Nikon D80 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera Kit 

with 18-135mm AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens

The Nikon D80, destined to exchange the standard D70 string, is a great camera for Nikon fans who craving to upgrade from their D50s, 70s or 100s. It's also attractive enough possibly to get a few people to flinch vessel!

Here's the highlights:


1) 10.2 megapixel. A substantial upgraded from the 6mp of the adult cameras, performance should be very comparable to the vastly regarded D200 camera;

2) 11-instant AF structure. Similar again to the D200 in performance (though not as tranquil to change);

3) Large viewfinder (.94x magnification). Again, taken from the D200, this is a release improvement over the earlier cameras. Spec clever, this is also better than all the competition, even still other, private preference factors poverty to be considered (such as outline of LCDs and focusing points).;

4) 2.5" LCD. Not only is it better, it can also be viewed at a, much wider outlook--particularly versatile when locked to a support.

The camera is small for Nikon (about like the D50), but has a good, solidify grip for those with avenue to better hands. Controls are well thought out--cool to get to and use. Dampening of mirror sound is better than its competition.

Nikon's use of the SDHC layout should be commended. These small cards will have no true disadvantage to the elder CF hards once the HC versions shrink beating the shelves, and should relieve the danger of "bent pins."

Things you've liked about prior Nikons have been retained. The D80 uses inexpensive wireless & wired remotes, and it still allows the built-in flair to power other Nikon Speedlights remotely.

Comparing to the competition, the Canon Rebel XTi and Sony Alpha 100, the Nikon starts a bit in the lair, considering it's the most classy camera (by $200 and $100, respectively). The XTi offers a pleasant "unwilling-dust" hardware & software liquid; while the Sony offers in camera stablization. Both use the rear LCD for figures category. While many may favor the traditional LCD on top (like the D80), the rear LCD does have the help of being considerably larger textbook for adult eyes (and on the Alpha, rotates when you rotate the camera for verticals). Too bad the D80 doesn't give you this option as well.

The XTi is lesser and lighter, maybe too small for many people. The XTi also does not propose wireless capability with the built-in blaze (like D80/A100). It's sequence (thus volume) is a bit smaller.

The Alpha 100 being Sony's first novel digital SLR means the getting lenses and accessories my be a bit more difficult (even though it uses a lot from the older Maxxum cameras). It's also a bit noiser in its operations.

The D80 adds more AF selections than either of the above cameras, has careful enhancements like grid shape and bend exposures. It also comes with a protective include for the rear LCD.

Lens wise, they wholly outnumber those offered by Sony, particularly in any considered "Pro" grade. While Canon can compete in "Pro" grade with Nikon (particularly in longer strip lenses), Nikon has a bit of benefit in wider angles for digital. Nikon only offers one volume digital sensor, where, as Canon must agreement two series (for 3 different damage sizes).

Is the D80 value the money? For somebody with Nikon lenses, undoubtedly. My recommendation for everyone with Canon EF or Minolta Maxxum lenses: look at those cameras first...But be effective to look at the D80 before you buy.

Lens check: Tremendous! The Nikkor 18-135 gives everyone what they want, an affordable lens with above ordinary worth.

First, the 18-135 reach is excellent for a kit lens, equivalent of a 27-200 in 35mm photography. It looks great, zooms smoothly, and balances well. The Silent Wave focusing motor hush, astute and level, and allows immediate guide focus (no hunting for switches). The inner focused is great for anybody with polarizing filters, and allows for a more effective tulip shaped lens hood (full).

Second, the aura property is very good. The opening is of usual size, so don't guess imagery to skip out like large slit lenses, but worth is good throughout the scope.

Third, Nikon forever includes a better than standard 5 year warranty in the US on their lenses.
The only unhelpful is that I always prefer a metal lens mount to a plastic one, although the later keeps both the substance and price down.