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Customers most agreed on the following attributes:
I just picked this camera up [...]and I love it already. I broke into photography by taking an intro class at my university and used a Nikon N80 film camera. I don't have regular use of the darkroom on campus anymore but I wanted to keep making pictures. I got the D80 because my point and shoot just didn't cut it (too much noise, useless flash, blurry pictures, etc) and I still wanted to use my nikkor AF lenses, which you can't do with the D40 models. I like the in-camera editing, but don't rely on it. Also, the camera has dedicated menu buttons that keep you from having to dig through menu after menu to get to commonly used features. The one thing that I noticed right away that I don't like is the native flash. It's really only useful close up so I'm very likely going to invest in a better one. BUT, if you're upgrading from a PaS digicam then there's nothing on this camera that's not to like. It's not a D300, but it's a great camera.
from Canada on 12/28/2007
I bought this camera a few months ago as my first digital SLR. I can not say enough good about it! Even at ISO 3200 the pictures are acceptable. I shoot Manual so I cannot say much about the Auto settings but the few times I've used them they have been good.
My two cons: The widest aperture on this lens is f/3.5 and is really not very fast. If you do a lot of low light shooting I do not recommend this kit lens. My recommendation would be the 18-200mm VR lens. Also the pop-up flash is not at the right level to avoid a shadow from the lens, and is not wide enough at 18mm to light the corners of the scene.
Other than that, which are both correctable with a faster lens and a hot-shoe flash, I love the camera. Both LCDs are easy to read, as is the viewfinder. There are lots of extra editing features that are fun and easy to use. Honestly, don't let my two overly picky "cons" talk you out of this camera! It is really comfortable to hold also, which is oh so important.
from Edgewater, MD on 7/20/2007
This camera is great, the controls are layed out perfect.
I think this is a great camera for anyone who wants to get started in photography or is already a photography hobbyist. It is easy to use and a camera one would not soon outgrow. This camera had the most comfortable feel of any of the Brands/models I have tried in its price range, which including Cannon, Minolta, and Sony. I am very pleased with the number of features, ease of use, and speed of this camera. I have read that one of possible issues with this camera is over-exposure of images. I found that manually reducing the exposure compensation -0.7 resulted in an exposure level more to my liking.The camera allows you to shoot in combined RAW + fine JPEG mode which may take up a lot of memory but provides you with a image in each format in with high resolution. [...]. I wish the camera came standard with more robust editing software for shooting in RAW (NEF). Overall I find this to be excellent camera.
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Tampa, FL on 5/6/2007
The D80 is the best camera on the market for somebody who wants to get into photography. With fast auto-focusing, clear, vibrant colors, and easy-to-use controls, the Nikon D80 is the way to go for an inexperienced photographer. The flash on the camera is so good, that there is no use in buying a [$]speedlight (save the money for the new 70-300 vr Nikkor lens.) Speaking of lenses, the 18-135 is the perfect all-around lens for this camera, plus you get 1.5 times the zoom on a 35 mm SLR, like the D80. That means it is really like a 27-203!!! I use my D80 for mostly family photos. The portrait mode and other auto modes really work, especially for someone not comfortable manually adjusting the shutter and aperture settings. However, I do love to explore the D80's true limits by taking action photos at track events and of my remote control cars. This shows how quick the camera and the lens are in the ultimate Nikon tag team. Don't think twice, get the D80!
Images shared by: Mike the RayThis is an anhinga in the Everglades eating a fish
Tags: Using Product, D80 18-135 lens auto mode, Made with Product
Here is an edited photo of my rc car
Tags: Using Product, Made with Product
[2 of 2 customers found this review helpful]
from Severna Park, Maryland on 3/27/2007
I have only had this camera 1 month and I have much to learn on its use . This is my first Nikon and I had almost decided to buy the Sony Alpha 100 until I read that it was noisier at higher ISO's than the Nikon . So far I'm pleased with my choice . The camera handles well but is rather large. So far the pictures look fine.
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Houston, TX on 3/17/2007
This camera is such a great upgrade from the D70. I love the built in flash commander. Communicates perfectly with my SB800 producing great results. The only drawback is the flash sync only goes up to 1/200 and I had to buy all new SD cards (minor).
