Nikon Nikon D80 W/18-135mm Lens Kit (10.2MP, 3872x2592, SDHC/SD Slot)

Nikon D80

Nikon D80 W/18-135mm Lens Kit (10.2MP, 3872x2592, SDHC/SD Slot) Review, by Ben Long November 17, 2006

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• Latest User Reviews 1 review
• Reviewed by: mike7642

  Duration of ownership: 21 Months

  Strengths: Fantastic camera. Just spend a little time understanding its full capabilities and you will be quite impressed. Read the majority of comments and you will see there is really nothing to dislike. I would purchase the camera again today even with the newer models available.

  Weaknesses: None encountered

  Overall: Worth the extra cost at the time of purchase. Now being discounted makes it even a better buy.

• Reviewed by: computeradam

  Strengths: Easy to use in Automatic, Easy to learn more advanced mode, the Nikkor 18-135 lens is one of the best lenses on an outfit that you can grow with. Excellent battery life

  Weaknesses: No GPS, No Wifi

  Overall: I had the Canon 40D Outfit with the 28-135 lens and it felt very cheap so I returned it and bought this Nikon D80 Outfit with the 18-135 Lens. This camera was $300 cheaper and the quality in every aspect compared to Canon is above and beyond. The grip just feels right. This is a camera that I can grow with and I will use this lens on the next Nikon I get when this one becomes obsolete. The 18-135 lens is perfect for all usual shots, Wide Angle with excellent zoom without switching lenses. After this purchase, I know I will stick to Nikon Quality.Also there is an excellent video on youtube on how to use the the Nikon D80. Search for "Nikon D80 DVD"

• Reviewed by: 78targa

  Strengths: Good for snapshots indoors or under ideal weather conditions

  Weaknesses: Poor strucutral design, poor lens mounts, unable to function at high altidudes or low temperatures.

  Overall: I purchased this camera in October for a round the world trip to include some changeling outdoor activities. The D-80 seemed to function perfectly well at low altitudes, indoor and modest temperatures. However, the camera just did not hold up to higher altitudes or strenuous outdoor use. During the assent from Everest Base Camp to camp one (about 18,500 ft) the camera body quit functioning as well as the lens. The lens was locked at the lowest f stop so could only change the speed in order to take pictures. The camera will also barely function at lower temperatures (-30c). As the lens mount cracked on the 18-135 Zoom lens because of a poor design, I purchased another lens (AF-S DX Zoom Nikor 18-55mm) in Nepal for another high mountain trek. I had no other choice. I had communicated with Nikon by e-mail about repair in China or Nepal and they stated that the camera and lens needed to be returned to the US for repairs it was purchased in the US. The camera seemed to work properly with the new lens. On assent to Annapurna I (27,000 ft) the camera and lens quit working completely (about 15,000 ft). Fortunately, I had purchase a Cool PIX L10 which always seemed to work at any temperature or altitude. The D-80 could have completely ruined my photos of the trip if it were not for an inexpensive camera. When I returned I sent the camera and lens for warranty repair to Nikon in the US. As the camera case was cracked and the lens non-functional the repair facility decided it was not covered under the warranty. I paid to have the camera to be repaired. The D 80 is just not built for any strenuous outside activity or conditions; it is great for inside snapshots but certainly no changeling environmental conditions. Don?t add the additional weight to you backpack with the D80.

• Reviewed by: DarqChild1

  Strengths: Great pictures almost each and every time, great build, on board editing options w/o software, powers up in less than 1 sec so you don't miss a picture

  Weaknesses: none so far

  Overall: I waited many, many months to get this camera and it was well worth the wait! I had struggled with the decision to get a Canon or this Nikon and am so glad I got the D80 w/the 18mm-135mm lens kit. This is the most amazing camera. I have taken some amazing pictures in all modes and very rarely have I had problems. Practically every picture is amazing, with and without filters. Some vignetting but not too bad. I would highly recommend this D80 to anyone wanting to step up their photo ability from point-n-shoot to semi-pro.

• Reviewed by: xxxvietguy

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

  Weaknesses: 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.

  Overall: 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.

• Reviewed by: onnostaal

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

  Weaknesses: camera is quite heavy

  Overall: 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.