Nikon D80 DSLR preview roundup

Well that was quick. Barely hours into day one of the Nikon D80's official existence, we're seeing hands-on previews galore coming from camera review sites that have been very evidently sitting on this one for a bit. Not that we're complaining -- and neither are the reviewers. The general consensus seems to be that the D80 is basically the D200 for nearly half the price. Going for around $999 street, the D80 packs in plenty of features derived -- or just plain ripped -- from the Nikon D200 and D2x, and uniquely stores the resulting images on that stash of SD and SDHC cards most everybody has these days. We'll look forward to full reviews to get all the juicy performance details, but we're sure that the 10.2 megapixel CCD and those speedy shutter times won't go unrewarded.

[Thanks, Mike]

Read - PopPhoto
Read - DPReview
Read - Imaging Resource
Read - LetsGoDigital

[nando @ Aug 9th 2006 10:55AM]

to say that thre are "hands-on" previews is a bit misleading. . .as expected there still isn't a full blown review pitting it against comparable cameras

[Alex Brewer @ Aug 9th 2006 11:15AM]

Another difference that is important to me:
You can't use the old AI lenses with metering. The D80 only accepts F lenses. The D200 is able to use my big collection of old AI lenses.

[Michael @ Aug 9th 2006 11:21AM]

Alex is right and I hate that about Nikon crippling their DSLR's like that. You can get better metering on a Canon with Nikon lens mount adapter.

[Jessica @ Aug 9th 2006 11:23AM]

It's hands-on preview on *pre-production* models.

[Jeppe @ Aug 9th 2006 11:26AM]

Well - one more thing to consider before buying a Nikon DSLR: The white balance info in the RAW files is apparantly encrypted. That means you'll be working in third-party tools with one hand behind your back.

[aaron @ Aug 9th 2006 11:26AM]

"and those speedy shutter times"

If only they didn't reduce the shutter speeds by a full stop from the d70s.

[Cameron Graham @ Aug 9th 2006 11:41AM]

Makes me think that perhaps I should have waited before buying myself a D200 around a month ago.

The D80 can't use AI lenses though. So my D200 is still superior. The autofocsing and metering are probably not as great either.

[Josh Warner @ Aug 9th 2006 12:10PM]

I third Alex's comment - the old AI glass is great, and I was hoping against hope that this camera would support them (D200 is a bit too rich for my blood).

It is frustrating to see Nikon put out a camera that has every feature I need - but does this and breaks the deal.

Michael - I had never heard of mounting old AI lenses on Canon backs. Is that really possible? If so, it's more than slightly tempting...

[joe @ Aug 9th 2006 12:12PM]

sweeet

[mark johnson @ Aug 9th 2006 12:16PM]

APS is here to stay, they don't call it nikon sized sensor for nothing. Canon just makes the full frame to satisfy photo studio's, there is no reason aps sensors and dx lenses cannot continue to surpass 35mm unless you just like lugging around huge cameras and lenses.

also SD a deal breaker? obviously not a comment from anyone who has invested good amounts of money in lenses and bodies, cards are the cheapest thing you could buy.

[Chris Hofman @ Aug 9th 2006 12:32PM]

What am amazing camera, for only $1000

[David @ Aug 9th 2006 1:26PM]

The D80 appears to be a nice value, but I'd hardly call it a D200 for half the price. It shares sensor resolution, the viewfinder, the AF system and the image processing system with the D200, true. However, it's missing a key feature of the D200: the build quality and weather sealing. The AF system also has a cross sensor only for the center AF point and can switch only this center point to wide mode. Frame rate and RAW buffer size are also both smaller and there's no uncompressed NEF file format. The D200 GPS and wireless attachments are also not compatible. So, it'd be more fair to say that the D80 shares the most common, core features with the D200, dropping some pro features to reduce cost.

It's a shame that the AF system has a reputation for not working well with moving subjects (according to D200 reviews) and that the sensor is noisy at the higher ISO settings. If the AF and ISO performance were similar to my Canon @0D, I'd consider switching systems. I like Nikon's control ergonomics and built in wireless flash control.

David

[tinou bao @ Aug 9th 2006 4:23PM]

don't forget about the frames per second. 3fps versus the D200's 5fps is night and day. if you're into sports and photojournalism that 2 extra fps is well worth the money...this is coming from a D70 (3fps) user who recently upgraded to the D200.

the metering, af, etc. you can work around..but not the fps.

[Steve Rhodes @ Aug 9th 2006 7:20PM]

Ken Rockwell also has a preview

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d80.htm


In a couple of years, I'll but a high end DSLR which by then will be better and cheaper.

But until then, it will be fine.

[Almark @ Aug 10th 2006 9:27AM]

I look forward to a proper head to head, D80 _V_ Sony's A100

[Paul @ Aug 11th 2006 5:19PM]

Wow, sorry, but that is a terrible Photoshop reflection of the camera.

[Steve @ Jun 30th 2007 6:47PM]

I just purchased my first Digital SLR, a Nikon D80. I would like to turn off the shutter release sound (if possible) but cannot find the option. Can anyone help.