Camera-and-Photography Info - Nikon D80 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera Kit with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens

Features:

10.2 effective Megapixel Nikon DX Format CCD image sensor / Up to 3,872 x 2,592 resolution images
High-speed continuous shooting - 3 frames per second (fps) in bursts of up to 100 consecutive JPEG (FINE M-size or smaller) or 6 RAW (NEF) images
Advanced high-precision, high-performance imaging processing engine
3D-Color Matrix Metering II with 420-pixel RGB sensor delivers dependable automatic exposure for most lighting conditions
Refined 11-area AF system with new Auto-area AF mode and center sensor that can be switched to wide-frame operation

Accessories:

Sigma 150mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM APO HSM IF Macro Lens for Nikon SLR Cameras
Adobe Photoshop CS4 Upgrade
Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM Macro Lens for Nikon DSLR
Induro Carbonflex 8x Tripod CX-114
Induro Carbonflex 8x Tripod CX-213

Related Items:

• Nikon EN-EL3e Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery for D200, D300, D700 and D80 Digital SLR Cameras
• SanDisk 2 GB SDSDX3-2048-901 Extreme III SD Memory Card (Retail Package)
• Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED-IF AF-S VR DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens
• Nikon ML-L3 Wireless Remote Control for Nikon D40, D40x, D60 & D80 Digital SLR Cameras
• Nikon 7072 Lens Pen Cleaning System

Spotlight customer reviews:

Customer Rating:

Summary: Great camera

Comment: I love this camera. Takes great pictures.
Just do not buy it from Photo Dynasty. Those guy are overpriced and not reliable. Choose a more reliable retailer.

Customer Rating:

Summary: A Winner

Comment: I shoot western Colorado landscapes for microstock sites. I need a camera with low image noise, smooth focus, long battery life, and durability.

I love Nikon. I have had Nikon SLRs since I started shooting stock in the late 70s. They are dependable, quality instruments. The D80 is no exception. No point-and-shoot, it feels like my old F2. It takes beautiful pictures in all kinds of weather.

You will need at least one extra battery. The battery life is long--three or four 2 gig cards worth of RAW pictures, for me--but you will want this baby with you all the time.

I bought the body only, because I had the lens from my D70, but you will want a VR zoom or a fixed lens for maximum sharpness. I don't like tripods and don't use them as often as I should. The remote is useful for closeups. It helps you avoid camera shake, especially in low light.

Customer Rating:

Summary: Nikon D80

Comment: You can't take a bad shot with this camera. It helps, however, to either take a class or buy a dvd that takes you step by step through all features.

Customer Rating:

Summary: I LOVE this camera!!!

Comment: This camera was easy to use right out of the box. It gives high quality photo, that we used to have to pay others to take. You will not regret this purchase.

Customer Rating:

Summary: Does everything I ask.

Comment: I bought this over a month ago. I was a happy owner of the great D40 but I like using prime lenses and the D40 did not support auto focus on the 50mm 1.8 and 35mm f2. I could have spent money on third party lenses instead but decided to just get a new body. Well, I am glad I made the move. The D80 takes slightly better pictures anyway but in terms of usability, it's way better than the D40. Fully loaded. I love it. The D90 is out now and is gonna be a better machine but the D80 should be a definite consideration if you are looking for a cheap DSLR that will never let you down. The design and quality are top notch. The only minor gripe is that it slightly over-exposes. However, this is a common fault on digital sensors and is easy to fix before or after. Still a winner.

Bottom line. If you are looking at a D40/60 then you will be happy with the results. However, if like me you are the type of person that really likes to get into a hobby go for the more functional D80.

Editorial reviews:

One of the key advances developed for the D80 is its high-resolution image-processing engine, a dedicated new high-performance processing chip that greatly accelerates performance. ISO AUTO mode automatically adjusts sensitivity between ISO 100 to 1600, maximizing available light to help achieve optimal exposure 7 automated Digital Vari-Programs (Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Close Up, Sports, Night Landscape and Night Portrait) optimize white balance, sharpening, tone, color, saturation and hue to match the scene User-selectable choice of optimization options Near-instant response with 0.18 sec. power-up Top shutter speed of 1/4,000 second and flash sync speeds up to 1/200 second Fast image transfer via USB 2.0 Hi-Speed interface and SD memory card Creative in-camera effects and editing functions Multiple Exposure modes Large 2.5-inch LCD monitor with ultra-wide 170-degree viewing angle for clear image preview and easy access to settings and information; Slideshow function (Standard or Pictmotion) SD memory card storage, SDHC compatible High-energy EN-EL3e rechargeable lithium-ion battery delivers the power to shoot up to 2,700 pictures on a single charge Supports more than 43 AF NIKKOR lenses in addition to the growing family of DX NIKKOR lenses Built-in Flash with i-TTL flash control Includes Nikon's PictureProject software Unit Dimensions WHD - 5.2 x 4.1 x 3.0 inch; 1.3 lbs Supplied Accessories - EN-EL3e Rechargeable Li-ion Battery, MH-18a Quick Charger, EG-D2 Audio Video Cable, UC-E4 USB Cable, Strap, Body cap, DK-5 Eyepiece Cap, DK-21 Rubber Eyecup, BM-7 LCD monitor cover, Accessory shoe cover, PictureProject CD-ROM Kit 1 includes Nikon 18-55mm Zoom Lens with Vibration-Reduction