Nikon D80

Résumé : This camera is the 10 megapixel replacement for the Nikon D70S. The excellent ergonomics of the old camera carry over into the new.

Points forts : These are small points, but important -- a good, comprehensive user's manual and the transparent protector that clips on over the LCD screen that keeps it clean and free of moisture. Why don't all makers offer this gadget? So cheap, so simple and so ...

Points faibles : The kit lens is not up to the quality of the camera body. The Nikkor 18-135mm zoom is not particularly sharp, perhaps because of inherent low contrast. Pin cushion distortion is severe. Putting a better quality lens on the camera produced noticeable ...

Conclusion : This camera is a worthy successor to the D70 and no doubt Nikon have another winner. It's a pity that once again we have been disappointed by a kit lens. This is the one area where most makers are cutting costs. It is false economy.

Résumé : The digital camera manufacturers have now got the proverbial technology 'bit' between their teeth. They're running at full gallop, releasing a succession of digital SLR cameras which offer significantly better value every six to 10 months. The Nikon ...

Points forts : We were not expecting so many professional features in what is presented as a consumer-friendly enthusiast digital SLR, but there they are nonetheless. With customizability rivaling that of the much more expensive and clearly professional level Nikon ...

Points faibles : The standard D80 kit (body + lens) includes the Nikkor 18-135mm zoom lens. Do yourself a favor and pay for a lens upgrade. The 18-135mm zoom is competent enough and even razor sharp, but the D80 will excel when paired with the Nikkor 18-200mm VR lens ...

Résumé : Digital SLR camera Nikon's D80 digital SLR breaks new ground for the company by introducing 10-megapixel resolution at a mid-range price point, a move that has naturally seen it being compared to Canon's 400D. But it's a comparison that isn't really ...

Conclusion : Although it is slightly smaller and lighter than the D70s, the D80 retains a similar design philosophy while still managing to pack in a larger, 2.5-inch, 230,000 pixel LCD. In particular, the D80 sacrifices none of the ergonomic comfort of the D70s; ...

Récompense : A-List!

Résumé : A superb DSLR that's a joy to use, but the high price and poor software damage value

Conclusion : There's also the fully configurable ISO auto mode that allows you to set the minimum shutter speed at which ISO sensitivity is increased, as well as the maximum allowable setting. Unlike the Pentax's similar system, there's also a 3200-equivalent mode ...

Résumé : The Nikon D80 is a 10.2-megapixel DSLR for just under $1,000. It's a successor to the 6.1-megapixel D70s, Nikon's wildly popular consumer model. It's also competition for the Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi, the Sony alpha A100, the Olympus EVOLT E-500 ...

Points forts : Good control interface ; Excellent auto focus ; Controls Nikon flashes wirelessly ; Good image quality ; Handles noise well at high ISOs (improvement over D200) ; Solid construction

Points faibles : Slow burst mode ; Some colors very oversaturated ; Weak in-camera sharpening doesn't maximize resolution ; Color reproduction not as accurate as we would have liked ; Better dust seals ; SD cards not compatible with other Nikon DSLRs

Conclusion : The 10-megapixel Nikon D80 is a success in a conservative way. Nikon didn't add the dust reduction system or stabilization that many competitors are introducing this year. Still, it has most of what the D200 has for hundreds of dollars less, and adds ...