Nikon D80 10.2 Megapixel Digital SLR Camera Body with Lens Kit - 18 mm - 135 mm

Become a semi-pro instantly with the Nikon D80

Strengths: picture quality is fantastic, you can hardly make a bad photograph handling is very easy, even for me as a first time digital SLR owner

Weakness: camera is quite heavy

I bought the Nikon D80 eight months ago, and I must say it has changed the way we make photos. I compared the D80 with the Canon 400D extensively, conclusion is that both cameras have more or less same picture quality but that the Nikon has a much better build. After using the camera for quite some time now I have to agree and I am still very happy I decided to pay a bit more compared to the...
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I bought the Nikon D80 eight months ago, and I must say it has changed the way we make photos. I compared the D80 with the Canon 400D extensively, conclusion is that both cameras have more or less same picture quality but that the Nikon has a much better build. After using the camera for quite some time now I have to agree and I am still very happy I decided to pay a bit more compared to the Canon 400D. It makes amateurs semipros. The camera is very user friendly. I would recommend to buy it with the 18-135mm Lens.

By onnostaal - Aug 21, 2007

Great Camera - Back to the SLR world

Strengths: Ergonomics are great, the LCD screen is fantastic, the user interface and menus are very intuitive to me. The combination of the camera and the 18-135 lens works for all my needs.

Weakness: Of course, compared to a point-and-shoot, it's bigger and bulkier. However, compared to my old Pentax SLR, it's still lighter and MUCH more versatile.

I went from a 15-year-old Pentax SLR to a Canon A85 point and shoot digital. The point-and-shoot was handy for carrying in a pocket but I really missed the quality and flexibility of an SLR. I tried the Canon and Sony equivalents and quickly settled on this camera when I got it in my hands. It just felt right and the menus and interface flowed the way I expected. On my Canon camera I was always...
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I went from a 15-year-old Pentax SLR to a Canon A85 point and shoot digital. The point-and-shoot was handy for carrying in a pocket but I really missed the quality and flexibility of an SLR. I tried the Canon and Sony equivalents and quickly settled on this camera when I got it in my hands. It just felt right and the menus and interface flowed the way I expected. On my Canon camera I was always fighting the menus. I've had the camera now for a month and love it. The range on the lens is great for a variety of shots. I've tried it from low-light conditions to fast action sports and been very happy with all results. The preconfigured settings work well and the manual options are intuitive. LOVE it! I bought a spare battery but haven't had to use it much. I get hundreds of shots on a charge. I also bought a 4GB card and haven't come anywhere close to filling it up. It will be nice for long trips, though.

By upnorth2007 - Aug 19, 2007

Nikon D80

Strengths: Easy to use, excellent picture quality. Great Battery life.

Weakness: A lot of camera for someone is brand new. 18-55mm lens is too small of a kit lens, opt for the 18-70mm or at least 18-135mm.

Great camera for Great price. Make anyone shoot like a pro.
Very sensitive Camera and best used with a tripod for beginners. Aperture/ Priority Modes are easy to use and easy to set. A learning DVD needs to be standard for this semi-pro camera. Battery life is excellent and more superior than Canon.

Standard SD memory is sufficient. No need to buy expensive SDHC cards.

By xxxvietguy - Oct 14, 2007

Great Kit

Strengths: Quality construction yet light, fantastic ergonomics and image quality

Weakness: High ISO image noise not as impressive as Canon latest models

The D80 builds on the success of the D70, which is the consumer level DSLR that put Nikon on the map several years ago. This model is nearly as good as the much more expensive D200 which gives the Canon 5D a run for the money. The images from the D80 are nearly indistinguishable from the D200; it is only 3fps (vs. 5fps for the D200) but if you are not a sports shooter, 3 fps is more than...
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The D80 builds on the success of the D70, which is the consumer level DSLR that put Nikon on the map several years ago. This model is nearly as good as the much more expensive D200 which gives the Canon 5D a run for the money.

The images from the D80 are nearly indistinguishable from the D200; it is only 3fps (vs. 5fps for the D200) but if you are not a sports shooter, 3 fps is more than adequate. The build quality is not quite to the level of the D200 but one should expect this considering the substantial price difference.

The range of the 18-135 lens is impressive and makes a great all in one lens solution although with some sacrifice in image quality. If your budget is double, select the Nikon 28-200mm f/3.5-5.6D-IF AF Nikkor lens.

By rjk55425 - Dec 2, 2006

Great example of what a DSLR should be!

Strengths: Excellent hand grip, solidly built; buttons and dials to control settings, going into menus is rarely needed! 10 megapixel; 2.5 inch LCD. Great walk around range for the kit lens.

Weakness: Expensive compared to competitors, but I think its worth it.

This is my first DSLR, but I've learned to use it in no time, having maybe only shot with the auto modes for a few photos and the other two hundred on aperture or shutter priority. The 18-135mm is sharp; I have not observed any chromatic abberation except on a sun back-lit shot of a spider web. Near 135mm I do see vignetting, where the corners of the image darken slightly -- however, I definitely...
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This is my first DSLR, but I've learned to use it in no time, having maybe only shot with the auto modes for a few photos and the other two hundred on aperture or shutter priority. The 18-135mm is sharp; I have not observed any chromatic abberation except on a sun back-lit shot of a spider web. Near 135mm I do see vignetting, where the corners of the image darken slightly -- however, I definitely prefer the range to the 18-70mm; hopefully its as sharp in that range. The D80 itself is well built.

By piku79 - Sep 15, 2006