Customer Reviews: Read 9 more reviews...
 Incredible camera... August 22, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
And a great value kit.
As a child I always used throw offs from my parents. Old canon or pentax 35mm basic things. Then I got a Nikon EM. Other than easier use of flash, I am well aware that an EM was not fit to sit next to something like... oh, an F2A. But the EM was great for me and I took many good pictures with it. I still have the EM and it still works.
Since those days, my EM rarely sees the light of day as I am much older and I like the convienience of the digital age.
I went digital first with compacts that I could carry anywhere. Fuji's FinePix4700 was my first digital camera. Such cameras of course unless used in ideal amounts of natural light quickly show weaknesses. But it was good and solid. Still works, but not used often as not very compact...
Over the following few years others (more actually compact!) came and went, several Sony's: DSC-T1, T9 & T100.
Then I got keen again. So along came the Canon EOS-400D and a Nikon D40x.
Now, having one of these D80s, I must say that it's the most fun and takes the best pictures since my old EM. Very impressive. Now, as an older more solvent individual, I am seriously considering going for the D300 and having this as a backup, I am so impressed with Nikon.
PS: Still worth keeping an eye on the Canon 450D, which is also tempting.
Versatile Performer August 15, 2008
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
I have always been a Nikon fan having owned two previous film Nikon SLRs. I've had my digital D80 for about a year and a half and it has revolutionised and reinvigorated my hobby. Its main strengths is its ability to shoot in RAW format and apply corrections through software and then undo them if necessary without affecting the original image. At 10 megapixels it will allow sizable enlargements to be made that are pin sharp. I've done travel photography, architecture, indoor, nature, night and motor sport shooting which all require different techniques - the D80 performs in all fields.
Really Great Camera for Beginners and Pros! August 2, 2008
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
I've recently taken up photography in a serious way ( before it was always a couple of snap shots here and a couple there with my digital camera on holidays). After loads and loads of research, I was told that my best bet was to go with a Nikon; and choose either the D40x or the D80. I went with the D80 because my photographer friend told me that it was ideal for beginners, but it also was a great camera if i decided to go further on with my hobby.
It's easy to use if you have even the tiniest of background info on DSLRs and it makes taking photos an immensely fun activity.
If you're unsure about what to get and think you might want to progress to more proffesional photography I definitely reccoment the nikon D80!
 D80 kit with 18-135 August 2, 2008
7 out of 7 found this review helpful
It has taken me more than 15 years to commit to a new system and a new manufacturer. Previously I was a pro using the old FD and later auto focus ranges by Canon. I absolutely loved the old T-90 (still the best camera ever made in my book)and EOS 1's. I had therefore become so reliant on the EOS system that when it came to change I avoided any other brand.
The thing I liked about the EOS system is that once you have learnt it it is intuitive and simple to use. On the other hand Nikon was always a bit of a hassle for me and even though I loved the way they were so adaptable I just couldn't justify spending thousands on a new rig. So I stuck to my guns and in the end most of the rest of the press corp followed and now Canon are a ubiquitous as Nikon used to be.
So now it is a decade later and I have finally given in long after digital became de-rigeur. Last week I bought my first Nikon (D80)in fact it is my first digital SLR.
I didn't want to spend a fortune in case it was a disaster and I wanted a decent performer with all the functions I was used to but when it came down to it I guess I just fancied a change. So now I own a D80 with the most basic lens that has any chance of portraiture use (18 - 135) and do you know what? It is great.
Everything is backwards compared to the Canons - rotation of focus and zoom, thumb wheels etc and that is proving to be an issue but I will get over it. The viewfinder is superb and the focus and exposure meter are top notch. Best of all it actually deliver in AF and Auto mode so all those years of taking spot readings and re-framing are over. It even feels nice. Not weak and plasticy but solid. My only issue is that the lag between pressing the trigger and hearing the (fake I assume) mirror trip is still there. Physical film cameras have that one in the bag even now. Otherwise only one thing remains outstanding..
Why didn't I do this before?
Excellent, reliable and robust July 31, 2008
6 out of 6 found this review helpful
What an excellent, reliable and robust camera. I have owned a Nikon D80 for around a year now and have found it to perform excellently in all areas of photography.I took a photography course just after purchasing this camera and found that the control that I had over the camera was inspiring. But to be honest, even in automatic 'point and shoot' mode the photos were excellent thanks to the awesome 11 point focussing system.
The battery life is incredible, the grip on the camera perfect, and the weight really gives it a sturdy feel that allows the camera to handle so well that it actually feels tailor made just for you.
There is a comprehensive set of peripherals and extras available which allow the camera to grow in potential as you do.
For a beginner or a serious amateur, or even an entry level pro, I cannot imagine a better camera.I have used mine in every comceivable situation and it is a joy to work with.
Look at the professional reviews on the net and you'll see what I mean.
A seriously good all-rounder - buy one and you'll see.
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