At the moment Nikon D80 is an outdated camera, but many amateur and professional photographers continue to use it. The camera was released in the fall of 2006, but is still popular, this is due to the huge set of useful functions and its trouble-free operation. The camera usually comes with one of 3 lenses
- Nikkor AF-S DX 18-135 / 3.5-5.6 G IF-EDthat was announced with the camera
- Nikkor 18-70mm f3.5-4.5G ED-IF AF-S DX, one of the best station wagons
- Nikon AF-S DX 18-55 F3.5-5.6G, a pretty whale lens.
Nikon D80 body
Advantages of the device to which you should pay attention:
- An excellent viewfinder, more than its predecessors, but still does not provide 100% coverage.
- Optional liquid crystal display. This is not a relic of the past, but a convenient thing that allows you to quickly configure the necessary little things and save battery in contrast to the large main display. Also, there is a backlight mode, which is very easily turned on by the on / off button of the camera.
- Focusing drive. He is "engine"In common people or" screwdriver "- will work with all lenses from Nikon that have autofocus. This will significantly expand the range of possible optics and save some money. The motor turns focus pretty quickly on my Nikkor 50mm F1.8 D.
- Matrix in 10MP, type of CCD sensor, working with different cameras, I can say that CCD has sometimes more pleasant colors than CMOS. Also about 10MP - today it is not much and not a little. Don't chase megapixels at all, even professional full-frame cameras Nikon D3, Nikon D700, Nikon D3s have 12MP. I advise my article Battle of Megapixels.
- Many focus points (areas) (total 11 zones), as much as in the newer Nikon D90 or old semi-professional Nikon D200This is a really useful feature when taking pictures. After 3 focus points on Nikon D40, 11 points on the D80 are just a huge amount.
- The custom menu, it would seem a trifle, but you can customize the menu for yourself. I usually put out there ISO control functions, the built-in flash mode, battery power and shooting modes (portrait, standard).
- Great battery, same as in nikon d200, d300(s) D90, D700 making it easy to change batteries between cameras. On average, the battery can withstand 1000 to 1500 frames, depending on the lens and shooting method.
- FP Flash Sync Modeallowing you to shoot with an external flash with shutter speed up to 1/4000. An indispensable function, how to use, read in my article "how to take pictures with flash during the day»
- External flash control mode. An indispensable feature - allows you to remotely control external flash units at a distance in i-TTL mode. SB-600, SB-700, SB-800, SB-900 и SB-910 Ideal for such control. It is enough to switch the built-in flash to the control mode (C - Comand Mode) and set the synchronization settings.
- A programmable button on which you can hang a number of functions, I personally set it to focus modes - by point, auto, dynamic zone.
- A separate button for bracketing will always allow you to simplify the setup and selection of the frame with a successful exposure. By the way, there is an opportunity bracketing by BB and by flash.
Disadvantages:
- Joystick (multi selector) without central button - quite unusual for our time. This slightly reduces the ergonomics of the camera. Even on small Nikon D40 the joystick has a central OK button. In the D80, the "OK" button is taken out separately and to press it, you need to move your fingers from one place to another.
- Metering does not work exposure with manual lenses, a rather inconvenient thing if you, for example, use Soviet optics. And any manual optics from Nikon will work only in manual mode - this means that the camera cannot measure exposure with lenses that do not have a chip.
- The camera does not show as fast a reaction as we would like it to be (although this does not apply to the shooting process itself). There is no info button. The overall reaction speed (menu, switching modes) as in Nikon D40. But then, navigation on the secondary display is just great.
- Not necessary and not programmable button for viewing depth of field. On the cropped matrix, it does not really allow you to peer into the DOF (DOF). It would be better if the company spent on such a pleasant trifle as vibrational cleaning of the matrix or increased the shutter speed to 1/8000.
- On my copy, after 20.000 frames, the gum on the rear panel began to peel off - most Nikon's problem. It is solved by repeated gluing, and sometimes by complete removal from the camera. After 128.000 frames on the camera, the frame counter turns off and starts counting in the opposite direction. But the mileage of over 100.000 on my copy only says that the camera is really very high quality.
At the moment this is Nikon's cheapest and most practical DSLR APS-C camera, which will allow you to get almost all the necessary functions of a professional camera. At the moment, there are practically no new cameras on sale, but in the secondary market you can find a huge offer of Nikon D80. If the functionality is very important at work for minimal funds, then the Nikon D80 is the best option.
