D80 questions

[schullybabe]

Hello, I need some input on the d80. I have read the specs, but I would like to hear from d80 users what you think about the camera.

I have been going back and forth and have been set on the canon xsi, but after trying out the d90, I fell in love. Too bad my budget will be stretched to its max and so I wondered what the d80 would have to offer in comparison to the d90. I know that they megapixels are different and the hd video, that aside....how do the cameras compare?

I haven't got to play with the d80. I only found it at one store so far and it didn't have a lens and I couldn't play with it so I really don't know if it would have the same 'feel' as the d90. I would really like to get a camera and a couple lens' and a speedlight, but I know I won't be upgrading for several years. Therefore, I was thinking of buying into Nikon...but maybe something not as expensive as the d90. Any suggestions? Many reviews I have read about the d60 or d80 people just say save your money up and go with the d90...

[Frog]

From what I've seen here the D80 has dropped in price dramatically since the D90 introduction. I think you can find some very good deals if you shop around but be sure to check our dealer feedback forum before buying, especially online.
I've had a D80 for more than 2 years and am very pleased with it. Have no idea how many shutter actuations it has but its a lot.
Many people come in and ask about a beginner camera. The D80 is more than a beginner slr but allows the photographer to grow into it. I don't think beginner slr are a good idea for anyone that wants to be halfway serious about photography.
The D90 has a couple of extra mpix but that's more of a gimmick as 10 is plenty.
From what I understand it is much better at high iso than the D80...less noisy.
If it were my choice, I'd go with the D80 and use the money saved for a good lens or two.
There are many D80 users here so some of them may chime in.

[Dougjgreen]

The ergonomics of the D80 are about the same as the D90. Basically, there are two real advantages that the D90 has over the D80. The slight increase in Megapixels is not significant. And for me personally, the video is worthless. But the main advantages of the D90 are that it is about 1 f-stop more sensitive, so while the D80 is basically good up to ISO 800, and just usable up to 1600. the D90 is equally good up to ISO 1600 and just useable at 3200. The other advantage is that the D90 has a faster burst shooting performance (4.5 fps vs. 3 fps in the D80) which matters if you are going to shoot sports with burst mode.

Otherwise, the D80 is essentially similar, and the ergonomics are basically the same as the D90. It's a very nice handling camera. They seem to be built to the same level of construction as each other.

FYI, nowadays, you can get a clean used D80 body for under $400 (that's what I did) or a manufacturer's demo body with a warranty from Cameta Camera for around $450. Brand new D80 bodies can be gotten for under $550.

[Singletracklovr]

I have owned my d80 since December. I bought it used from eBay for $415. It had 850 shutter actuations so it was basicly new. I also picked up a used 18-135mm nikon lense.
I found out quick I needed more reach so I picked up a 70-300mm VR nikon lense which pretty much lives on the body unless I want to take a wide shot.

The d80 is my first dslr so I have no experience with others, sorry.
I own 3 P&S's, my last being an Olympus 1030SW 10 MP waterproof which I carry as a backup and to shoot panaroma shots.

Being one to jump into all the manual setting first I found it took me 6 weeks and about 600 pictures to get the photos to turn out the way i wanted them. I'm a slow learner. Feel free to checkout my photos in the Photo Gallery most were taken with the d80 and 70-300.

The only auto mode I tried was P mode and I was not pleased with the narrow DOF.


I have no experience with other dslrs but I would buy this one again as long as the price was right.

HTH

[Grandpaw]

I own a Nikon D80 and have about 11,000 pictures on it and think it is a very fine camera. I would recommend it to anyone. As mentioned the price has dropped and is very reasonable and I don't think you will go wrong purchasing one. I am very happy with mine, Jeff

[schullybabe]

Thank you. That is very helpful to know!

[mattbikeboy]

I loved my D80 (now its my back-up). Anyway, it's a great camera to start with. In the beginning you can shoot full auto mode and as you learn about the camera you can start shooting in Aperture, Shutter or full Manual modes to get the style of images that you're looking for. Like its been mentioned above, the ISO performance isn't as good as the D90, but with some good glass and some noise reduction software you are good to go.

mbb