The camera focus is fast and accurate with my Nikon lens, the LCD is a major upgrade and the controls are easy and intuitive. I also like the ability to fine tune the white balance for certain situations (microscopy). The extended grip holds 2 batteries and is awesome to keep shooting with a few 2Gb cards on hand.
The only drawback is the pricey software which is not included. What's really bad is that your older, D70, PAID for software will not work with the RAW files of the D80, and the control software is even more $$. I don't know if Aperture has an upgrade for D80 RAW files yet.
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Camas, WA on 3/9/2007
This is the first high end digital camera that I have been able to take out of the box and figure out how to use without first reading the manual. The controls are intuitive and easy to reach. My passion is low light and astronomical type photos. I was doing exposures in my dark rural backyard up to 30 seconds and the noise was remarkably low. For starters I highly recommend adding a low light lens such as the low cost Nikkor 50mm/F1.8 to complement the kit lens. I plan to do all my post-processing on a [...]. I was very dissappointed that Nikon locked down their raw NEF format which requires me to use their slow/klunky [...] app. I would like to import these files directly into [...] or [...] directly. Instead I have to load the files into [...] and then export them as [...] files.
Images shared by: Eric50mm/F1.8 lens, 1/60 F2.8. Late overcast day.
Tags: Made with Product
13 sec/F1.8. Foreground dark to naked eye.
Tags: Made with Product
from Louis Trichardt, South Africa on 2/14/2007
This is my first SLR, and I found it very easy to use with great results.
from Sterling Heights Mi. on 2/13/2007
This camera is all I expected, and more. The controls taken some getting used too,but compared to the Sony and Canon this camera feels more comfortable to handle,plenty of features,and well built. The D80 does not have image stabilization control the only negative. [...]
[2 of 2 customers found this review helpful]
from Salmon Falls, NH on 2/12/2007
Although, the manual is poorly laid out, one can figure out the controls from it. One thing I miss (my Canon 3SIS does this) is viewing the shot from the rear viewer. It is nice to be able to hold the camera overhead and see what you are aiming at.
The controls are smooth and easy to use once you have figured them out. The manual could stand to be easier to use.
My old eyes make seeing the dials hard to see without glasses, so I have memorized where certain settings are on the dials. Maybe Nikon and the rest of the techno world will start making things like cell phones easy to read for us old folks that can pay to own them when they are made for the youth that don't have the money to own them.
I bought the 18-135 because the 18-200 wasn't available at the time. Don't miss it. I find that the present lens covers just about everything I need for 95 percent of the time and I am not going to spent hundreds for that one time shot. I have a Canon that will do that or my Nikon Fm3a with all its lens from many years of collecting.
You will have trouble using the flash with the 18-135 lens as it will show up in wide angle as a shadow. Look at the attached photo. Get a separate flash if you plan alot of shots using flash. I have a new Nikon flash and love it. And it works on my Mamiya and older Nikon as well.
Notice the flash shadow at wide angle
Tags: Made with Product, Using Product
The flash shadow is not seen at telephoto
Tags: 18-135 Nikon lens, Made with Product, Using Product
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Detroit, MI on 2/12/2007
Everything that I hopped for I got from the D80. At first I had some doubts about spending a little more on the D80, but now that I did I am not regreting it at all.
from pittsburgh pa on 2/12/2007
Been a canon man for a long time, jumped to Nikon, why ? It is more comfortable than the Canon. Top status screen, more memory than 30D, better battery life,easy controls, better viewfinder. An excellent camera, worth the extra 300 or so. Buy it and don't look back........
from Woodbridge, VA on 2/12/2007
This is my first D-SLR and I'm glad I took the time to read the reviews and not just jump on someone else's personal choice band-wagon, sorry C&*%$n. The large LCD is great and easy to read. While I don't have other D-SLR results to compare against, I have yet to use the D80 in a condition that produced poor results. The multi-functionality was a bit daunting at first, but the common controls are easy to access and are quickly becomming second nature. The Nikon (.NEF) plug-in for Photoshop is a bit slow (could be hardware) in translating, but that's been my only frustration.
If you're seroius about your photography and are looking for something you can go pro with, this is a serious camera.
