DK-5, Rubber Eyecup DK-21, LCD monitor cover BM-7, Accessory shoe cover, PictureProject CD-ROM

  Optional Accessories

  Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D80, Magnifying Eyepiece DK-21M, AC Adapter EH-5, Wireless Remote Control ML-L3, Remote Cord MC-DC1, Speedlight SB-800/SB-600/SB-R200, Capture NX, Camera Control Pro

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