Quantcast

PCW Shop & Compare

Nikon D80 SLR Digital Camera Body Only

D80 SLR Digital Camera Body Only

Compare Prices

* Total cost includes estimated tax and shipping in the continental US. Prices and availability are subject to change by merchant without notice. Sales taxes and shipping costs are only estimates. Please check with merchant for details.

Most recent User Reviews for

Nikon D80 SLR Digital Camera Body Only

  • Reviewed by: aldewitt

    06-13-08

    Duration of ownership: 9 Months

    Strengths: camera feels good in hand, not too heavy, fast powerup, lots of menu features, vari-programs excellent for novice

    Weaknesses:Metering, autofocus problems in low light, durability, LCD can't be relied upon for exposure, underpowered flash

    Overall Evaluation: While I am overall satisifed with my D80, there are a few systemic problems with this camera that new buyers need to be aware of. First, there are some cameras that may come with hot pixels in the image sensor. Every single photo will have a glitch in it if you get one of these. The metering tends to be overexpose a lot of things. The camera has so many options that it is easy to set them and forget you've set them. The on-camera flash is not very powerful. You need an SB-800 or SB-600 if you intend to do serious flash work.All that said, the camera is an amazing piece of work. It takes great photos, feels good in your hand, and works well with the Nikon and Tamron lenses. If you're not familiar with photography, it's probably not the right entry-level camera for you. On the other hand, if you have a basic understanding then the vari-program modes (close up, landscape, sports action, etc.) provide a means for you to get very good pictures without knowing a lot of the camera jargon.Magic Lantern and Blue Crane Digital both put out guides for the camera (ML is printed, BCD is video). A novice user will want to acquire these.

  • Reviewed by: sig538

    02-19-08

    Duration of ownership:

    Strengths: Large LCD, crystal clear viewfinder, very easy to use, battery life.

    Weaknesses:No auto turn off function.

    Overall Evaluation: Bought this dSLR (my first) after months of research. Wanted to make the step up from P&S for years but never had the money. As a guy with fairly large hands, I found this the most comfortable dSLR under $1000 and that was a big factor in my selection (didn't want something I hated holding!!). Have had the D80 now for 2 weeks and have taken at least 50 pictures a day...I even left it on over night last night, and I have yet to recharge the battery. As someone who travels alot that is a big plus. After taking the time (prior to purchase) of understanding the basics of SLR shooting, I found the D80 very easy to use right out of the box.Would recommend this camera!!

  • Reviewed by: jclay1967

    12-27-07

    Duration of ownership:

    Strengths: Easy of UseGreat Pictures

    Weaknesses:None yet

    Overall Evaluation: I have been using point and shoot cameras since I learned how to use a SLR on my Olympus OM-1 which has been almost 20 years. So, I am a little rusty, but wanting to learn again as well as be able to take great pictures immediately...The D80 fits the bill perfectly. In just 14 days, I have taken over 200 photos and boy what a difference over my previous cameras!!! Yes, I might have gotten by with a D40x, but I love my new D80.

  • Reviewed by: ltwiss

    11-27-07

    Duration of ownership:

    Strengths: I really like my Nikon/ great camera

    Weaknesses:none

    Overall Evaluation: Will any Nikon lens from film camara fit this digital camara? I have a N70 Nikon/ I want to go digital, with out having to buy all new lens also?

  • Reviewed by: sgtdisturbed47

    10-27-07

    Duration of ownership: 3 Weeks

    Strengths: Many settings, strong build, great ergonomics, big 2.5" screen, 10.2 MP, meter is extremely accurate, wireless flash commander mode, bright viewfinder.

    Weaknesses:Battery life could be a bit better. Plan on getting a vertical battery grip.

    Overall Evaluation: I bought this camera refurbished from Adorama. I have to say, it doesn't look or feel refurbished. Looks brand new, feel brand new. Amazing how Nikon reconditions their cameras. Flawless.This is my 2nd Nikon DSLR. My first was a D50. The D50 suited me pretty well, but I had grown with it and beyond it. I had to sell the D50 anyway. The D80 has settings and functionality that the D50 lacked, like a commander mode for wireless flash and exposure delay (so mirror slap doesn't cause blurring), among many other settings. Oh and the top LCD lights up too using the power switch. Very useful for night-time shooting.This is an amazing camera. I learned so much from my D50, so I can only imagine how much more I will learn now that I have a more capable camera.Oh and the meter is spot-on. Turned to Aperture Priority and having Matrix Metering on, just about every shot is perfect. If I need more light, I just change exposure using the top Exposure button to either brighter or darker. that simple. For more complex artsy shots, it's not hard to get them right the first or 2nd time. If you can imagine it, this camera will let you do it easily. That's what it's all about, having tools to make art easier. If you've got "the eye", this camera will allow you to take amazing pictures. I suggest pairing this camera with a Nikon 18-70mm and a 70-300mm VR. Better image results than the 18-200mm and better range. Great lenses for a great camera.

See more user reviews »

Deal Breakers

Special Offers for PC World Users

Shop & Compare Sections