Tags: Using Product
from Boston, MA on 2/12/2007
It was just what I read in reviews and what I expected. Simply Fabulous. I just love my new D 80
from Concod, CA on 2/12/2007
The D80 may appear a little pricey, but worth every dollar over its competition. The menus seem limitless...unbelievable in-camera versatility or it can be set to fully automatic point-and-shoot mode. Excellent resolution and accurate colors. The 18-135mm zoom lens is an excellent kit item, but lacks VR. This system is a genuine pleasure to use.
from Concord, CA on 2/12/2007
The D80 may appear a little pricey, but it's worth every dollar over its competition! The menus seem limitless...unbelievable in-camera versatility or it can be set to fully auto point-and-shoot mode. Excellent resolution and accurate colors. The 18-135mm kit zoom lens is also excellent, but lacks VR. This system is a genuine pleasure to use.
from Palo Pinto, Texas on 2/12/2007
/the raw NEF files can be accesed in Picture Project, but other programs are better; I ended up using Bibble Labs PRO, and am very satisfied!
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Pittsburgh, PA on 2/9/2007
TheD-80 is a solid cammera that does well in most conditions. Controls are very easy to use and allow for a lot of freedom.
Images shared by: noneChicago State Street
Tags: Using Product, Made with Product, Picture of Product
Chicago "L" Stop
Tags: Picture of Product, Made with Product, Using Product
from Wesley Chapel, Florida on 2/5/2007
Very high build quality. Colors are very natural and require little if any processing. Kit lens is top notch.
from Sacramento, CA on 2/5/2007
My first Nikon (have analog SLR Canons & Powershot) and love most things about it. I have small hands and the D80 fits rather nicely and feels well balanced. Can also access the controls easily. Still learning how to reduce noise in low light conditions/high ISO, but I'll get there. I think the problem is the photographer not so much the camera. ;)
This particular lens combo is nice and covers most situations, but down the road as I get more familiar with the camera, I will invest in better lenses.
from Mansfield, MA on 2/5/2007
Very happy with my purchase of this camera.
Excellent images, good autofocus, sharp and bright viewfinder. A pleasure to use. Great burst mode performance, especially with SB800 flash.
Auto mode works well for my wife, program and manual modes work well for me. My wife is waiting for the summer in her garden.
Does tend to blow out the highlights a bit in some situations, can deal with it without too many problems if you keep an eye on histograms, or just set it to underexpose a stop or less.
from Miami, FL on 2/5/2007
Great camera, great value. Pro features at an affordable price. Best camera I've owned so far.
[18 of 19 customers found this review helpful]
After coming out of an Olympus Evolt 300 this was too easy to figure out. My first digital SLR(the Evolt) had a stiff learning curve but I was generally and genuinely happy. The D80 was almost too easy to learn, very uncomplicated like a point and shoot. I have to admit I was a little put back and bored expecting an exciting evening reading the owners manual and figuring out the camera. I chose this camera for the great selection of lenses available and it won out over a Canon 30D by recommendations from many sources. The kit lens 18-135 zoom is very versatile and has a cool factor to it. Im a little uncomfortable with the finish as most of my cameras had the baked on aluminum finish and this is different. Even the lens has a "plastic" look to it but looking through the viewfinder makes you forget about that. The auto focus and metering system is very high tech and super accurate. I had problems with the Evolt picking the wrong item to focus on and using AF lock. Fast and quick. Love it.
[16 of 17 customers found this review helpful]
from Santa Rosa, CA on 9/22/2006
Oh yeah! This is one sweet SLR. As a long-time SLR user switched to digital about 6 years ago I have owned 6 previous digital cameras and find number 7 to be the best in many ways. Ten point two megapixels at high speed with instant startup, Accurate Colors, Great Resolution, Nice Features and Settings, Rugged Case, Intuitive menus, and Easy to learn features make this a photog-addict's dream. Oh, did I mention affordable. Sure we have seen some pretty awesome DSLRs out there but cost has been prohibitive, until now.
[18 of 22 customers found this review helpful]
from Baltimore, Maryland on 9/13/2006
I am thoroughly impressed with the speed and accuracy with the autofocus. The control are somewhat intuitive and not to complex to get started. There are a range of conrols from fully automatic to fully manual, with the typical PSM and several scene modes in between. Able to rapidily shoot large JPEG fine photos at up to 3 frames a second. No bull. The range of features should be suitable for anyone that is just beginning in DSLR photography, up to semi-professional.
The 18 -135 lens is sharp, quiet, and very quick to auto focus. Nikon has a real winner with the new D80. What are you waiting for go order one NOW!!