Nikon D80 rear view
A brief comparison with a relative Nikon D90:
Nikon D80 has a basic ISO of 100, against Nikon D90 with his lo1. I Nikon D90 the maximum ISO is raised by one step, which is 6400. The Nikon D80 has a 2,5 inch screen with 230 thousand pixels, versus 3 inch with 920.000 pixels D90. And of course, D90 there is a Live View mode and video shooting. Nikon D90 also wins in terms of speed - 4.5 fps versus 3 fps. Otherwise, the cameras are very similar. I do not recommend upgrading from Nikon D80 to Nikon D90, D300, D300s without emergency. If you go already, then on Nikon D7000 or full frame Nikon D700 and others like that.
Here link to the archive with the originals - 586 MB, 73 photos in .NEF format (RAW) from the Nikon D80 camera.
Brief comparison with ancestor Nikon D200:
Nikon D80 same matrix as semi-professional camera Nikon D200. The only difference is the matrix kit, Nikon D200 it is double, which allows you to do 5 frames per second, while the Nikon D80 is single, which allows you to do only 3 frames per second. In general, they say that the matrices are different. The picture quality is very, very similar, I used a long time Nikon D200 and D80. Also, Nikon D200 has dust and moisture protection, it has more functionality, can work with manual lenses of the type AI-S, the shutter speed is half as fast as the Nikon D80 - 1/8000c versus 1/4000c. Also, the Nikon D200 has a 1,005 sensor, versus 420 for the Nikon D80. Nikon D80 uses SD cards, against big ones CF from Nikon D200. Well, the ergonomics are different. With Nikon D80 you will get the same picture as Nikon D200. When choosing between Nikon D80 and Nikon D200, the decisive factor was the battery life, which runs out very quickly on the two hundred. I do not recommend upgrading from Nikon D80 to Nikon D200.
Nikon D70(s), in my humble opinion, to compare is not practical due to the large difference in functionality. From D70 he took his classic design.
Sample photos on Nikon D80
All photos in this review without treatment. Size reduced to 2 or 3 MP and data from EXIF.
Features and recommendations for the use of Nikon D80:
The camera can very accurately show the number of spent frames for each battery and show the battery charge level with an accuracy of one percent. By the way, the battery is the same as the Nikon D90, D700, D200, D300, D300s, it’s convenient for me to change batteries between my D90 and D80 cameras.
Tips:
- I advise you to program a function button to select the focus mode, this will help you quickly switch between automatic and spot focus mode. Also turn off high ISO and long shutter noise reduction functions, since they greatly reduce the number of frames in the buffer, there are about three of them. With disabled features you can achieve 6 frames in RAW in the buffer.
- I use Nikon D80 and 32GB Class 10 without any problems SD HC memory card, this means that the camera works adequately with new memory cards, so you don’t have to worry about the age and compatibility of the camera.
- Since this is still a DX camera, I do not advise buying expensive DX lenses for it, then you still have to switch to a full frame. Well, if the DX format is fine, then Nikon 35mm F1.8, Nikon 55-200 and classic Nikon 50mm f / 1.8D AF Nikkor will be a great addition to the camera for little money.
Prices for modern Nikon cameras in popular stores can look at this link.
Comments on this post do not require registration. Anyone can leave a comment. Many different photographic equipment can be found on AliExpress.
Conclusions:
Nikon D80 - an obsolete miracle of camera manufacturing with great functionality. Suitable for both amateurs and professionals. Recommended as a budget option for any need.
I advise you to look at the page recommendations for choosing an amateur Nikon camera.
Material prepared Arkady Shapoval. Training/Consultations | Youtube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Telegram
Hello Arkady! I like your “Thoughts” very much. I use D3000 + 18-105. Does it make sense to upgrade towards the D80?
If you take pictures without a flash and not for money, then I don't see any serious reason to change.
Yes, I photograph for myself. I want to learn how to make beautiful cards. I shoot 85% without flash in the manual. So if I understand you correctly, you need to aim at the D90?
Already better on the D7000.
Arkady, I really need your advice ... D80, D90, D200 (mileage up to 10000) - which is better to buy…. because I got confused (I read your reviews on these models).
Before that was the D40X, D50. I look at the D300, but I don’t pull out for the money.
Of the three models that you have been driving for, I definitely recommend the Nikon D90.
I also have more soul for him! :)) Thank you very much!!!
I have a D80. I look at the d300. What is your opinion, is it worth changing?
A good upgrade option.
Great review.
I really do not like to read reviews of robot writers who look at the computer and look for some indicators on their charts.
There really is a REVIEW of the camera. As they say from a photographer to photographers)))
Thank you very much for this wonderful resource!
Hello, Arkady, the question is how to talk. There are hot pixels on my D80. 20 pieces on the matrix. (Mileage 35000) how bad is it and does this mean a quick end to it?
No, it's okay, I have even more of them on two cameras, but both ran over 130.000.
Thanks for the answer. Can I remove them programmatically, or in Photoshop?
Lightroom removes most automatically in RAW (remapping), you can use any other program.
sold his d80 (with hot pixels) now there is a d80 and d3100 with an approximate mileage of 5500 each. which is better to take. tell me
Good afternoon! I have Nikon D80 for about 4 years, but I want to change the camera to a more professional level for cash earnings. Which camera would you recommend from Nikon and which from Canon?
Interested in a full frame or crop?
Hello! Tell me how many shots is the D80 matrix designed for?
The matrix constraint does not exist. There is a shutter limit. My d80 ran more than 150.000 and shoots great further.
Thank you Arkady for very useful information about the D80 !!! Your last post reassured me a little about the shutter mileage. I bought a BU-80, I really like it, I'm just starting to master digital SLRs, and it has a mileage of 100023, I read somewhere that Nikon only gives 100000 or more, tell me please what Nikon writes is a 100000 guarantee for shutter or limitation ??? Thank you in advance. Sincerely.
Warranty is given only for professional cameras, for the rest approximately 100.000, no guarantees.
Thank you Arkady for the prompt reply, but judging by the example with your camera that in nature there are those that work after 100000, then there is hope, that’s good. After reading your post, I realized that a hundred thousand is a conditional value, and then, as God will give asking you the previous question I just wanted to insure my opinion. Thanks again, with respect and gratitude.
Good afternoon! I have a Nikon D80, please tell me which flash to buy for it. Photos are darkish?
For amateur purposes I recommend the Sb-700 for professional purposes I recommend the SB-900
Thank you very much.
Need a battery cover for the D80.
Arkady, can you tell me, maybe there is a “disassembly” photometer somewhere :) to find spare parts ...
I got an extra battery pack and a cover from the battery compartment.
I didn't want to buy a new battery pack - it is not convenient (2 batteries are more compact), but I would like to find a battery compartment cover on the D80 ...
I think any workshop will help in this.
Maybe you would advise, some ...
I will be very grateful.
On the Maidan there is, towards McDonald's near the cafe Besednitsa.
Thank you.
Could you compare this camera with canon 1000d?
Cameras of different levels, it is incorrect to compare them, you can only talk about individual functions.
On the advice of Arkady purchased this camera. I wanted to ask a respected author to post on the site his settings for this camera, that is, just screenshots of the menu.
This is ridiculous, as the settings for each individual shooting change.
Canon 30 D, or Nikon D 80 ???
Canon 30D, but in general, when asking a question, please indicate for what purposes the camera is selected.
Arkady, help me choose a camera. Nikon d80 or Canon 40d can’t be identified. There aren’t any big differences in the price category, I plan to switch to a full frame in the future. Which system gives you a wider opportunity to do this? And in your opinion, which one has more accurate color rendition. They say that Nikon's whales are better. Thank you.
This is a difficult philosophical question, what is better than Canon or Nikon, each system has gigantic pros and cons. I didn’t work with Canon 40D, I will not judge about color rendition.
Arkady, thanks for the quick answer. Will I clarify your Nikon d80 with 18-135 glass and 9000 mileage (for 3300 UAH) or Canon 40D with 18-55 lens and 60000 mileage for the same price? thanks
I would take Nikon D80 because of 18-135, it is a more pleasant lens than 18-55
Thank you. Success in the work.
Arkady, please tell me which camera to take Nikon d80 or Nikon d5100?
It all depends on the purpose for which the camera will be used, you can find thoughts on the choice here - https://radojuva.com.ua/2013/01/what-camera-nikon-shoud-i-buy/
Arkady, I am pleased to read your reviews. You do not often find in the Internet such a competent author.
I decided to ask my question. I have had Nikon D70s with Sigma 18-200 for many years. Checked recently, 64k clicks. It seems to work without failures, but there was a doubt about the remaining resource. I don't particularly want to spend money, but what would you advise to target from more advanced nikons from the secondary market, of course, 80, 90,200 ... Thank you in advance.
On the D90 you can see, the D80 in this case is very close to 70tk. I would get the d70 for a review somewhere.
Arkady, I looked here and second-hand prices for the D200 and D90 are about the same. I have some fleet of manual lenses for Nikon and an inner penchant for the D200. Your opinion could be decisive. Thanks in advance.
D200 - gives only convenience with a manual and more pleasant control, D90 - a better photo, but does not know how to work with a manual. I would take d200 for the manual.